Fil Thorpe-Evans Leaves Neck Deep: "It's Time To Move On To The Next Phase Of My Life"

Neck Deep bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans has left the band.

Just two days ahead of the pop-punks' massive U.S. tour, the four-stringer has revealed that he'll no longer be a member – but that's it's "a decision born of positivity".

Read his statement below:

"Today it is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from Neck Deep. Before going any further, I want to leave no room for speculation and make it clear that this is a decision born of positivity, not negativity, with no ill feeling involved.

Neck Deep has been a dream come true for me since its inception. We achieved things I never thought possible and I will forever be grateful, and simply in awe of my time spent in the band with nothing but positive memories.

Also want to mention early on in this that the guys in the band have been super supportive of my decision, and I know they are going to continue on their path to world domination with no problems, and I look forward to cheering them on as they do so.

For me personally, I have a long list of goals in music, business, and even in family that I want to achieve, and I feel that it's time for me to move on to the next phase of my life and do so outside of the band. For the last year in particular I have been working hard behind the scenes in my very limited free time on new music projects in a various pool of genres, writing and producing for myself and for other people.

This has quickly become my true passion and being true to myself means letting myself commit to that fully now. I truly believe that every person out there should find their passion and commit to it fully. If the last few years of being in this band has taught me anything its that life is too short to delay chasing any dream a person might have.

I achieved what i thought to be impossible with ND and i am ready to start that journey again for myself to achieve the new goals for this part of my life.

I am excited for what's to come and look forward to sharing new music with you all soon.

I also hope this can serve as an inspiration to anyone out there who might be scared to chase their passion. Seriously, life is way too short for negativity, unhappiness, or delayed dreams, so start today and go for it!

So with all that in mind, this isn't goodbye, its see you soon!

Peace & Love

Fil x"

All the best, Fil!