Funeral For A Friend Part Ways With Drummer

Drummer Ryan Richards has parted ways with Funeral For A Friend after ten years with the band.

Richards has left the group in an amicable split, stating that he wants to concentrate more on his family life. He made the following statements regarding his decision: ‘After ten wonderful, enriching, emotional and fascinating years being a part of Funeral for a Friend - I’ve decided to hang up my drum sticks. I’ve always put music first in my life - but the time has come now for my family to take the top spot, after patiently waiting and supporting me for the last 10 years and more.’

The band have also unveiled the ex-Rise To Remain drummer Pat Lundy will now be joining the group, with his first shows being at this weekend’s Slam Dunk Festivals.

Ryan also commented: ‘I’m stoked to have my good friend Pat Lundy step into my vacant drumstool. There’s not a better drummer than Pat for the job.”

Speaking of the split, frontman - and one of only two original members of the band - Matthew Davies-Kreye says: “We give Ryan our full support and wish him the best in his future endeavours. Now, before you all start running around on the internet ringing the death bells for our band we just wanted to say that we’re extremely excited to announce that Pat Lundy (ex-Rise to Remain) will filling the drummer’s seat and will be kicking asses and taking names from here on in. So you better hold on to your prized snap-backs peeps, this machine ain’t stopping for no one!”

Funeral For A Friend will appear at this year’s Slam Dunk Festivals this weekend, at Leeds University (26th May) and Hatfield University (27th May). They are also currently working on the follow-up to 2011’s ‘Welcome Home Armageddon’, which is scheduled for release through Distiller Records late 2012 / early 2013.