No Devotion announce drummer Luke Johnson’s departure

No Devotion have announced that drummer Luke Johnson has left the band, after stating that he felt unable to maintain his commitment as they move forward.

A short statement posted to the band’s Facebook page confirmed the news, while detailing his replacement on both the band’s forthcoming debut album and their upcoming tour dates: “A few months back, Luke approached us with the concern that he would be unable to fulfil commitments to No Devotion moving forward. It was sad to hear, because we’ve obviously been on quite the journey together over the past five years. We didn’t say anything publicly, because deep down we hoped he’d change his mind.

Matt Tong (formerly of Bloc Party) stepped in to fill in on drums for the remainder of recording, and Phil Jenkins from Kids in Glass Houses will be joining us for our upcoming shows.

We wish Luke all the best, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in this new year.”

Absent from Bloc Party’s final shows in promotion of their last album ‘Four’, Tong has since been working on new projects and revealed last year that he’d almost completed the writing of a solo full-length. Former Kids In Glass Houses drummer Jenkins will be appearing alongside the band on the following dates, which include three shows supporting Gerard Way.

JANUARY
19 The Fleece, Bristol
20 O2 Academy, Birmingham (w/ Gerard Way)
21 Guildhall, Southampton (w/ Gerard Way)
22 The Bowery District, Reading
23 O2 Academy Brixton, London (w/ Gerard Way)