Panic! At The Disco’s Spencer Smith officially leaves the band

Panic! The The Disco drummer Spencer Smith has officially quit the band.

Back in 2013, Smith departures the group on a leave of absence, due to his struggles with addiction. In a lengthy statement to fans, he thanks the band for helping him get through the difficulties - he’s since been sober for two years.

“This was not an easy decision to come to, but after a lot of thinking it became clear that this is what’s right for me and the band,” he says.

“A few years ago, when my addiction grabbed hold, and wouldn’t let go, they could have easily kicked me out, and never looked back, but they didn’t. Instead, they encouraged me to seek treatment, and gave me the time I needed to get my life back in order. They helped me through those rough times, and now, on the other side, with two years sobriety from prescription medication, and working on a year sobriety from alcohol, I am nothing but grateful for all they have done.”

Read the statement in full on Panic! At The Disco’s official site.