The Vaccines drummer Pete Robertson leaves band

The Vaccines drummer Pete Robertson (pictured top, second left) has announced his departure from the band.

A founding member since 2009, Robertson announced that the band’s latest North American tour would be his final shows.

“Pete let us know a few months ago he wanted to bow out and focus on other things and the time has now come for that to happen,” a statement from the band readsa statement from the band reads. “We’ll love him and miss him on our adventures and we’re all incredibly sad to see him go, but this sadness is only outweighed by our excitement for his future and our own.”

Pete’s own statement says: “After much thought and deliberation I have decided the time is right to end my time as a Vaccine. The last six years have been the most incredible years of my life and I will never forget them. I’ve seen and experienced more in these years than I’d have any right to expect from a lifetime. The experiences I’ve shared with Justin, Freddie and Arni have bonded us together like brothers and that’s a bond that’ll never break. But new challenges beckon and I look forward to the next chapter of my life with excitement. Thanks to everyone who’s come on the journey with us so far, and to my brothers for supporting me in this decision.”