Particle guitarist Ben Combe posted a message about his status in the band. Combe said he officially quit Particle around a month ago but wanted to hold off posting the announcement. Particle will play a December 30 show at the Cutting Room in New York City and a January 1 show The Hollow in Albany.

Combe initially joined up with Particle in 2006, replacing Charlie Hitchcock. Combe joined alongside Scott Metzger. Read Combe’s full statement below.

In hopes to avoid any confusion or false impressions, I officially quit Particle over a month ago but agreed to hold off posting the announcement. As the New Years shows approach, I’d like to share the following:

To all my friends, family and fans:

My time with Particle has been the most amazing and exhilarating time of my life, but the time has come to move on.

I have seen all 50 states, played festivals in front of audiences in the thousands, and had the chance to share the stage with many of my heroes. Most importantly, I have made so many lifelong friends across this country which would never have been possible without this journey.

I am excited about this next phase and I look forward to playing with new people and trying new ventures. There are so many songs to sing and so much music to play!

To my Particle brothers present and past: Steve Molitz, Eric Gould, Darren Pujalet, Brandon Draper, Jeff Peterson, Allen Aucion and Clay Parnell – I wish you love and life, and I’ll value our friendships forever. I wish you all the best and thank you for being a part of some of my most profound and deeply impactful experiences I ever could have dreamed. I hope to continue to play with all of you in different projects down the line.

Thank you, thank you to all my friends, fans, and family for your love and support throughout this crazy ride. I look forward to playing music for as long as I can move my hands and I’ll see you again soon!

Ben Combe