Clean Bandit’s violinist Neil Milan has quit the band.
The group’s violinist and vocalist – who is also known as Neil Amin Smith – announced on Wednesday (19.10.16) he has decided to go his separate way and leave the group, which is also comprised of Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, Grace Chatto, after four years in the band.
The ‘Real Love’ hitmaker announced the news via Twitter with a picture of a message he had penned in the notes app, which sees him thank his fans for their support.
The note read: "hello everyone, I have decided to leave clean bandit. it was a decision that took me a very long time to reach but it is the right one. so many people have made these last four years quite unbelievable and I am so thankful for it all. meeting (and tweeting) you guys has been really so incredible I have learned so much and seen so many things and it will all stay with me forever. your support for the music and just for me more generally is one of the most insane and amazing things I have ever experienced. (sic)."
And Neil captioned the heartfelt post: "hello everyone, I’ve decided to leave clean bandit. Here is a little thing I wrote, thank you for everything (sic)."
Neil has revealed he has kept hold of all the "general pieces of touring" he has collected over the years touring with the group, which he can’t throw away.
He explained: "I have this little box under my bed where I keep things I have collected along the way, things that people have sent to me, polaroids of me and little mix, and general pieces of touring tat that I can’t bring myself to throw away, and it’s all spread out on my bed right now making me smile and also cry a little bit.
"there are a few people I have met along the way who have kept me in health and happiness (sic).
And the band are equally as sad to see Neil go.
In a post on Clean Bandit’s official Facebook page, they wrote: "It is with great sadness that we must announce that our performances of ‘Tears’ over the Summer were Neil’s last shows with Clean Bandit.
"He told us recently that he has decided to leave. We have had a wonderful ride together and we are extremely excited to see what he does next.
"Thank you all for your support during this time, and thank you Neil for being part of this amazing journey.
"We will miss you a lot on this next chapter and we wish you the best of luck for the future. Jack, Grace and Luke (sic)."