TEN YEARS AFTER have lost frontman Joe Gooch and bassist Leo Lyons after the pair confirmed they’ve decided to move on.

Gooch took over from the late Alvin Lee in 2003 while Lyons was one of the band’s co-founding members, alongside current drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill.

Lyons reports he and Gooch are planning to focus on their other project, Hundred Seventy Split, saying in a statement:

“Leaving TEN YEARS AFTER was a difficult decision for us to make and we both wish Ric and Chick every success for the future.

“2014 is a new beginning for Hundred Seventy Split. Together with our drummer, Damon Sawyer, Joe and I will put all our energies into the band. We’ll be on tour throughout the year.

In answer to your many queries: yes – Hundred Seventy Split will include TEN YEARS AFTER classic songs in the set, as well as new songs from HSS. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given us.”

Lee and Churchill are aiming to continue TEN YEARS AFTER’s 48-year legacy.

Lee reports: “This was an amicable arrangements and all the musicians wished each other well in their chosen ventures. Two new members will be announced in the near future. We’d like to thank you for your commitment and support, and hope you’ll encourage the new lineup with the same enthusiasm in the future.”

Hundred Seventy Split release a self-titled album next month.