It’s always a bittersweet moment when a band member moves on — just ask Anthony Kiedis, Flea, or Chad Smith. Sometimes it’s expected, sometimes it’s just… out of left field. One member we never thought would leave is keyboardist Franz Nicolay of The Hold Steady. But, as is the case these days, surprises are kind of expected.

On his official website, Nicolay posted the following:

You should know: I’ve left The Hold Steady. I told the band I’d be leaving in early September, played my last show with them in Minneapolis around Thanksgiving, and dotted the t’s and crossed the i’s this week. Five years seemed like a nice round number. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the experience, especially the Unified Scene, who are nice folks. I’ll see you all soon in any case.

No idea what this means for Craig Finn, or his cross-national band, but one thing’s for sure: That mustache cannot be replaced. But hey, we gotta stay positive, right?

C’mon!