Founder member and drummer for Reading band The Amazons, Joe Emmett, has announced his departure from the band after eight years.

Started in the town in 2014, the quartet have released three studio albums, with their latest 'How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?' peaking at five in the UK album charts.

Just coming off the back of a successful UK tour, the band have dates in Italy, France and Germany coming up next month.

In an emotional statement on Instagram, Mr Emmett revealed that their gig at London Roundhouse on Friday, October 21, was his last with the band.

The statement read: "I’m not one for eloquently scribing the inner workings of my life through lyrics or in song form but for playing the beats that accompany them. HWIKIHWFM? will be the last time I accompany the incredible songwriting and lyrics of Matthew Thomson, the sexy guitar tones of Christopher Alderton and the pulsing thud of my rhythm section partner Elliot J Briggs.

"I’m vacating my seat behind the drums (last night at the roundhouse being my last show). A decision that has not been easy to make but one that was made earlier this year. I’ll never forget the incredible highs of sitting behind my best mates playing the songs you sing back to us. It’s been an immense pleasure and memories I’ll treasure forever.

"It’s time for me to prioritise other things and continue to give my family my all.

"I wish the guys all the success in the world, I’ll never forget a moment."

Reading Chronicle:

Long-time Reading Football Club supporters, the band recently appeared at the SCL Stadium to work with the EFL and have had their songs played on matchdays for over five years.