GIRLS front-man Christopher Owens took to twitter yesterday to announce that he’s leaving the band.
In a series of three tweets from his personal account, Owens said "This may come as a surprise to many & has been an issue of much thought for me. I am leaving Girls. My reasons at this time are personal. I need to do this in order to progress. I will continue to write & record music. I thank you all for everything. Sincerely – Christopher"
Owens hasn’t since tweeted anything else as far as an explanation, but in previous interviews has been vocal about his addiction to heavy opiates, and his struggle to kick the habit. The band’s latest album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, is cited by Christopher as a documentation of his ongoing addiction, and he claims that "drugs fuel the music he makes and allow him to pinpoint an emotion."
Owens and Chet "JR" White formed Girls in 2007, and have since released two critically acclaimed albums and an EP. Whilst Christopher’s departure effectively spells the end for Girls, Chris’ promises to continue writing and recording have comforted fans.
The announcement comes just after Girls played their biggest UK show to date, London’s HMV Forum in May
