Franz Ferdinand drummer Paul Thomson leaves the band
The Scottish indie-rockers have also unveiled his replacement
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021
Franz Ferdinand drummer and co-founding member Paul Thomson is leaving the Scottish indie-rock band after almost 20 years.
In a statement issued last night (21st October), Franz Ferdinand said it was “a shocker” when Paul told them he was leaving and added: ““You don’t spend 20 years touring the world with someone without them becoming like family and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.”
Audrey Tait will be replacing Paul Thomson, and Franz Ferdinand commented: “It feels totally natural playing with her and she’s a great laugh.”
Paul Thomson said in his own statement: “Franz Ferdinand was, is, and always will be family and a huge part of me.”
Paul Thomson co-founded Franz Ferdinand in Glasgow in 2002 with singer/guitarist Alex Kapranos, bassist Bob Hardy, and guitarist/keyboardist Nick McCarthy.
He released five Top 3 studio albums with the band – ‘Franz Ferdinand’ (2004), ‘You Could Have It So Much Better’ (2005), ‘Tonight: Franz Ferdinand’ (2009), ‘Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action’ (2013) and ‘Always Ascending’ (2018) – and scored a major international hit with ‘Take Me Out’ in 2004.
Franz Ferdinand’s full statement reads:
Hello world. Paul is leaving the band. It was a bit of a shocker for us when we found out, so it probably will be for some of you too. Paul has been our friend for over twenty five years and we’re looking forward to at least another twenty five. He’s a funny, smart, sensitive guy. Not a bad drummer either. You don’t spend 20 years touring the world with someone without them becoming like family and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. We're glad we shared those adventures and experiences together and look forward to hearing what he gets up to next.
After having played with Paul for so long, it’s obvious that not just anyone could sit behind the kit in FF, so we’re happy to say that one of the other best drummers in the world is joining us. Many of you in Glasgow will already know what an incredible musician Audrey Tait is and we’re thrilled to have her join us. It feels totally natural playing with her and she’s a great laugh. It has been electrifying being in the studio together and we can’t wait to play live for you all. Here’s a photo of Paul literally handing his sticks over to her in a windowless rehearsal room.
Paul Thomson’s statement:
After nearly 20 years the time has come for this boy to step aside. I never imagined in 2002 that life would have all of this in store. It's been like a dream and I'm still processing.
I want to thank each of you that bought a record, came to a concert and shared all these experiences with me. I will never forget it.
Franz Ferdinand was, is, and always will be family and a huge part of me.
My words and smile are so easy now
Love
Paul
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