Two Snow Patrol members quit band

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody broke the news today that two members of the band have quit - Jonny Quinn and Paul Wilson.

Drummer Jonny Quinn was the band's second longest-serving member, after frontman Lightbody, having joined in 1997.

Bassist Paul Wilson was also a longtime member of the band, having joined in 2005, just before they recorded their multi-platinum album 'Eyes Open'.

In a statement posted on social media, Lightbody shared that the band are "heartbroken" over the news.

"Sorry to be the bearer of such sad news but both Jonny Quinn and Paul Wilson have decided to leave Snow Patrol.

"We are heartbroken they have decided to leave us but we wish them nothing but happiness, success, joy, compassion and everything they want in all their future endeavours.

Lightbody confirmed that fellow members Johnny McDaid, Nathan Connolly and himself would continue making music and performing with the band.

"Nate, JMD and myself will continue with SP and there will be a new album next year but more news of that will come at an appropriate time, for now we want to pay homage and give gratitude for all Jonny and Pablo have given us and shared with us these past decades.

"Love to Jonny and Pabs, and love to you all.'"

In 2018, Snow Patrol performed an exclusive one-off stripped back gig for Absolute Radio at London's art-deco Porchester Hall, as part of our 10th birthday celebrations.

Watch Snow Patrol's live gig for Absolute Radio

Since their 1998 debut, the Northern Irish/Scottish band have racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades.

The band most popular single, 'Chasing Cars' has officially been streamed more than one billion times on Spotify - 1,000,264,509 plays in fact, and counting...

Gallery: Snow Patrol and more at the Isle of Wight Festival 2021

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• snow patrol
• gary lightbody