Foster The People's Mark Pontius Is Leaving the Band

Foster The People is losing an original member.

Mark Pontius, the 36-year-old drummer for the group, announced Thursday (October 14) that he is leaving the band.

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In a heartfelt message, he announced that he is parting ways with the group in order to focus on fatherhood, after becoming a dad to a baby girl two years ago.

“I’ll just rip off the band-aid and say that I’ve decided to leave the band I helped start 11 years ago, Foster the People,” he said.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our first record Torches, I’ve been flooded with memories of sudden success, achieving all of my career aspirations in a few short years and the beautiful moments spent with my brothers in the band. What a privilege it all was, I’m eternally grateful for all of it,” he continued.

“I’ve had a lot of time to myself to reflect on what truly matters. Among those things, I became a father to a now 2-year-old daughter who has really changed the way I feel about living my life on tour. I find myself drawn to things closer to home. I’ve seen the world (a couple of times) and I really checked everything off my career bucket list. Now my aspirations are more about hanging out there in nature and watching my child grow up,” he added.

“These last 2 years have been about closing out huge chapters in my life and after a lot of back and forth, I’ve accepted that I’m ready for this one to close as well. I’m saying goodbye and moving on as of today.”

“I’m sure we will work together again one day. As for me, I’ve got a few ideas for the future but I’m just going to take it one day at a time for now. Thank you to everyone who supported the band over the years, I love you,” he signed off.

Another one of the band’s founding members also made a big life move in the past few years.