Four Year Strong part ways with Josh Lyford

Four Year Strong have parted company with keyboardist Josh Lyford.

"It was one of the most difficult things we've ever had to deal with, but we believe it will be best for everyone," reads a an official statement on the band's website. "Josh will continue on with his band Foxfires and focus more on his writing. Four Year Strong will continue on, focusing on upcoming tours and new record. Alan, Joe, Jake, Josh and myself still remain great friends. This isn't the type of split where we all hate each other and there's all this drama. We wish Josh all the luck and success in the world, he's an extremely talented writer and we can't wait to read what he writes next.

"Josh was special at what he did; he wasn't just a keyboard player," the band continue. "There's no way to replace what he did on stage or off. So we are not going to try. We are going to continue on as a four piece.

"We would like to thank all of our fans in advance for your support, for all of us. We're looking forward to seeing everyone on this upcoming tour that starts in a few days, please come out and say hello."

Tags: Four Year Strong, Foxfires

Posted by Simon at 10:12AM | April 4, 2011

〜♡

Posted by Modena THeGreat | April 4, 2011 10:22 AM | Reply to this

Awww that's great they remain friends :D

Posted by Halima | April 4, 2011 10:40 AM | Reply to this

More like he isn't needed that much anymore so they'd rather split gig money 4 ways than 5?

Posted by Saul Good | April 4, 2011 10:53 AM | Reply to this

i saw them on the relentless tour he does pretty much sod all apart from pull a few shapes and get in the way

Posted by Anne | April 4, 2011 11:24 AM | Reply to this

Posted by ruggie | April 4, 2011 1:56 PM | Reply to this

Theyve decided that theyre moving away from keyboards altogether so he isnt needed :(

Posted by alan | April 4, 2011 4:47 PM | Reply to this

Theyve decided that theyre moving away from keyboards altogether so he isnt needed :(

Posted by alan | April 4, 2011 4:50 PM | Reply to this

@ saul,
They dont split the money 5 ways anyway, there is management, record labels, producers, road crews, promoters that all need to be paid aswell. So next time you think a band is making thousands a gig think again because most of the time they only get a slight share of money

Posted by matt | April 4, 2011 6:19 PM | Reply to this

@matt

thank god there is a professional here, how would we live our lives without your valuable comments, what a mo!

Posted by Dave | April 4, 2011 6:43 PM | Reply to this

@matt

thank god there is a professional here, how would we live our lives without your valuable comments, what a mo!

Posted by Dave | April 4, 2011 6:47 PM | Reply to this

Well i agree he didnt do much but what he did made an impact!
so glad i saw them on the K! relentless tour in southampton with josh!
so glad they are carrying on as a four piece now... to go check out this band ....FOXFIRES!!! \M/

Posted by andy! | April 4, 2011 6:49 PM | Reply to this

@ dave

Thank god there is a sarcastic fuck on here, I can know safely carry on with my life knowing someone has taken the time to write made a sarcastic comment that I can also make a sarcastic comment about

Posted by matt | April 4, 2011 8:12 PM | Reply to this

@ matt

wow it's almost as if you copied my comment and just put sarcastic in 3 times

maybe you should wear a helmet in everyday situations, you appear to be struggling

Posted by Dave | April 4, 2011 8:44 PM | Reply to this

im glad josh has he's an idiot. Maybe the band can get good now.

Posted by kevin jones | April 4, 2011 8:55 PM | Reply to this

bareee sad =[

Posted by Adam Merridan | April 4, 2011 10:57 PM | Reply to this

@matt. why in gods name would a record label and producer need to be paid out of their gig revenue? dont be a dingbat mate!

Posted by adam | April 5, 2011 5:53 AM | Reply to this

I think you'll find most tours barely break even after costs. The band probably make more money from their merch....

Posted by punkdkid | April 5, 2011 2:23 PM | Reply to this

Can't wait to hear their new stuff! Enemy of the World is an amazing album! Great live too!

Posted by Ryan | April 6, 2011 12:32 AM | Reply to this

'he does sod all'

so fucking ignorant.
i'm glad I got to see these a few years back and various times playing headline shows rather than on shitty tours with shittier bigger bands.

I know bands have to change their sound because of personal preference, but they are really just gona be another band in the crowd now. how are they gona be able to play material from rise or die trying without him, he made that band, their live shows, their general stage presence and band persona just became blander and very boring..

rip one of my favourite bands.

Posted by rip four year strong | April 7, 2011 3:19 PM | Reply to this