photo via Spoon on Facebook

Austin indie stalwarts Spoon are gearing up for a co-headlining tour with Beck and Cage the Elephant, and the band will be taking a slightly new lineup on the road this time around, as Rob Pope, Spoon’s bassist since 2006, has announced his departure from the group.

“I’ve never taken for granted the thrills and challenges that have come with being in this band. Now, after some serious thought, the timing feels right for me to leave Spoon in order to spend more time with family and personal projects,” Pope writes on Spoon’s social media. “I have nothing but love for Britt Daniel, Jim Eno, Eric Harvey, Alex Fischel, and Gerardo Larios — the gentlemen dudes I was lucky to share the stage, bus, and studio with. I’d also like to shout out the countless people who worked to make my life easier as our road crew and management, many of whom became my lifelong friends. The show can’t happen without them.”

Pope also notes that he will continue his music career with projects like The Get Up Kids and thanks Spoon’s fans for their support over the years. Read the full note from the bassist below.

Spoon have also announced today that Pope’s spot will be filled on the upcoming tour by Ben Trokan. The new band member will play his first official Spoon gig as part of the co-tour kickoff tomorrow, July 11, in Ridgefield, WA. See the full schedule here.

A message from Rob Pope:

As Spoon’s bass player since 2006, I’ve never taken for granted the thrills and challenges that have come with being in this band. Now, after some serious thought, the timing feels right for me to leave Spoon in order to spend more time with family and personal projects.

I have nothing but love for Britt Daniel, Jim Eno, Eric Harvey, Alex Fischel, and Gerardo Larios — the gentlemen dudes I was lucky to share the stage, bus, and studio with.

I’d also like to shout out the countless people who worked to make my life easier as our road crew and management, many of whom became my lifelong friends. The show can’t happen without them.

I’ll continue to work on new music, including touring and recording with The Get Up Kids, but I’ll always be particularly proud of the amazing things Spoon accomplished over nearly 13 years of my involvement (and sometimes in spite of it).

Before I sign off, I have to thank all of you — the fans. It’s been an absolute honor to share this experience with you. If you are lucky enough to see Spoon on the road this summer, buy ‘em a few ice cream sandwiches for me.

For evah yours,
Rob Pope (AKA Robert Pop, AKA Sherpa, AKA The Queen of Sheba, AKA The Last Living Member of the Supremes, AKA The Horizontal Striped Hustler)