Leftover Salmon with Phil Lesh at Red Rocks, Deutsch on far left (via @erikdeutsch on FB)

Keyboardist Erik Deutsch has announced he will be leaving Leftover Salmon to tour with the Dixie Chicks.

“Everything feels slightly unimportant in the midst of this tumultuous time,” the musician wrote on Friday, acknowledging the country’s ongoing issues with COVID-19, “but nevertheless you deserve an explanation… The winds of change have blown me in another direction, and I’m excited for the new adventures that joining the Dixie Chicks will bring. I sure hope that this isn’t the last time I take the stage with my LOS brothers to explore the realms of psychedelic slamgrass!!”

Deutsch joined Leftover Salmon in March 2016, and also enjoys heading up his namesake Erik Deutsch band.

For more information on Leftover Salmon visit their official website.

Read Deutsch’s full message below:

Dearest Friends of Leftover Salmon,

It’s time to check in and let you know what’s going on in my musical life. Everything feels slightly unimportant in the midst of this tumultuous time, but nevertheless you deserve an explanation!! Here goes:

My time as an official member of LOS has come to an end. Since my first show at the Stanley Hotel in March of 2016, I’ve experienced some of the most exhilarating musical experiences of my career. I’ve enjoyed a freedom of creative expression which is rare (to say the least!) in our biz. Some of the most joy-filled, hilarious, outrageous moments of my life have occurred during this time. And finally, I’ve been embraced by some of the greatest fans on the planet—many of whom I’m proud to call friends.

The journey has been stellar and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The winds of change have blown me in another direction, and I’m excited for the new adventures that joining the Dixie Chicks will bring. I sure hope that this isn’t the last time I take the stage with my LOS brothers to explore the realms of psychedelic slamgrass!! Until then, thanks for everything… I love you all… Hasta Luego! E