This is a tough story for me to write as someone who is a HUGE fan of Pentatonix.

Band mate Avi Kaplan announced today on the Pentatonix Facebook page that he was leaving the group.

 

 

 

In the video Avi says, “Hello everyone. If you haven’t yet watched the video then these words might come as a shock to you. If you have watched, know that this is exactly what I would have said in the video, if filming it wasn’t one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. This morning, I announced that I will be taking a step back from PTX.”

Avi opened up to fans about his struggles at keeping up with the pace of being in a band and also cited wanting to spend some more time with his family and friends,

“I’ve struggled with this decision a lot. It has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Before I explain why, I want you all to know that the past 6 years have been the most unbelievable years of my life. The things we’ve accomplished, the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve touched with our music… It surpasses anything that I could have ever dreamed up for my life. I believe one of the big reasons why we have been so successful and accomplished all that we have is because of the unbelievably fast pace that we keep. Throughout my journey with PTX, this pace has always been a struggle for me. It’s been hard for me not to be with my family and friends when I need them or when they need me. It’s been hard to not be able to escape into nature when I’m feeling overwhelmed or just need some time to myself.”

With fellow Pentatonix members Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin Olusola by his side, Avi fights back tears in the emotional video (above) and thanks for fans for being a huge support for him, “You all have inspired me and lifted me up every single day and, for that, I am eternally grateful. I do love you all so very much, but I’ve come to a point where I just can’t keep up anymore and I would never want to inhibit any type of success that we have because I truly do believe in everything that we’ve done and everything that they will do. I just know that I can no longer continue at this pace and so I have to do what’s best for the group and I have to do what’s best for me. I do want you all to know that I’m still going to be doing music and I’m going to be doing it with my whole heart. I will ALWAYS do my best to lift others up with my voice.”

Pentatonix are currently on tour and Avi plans on fulfilling all of their upcoming shows, “I love you all deeply and I thank you for everything. Truly. And just so you know, I will still be performing at all of our announced shows, so come say hi and give me a hug. I love hugs. Avi #PTXForever.”

Let me be honest, this sucks.

The 5 voices blend so well together and I’m sure the group will continue to do well, but this one hurts. And it just won’t be the same, without Avi. But, we have to understand, and wish him well, and we thank him for all the incredible memories, and music, over the last 6 years.

 

 

Filed under: avi-kaplan, pentatonix