Wednesday 5th December 2012 by Grace Carroll | Photos by WENN

Tags: Kaiser Chiefs

Drummer Nick Hodgson has quit the Kaiser Chiefs after fifteen years with the Leeds band.

Hodgson announced the news on Twitter, then posted on his blog with a slightly more detailed message.

He wrote, "After 15 years with the band and having achieved such amazing things thanks to the support and loyalty of our fans, I have decided to leave and turn my attention to other areas within the world of music and to pursue new challenges.

"It has not been an easy decision and one that the boys and I have discussed throughout this year. The band have been incredibly supportive of my decision. I wish them all continued success."

In response to his Twitter post, bandmate Ricky Wilson wrote, "The door is on the latch and the key under the mat. X."

He added to fans, "We've all had a while to get used to it - we've got a bunch of shows next year and things are sounding great in the studio."

Bassist Simon Rix tweeted, "good luck to @nickkaiserchief with his plans. i can exclusively confirm we will still be collaborating on pints in pubs."

Nick Hodgson during Reading Festival this year, his last official show with the band.

The Kaiser Chiefs have a UK tour to take place in February and March next year which will still be going ahead, as well as supporting Green Day on their UK stadium tour.

They are also planning to work on a fifth studio album in 2013, and playing the first gig at the new Leeds arena.

No word has yet been given about Hodgson's replacement.

Watch the band's video for 'Listen To Your Head' below:

Kaiser Chiefs Rock London Apollo