More about: Sigur Ros

Sigur Ros have confirmed that keyboardist of 15 years, Kjartan Sveinsson, has quit the band.

The Icelandic stars announced the news during a Q&A session on Reddit, answering a question on Sveinsson's status with the band.

When asked, the band responded: "Yes he has left the band. He said he spent half his life in the band and it was time to do something different."

"Kjartan has left yes but all on a good note. He wanted to leave for some time. We have added some extra hands but thats also because we use a lot of instruments on the albums and we can't play them all at the same time live. We want the live experience to be as good as possible."

The departure of Sveinsson follows the news in 2012 that he had retired from touring with the band. The band are now offically a three piece, consisting Jón Þór Birgisson, Georg Hólm and Orri Páll Dýrason. Sveinsson joined the band in 1998, and first appeared on the band's second studio album, Ágætis byrjun. He was credited with being the only member of the band with musical training and introducing the lush string arrangements heard on many of Sigur Ros' tracks.

The band confirm that Sveinsson is now working on a solo project.

Watch 'Svefn-G-Englar' below, taken from Sigur Ros' Ágætis byrjun album

During the Reddit chat, the band also confirm that they are currently working on a new album, a follow up to their 2012 release, Valtari, while on tour. The name their track 'Poppsong' as their favourite to perform live.

Sigur Ros return to the UK to perform a string of dates in 2013, and were recently confirmed to headline the 2013 Live At Jodrell Bank gig. For more information, visit Gigwise Gig Tickets.

Below: Bestival 2012 final day - Stevie Wonder, Sigur Ros, Bat For Lashes

More about: Sigur Ros