Legendary nineties rock star QUITS band after 30 years with emotional statement

GUITAR player Chris Burney has quit Bowling For Soup after 30 years.

The band revealed the news today after seven months of the pop punk trio being forced to play as a trio.

They have now decided to continue as a trio and not replace Chris, 55, as he concentrates on his health.

A statement on Bowling For Soup’s Instagram read: "To All Our Amazing Bowling For Soup Fans…

"It is with a heavy heart we announce that Chris Burney has made the decision to retire from his stage-right post in the band he co-founded in 1994.

"Some recent medical developments, 30 years of rocking balls and touring non-stop have made it difficult to continue. We are bummed to not have Chris by our sides, but absolutely support his decision.

"The three of us will carry on, with Chris’ Blessing, and continue to build the legacy of this band we all love so much. We will not be replacing Chris or touring with a touring guitarist. You cannot replace a legend. We were brothers when we started this journey…and brothers we remain.

"See you at the shows and in your ears."

Speaking about the decision, frontman Jaret Reddick : "He and I started this band 30 years ago, almost 31 now, and at one point, he was kind of the face of the band.

"I can't say it enough: we wouldn't be us, or where we are, without him.”

Bowling For Soup are set to play in the UK next month alongside Wheatus and Magnolia Park.

They’ve kicking off their tour in Blackpool on February 5, and Jaret previously told us he had one of the worst hangovers of his life in the seaside town.

“Blackpool is the only place I’ve ever been wheeled back to the tour bus,” Jaret said.

“We had a day off there and I was put onto a rolling dumpster to get me back.

“If you ask if I am going to a pub after the show, the answer is no. I know what you guys do.

“I fought to go back to Blackpool, that audience is amazing.”