Rock star leaves iconic 00s band after 13 years to focus on new career

Imagine Dragons drummer Daniel Platzman has announced that he is leaving the band to pursue a new career.

The 37-year-old musician joined the American pop rock band, which was formed in the late 2000s, in 2011, but called it quits in March 2023.

It seems that with Daniel’s absence from the band, he has decided that it is the right time to go his own way and start a new chapter in his music career.

The rocker shared the devastating news in an Instagram post on Wednesday night, announcing, “After an incredible journey of over a decade, I will be leaving the amazing band Imagine Dragons.

“I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to you, the fans, for your unwavering support and sharing the joy of music with me. Connecting with all of you has truly been the highlight of this chapter.”

Daniel revealed what he’s working on now, adding: ‘I’m excited to soon be able to share more about the projects I’ve been working hard on over the past few months, which revolve around my greatest passion: composing and scoring films.

“I promise you’ll be the first to know. Stay tuned.”

The drummer received mostly warm messages of support from fans, including Instagram user @naina0877 who said: “Thank you for posting this. It must have been a tough decision. You were an amazing member of this band and had a huge influence on their style.

“While it breaks my heart to hear this, I know for a fact that your decision to leave the band was not taken lightly. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions – for your own good. I accept that and will be grateful that you were a fantastic member/friend/brother of the band for over a decade. Thank you for everything.”

@afsancao was extremely saddened by the news and said: ‘I really want to cry my eyes out.’

@narina_m said: ‘Oh gosh I really needed to hear this from you 🙁 thank you for being such an important part of Imagine Dragons. for the music, the joy and the energy. will cherish these years forever and I always wish you the best life ever. We love you Platzman!!!!’

Fan account @daily.platz joined the chorus of well-wishes, saying: ‘This is a strange feeling, part of me is sad and the other is happy, knowing that you are focusing on your passion. Thank you for the years at ID, thank you for all those good drumlines. One thing is clear: we will be there, always supporting you, you will never be alone.’

When the news broke, Daniel immediately updated his Instagram bio, which now reads “formerly @imaginedragons.”

Last night, a photo of Daniel playing drums was posted on the official Imagine Dragons account. However, fans were confused because the band didn’t say anything about his departure. Instead, they captioned it with the following: ‘Indianapolis.’

@imaginedragons.france wrote the following about their silence: ‘We don’t know what happened between Platz and you guys, but it doesn’t seem right not to make an official announcement and not to post a picture of Dan on drums… 💔.’

@yashonlyme7 said: ‘Then posting on drums after Platz left is insane!!’ while @instajo_ agreed: ‘Choosing to post that pic first after Platz’s announcement.’

Imagine Dragons formed in 2008 with the remaining members currently Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon and Ben McKee, while former bandmates include Andrew Beck and Andrew Tolman.

They have released six albums, including their most recent, Loom, which was released in June of this year.

Their 2015 album Smoke + Mirrors reached number one in both the US and UK and they are best known for the songs Radioactive, Demons, Believer, Whatever It Takes and Enemy.

Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for Imagine Dragons for comment.

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