Bloc Party Drummer Steps In To Help No Devotion Finish Their Album

Fledgling rock outfit No Devotion, who formed last year from the ashes of Lostprophets alongside Thursday vocalist Geoff Rickly, are already a founding member down after drummer Luke Johnson announced overnight that he had in fact parted ways with the band in October.

In the wake of Johnson's departure, former Bloc Party drummer Matt Tong has been conscripted to help the band finish laying down tracks for No Devotion's forthcoming album, while Kids In Glass Houses skinsmith Phil Jenkins will step in to handle the band's immediate live commitments.

In a statement posted on his personal website, Johnson explained that leaving No Devotion had been a "very difficult decision" at which to arrive, saying that he loves his now-ex-bandmates "like brothers" and acknowledging that they "have been through a lot together".

"No Devotion has been an integral part of my daily life for the last two years," Johnson wrote. "It comes with great sadness to announce that after the NYC show on October 28th 2014 I parted ways with No Devotion."

"I'd like to say a big thank you to all the people that continue to support me, especially the fans! Much love and respect!" he concluded.

The remaining band members have addressed Johnson's departure with a statement of their own, posted to Facebook this morning (AEST).

"To clarify this morning's news: A few months back, Luke approached us with the concern that he would be unable to fulfill commitments to No Devotion moving forward," they wrote. "It was sad to hear, because we've obviously been on quite the journey together over the past five years. We didn't say anything publicly, because deep down we hoped he'd change his mind."

"We wish Luke all the best, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in this new year," they continued.

Johnson joined Lostprophets in 2009, remaining with the band until their dissolution in 2013 following frontman Ian Watkins' fall from grace after being charged with, and found guilty of, several child-sex-related offences. He and his fellow band members consequently formed No Devotion with Rickly, with the band's first live performances being held in the second half of last year.

The band has not yet released details on when we can expect the finished full-length, but they've released a handful of tracks in the past few months to help tide you over; get among the goods below No Devotion's post.