Dillinger Escape Plan Guitarist Jeff Tuttle Quits Band for School

Jeff Tuttle

Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Jeff Tuttle, whose been smashing away at his axe for the better part of the last half-decade, is leaving the band. He has quit New Jersey's noisiest band in favor of going back to school to pursue his film studies.

The band shared the news of Tuttle's exit on its Facebook page, thanking him for his contributions and his services over the years and wishing him the best, so it's apparent that there's no drama surrounding his exit. Just a desire to do new things. Tuttle joined Dillinger in 2007 and played on the band's 2010 Option Paralysis album. He is also a member of Old Gods, but there's no word if he'll also be leaving that project.

A replacement has not yet been named, but the DEP are working on new material and writing, so perhaps the search for a new guitarist is on the backburner for the time being.

The band's statement on Tuttle's departure read as follows:

"Jeff Tuttle has been a valuable member of The Dillinger Escape Plan since the beginning of the Ire Works cycle. He started his time with us in mid 2006 in a period of turmoil, and his positivity and team player mentality, his enthusiasm, and his fire onstage, will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. That being said, for now, as you will read, his future with us is uncertain, but whatever the future holds for our relationship with him, we love him and wish him well and success as a brother who has gone into battle with us for six years, and we hope he enjoys and finds creative fulfillment in film school and his future endeavors. Check out his other bands, and read his official statement below. -The Dillinger Escape Plan"

Watch Dillinger Escape Plan's 'Parasitic Twins' Video

For his part, Tuttle revealed his plans to go back to school and to continue working on music in other projects. He also left the door wide open for a possible return to Dillinger in the future. Since, you know, there is more face-riffing to be done.

"To the fans of Dillinger, and to the multitude of people I've met, kicked, guitar-smashed, face riffed, or otherwise touched, I'm writing this to formally announce that as of today I will be taking my departure from The Dillinger Escape Plan. The years I've spent with this band have been some of the greatest in my life. I've seen and done so many things I never thought possible and I will forever be grateful to these memories and to the band that made them possible. I'd like to thank everyone who has given me support and encouragement along the way and to express all the gratitude that fills my bones. Dillinger is a beast that cannot be contained and I have no doubts that the band will continue on the road of destruction. I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

Music is in my blood and I will continue making it with Old Gods and my solo effort, Malo Konjche. I will also be taking the opportunity to study film and film production in the fall; something I've been deeply passionate about for many years.

Life may lead me back to the Dillinger fold in the future, but for now I've decided to pursue these creative paths. The past six years have been amazing and I'm lucky to have made it out alive. I'll never forget the time we shared on stage... the scars won't let me. -Jeff"

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