Tom Naval has parted ways with post-rock trio Tom's Story.

In a surprise announcement earlier today (01/03), Tom's Story bassist and founding member Tom Naval has revealed his decision to exit from the 'Anchors' act. In a statement, he wrote, "From this day onward, I will no longer be part of the band. I am departing for personal reasons, and will be focusing my time elsewhere.

Bandwagon reached out to Tom Story's representative for comment, and it is confirmed that the band will continue as a duo.

Fans of the Filipino post-rock act have expressed their sadness on social media and are clamoring for a final farewell show.

Tom's Story previously performed at All of the Noise 2018 alongside Elephant Gym, Phum Viphurit, and Boy Pablo.

Read Naval's full statement below.

Hello there,

The coming of the new year is a time for change for a lot of people. It's the time when people have the resolve to try new things, to be rid of bad habits, or to be open to change. Well, for Tom's Story, there will be some changes.

From this day onward, I will no longer be part of the band. I am departing for personal reasons, and will be focusing my time elsewhere.

Gabba and Degs, my brothers since time immemorial, will continue the band, and I am wishing them all the best.

I want to thank Gabba, Degs, Li, the entire Spur family, and everyone who has been with us along the way, and I will never forget the things I've learned and the friends I've made. Thank you, reader, listener, friend, for sticking around and letting me share music with you.

I will see you guys around.

Sincerely,
Tom

UPDATE (01/03 [5:46 PM]): Guitarist Gabba Santiago and drummer Degs de Guia have released an official statement regarding Naval's sudden departure. They wrote, "Many had questions about this sudden announcement, and it is true that this is due to a number of personal reasons. One of these reasons is a serious incident involving him and another person, which they have decided to settle privately."

The remaining members of the band, who both support Naval's decision to leave the group, also express their belief that "each one of us is capable of change and should be given the opportunity to do so. But we also recognise that one must face the consequences for mistakes made."

Tom's Story's label and management group A Spur of the Moment Project have also released their own statement regarding the matter. "In the wake of these issues involving one of our own, we at A Spur of the Moment Project want to emphasize that we disapprove behaviour that displays any form of sexual misconduct. However, we also believe in the power of change and in giving a chance for this power to take effect by finding forgiveness, healing wounds, and ultimately transforming lives.”

Read Santiago and de Guia's statement below.

Earlier today, we announced Tom’s resignation from Tom’s Story. Many had questions about this sudden announcement, and it is true that this is due to a number of personal reasons. One of these reasons is a serious incident involving him and another person, which they have decided to settle privately.

Beyond friendship and camaraderie, Tom’s Story truly believes that each one of us is capable of change and should be given the opportunity to do so. But we also recognise that one must face the consequences for mistakes made. After much thought and consideration, we have decided to support Tom’s decision to leave the band.

This is a very difficult time for us, so we’d like to ask everyone to respect the privacy of all the parties involved. We are deeply saddened by the change we have to accept very early in the year, but we also want to focus on what Tom’s Story is essentially about, and that is making music. We are hoping to count on your support on that.

- Gabba and Degs

Watch Tom's Story's live performance video of 'Mugatu' below.