Imagine Dragons drummer Daniel Platzman has announced he has quit the band in favour of a new career.
The 37-year-old musician joined the American pop rock band, which formed in the late 2000s, in 2011 but took a hiatus in March 2023.
It seems that the time away from the band has led Daniel to decide it’s the right time to go his own way and embark on a new chapter of his music career.
Sharing the devastating news in an post on Wednesday night, the rocker announced: ‘After an incredible journey of over a decade, I will be departing the amazing band that is Imagine Dragons.
‘I wanted to share my deepest gratitude to you, the fans, for your unwavering support and sharing in the joy of music with me. Connecting with you all has truly been the highlight of this chapter.’
Revealing what he’ll be working on next, Daniel added: ‘I’m excited to be able to share more soon about the projects I’ve been hard at work on over the past few months centered on my biggest passion: film scoring and composing.
‘I promise you’ll be the first to know. Stay tuned.’
The drummer received especially warm messages of support from fans, including Instagram user @naina0877 who said: ‘Thank you for posting this. It must have been a difficult decision. You were an incredible member of this band and had a huge influence on their style.
‘Although it breaks my heart to hear this, I am sure 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 to the band for over ten years. Thank you for everything.’
Particularly heartbroken by the news, @afsancao said: ‘I genuinely want to cry my eyes out.’
@narina_m said: ‘Oh gosh, i really needed to hear it from you :( thank you for being such an important part of imagine dragons. for the music, the joy and the energy. will forever cherish these years, and always wishing you the best life ever. We love you platzman!!!!’
Joining the chorus of well wishes, fan account @daily.platz said: ‘This is a strange feeling, one part of me is sad and the other is happy, knowing that you are focused on your passion. Thanks for the years at ID, thanks for all those good drum lines. One thing that is clear is that we will be here, always supporting you at all times, you will never be alone.’
As the news was announced, Daniel wasted no time in updating his Instagram bio, which has now been changed to read ‘formerly @imaginedragons.’
A photo of Daniel playing the drums was posted on the official Imagine Dragons account last night but fans were confused as the band did not address his departure, instead simply captioning the photo: ‘Indianapolis.’
Questioning their silence, @imaginedragons.france wrote: ‘We don’t know what happened between Platz and you guys but not making any official announcement and posting a picture of Dan on drums doesn’t seem right… 💔.’
@yashonlyme7 said: ‘Posting Dan on drums after platz leaving is crazy!!’ while @instajo_ agreed: ‘Choosing to post that picture first after Platz’s announcement.’
Imagine Dragons formed in 2008 with the remaining members currently Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon and Ben McKee, while past bandmates include Andrew Beck and Andrew Tolman.
They have released six albums including the most recent, Loom, which dropped in June 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 reached out to Imagine Dragons reps for comment.
