Supergrass noted that the guys were going their separate ways “due to the 17 year itch.”

According to Reuters, the statement continued on to say, “Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. We still love each other but, cliche notwithstanding, musical differences have led to us moving on and of course we all wish each other well in the future.”

Before saying goodbye, Supergrass has promised fans the band will play four farewell shows including Barrowland in Glasgow, U.K. (June 8), Manchester Academy in Manchester, U.K. (June 9) and O2 Academy Brixton in London (June 10). A final show has also been set for June 11 in Paris but the venue has not yet been officially announced.

The Oxford, England-based band featured brothers Gaz (guitar and lead vocals) and Rob Coombes (keyboards) along with Mick Quinn (bass and vocals) and Danny Coffey (drums).

After forming in 1993, the band released its debut album, I Should Coco, in 1995 and went on to put out five more full-length studio albums. Supergrass’ most recent release, 2008’s Diamond Hoo Ha, hit number 19 on the U.K. album charts. According to BBC News, the band spent last year working on their seventh album but “it is not yet known whether the material will be released.”

In January Gaz Coombes and Goffey released Turn Ons as their side project The HotRats’ debut album. The cover album includes tunes by The Cure, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Beastie Boys and the Sex Pistols.

Producer John Cornfield, who worked with Supergrass on the band’s first three albums, told the BBC Radio’s 6 Music he didn’t see the break up coming.

“They never really seemed to seek stardom, particularly [singer] Gaz – he was always trying to hide everywhere,” Cornfield said.

“Maybe if they’d had that hankering for stardom then they could have been up there kicking Oasis and Blur’s ass. I thought they’d be an institution forever. They always seemed to get on well together. Everybody was pretty laid back, there were no real egos to deal with. So I’m very surprised.”

Click here for Supergrass’ Web site.

Click here for The HotRats’ official Web site.

Click here for the Reuters story.

Click here for the BBC News story.

Click here for the 6 Music story.