Marr first made a name for himself with The Smiths. He’s since recorded and performed with The Pretenders, The The, Electronic and Modest Mouse. In addition, he’s worked as a session musician with acts including The Pretenders, Pet Shop Boys, Billy Bragg and Beck.

On April 8 Marr posted a statement to his official website confirming that he wouldn’t be playing the upcoming Cribs shows. According to the BBC, the guitarist worked with the group for four years.

“I’ll be putting out two records over the next year or so and doing more film soundtrack work,” he said. “Touring and recording with Ryan, Gary and Ross has been fantastic and Ignore The Ignorant is something I’m really proud of. We ended up doing much more than we originally set out to, and I’ve made three good friends.”

The Cribs’ fourth studio album, 2009’s Ignore The Ignorant, marked Marr’s first and only album with the band.

On Monday The Cribs posted their own statement about the band’s updated roster. The group now features its original lineup of twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and their younger brother Ross Jarman.

“We were/are all really proud of the work we did together and we did mean it in our assertions that Johnny was very much a full-time member of the band,” The Cribs wrote. “There were definite intentions of continuing on together and making another record – we even went into the studio with Edwyn Collins again last spring and started recording some stuff, but it just wasn’t really working.”

The Cribs emphasized that there wasn’t any drama regarding Marr’s departure.

“No one is down about this in our camp. It’s actually the start of a really exciting phase for everyone. Johnny has gone back to The Healers and is writing a new record, and we are really honestly loving being back together as just 3 brothers literally playing in the basement/garage again.”

Click here for Johnny Marr’s website.    

Click here for The Cribs’ website.