Drummer Paul Thomson Quits Franz Ferdinand

After manning Franz Ferdinand’s drum kit for nearly 20 years, Paul Thomson has quit the Scottish group.

“It was a bit of a shocker for us when we found out, so it probably will be for some of you too,” reads a post on the band’s Twitter account. “Paul has been our friend for over 25 years and we’re looking forward to at least another 25. He’s a funny, smart, sensitive guy. Not a bad drummer either.”

Franz Ferdinand has wasted no time in finding a replacement for Thomson, naming former The Girl Who Cried drummer Audrey Tait as his replacement. Proving Thomson is leaving on good terms, the band posted a photo of their former drummer passing the baton — actually, drumsticks — to Tait.

Has Franz Ferdinand’s shot at achieving big-time commercial success already passed?