Pentatonix Member Leaving The Group; Will Singer Part Ways Before Tour?

Since their start in 2011, Pentatonix has been known as a five–member a cappella group but from now on, the performers will continue as a four–person band. On Friday, original member Avi Kaplan announced he would be leaving the group.

In a video posted on the group’s Facebook page, Kaplan broke the news with his bandmates next to him. “So, the reason we’re making this video today is because I have an announcement to make,” said Kaplan.

“This decision is something that I’ve been struggling with a lot and it’s been one of the toughest decisions to make in my entire life,” he continued. “I’ve decided to take a step back from Pentatonix.”

Before getting into his reason for leaving the group, Kaplan reflected on his time with Pentatonix.

“I want you guys to know that these past six years have been the most unbelievable years of my life. All the things that we’ve accomplished, all the music that we’ve made and the people that we’ve touched with our music, it far surpasses anything I could have ever dreamed for my life,” he said, holding back tears.

According to Kaplan, one of his reasons for leaving the group has to do with their “fast pace.” He said, “That pace has always been a really big struggle for me. It's been extremely hard for me to not be able to see my family or friends when I need to, or when they need to see me. It’s been really hard for me not to be able to just escape to nature when I feel overwhelmed.”

Kaplan made sure to thank the fans of the group, saying, “I want you guys to know that I’m just so blessed and honored to have been a part of your lives. This has just been such an unbelievable experience. I really just do not want to slow down this group.”

While Avi will be leaving the group, he did reveal that he would remain with the group for the remainder of their announced shows. “And just so you know, I will still be performing at all of our announced shows, so come say hi and give me a hug. I love hugs,” he wrote on Facebook.

Starting on May 25, the group will play five shows in Japan before heading back to the United States for concerts in Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri. Check out Pentatonix’s 2017 tour dates below:

May 25 – Fukuoka Sun Palace Hotel & Hall – Fukuoka, Japan
May 27 – Tokyo International Forum – Tokyo, Japan
May 29 – Century Hall – Nagoya, Japan
May 30 – Osaka Festival Hall – Osaka, Japan
May 31 – Tokyo International Forum – Tokyo, Japan
Aug. 5 – Celeste Center – Columbus, Ohio
Aug. 6 – PNC Pavilion – Cincinnati, Ohio
Aug. 9 – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre – Rochester, Michigan
Aug. 10 – Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park – Indianapolis, Indiana
Aug. 12 – Illinois State Fairgrounds Il State Fair – Springfield, Illinois
Aug. 27 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater – Bonner Springs, Kansas
Sept. 2 – Allentown Fairgrounds – Allentown, Pennsylvania