Spoon lost their bass player just before the start of their big summer tour with Beck and Cage the Elephant.

Rob Pope was with the band since 2006 and he made the announcement late Tuesday night on Spoon’s Facebook page, writing that “I’ve never taken for granted the thrills and challenges that have come with being in this band. Now, after some serious thought, the timing feels right for me to leave Spoon in order to spend more time with family and personal projects.” Pope added that he’ll continue touring and recording with The Get Up Kids, who he’s been a member of since 1995.

The band didn’t announce a replacement, but with the Night Running tour set to start tomorrow (Thursday) in Ridgefield, Washington, it seems very likely that Pope’s departure was in motion long before Tuesday and was made knowing that fans would see a new member on stage.