One of the co-founders of the 'Pumped Up Kicks' group has decided to quit after more than a decade in order to spend more time with his family as he reflects on 'what truly matters.'
- Oct 15, 2021
AceShowbiz - Mark Pontius is leaving Foster the People after 11 years.
The group's drummer announced the news on social media on Wednesday (13Oct21), telling fans, "I've struggled with finding the words to begin this announcement so I guess I'll just rip off the band-aid and say that I've decided to leave the band I helped start 11 years ago, Foster the People."
"As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our first record Torches, I've been flooded with memories of our sudden success, achieving all of my career aspirations in a few short years and the beautiful moments spent with my brothers in the band. What a privilege it all was, I'm eternally grateful for all of it."
He added, "I've grown up a lot since we started out, and in the couple of years since our last live show, my whole life has changed in every way. I've had a lot of time to myself to reflect on what truly matters."
Pontius insisted he's "checked everything off" his "career bucket list" and, as a dad to a two-year-old daughter, he wants to spend his time "watching (his) child grow up."
"I will miss Mark, Isom and Sean, they are my family forever and I'm sure we will work together again one day," he concluded. "As for me, I've got a few ideas for the future but I'm just going to take it one day at a time for now."
Foster the People formed in Los Angeles in 2009 and released their debut album "Torches" two years later. Their biggest hit was "Pumped Up Kicks", from "Torches", which topped the Alternative Airplay chart and was a top five hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
