4BR has been informed that tuba star Les Neish has left Foden's Band.

Les made his last contest appearance at the North West Regional Championship in Blackpool and his last concert was at St. Thomas Church, Garstang soon after.

Right time

Les told 4BR: "I’ve been considering leaving for a few months now, mainly because I can no longer give the band the commitment I would like because of my busy schedule. I'm getting married in a week’s time and after my honeymoon I've three trips to the USA in as many months. I would have been missing from rehearsals and engagements, so to be fair to the band this seemed like the right time to make the announcement."

I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Foden’s for everything over the past five years, and I'm sad to be leaving at a time when they are on such great formLes Neish

Memories

Les added: "I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Foden’s for everything over the past five years, and I'm sad to be leaving at a time when they are on such great form. We've had some wonderful times together and I have been part of many fantastic performances. The world premiere of 'Salt of the Earth' and the subsequent award winning CD with the band are memories that will stay with me forever!"

Fully understand

Foden’s, Mark Wilkinson commented: "Les informed us last week and despite not wishing to leave, he felt he would be unable to give the band the commitment it deserved. We were sad to hear the news, but fully understand the reasons behind his decision. He has been a great asset to Foden’s and banding in general, he is an outstanding musician of the rarest quality. We send him our best wishes for his wedding and future career."