Sheepdogs confirm split with guitarist Leot Hanson

Canadian band The Sheepdogs pose on the red carpet during the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto on Sunday, June 19, 2011. (Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Sheepdogs have one less rocker in their pack.

Guitarist Leot Hanson is no longer with the band, the group announced on their Facebook page Wednesday.

“It’s with heavy heart that we announce that guitarist Leot Hanson is no longer with The Sheepdogs,” the announcement read. “Leot has been with us for eight great years, and we wish him all the best with his future ventures especially his new bar in Saskatoon, The Capitol.”

Fans began inquiring about Hanson’s departure this week after a photo of the group throwing the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game was posted to their Facebook account. The band didn’t respond to the inquiries until Wednesday’s statement.

“This is going to be a tough transition and we appreciate everyone’s support at this time,” the group said.

The announcement did not expand on reasons for Hanson’s departure and did not clarify if plans are in place to permanently replace him.

Rusty Matyas, a guitarist from Winnipeg and former member of the Waking Eyes, has recently performed a handful of shows with the group.

“We are excited to see you all at our upcoming summer shows. We will be heading to the studio this Fall and can’t wait to record our next LP and share it with everyone,” the announcement read.

The Saskatoon-based band first hit it big in 2011 after winning a contest to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Original members include vocalist Ewan Currie, bassist Ryan Gullen, drummer Sam Corbett and Hanson. Currie’s younger brother, Shamus Currie, began performing with the group in 2012.