After seven years in the band, keyboard player Timothy Drury thought the time was right to quit Whitesnake and pursue a solo career. Here's his farewell letter:

"For over seven years now I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, to play and sing my heart out and to share the stage with David Coverdale as a part of Whitesnake. During that time I have been inspired and filled with such a great sense of the beauty that the world has to offer and also with the joy that music can bring to an audience. More than ever, I see the value of what I can express as a composer and producer, photographer, songwriter, singer... as an artist. That is why I must now say my goodbyes to you all and take my leave to pursue some very important creative projects that have been brewing for some time now.

For those of you who have gone to my sites and commented on my work as a visual artist and as a composer, I hope you have sensed how deliberate and passionate I am about interpreting what I see and feel. There are some great new opportunities for me to do that now and the time has come to focus on using my gifts to the fullest extent possible.

Of course I would love to continue to experience the world with Whitesnake and I will miss DC and the guys and the venues and audiences terribly, but I think I would be remiss if I didn't follow my instincts and my heart at this moment.

I have nothing but gratitude for the time I've spent with DC and all of the other incredible players I've had the good fortune to work with in this band since 2003. I've learned so much from DC and this experience, about following one's heart, about being authentic, about never letting fear prevent one from pursuing one's destiny. It's a fitting tribute to him that I must now practice what I have learned and really concentrate on living my life as the artist I was destined to be.

I wish David Coverdale and the new band all the very best as they bring the new record to life in the studio and later when they bring it to you all, live in 2011. Thanks so much to DC and the band and to all the smiling, appreciative fans around the world!!!"

Whitesnake singer David Coverdale commented: "We are sad to lose such a valued member of the band, but, we understand, support and sincerely wish Timothy every success in his solo career & thank him for a great, fun journey together."

At this time Whitesnake is focusing on finishing the new studio album before seeking a replacement keyboard player.

Source:	whitesnake.com
Band profile:	Whitesnake