Guitarist John Ricci, one of the founding members of Canadian thrash metallers Exciter, is bidding farewell and quitting the band. John Ricci has decided to leave the music business after 30 years. However, the band will carry on without him and urges fans to stay with them.

The band released this statement: "It is with a heavy heart that Exciter announces the departure of guitarist John Ricci. After 30 ass-kicking years in the music business, John has decided to retire, leaving long time members Rik Charron (drums), Clammy (Bass), and Kenny Winter (vocals) to carry on the Exciter legacy.

"As one of the founding members of the band, John was a driving force behind Exciter's genre-defining albums including the ground breaking Heavy Metal Maniac (1983), Violence And Force (1984), and Long Live The Loud (1985). As part of the modern era of Exciter, his unique, manic, style propelled Exciter's come-back album: The Dark Command (1996) along with Blood Of Tyrants (2000), Thrash Speed Burn (2008) and Death Machine (2010).

"Exciter wishes John the very best in his future endeavors and invites all you Metal Maniacs to continue Pounding Metal with us in 2014 and beyond!"

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Exciter