British punk rockers Gallows are heading off on their Australian tour minus a guitarist following the departure of Steph Carter.

The group is due to perform as part of the line-up at the touring Soundwave Festival from Saturday (23Feb13) and remaining bandmates Laurent Barnard, Stuart Gili-Ross, Lee Barratt and Wade MACNeil have decided to press on as a quartet.

Announcing the news of Carter's departure on the band's Facebook.com page, they write, "Steph has left Gallows and we wish him the best of luck with his future projects. We will be moving on as a four piece like the early days. First stop Australia."

Carter's brother, former lead vocalist Frank Carter, quit the group in 2011.

However, Steph Carter is not bowing out of the music industry - he is planning to devote his time to new band The Ghost Riders In The Sky.