The Kaiser Chiefs' drummer has quit the band.

Nick Hodgson announced his departure from the Leeds collective via twitter yesterday (04.12.12) and insisted he had no hard feeling towards his former band mates.

The rocker posted: ''I can confirm I have left Kaiser Chiefs after 15 spectacular years. I'm moving on. I wish the rest of the band the very best!

The group's three remaining members were quick to respond, with frontman Ricky Wilson replying: ''The door is on the latch and the key under the mat. X''

Guitarist Andrew 'Whitey' White wrote: ''Gonna miss you @nickkaiserchief......can I have your bunk? X''

Bassist Simon Rix also joked: ''Good luck to @nickkaiserchief with his plans. i can exclusively confirm we will still be collaborating on pints in pubs.''

The 'I Predict a Riot' hitmakers issued an official statement insisting Nick's departure wouldn't affect their plans as a group and their scheduled UK tour in February and March 2013 will still go ahead.

Ricky reassured fans: ''We've all had a while to get used to it - we've got a bunch of shows next year and things are sounding great in the studio.''

The band - who have yet to name a replacement for Nick - also announced they will begin recording their fifth studio album in January.