Longtime Styx bassist Ricky Phillips has announced that he is leaving the band after being a part of it for more than 20 years.

“Dear Friends, after touring for 50 years with The Babys, Bad English, opening for Tina Turner (on the Private Dancer tour with John Parr), Belinda Carlisle‘s first solo tour, rehearsing in Tahoe and recording at Little Mountain in Canada with Jimmy Page and David Coverdale and writing, touring, and co-producing 10/10 with Ronnie Montrose, to name a chosen few… I’m taking a breather,” Phillips said in a statement,

Phillips made it clear that he is not retiring but just “taking a break from the road.” He said he has a commitment to co-produce a project in a studio close to his home.

“I’ve known since I was a kid that live performance is in my blood so, in time I will post any future engagements or commitments,” he said. “But for right now, Melissa and I will share coffee talk and meals from home…with our critters close by.”

Styx released a statement bidding Phillips farewell. “It was a joy to spend two decades with Ricky Phillips in Styx and we wish him all the best in his next adventure,” the band said via social media. “He’ll always be a part of the Styx family and we’ll miss his presence on our stage and in our touring lives.”

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