Frontman Nick D’Virgilio Departs from Progressive Rock Band Spock’s Beard

Vocalist and drummer Nick D’Virgilio announced his departure from renowned progressive rock band Spock’s Beard. “We regret that Nick D’Virgilio, a founding member of the band, good friend and incredible talent is unable to continue with us due to his other commitments,” said a press release in the band’s official web site. “Please continue to support him, check out his new solo CD “Pieces,” go see him with Cirque du Soleil and follow whatever other madness he’s up to.”

“As you may or may not know, for almost 2 years now I have been working for Cirque Du Soleil on the touring show TOTEM,” said D’Virgilio on his web site. “Traveling a bit of the globe with my family on an adventure that has been great, but also very tough. Great because I am finally able to fully support my family with this very unstable life I chose as a musician, but also very tough because this job has made it hard to do other things and the main thing is Spock’s Beard…I have had the best time and have made some of the best music of my career with Dave, Al, Ryo, and Neal and will take those memories with me for the rest of my life.”

Spock’s Beard has recruited vocalist and guitarist Ted Leonard (Enchant, Thought Chamber) and Jimmy Keegan (Santana, John Waite), who’s been the band’s tour drummer for close to 10 years.

A new Spock’s Beard DVD and extensive European tour will take place in early 2012, followed by the band’s 11th studio release sometime in the summer.