Girls Singer Christopher Owens Leaves Band

It's rare that a band breaks up just as their star is beginning to rise. However, that fate seems to have befallen Girls, the San Francisco group comprised of two guys, whose second album, 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost,' was a critical favorite in 2011.

The split came from frontman and primary songwriter Christopher Owens. This morning (July 2), over the course of three tweets, Owens issued this statement to his more than 10,000 followers:

Dear all, This may come as a surprise to many & has been an issue of much thought for me. My decision was not easy to make. I am leaving Girls. My reasons at this time are personal. I need to do this in order to progress. I will continue to write & record music. More will be announced soon. I thank you all for everything. Sincerely–Christopher

Girls was comprised of Owens and bassist/producer Chet "JR" White, but, as their appearance on 'Conan' last April shows, they filled out the band for live performances.

Upon its release last September, 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' reached No. 37 on the Billboard 200 and made the annual best-of lists of several major websites. Their debut, simply titled 'Album,' was released in 2009. White has yet to make a statement regarding Owens' decision to leave the band or his future plans.

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