In a statement to fans Franz Nicolay has confirmed that he has left American rockers The Hold Steady.

Formed by songwriter Craig Finn, The Hold Steady emerged from the ashes of several well regarded Minneapolis groups. Retaining their punk origins, the band added elements of Americana to great acclaim.

Finn's growth as a songwriter saw him compared to Bruce Springsteen, with The Hold Steady's gutsy rock earning acclaim. A but like a Steinbeck novel soundtracked by Husker Du, albums such as 'Stay Positive' have built a loyal fanbase.

Now fans have been shocked by the departure of Franz Nicolay. A founding member of The Hold Steady, the multi-instrumentalist helped move the group towards a folk derived direction.

Adept a keyboards, accordion and much more Nicolay's role in The Hold Steady can't be understated. However it seems as though the American rockers will have to do without him, with Franz Nicolay confirming the split in a short statement.

"You should know: I’ve left The Hold Steady" he wrote on his website. "I told the band I’d be leaving in early September, played my last show with them in Minneapolis around Thanksgiving, and dotted the t’s and crossed the i’s this week."

"Five years seemed like a nice round number. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the experience, especially the Unified Scene, who are nice folks. I’ll see you all soon in any case."

In the meantime, Franz Nicolay has confirmed details of a literary new direction. "My story collection 'Complicated Gardening Techniques' is out next month, “Guignol & Mischief Brew Fighty Dirty” is out now, as is my EP “St. Sebastian of the Short Stage; and I’m producing a record from Brooklyn’s The Debutante Hour."

The Hold Steady have yet to comment on Nicolay's departure.