Bassist Andrew Seward has left Against Me! after ten years with the band. Seward, guitarist James Bowman and frontwoman Laura Jane Grace all offered statements:

I've left AM!. No drama here. I reached a point where I need to focus on other things. Respect to Laura and James. The last 10 years ruled. -Andrew

It's been an honor and privilege to stand on stage with Andrew for the past 10 years. I am sad to see him go, but I wish nothing but the best for him moving forward. - James

It's heartbreaking to know that Andrew won't be standing next to me out on stage the next time I stand upon one. I realize that at this point there's a possibility that it may look pretty ridiculous to carry on playing under the name Against Me! If I didn't feel like I had something that I really needed to say with the album we've been working on for the past year then I'd humbly hang the hat and move on. Andrew's been a solid partner. Some of the best sleep I've ever gotten has been in the back of a 15 passenger van with him behind the wheel. He's got a steady hand and has always been someone I've trusted. The definition of a good friend. I wish him all the best in his journey. -LJ

AM! have been working on their new album Transgender Dysphoria Blues for the past year. Seward initially joined the band for 2002's The Disco Before the Breakdown and had played with them since. His departure follows the exit of drummer Jay Weinberg in December 2012.