The Local Train, a Delhi-based band, finally revealed on Tuesday that Raman Negi, the band’s founding member, had moved on, putting an end to months of uncertainty over their future.

After months of speculation, prominent indie rock band The Local Train (TLT) has revealed that Raman Negi, the band’s founding member, and leader, has departed the group after 14 years. On April 6, Negi responded to a fan’s question about why the band hasn’t been playing recently, stating that he left the band in December of last year.

Negi tells us exclusively, “It (quitting the band) was on my thoughts for a long. I wanted to go into my side as a singer-songwriter because there’s so much more I want to do.”

Fans of the band have flocked to social media, with many speculating whether the band has broken up and expressed their dismay at the news. Negi also says that the outpouring of support for the band on social media has only made the choice to leave the band “harder.”

“Of course, I never expected such a reaction. I had some incredible experiences in TLT, and we made some great songs and memories. Fans have an important role in this, and I understand where they are coming from. But it was time for me to move on,” adds Negi, who has spent the previous four months working on an independent record with Advaita bassist Gaurav Chintamani.

The band’s message on social media on Tuesday not only confirmed Negi’s departure, but also emphasized that the band will continue to release songs and play live with the remainder of its members, including Ramit Mehra, Sahil Sarin, and Paras Thakur.

“TLT is stronger than ever.” “We’re here to stay and continue doing what we’ve always done. We continue to send our warmest wishes to Raman. We will be forever thankful to each and every one of you. There will be much more to come! (Ramit, Paras, and Sahil – The Local Train),” read the statement.

Since they were created in Chandigarh in 2008 by Negi, Ramit Mehra, and Sahil Sarin, the Local Train band has had a committed audience that has been steadily growing year after year. They’ve had a cult following since then and are perhaps one of the few rock artists in the country that have achieved mainstream popularity with songs like Choo Lo, Kaise Jiyun, and Khudi.

Source: firstpost