After six years and no albums with Guns N’ Roses, guitarist DJ Ashba is leaving the band.  “It is with a very heavy heart and yet great pride that I announce that I’ve decided to close this chapter of my life and encapsulate the wonderful times that I’ve shared with Guns N’ Roses into fond memories,” Ashba wrote in his two and a half page handwritten letter to fans.  He says it’s time for him to focus on his family, his band Sixx AM with Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx and any new adventures that come his way.

While many of the departures of members from the Guns N’ Roses camp  are a little less than amicable, Ashba had nothing but good things to say about Axl, “As I sit here writing this letter, I want to take a moment to thank Axl from the bottom of my heart for not only the most incredible experience of my life, but for truly believing in me.” Given that Sixx AM announced they’ve got two albums and about four years worth of touring to do, it’s not that big of a surprise that Ashba is splitting with the band, especially since GN’R hasn’t played since last Spring.

[via Rolling Stone]