Natalie Bassingthwaighte, aka Izzy from Neighbours, has left pop band Rogue Traders!  How very depressing for them.  Band member James Ash has released the following statement:

 

“Firstly, we all just wanted to extend an enormous thank you to everyone for coming out in droves around the country and supporting our Better In The Dark tour. It really was very humbling for us to arrive in places we’ve never played before, then peak out from behind the curtain and see full-houses waiting for us. It was a supreme effort on the part of our fans – and definitely something we will always remember…

…These last twelve months have been incredibly jam-packed – a new album going platinum, three singles, constant travel and then capping it all off with a national tour. And with that, our thoughts now turn to the future.

As I’m sure every single one of you already knows, this tour was always expected to be our last tour for some time, as we knew Nat was going to work on solo and other commitments, which could take some years to complete.

Because of this, sadly, after a great deal of consideration we’ve come to the conclusion that as Nat’s career choices are taking her in new and exciting directions, she won’t be able to be a part of the Rogue Traders.

We know this news will be deeply disappointing to many of you. I’m sure you can appreciate it was an extremely difficult conclusion to reach. It’s hard to express in a few sentences the feelings that come with such a decision.

Above all, Nat and I both want you to know that we part company as best friends, with a deep love and respect for each other and what we have achieved over the last three and a half years.

But this is far from the end for the Rogue’s.

Rogue Traders has always been a project in transition: Beginning as a DJ duo - transforming into an international pop act. With Phase 2 coming to a close, Phase 3 of Rogue Traders is about to begin, and [you] most literally won’t see it coming…

But no matter what happens in the future, nothing can diminish the bond we have forged bringing our music to the world. We stand extremely proud. Above all, we’d like to thank you for accepting us and our music – it’s been our unique honour.

Love James.”

 

This is sad news for the Rogue Traders.  Despite not finding massive success with their album “Here Come The Drums”, the group were a pretty good pop band who churned out some good singles.  Natalie’s voice was fantastic and she’s a great popstar.

Still, she’s moving on to “other commitments”.  Does this mean she’s going back to Neighbours?  Cause that would actually make my day.

Tags: Neighbours, Rogue Traders