Avi Kaplan Is Leaving Pentatonix With Tearful Goodbye Video

Avi Kaplan from Pentatonix has announced he officially taking a step back from the group and leaving the band. In a tearful video posted to the group's official Facebook account, Avi opened up to fans about how not being able to keep up with the pace of being in a band has truly affected him and it is the reason why he has chosen to leave PTX to solely focus on his solo endeavors as a musician.

All of the members including Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin Olusola sat by his side, consoling him as he choked back tears while he spoke to fans about how hard it has been for him to be away from his family when he needed them most.

"Hello everyone. If you haven’t yet watched the video then these words might come as a shock to you. If you have watched, know that this is exactly what I would have said in the video, if filming it wasn’t one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. This morning, I announced that I will be taking a step back from PTX," he said.

"I’ve struggled with this decision a lot. It has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Before I explain why, I want you all to know that the past 6 years have been the most unbelievable years of my life. The things we’ve accomplished, the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve touched with our music… It surpasses anything that I could have ever dreamed up for my life.
I believe one of the big reasons why we have been so successful and accomplished all that we have is because of the unbelievably fast pace that we keep. Throughout my journey with PTX, this pace has always been a struggle for me. It’s been hard for me not to be with my family and friends when I need them or when they need me. It’s been hard to not be able to escape into nature when I’m feeling overwhelmed or just need some time to myself," he told fans.

He assured fans that the only reason he has been a part this journey because of them saying:

"Through all of this, I’ve done my best and I’ve kept pushing myself to keep up. Really, the reason why I’ve been able to push so hard and for so long has been because of you guys. You all have inspired me and lifted me up every single day and, for that, I am eternally grateful.
I do love you all so very much, but I’ve come to a point where I just can’t keep up anymore and I would never want to inhibit any type of success that we have because I truly do believe in everything that we’ve done and everything that they will do. I just know that I can no longer continue at this pace and so I have to do what’s best for the group and I have to do what’s best for me.
I do want you all to know that I’m still going to be doing music and I’m going to be doing it with my whole heart. I will ALWAYS do my best to lift others up with my voice. I hope that you’ll all support my decision and that you can understand where I’m coming from. And regardless of anything, I just want to thank you for all that you’ve given to me. I have been so unbelievably blessed and humbled to be a part of all your lives in any way and I wanted you to hear this from me. From my voice. And from my heart."

"I love you all deeply and I thank you for everything. Truly. And just so you know, I will still be performing at all of our announced shows, so come say hi and give me a hug. I love hugs.
Avi #PTXForever," he concluded.

The band has been together since 2011 so it's sad to see them go through this. We wish Avi the best in his new solo adventure and hope that he continues to stay close to the remaining members of the group. All the best to all of them!

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SO SADAvi Kaplan Is Leaving Pentatonix With a Tearful Goodbye Video