Years & Years to become Olly Alexander solo act as bandmates announce departure

Years & Years will continue as a solo act for lead singer Olly Alexander, it was announced on Thursday (18 March).

The “Desire” band, consisting of Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Türkmen, have performed as a three-piece since 2013.

Together, they have released two albums, 2015’s Communion and 2018’s Palo Santo, and topped the UK Singles Chart with the song “King”.

In a statement shared with fans on Thursday, the band revealed that Goldsworthy and Türkmen were departing from the group ahead of the release of the third Years & Years album.

“This upcoming new album has been an Olly endeavour and we’ve decided that Years & Years will continue as an Olly solo project,” the statement read.

“The three of us are still good friends. Mikey will be part of the Y&Y and play with us live and Emre will focus on being a writer/producer.”

Adding that the past twelve months had been “crazy for us all”, the statement also revealed that new Years & Years music would be released this spring.

Many fans shared their surprise at the news, with one Twitter user writing: “I totally did not see this coming. I [am] legit heartbroken, but if that’s what works best for you guys, I will get over it. Will miss the magic the three of you made on stage together.”

“Ummmmmmmmmmm this is like when Zayn left One Direction,” another comment read.

Alexander recently gained critical acclaim for his performance as Ritchie in Russell T Davies’s Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin.