Don Gregorio, the bassist of December Avenue, has announced his exit from the band. The news was revealed on April 13, 2025 (Sunday) through statements made by Gregorio, as well as by the rest of the group. He served as one of the band’s founding members since its formation 17 years ago in 2007.

According to Gregorio, his reason for departing December Avenue was his decision to fully focus on his “growing family,” consisting of his wife and kids. Looking back on the memories he has made with the band, he also thanked their fans for being by their side through all these years, asking them to continue supporting the rest of December Avenue, whom he considers his “brothers.”

Read Gregorio’s full statement below:

Dearest friends and fans,

After 17 years of being the bassist of December Avenue, I’ve decided to step away from the band to focus on my growing family.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it’s time for me to be fully present for my wife and our kids.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta – sa shows, sa messages, at sa pagmamahal niyo sa music namin (Thank you so much to all those who supported – at shows, through messages, and your love for our music). We’ve traveled to so many places and played countless shows. I’ll always treasure those memories.

Suportahan niyo pa rin ang (Keep supporting) December Avenue. They’re not just my band – they’re my brothers. And they’ve still got so much more to share with all of you.

Love, Don

Likewise, the remaining members of December Avenue — vocalist and guitarist Zel Bautista, lead guitarist Jem Manuel, drummer Jet Danao, and keyboardist and vocalist Gelo Cruz — expressed their gratitude to Gregorio for his nearly two decades dedicated to the band, reflecting on their journey together and giving their full support for his decision. In addition, the band also clarified that they will not be replacing Gregorio.

Read December Avenue’s full statement below:

FAMILY COMES FIRST.

Don isn’t just our bassist — he’s one of the founding members of December Avenue. For the past 17 years, we’ve shared so many memories on and off stage. 17 years of chasing our dreams, and travelling the world with our music.

Now, he’s stepping into a new chapter in life as a full-time dad. And while it’s tough to imagine playing without him beside us, we fully support and respect his decision to put his family first. That takes courage, and we’re proud of him for it.

That said, we want to make it clear: we will not replace Don.

Thank you, Don, for everything. For your music, your heart, and your friendship. We’ll always be cheering you on.

Love,
December Avenue

Formed in 2007, December Avenue are best known for such hits as “Sa Ngalang Ng Pag-Ibig,” “Bulong,” “Eroplanong Papel,” “Sleep Tonight,” and more. Their second and latest album Langit Mong Bughaw was released last December 20, 2019.

Listen to December Avenue’s Langit Mong Bughaw below: