Bassist and vocalist Raymond King has announced his departure from Lola Amour.

In a post made on the band’s social media on March 27, King released a personal statement on his exit, sharing how the funk-pop group started out only as a hobby for all of them and thus, they all set their own individual long-term plans. King went on to say that, after all these years, his respective plan stayed the same over the years and did not include staying in the band.

Stating that he is choosing happiness above all, King expressed his gratitude towards the band and their whole team for the time he spent with them. “We’ve reached more than I could have ever dreamed of and I couldn’t think of anyone else I would have done it with.”

King also shared that his last time playing with the band would be at the Manila launch show as part of the album tour for their self-titled debut releasing this April 10. Set to happen at the Circuit Makati Concert Grounds this April 13, the tour will also see a stop in Cebu this April 27. After the Manila show, long-time trumpet, bass, and guitar sessionist Manu Dumayas, frontman Pio Dumayas’ brother, would officially be taking over bassist duties. Dumayas was already recently seen playing bass for the band on a couple of occasions in King’s place such as Tiktok’s Rising event in collaboration with Billboard Philippines last February where they performed alongside the likes of Toneejay, Denise Julia, Maki, and more as well as the band’s return to the Wanderland stage earlier this March.

In the departure post’s caption, it was revealed that talks of King’s departure had been on the entire band’s minds for months now, stating that, “Goodbyes are never easy, but we’ll always support you and what makes you happy,” followed by expressing their gratitude to King for the last 8 years he spent with the band. “Thank you for the last 8 years, buddy! You are a huge reason why we are here where we are today. You know we’re not a cheesy bunch, but saying that “we’ll miss you” is an understatement. Alam mo na yan. [Thank you for the last 8 years, buddy! You are a huge reason why we are here where we are today. You know we’re not a cheesy bunch, but saying that “we’ll miss you” is an understatement. You already know that.]”

Read King’s full statement on his departure below:

Hey! This is Ray.

There’s no easy way to say this, so here goes. I’ve made the decision to leave Lola Amour.

The band was just a hobby when we were starting out. So, we’ve always had other long-term plans for ourselves. And while I’m proud of the everything we’ve achieved, my plans stayed the same. Sadly, the band isn’t part of it.

After 8 years of giving everything I could, I’ve realized that success, fulfillment, and happiness are different things. Now, I choose to be happy.

Despite my decision, I’m very grateful for both my time in the band and the whole Lola Amour team. We’ve reached more than I could have ever dreamed of and I couldn’t think of anyone else I would have done it with.

My last gig will be at our Album Concert on April 13, 2024, at the Circuit Makati Concert Grounds. After then, Manu Dumayas will take over as the bands new bassist 🙂 I hope to see you there and thanks for listening for the last 8 years.

RAY OUT

Following their upcoming Manila show, Lola Amour will now comprise of frontman Pio Dumayas on vocals and guitar, David Yuhico on keys, Zoe Gonzales on lead guitars, Angelo Mesina on trumpet, Jeff Abueg on saxophone, Raffy Perez on drums, and Manu Dumayas on bass. Trumpeter Tim Cruz will become the band’s go-to sessionist.

Listen to Lola Amour’s latest single “Namimiss Ko Na ” (I Miss It) below: