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“I’ve had the time of my life!” Singer Jess Phillips parts ways with Solstice
UK progressive rock band Solstice have announced that singer Jess Holland (referred to as Phillips in the headline) is leaving the group so she can focus more on her teaching career and life outside music. The split marks the end of a seven-year run with the band, which Holland has described warmly, saying Solstice feels "like a family" and that she will always cherish the memories and friendships built while performing with them.
Holland's departure will take effect after a run of live dates this summer and autumn, with her final shows being Solstice's annual hometown gig at the Stables in Milton Keynes on 31 October and a headline slot at the Prog Before Xmas mini-festival in Glasgow, which raises money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. The band shared a video statement featuring Holland and guitarist Andy Glass to mark the announcement.
In short
- Solstice singer Jess Holland is leaving the band after seven years.
- She's stepping back to focus on teaching and life outside music.
- Her final shows: Milton Keynes on 31 October and Glasgow's Prog Before Xmas.
Explained simply
Solstice are a British progressive rock band, a style of rock known for longer songs and changes in sound or structure. Singer Jess Holland has performed with the group for seven years, alongside guitarist Andy Glass and other band members.
Holland has said she wants to give more time to teaching and to life outside music. Her departure follows a period in which she has described the band as close-knit and spoken warmly about the friendships and memories made through performing.
The change matters to the band’s live line-up and to fans who have followed Holland’s years with Solstice. The group’s annual hometown show is held at the Stables in Milton Keynes, and it also performs at events such as the Prog Before Xmas festival in Glasgow.
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