It’s the end of an era for pop punk lovers in the UK, as You Me At Six announce their breakup after two decades of touring.
The band (Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer, Chris Miller, Matt Barnes, and Daniel Flin) will celebrate their 20th anniversary in the next year.
On X, the official account tweeted: “2005-2025.” This marks the end. Thank you for being the pulse of this band.
You Me At Six formed in 2005 in Weybridge, Surrey, and achieved fame with their debut album Take Off Your Colours four years later.
Their final live gigs will be in 2024 and 2025, when they embark on a farewell global tour including rock and punk songs to bid goodbye to fans.
Lead singer Josh, 33, said: ‘When we started YMAS we were kids. We only ever wanted longevity, to travel and to experience life as a group of friends.
‘We feel like on the eve of our 20th anniversary as a band, now is a good time to call time. We’re in a fortunate position where our fans still want to see us live and come celebrate the life of this band.
‘So that is what we will do for 2024 and 2025. We can’t wait to see our fans on the road.’
Devastated fans replied with crying emojis and shocked ‘What?’ responses, as X user Molly Keeling added: ‘Well that’s my day ruined.’
A wistful Luke Wood replied: ’20 years is a good run. Just wish it didn’t have to end. My favourite band. I’ve seen you so many times. Hopefully get one more time before it’s over.’
The band’s Instagram announcement featured a video compilation of highlights from You Me At Six’s long history.
Members of the group can be seen marching through a cemetery dressed in black, approaching a tombstone to say ‘goodbye’.
In a voiceover, Josh said: ‘Time. Something we never have enough of but always need more of. Sometimes it goes by slowly.
‘Sometimes it goes by fast. Some things are over quickly and some were built to last.
‘Twenty years in the making, beyond our wildest dreams. Trips around the sun, we’ve lost count, one more for memories.
People love stories with endings, page after page, year after year. We’ll give you a final chapter, because we’ve climbed our Everest, we’ve faced our fears.’
Looking down at a grave he reads from a book and adds: ‘It’s time. Time for the finish line, it’s time for goodbye.’
The band members watch as a VI symbol (number six in roman numerals and the title of the band’s 2018 album) catches fire in front of them.
The video concludes with the band’s name appearing on the screen, along with the years 2005-2025.
A link on their website directs visitors to a page with a VI symbol in a coffin, where they may sign up for information regarding the closing dates.
Lived A Lie, the band’s highest charting single in the UK, peaked at number 11 in 2013, according to the Official Charts Company.
The group has also had two number-one albums: Cavalier Youth (2014) and Suckapunch (2021).
In February, the band will tour England and Scotland, performing in places such as Bristol, Norwich, and Aberdeen.
