STATUS QUO drummer MATT LETLEY is to move on after 12 years, the band have announced.

But he says his decision isn’t connected with next year’s FRANTIC FOUR reunion shows.

He’ll play his last gig with Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andy Bown and John ‘Rhino’ Edwards on Wednesday, December 19, at the O2 Arena in London.

LETLEY previously worked with Bob Geldof, Hank Marvin and Kim Wilde, among others.

In November, British magazine Classic Rock revealed QUO’s classic lineup – Rossi and Parfitt plus Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan – would reunite for a series of shows in 2013.

They’re now considering extending the run.

Coghlan says via his Facebook page: “Good luck for the future to Matt Letley – a great guy.”