The Departure

The Departure was an English rock band from Northampton, formed in October 2003.

The band were a support act for Duran Duran in 2005.

Background information
The group formed in January 2004 after starting in Northampton as a collaboration between a former Christian commune member David Jones (vocals/guitar) and his friend Sam Harvey. After recruiting old school associate Ben Winton (bass) and Lee Irons (guitar), the lineup was completed with the addition of Andy Hobson (drums) via a musician's ad website.

They were signed to Parlophone after playing only three gigs and being together for just four months. Touring slots with The Killers, Feeder, Duran Duran, Placebo, The Tears and Gang of Four.

Their debut single "All Mapped Out" was released on 2 August 2004 and debuted at number 30 on the UK singles chart.

They released a debut album Dirty Words, produced by Steve Osborne a year after signing to Parlophone at Realworld Studios in Bath. The album was trailed the week before its release by the reissue of the "All Mapped Out" single.

A UK tour and festival appearances followed soon after. In early 2006, Lee Irons had left the band citing artistic differences. Andy Hobson left later that year and was replaced by the original drummer, Simon Alexander. The four-piece began work on the follow-up to Dirty Words in Grouse Lodge Studios, Ireland which was expected to release in 20072007. On 30 January 2008 the band announced that they had split up after being dropped by Parlophone.