Reggie Scanlan has announced his retirement from the New Orleans Suspects. The bassist, best known for his work with seminal New Orleans rock band The Radiators, will retire from the band on May 2, the day after this year’s Jazz Fest wraps up.

Scanlan has emphasized that he will continue to perform locally in New Orleans on occasion with various groups, including the Suspects. His replace ment will be announced by the band at some point in the coming weeks.

The remaining members of the New Orleans Suspects–“Mean” Willie Green, Jeff Watkins, Jake Eckert and CR Gruver–released the following statement earlier today:

“Without Reggie Scanlan there would be no New Orleans Suspects. When he brought the idea of going full time to the rest of the band, we were just a group of guys in other bands, but with a ton of chemistry and even more potential. Reggie set up management, a booking agent, and convinced us all that this would work on a national level. Five years and over 500 shows later, we’ve become a real band with our own identity and direction. Due to personal issues that are beyond his control, Reggie will be officially retiring from the band after a string of shows during this year’s Jazz Fest. The band is moving forward with Reggie’s blessing and with his best interests in mind. Reggie’s strength and positivity is an inspiration to us all, and we will carry that with us as we overcome this challenge. His relentless dedication and integrity is the very cornerstone of our philosophy, and we will continue to uphold those characteristics in every aspect of our business. And of course Reggie is always welcome to come join us on stage any time he wants. Thank you to all of our fans for your continued support and understanding.”

The New Orleans Suspects’ Jazz Fest schedule features sets at the Maple Leaf, Tipitina’s, Howlin’ Wolf and more, as well as performance on the Acura Stage at the Fair Grounds. The full list can be found below.

New Orleans Suspects Jazz Fest Schedule:

Saturday, April 23–Leafopotomus, Maple Leaf
Sunday, April 24–Acura Stage, Fair Grounds (12:20 P.M.)
Monday, April 25–Instruments a Comin’, Tipitina’s
Wednesday, April 27–Oak St. Block Party
Friday, April 29–Bayou Rendezvous/Toussaint tribute, Howlin’ Wolf
Saturday, April 30–Howlin’ Wolf w/Anders Osborne