After more than 50 years, John McEuen is no longer part of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The artist has revealed that he has split from the group that he co-founded in 1945.

McEuen announced his departure from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in a press release, citing an "ongoing difference of opinions." The news comes just days after the band concluded its 2017 tour in Fargo, N.D.

“In assessing the situation surrounding our performances, business disagreements and ongoing difference of opinions, the timing is appropriate for my departure," McEuen says in a statement. "As a catalyst to my decision, in December 2015, I received confirmation from Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Inc. that I was an ‘employee,' no longer a member of the corporation that I helped to build.”

Already an accomplished solo artist, McEuen has plans to move forward with more individual work. In 2016, he released Made in Brooklyn, an album recorded in a New York church in a single take.

“I will move forward with great pride in my personal and musical contributions to NGDB and now can fully concentrate on my independent endeavors," the musician says. "I have much to do and many more creative ideas to pursue. Because of this relationship, I have more stories than you can shake a pick at."

The remaining members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have not issued a statement on McEuen's departure.

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