Pale Waves have confirmed the departure of longtime guitarist Hugo Silvani, marking the end of a decade‑long chapter for the Manchester indie-pop outfit.
Hugo joined the band in 2015 and has been a core part of Pale Waves’ evolution from their early goth‑pop beginnings to the shimmering alt‑rock of their most recent album, Smitten, released in 2024.
His guitar work features on all four of the band’s studio albums, and more recently, a cover of The Cranberries’ Zombie, which now stands as his final contribution to the group.
Across ten years, Hugo helped shape Pale Waves’ signature sound alongside frontwoman Heather Baron‑Gracie, drummer Ciara Doran, and bassist Charlie Wood.
In a message shared across their social platforms, the remaining members paid tribute to Hugo’s impact and friendship: “It’s with sadness that we are announcing Hugo’s departure from Pale Waves. The last decade together has been filled with memories that will last a lifetime. We are forever grateful for Hugo’s role in this band and the music we have created together. Although we will miss him dearly, we wish him the best on his new adventures. With love, Ciara, Heather and Charlie xx.”
The band did not specify Hugo’s next steps, but the tone of their message suggests an amicable split.
The group are expected to continue as a trio for now, with no announcement yet on a touring or studio replacement.
The news dropped shortly after Pale Waves were announced for Yungblud’s Bludfest, taking place on June 27 in Hradec Králové, Czechia.
The lineup also includes Biffy Clyro, Primal Scream, Bambie Thug, Yungblud’s partner, Jesse Jo Stark, fresh from her collaboration with Lil Yachty, alongside rising names Nieve Ella and Pam Rabbit.