December Avenue bassist Don Gregorio leaves band to prioritize his family
Don Gregorio (rightmost) announced his departure from December Avenue to focus on his family. Image: Instagram/@decemberavenue
Don Gregorio will depart from December Avenue after serving as the alternative rock band’s bassist for 17 years, to focus on being a “full-time dad” for his family.
Gregorio and December Avenue announced the bassist’s departure on the band’s social media platforms on Monday, April 14, in which it was announced that Gregorio will not be replaced.
“Dearest friends and fans, after 17 years of being the bassist of December Avenue, I’ve decided to step away from the band to focus on my growing family. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it’s time for me to be fully present for my wife and our kids,” Gregorio said in a statement.
The musician also thanked his supporters for the memories and messages he received throughout his time with December Avenue.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta — sa shows, sa messages, at sa pagmamahal niyo sa music namin (Thank you for all of the support — in our shows, through messages, and to those who loved our music),” he said. “We’ve traveled to so many places and played countless shows. I’ll always treasure those memories.”
Image: Instagram/@decemberavenue
Gregorio also urged his supporters to continue watching out for the band’s activities, saying his bandmates got a lot more to show.
“Suportahan niyo pa rin ang (Please continue to support) December Avenue. They’re not just my band — they’re my brothers. And they’ve still got so much more to share with all of you,” he said.
Meanwhile, the remaining members of December Avenue expressed their gratitude to Don for 17 years of “chasing [their] dreams and traveling the world with [their] music.”
“Family comes first. Don isn’t just our bassist — he’s one of the founding members of December Avenue. For the past 17 years, we’ve shared so many memories on and off stage. 17 years of chasing our dreams, and traveling the world with our music,” they said in a separate statement.
Image: Instagram/@decemberavenue
The band also showed their support for Gregorio’s new path as a “full-time dad,” noting his decision to prioritize his family is a decision that “takes courage.
“While it’s tough to imagine playing without him beside us, we fully support and respect his decision to put his family first. That takes courage, and we’re proud of him for it,” they said.
“That said, we want to make it clear: we will not replace Don. Thank you, Don, for everything. For your music, your heart, and your friendship. We’ll always be cheering you on,” they continued.
Formed in 2007, December Avenue is composed of Gregorio, Zel Bautista, Jem Manuel, Jet Danao, and Gelo Cruz. They started as a college band at the University of Santo Tomas until the release of their 2016 song “Time To Go,” which propelled them into mainstream success.
The band is best known for their hit songs “Eroplanong Papel,” “Huling Sandali,” “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw,” and “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig,” to name a few.
