Pagan Newman, one half of chart topping and Golden Guitar winning band Darlinghurst, has today (January 17) announced her official exit from the duo.
Following the sudden departure of members Jason Resch and Matt Darvidis in late 2023, Darlinghurst continued as a duo - consisting of the remaining members, Newman and Cassie Leopold - throughout 2024. The duo released three hit singles - the number one smash Unapologetic, Gypsy Girl and their most recent track, I Shouldn’t Be Drinking - and also earned a nomination for Group or Duo of The Year for the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards.
Releasing a statement today, Newman wrote, “Being part of Darlinghurst has been something I will never forget. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities that came with that including playing with some of Australia’s most iconic artists, developing amazing friendships with other artists and music lovers, and of course, winning a Golden Guitar. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I now must step back and down from Darlinghurst. Thank you so much to everyone for your support and I will hopefully see you around soon”.
As it stands, Leopold is the sole remaining member of Darlinghurst. Countrytown has reached out to her for comment.
The band has had a tumultuous few years, with half of the original quartet leaving in 2023 over “visions” that were “not aligned”.
In a statement provided to Countrytown at the time, Newman and Leopold said, “Having launched their career in late 2019 just before a two-year COVID lockdown, Darlinghurst have chalked up five #1 radio singles, a debut #1 ARIA Country Album, a Golden Guitar for Best New Talent, a growing live fanbase, and close to 5 million streams.
“In the years since, the members have faced personal and business challenges and differing ideas about how best to take the band forward while continuing to give their best to Darlinghurst.
“Earlier this year, it became clear the members’ visions for Darlinghurst were not aligned. The members have now agreed that Darlinghurst will move forward with Cassie and Pagan as the remaining original members. Cassie, Pagan, Jason and Matt are incredibly proud of what they have achieved together and grateful for their fans’ ongoing support.”
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
