By Stig Editor Dan Wayne Announces Departure from Imagine Dragons Following his New Record Label Deal
July 1, 2025
In a move that has shocked fans and stirred conversations across the music industry, Dan Wayne, a longtime guitarist and creative contributor to the Grammy-winning rock band Imagine Dragons, has officially announced his departure from the group. The announcement came during an emotional sermon-style speech delivered at a private fan event in Los Angeles this past weekend.
Wayne, who has been with Imagine Dragons since the early years of their rise to fame, cited personal growth, spiritual reflection, and a new creative direction as key factors in his decision. The 37-year-old musician, known for his introspective lyrics and soaring guitar riffs, recently signed a multi-album solo deal with two major record labels—Capitol Records and FaithLine Music—signaling a dramatic new chapter in his career.
“This isn’t goodbye to music,” Wayne told the crowd. “It’s a leap of faith into a new season of sound, truth, and purpose. I love my brothers in Imagine Dragons, but my soul is being called to speak in a new voice.”
The announcement was framed not as a press conference, but as a deeply personal sermon, reflecting Wayne’s recent spiritual journey. Standing on a minimalist stage, he addressed the audience as if leading a congregation, blending spoken word, scripture references, and musical interludes on acoustic guitar.
Wayne has been open in recent interviews about his evolving faith and desire to explore themes of hope, struggle, and redemption in his music. His new deal reportedly includes both a secular rock album and a spiritual solo project, with the first single expected to drop in late August.
Imagine Dragons Responds
Imagine Dragons released a brief statement on social media shortly after Wayne’s announcement:
“Dan has been our brother, our teammate, and our creative partner. While we’re heartbroken to see him go, we support his journey and can’t wait to hear what he creates next. The Dragons will fly onward—and Dan will always be part of our story.”
Lead singer Dan Reynolds later commented privately that Wayne’s decision was “deeply personal and brave,” noting that the band had known about the possibility for several months and had been preparing for his exit quietly.
What’s Next for Wayne?
According to sources close to the musician, Wayne’s first solo album—tentatively titled Desert Light—will blend alternative rock with gospel influences, ambient folk sounds, and spoken-word poetry. His new collaborators include several prominent producers known for working across both mainstream and faith-based genres.
Though Wayne’s departure leaves a creative gap in Imagine Dragons, fans of both the band and the artist himself are expressing overwhelming support online. Hashtags like #ThankYouDan and #DesertLight2025 have trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with thousands of fans sharing favorite moments, lyrics, and live performance clips featuring the guitarist.
Wayne closed his sermon with a final message to fans:
“Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. Even dragons must rest. And sometimes, to find your fire, you have to walk through the quiet.”