Legendary classic rockers Styx need a new bassist.

The group’s longtime bass player of 20 years Ricky Phillips took to Facebook this week to announce his departure, which he reminded fans is not a retirement.

“Dear Friends, after touring for 50 years with The Babys, Bad English, opening for Tina Turner (on the Private Dancer tour with John Parr), Belinda Carlisle’s first solo tour, rehearsing in Tahoe and recording at Little Mountain in Canada with Jimmy Page and David Coverdale and writing, touring, and co-producing 10/10 with Ronnie Montrose, to name a chosen few … I’m taking a breather,” Phillips wrote.

“My last 20+ years of touring and recording with my friends in Styx has come to an end. I am taking a break from the road. I’m not retiring, just taking a break.”

Phillips wrote he has accepted an offer to co-produce a project “in a studio close to home.” He said that he’s known since he was a child that live performance is “in my blood” so he will share any plans on future gigs.

“Of course, I will always cherish the adventurous days recording and touring with Styx,” he wrote. “And, I will truly miss the wonderfully-crazy and faithful Styx fans … whose smiling faces I often saw more than my own family.”

He signed off, adding “Peace be with you all … and Happy Trails, Ricky.”

The Styx official Facebook page (writing as “The Styx Family”) also posted, wishing Phillips well. “It was a joy to spend two decades with Ricky Phillips in Styx and we wish him all the best in his next adventure,” the band wrote. “He’ll always be a part of the Styx family and we’ll miss his presence on our stage and in our touring lives.”

Born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the 71-year-old Phillips joined Styx in 2003, replacing Glen Burtnik and splitting duties with original bassist Chuck Panozzo. He’s also performed with Ted Nugent, The Babys, Bad English, and Nasty Habit.

Alabama fans have a big connection to the band known for hits such as “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade.” Guitarist Tommy Shaw, who joined the band in 1975 (replacing John “J.C.” Curulewski) is from Montgomery.

Styx is currently touring in North America, including dates in Alabama: Friday, Aug. 16 at The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, and Saturday, Aug. 17 at Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville.