On Saturday (Dec. 18), Paramore announced that guitarist Josh Farro and drummer Zac Farro -- two founding members of the multi-platinum pop-punk group -- were leaving the band, confirming speculations that hit the internet earlier in the week about the brothers' departure.

In a blog post on the band's official site, Paramore wrote : "A couple of months ago, Josh and Zac let us know they would be leaving the band after our show in Orlando last Sunday. None of us were really shocked. For the last year it hasn't seemed as if they wanted to be around anymore. We want Josh and Zac to do something that makes them happy and if that isn't here with us, then we support them finding happiness elsewhere."

Watch the entire Paramore Live Q&A

The remaining three members -- frontwoman Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis and guitarist Taylor York -- went on to assure fans that the band's future was not in jeopardy. "We never for a second thought about leaving any of this behind. We really hope that you can be encouraged by the fact that the three of us who are still here are ready to take on another chapter of our journey together. You have always been what keeps us going so why would we stop now?"

Last week, a blog post announcing the Farros' departure began circulating on the Internet. Though that stament claimed to be from the band, the group has since denounced it as a fake. "This is the first time that we have spoken out about what's going on and we wouldn't have released an official statement that important through a personal blog," read the band's official post.

Paramore concluded the statement by thanking their fans and assuring them that 2011 would be a huge year for the band.

"We have some amazing things lined up for next year starting with our tour in South America. We are still coming to you and we are excited about who we are bringing with us!" they wrote. "Thank you for getting us right here to this very moment. We look forward to our best times. And we hope you will go there with us."