Within Temptation's rhythm guitarist Robert Westerholt and frontwoman Sharon den Adel had their third child, a son, earlier this year. With the band touring extensively behind its latest release, 'The Unforgiving,' Westerholt has decided to step away from the road in order to focus on the couple's children and help create future Within Temptation projects.

Adel and Westerholt released this statement on their official website: "To be able to fulfill the needs of our children but just as much the needs of the band for now and also in the future, we decided Robert will step down from touring live (except for the occasional show)." It goes on to say, "With this change we can give stability to our children and from the home studio Robert will have more time writing new music and developing new creative ideas for the live show, the comic and future movies."

Westerholt will be replaced for a number of shows by a close friend of the band, Stefan Helleblad. "Stefan has been working with the band behind the scenes for some years. As a sound engineer, he was involved in the production of our latest three records."

Adel and Westerholt's statement stays positive and reassures fans that this is a good move for Within Temptation as a whole. "So, this is not a goodbye but a new step, or actually two steps in a very exciting new and inspiring time for our band."

Westerholt was still touring with the band when Loudwire attended the group's recent New York City show. Check out our review of the concert here.

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