Phantom Planet To Go Dark

11/26/08 1:00pm

Phantom Planet — best known for having "California" used as the theme song for television show The O.C. and having actor Jason Schwartzman as their original drummer — won't be known much longer.

Vocalist Alex Greenwald, bassist Sam Farrar, guitarist Darren Robinson and drummer Jeff Conrad will play their final show on Dec. 12.

"This could be the most difficult piece of news we have ever had to post," the group wrote on their website on Tuesday. "Sadly, Phantom Planet will be playing our last show, December 12, at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, the same venue that we played our very first live all ages gig, back in 1994.

"We have had an amazing time playing together for 15 years, but we have officially decided to go on hiatus, and will not be playing any more live shows or making any new records, indefinitely. There is so much more to write, but at this time, we just want to say thank you, to everyone, for their support, friendship, inspiration, attendance, and love."

Phantom Planet formed in Los Angeles and released their Phantom Planet Is Missing debut album in 1998. It was followed by 2002's The Guest (which included "California") and a self-titled third album that came out in 2004.

Schwartzman, an original member of the group, left in the middle of the recording sessions for that LP to focus on his acting career. Conrad replaced him. Guitarist Jacques Brautbar exited following the album's release to pursue a photography career, but wasn't replaced.

Phantom Planet's last album, Raise The Dead, came out in April. The band also put out two DVDs and had their music featured on a variety of compilations and in movies, TV shows and video games. They also appeared in episodes of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and the 2005 movie, Bad News Bears. The band will also be featured in The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz's new show, Rockville, CA.