Yet another local musician is picking up sticks, or in this case his guitar, and heading east. The departure of Marcel Lafleur for Toronto on May 31 will spell changes for at least three bands, as well as a number of side projects that employed the talents of the popular axeman.

“I’m just going back home,” Lafleur told the Straight. “My girl wants to go back, so I’m gonna see what it brings.”

Lafleur’s most visible gig for the last three years has been with the Spitfires. He also plays with boogie kings Midnight Dragon and glam-pop purveyors the BTUs. On Friday (May 30), Lafleur will appear with the Spitfires at the Cobalt. “I leave the next day,” Lafleur continued. “They made sure to book me right to the end.”