Arctic Monkeys bassist quits

06/20/2006 2:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Dotmusic

Arctic Monkeys have confirmed the permanent departure of founding bass player Andy Nicholson. Nicholson was replaced by a new bassist on the group's recent tour of America and it has now been confirmed that he will not be returning to the band.

His absence was attributed to "fatigue." However, it now seems that there may have been more serious issues to blame.

In a statement on their official website, the Monkeys explained: "We are sad to tell everyone that Andy is no longer with the band. Nick O'Malley, who stood in for Andy while he was absent from the recent tour of north America, shall carry on playing bass for the remaining shows this summer. We have been mates with Andy for a long time and have been through some amazing things together that no one can take away. We all wish Andy the very best."