Freebass initially formed as a star-studded collaboration between three of Britain's most noted bassists: Peter Hook (ex-Joy Division/ex-New Order), Mani (Primal Scream/ex-Stone Roses) and Andy Rourke (ex-Smiths). The trio later added Gary Briggs as a full-time singer. Now, according to a message posted on the group's official website, Rourke has left the group. (He's also not included in the band's recent press photos, like the one above.)
By the sound of things, the split was logistical rather than personal, as the message reads, "Andy Rourke was initially involved in the conception of the group and contributed to the EP and a few tracks on the LP. He is now living in NYC and will not be joining the band for live dates."
The group's EP, Two Worlds Collide, was recorded before Briggs joined, and features guest vocalists Pete Wylie, Tim Burgess (the Charlatans) and Howard Marks. The ten-song LP, It's a Beautiful Life, followed in the spring. Both collections are available as digital downloads from FAC51 The Haçienda. There are also remixes by DJ Arthur Baker.
Currently, the band only have one show booked, at the British Music Experience museum in London's O2 Arena.
By the sound of things, the split was logistical rather than personal, as the message reads, "Andy Rourke was initially involved in the conception of the group and contributed to the EP and a few tracks on the LP. He is now living in NYC and will not be joining the band for live dates."
The group's EP, Two Worlds Collide, was recorded before Briggs joined, and features guest vocalists Pete Wylie, Tim Burgess (the Charlatans) and Howard Marks. The ten-song LP, It's a Beautiful Life, followed in the spring. Both collections are available as digital downloads from FAC51 The Haçienda. There are also remixes by DJ Arthur Baker.
Currently, the band only have one show booked, at the British Music Experience museum in London's O2 Arena.