The Pixies have once again replaced their bassist, as Paz Lenchantin has exited the group and been replaced by Emma Richardson.
The group announced the news on social media, writing that Lenchantin had "exited the band to concentrate on her own projects." The statement added, "We're grateful for Paz's many contributions, and wish her all the very best going forward."
UPDATE (3/4, 1:00 p.m. ET): Despite Pixies' statement that Lenchantin left the band to focus on her own work, the bassist has suggested that she was let go. She told Rolling Stone, "It has been a dream of dreams these past 10 years to have been accepted as a Pixie by the band and by fans and an honor to have contributed to the Pixies legacy. My departure is a bit of a surprise to me as it is to many, but it looks like they have a solid plan figured out which in turn has pushed me to move onwards onto new projects that I am excited about."
New recruit Richardson will join the Pixies on their European tour, starting Friday (March 8). It's unclear if Richardson is a full-blown member or simply a temporary fill-in. This is presumably the same Emma Richardson who played bass in blues rockers Band of Skulls.
Paz Lenchantin has played in the Pixies for a decade, since 2014. She replaced Kim Shattuck, who was briefly a member after replacing original bassist Kim Deal.