London-based indie-rockers the Mystery Jets have parted ways with their bassist and back-up vocalist Kai Fish.
The band formed in 2004 and have since put out four studio albums – with their fifth 'Radlands', set to hit shelves later this month on April 30th. But, their after many happy years together, it was the recording of 'Radlands' which contributed to and eventually led to Fish's split – a move which Fish said was the 'hardest thing I've ever done.'
Fish told NME: “It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I sat down with the guys and said, 'I'm finding being in the band really hard, but I'll try my best to carry on.' And I did, but feelings just don't go away…”
There's also been a statement from the band regarding Fish's departure on the band's official website, which reads: “You may have noticed the addition of two new members to the Jets show, Mr Matt Parks on the pedal steel and Peter Cochrane on the bass guitar – yes, the bass guitar. Since the beginning of the year Kai has decided to go separate ways from the band, focusing his time and energy on raising his beautiful baby girl Odessa and writing music for solo and collaborative projects.
“The departure has been an emotional one for all of us involved but also a very amicable one, Brother Fish will always be a best of friend and a Mystery Jet. This ending has bought in its wake a new beginning too, a new line up, a new era, and we are all thrilled with how Radlands has been shaping up when played loud in tiny clubs.”
Despite the news, the band will continue to tour the country and will resume their UK tour in Cardiff next Wednesday. Mystery Jets 2012 UK Tour Dates are as follows:
Apr 11th - The Gate, Cardiff
Apr 12th - Arts Centre, Norwich
Apr 14th - Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
Apr 15th - Stoke Sugarmill
Apr 16th - Queens Social Club, Sheffield
Apr 18th - Bullingdon, Oxford
Apr 19th – Forum, Tunbridge Wells
Apr 20th - Cambridge Junction
Apr 21st - Moles, Bath
May 18th - O2 Brixton Academy, London
