Mick Harvey, one of the founder members of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, announces he is leaving:
"For a variety of personal and professional reasons I have chosen to discontinue my ongoing involvement with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. After 25 years I feel I am leaving the band as it experiences one of its many peaks; in very healthy condition, and with fantastic prospects for the future. I'm confident Nick will continue to be a creative force and that this is the right time to pass on my artistic and managerial role to what has become a tremendous group of people who can support him in his endeavours both musically and organizationally. It was a fantastic experience to finish my touring days in the band with the recent shows in Australia and the unique events that took place in conjunction with All Tomorrow's Parties, especially Mt. Buller, which was one of the many highlights of my involvement with the band throughout the years. I shall continue working on the Bad Seeds back catalogue re-issues project over the coming year and look forward to the new opportunities I shall be able to accommodate as a result of my changed circumstances."
Mick Harvey, 22nd January 2009
www.mickharvey.com
www.myspace.com/mickharvey
Bearing in mind that they've worked together for nigh on 30 years, it seems almost like the announcement of the divorce of a well established and much-loved married couple.
Rumour seems to have it that this actually marks the end of the Bad Seeds, not just Mick's departure.