NME News

Exclusive - Arctic Monkeys lose a member

Star out on eve of North American tour

Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson is out of the band for their forthcoming tour.

The group are expected to tour North America later this month and throughout June without the bassist.

"Owing to fatigue following an intensive period of touring, Andy Nicholson shall be taking a rest and will not be accompanying Arctic Monkeys on their forthcoming tour of North America," the band explained in a statement.

They added: "Nick O'Malley shall be standing in for Andy on the tour which begins in Vancouver on May 27th. We all wish Andy a speedy recovery."

The band are due to return to Europe in July for festivals, including T In The Park (July 9).

Also this summer there’s a planned visit to Australia and Japan, before coming back to play the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals at the end of August.

Stay tuned to NME.COM for the latest developments.

Arctic Monkeys tickets:

Date / Time	Artist	Venue	Town/City	Buy
Nov 13, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Liverpool Echo Arena	Liverpool	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seatwave
Nov 14, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Sheffield Arena	Sheffield	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seatwave
Nov 16, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Newcastle Metro Radio Arena	Newcastle	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seatwave
Nov 17, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Wembley Arena	London	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seetickets
Nov 18, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Wembley Arena	London	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seetickets
Nov 20, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	National Indoor Arena	Birmingham	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seatwave
Nov 21, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Manchester Evening News Arena	Manchester	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seetickets
Nov 22, 2009 19:30	Arctic Monkeys	Trent Fm Arena	Nottingham	Buy Arctic Monkeys tickets from Seetickets