Arctic Monkeys bassist leaves band

Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson has left the band.

The remaining three members have issued a statement via the official website stating that the founding member has now departed.

“We are sad to tell everyone that Andy is no longer with the band," they wrote. “Nick O’Malley, who stood in for Andy while he was absent from the recent tour of north America, shall carry on playing bass for the remaining shows this summer.

“We have been mates with Andy for a long time and have been through some amazing things together that no one can take away. We all wish Andy the very best.”

As previously reported, Nicholson's absence on Arctic Monkeys’ recent American tour was blamed on “fatigue” at the time.

Stay tuned to NME.COM for further developments.

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