March 12, 2002 10:29

FACTORY CLOSURE Fear Factory Tickets

They call it a day after 12 years...

Metal group Fear Factory have split after 12 years.

Band vocalist Burton C. Bell has issued a statement that claims he has been " unhappy for quite sometime" in terms of the progress of the group, leaving him "creatively restrained".

It states: "On Saturday, March 2nd, 2002, I met with all the members of Fear Factory. At that meeting I announced my personal feelings about the present situation within the band. I have been unhappy for quite sometime both interpersonally, and business wise, and that has rendered me creatively restrained. After extensive deliberation within my self, I decided that the best possible answer I was comfortable with was to leave the band.

"This is not a whimsical advance into the unknown, it is something that I have been thinking about for quite sometime. I have kept my feelings and realisations to myself until it was evident that it was a relationship that was unproductive to me as an artist. This decision was a sudden development to most everyone to whom I am familiar with.

We have experienced many highs, and just as many lows in the span of 12 years, and I do not regret a single moment. I have searched within me, every possible avenue of execution in making this decision and I feel that for me, and my growth as an artist, moving forward is the best possible solution. I would like to extend my wishes to the guys 'the best of luck in their future endeavours'. I will miss the relationship I had with the fans and I want to thank them for their support through all the years."

The group were thought to be working on new material at the time of their split.