August 9, 1999 13:18

MUSHROOM TO ROAM

After keeping us in the dark and feeding us with bullshit, [B]Mushroom[/B] has officially quit...

Massive Attack have split with founder member Andrew 'Mushroom' Vowles, following months of speculation over the DJ's future with the group.

Mushroom, who quit touring with Massive Attack shortly after the release of last year's 'Mezzanine' album, officially left the band last week. He will not be replaced.

It is thought he'll now concentrate on producing new music, specifically hip-hop.

Mushroom formed Massive Attack with Grant 'Daddy G' Marshall and graffiti artist Robert '3D' Del Naja in 1987.

The group released three studio albums proper, 1991's 'Blue Lines', 1994's 'Protection' and 'Mezzanine' in 1998.

Following the release of 'Mezzanine', the band said in interviews that they were looking forward to working on solo projects following their promotional duties for the record and many speculated a split was imminent.

Mushroom could not be reached for comment. However, a spokesperson for the band told nme.com: "He's officially left the band, they're continuing but they're not going to replace him."