September 4, 2008 14:59

Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Reverend supergroup cancel shows

But Mongrel reveal album release date

Mongrel, the supergroup featuring members of Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles and Reverend And The Makers, have cancelled all previously scheduled live dates.

The band had previously been set to play at the London Scala (November 5), the Sheffield Academy (9) and the Dublin Academy (11). In a statement the band said they plan to reschedule the shows soon.

Mongrel have, however, revealed that they will release their debut album, 'Better Than Heavy', on October 22.

In a statement band leader Jon 'The Reverend' McClure said that the gig cancellations were the result of scheduling conflicts between band members.

He added: "The thing that makes this project so amazing is also the thing that at this moment and time is preventing us from making these shows happen.

"The people involved in this project are some of my best friends, they are also in some of the busiest bands in this country. Including myself."

Mongrel is comprised of Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders, his former bandmate Andy Nicholson, Babyshambles' Drew McConnell, Reverend And The Makers' Jon McClure and Joe Moskow and rapper Lowkey.

See next week's NME, out September 10, for an exclusive in-the-studio report from the band about their album.