Mew have announced they are to part company with their bass player. Details on the split via these statements from the bands website:
Bass Player Johan Wohlert has decided to leave the band that he has been a part of for more than a decade. He leaves Mew as they enjoy their status as the number 1 Rock Band in Denmark and an ever improving profile internationally, with Mew... and the Glass Handed Kites released throughout most of Europe and Asia and a USA release scheduled for this summer.
Johan is due to become a father, and he feels that being a part of a band with those great international ambitions, album recordings abroad, international touring etc. would not be compatible with the fact that he now has to be a part of a family - his own family.
Johans reasons for leaving the band have been fully accepted by Silas, Jonas and Bo and they wish to pass on the following message:
"Dear Frengers,
"We are sad to be announcing today that Johan is no longer a member of Mew. We have had many great experiences together, we practically grew up together, and he will be missed.
"Yes this is sad, but we have to remember the reasons why Johan is leaving: he is going to be a Dad. A new and important chapter begins in his life and we wish him all the best. Bon Voyage Giovanni!
"We have already found a new Bass Player who will play the live shows with us the same way Dr Watts does and all shows will take place as planned. There will however be no new full member of Mew.
"To Frengers everywhere we want to say this: do not worry for the future of Mew. We feel very good at the moment, we are having a great time playing live and we are already writing songs for our new record. We await the future eagerly..."
Johan says:
"To step out of this band is one of the most terrifying things I have done in my entire life, but it is a necessary step because my life has entered a new and important phase.
"I have dedicated most of my adult life to the dream I had with my three very close friends Silas, Jonas and Bo. Mew will always be my band, there is no doubt about that. Sure it wont be the same band without me, but I know it can be something new and exciting. I know that Silas, Jonas and Bo will embrace the new creative challenges with the same musical curiosity and backwards thinking that the band always has.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you out there who have believed in and supported Mew. I am very proud of what we have accomplished; the big concerts, the platinum and gold selling records in Denmark, and the insisting on always doing things in our own way! On top of this I of course feel very privileged and honoured to have experienced the loyal support from Mew fans all over the world. Thank you everyone for making this period in my life so special."
Mew continue their touring and album promotion in Europe and will go to the USA to promote the album in the summer. 'The Zookeeper's Boy' is released as a single in the UK on April 17th.