Not long after ex-Smiths member Andy Rourke suddenly broke all ties with the supergroup, the remaining members of Manchester bass playing collective Freebass have confirmed the band have split up before the release of their first album.
Former Stone Roses bassist Mani has made any behind the scenes tensions very public this afternoon, and has lambasted Joy Division/New Order’s Peter Hook for ‘living off Ian Curtis’ blood money’, and has also slated the record the trio had been working on. “Three things visible from space, Great Wall Of China, Peter Hook’s wallet stuffed with Ian Curtis’ blood money, Man City’s empty trophy cabinet!” he wrote. “I’ve actually got an ongoing career, so I don’t feel the need to exploit my past glories. I exist in the here and the now.”
Later Mani, currently with Primal Scream, also dismissed Freebass’ forthcoming debut, saying it belongs in the ‘bargain bin’: “It’s where it belongs mate, in the fucking bargain bin before it’s even released. You live and learn.”
Freebass released a more carefully-worded statement to NME announcing their demise, which said ‘recent events have made Freebass entirely unviable as a band and, with this in mind, it has been decided that the project should be shelved, rather than placed on hiatus while members pursue their other interests.’
If you’re still interested in Freebass’ album following Mani’s ringing endorsement, the record is due to hit shelves on September 20th.