I was forced out, says Ocean Colour Scene's Damon.
Byline: CHARLOTTE WARD Showbiz EditorOCEAN Colour Scene star Damon Minchella has been forced out of the group after a mystery punch-up.
The bassist lost a front tooth in a backstage 'incident' and walked out on the Birmingham band's unplugged tour in Ireland.
In an exclusive interview, he says that he cannot go into more detail because legal proceedings could follow.
Minchella says that he flew back home to let things cool down after suffering the injury.
But he was then shocked to discover a message posted on the group's official website claiming he had quit for good.
The founder member of the top-selling band said: 'While we were playing Castlebar last month, I lost a tooth during what I can only describe as 'an incident'.
'I decided to fly home to sort my tooth out but I had every intention of continuing to work with the band. I even sent them a message saying I wasn't going to quit.
'Then, while I was in Belfast playing with Paul Weller, my wife called me to say there was a message from our manager on the website, saying I'd left the band.
'I was completely shocked. I was under the impression that we all got on really well.
Although I wish them the best for the future, I do feel very let down.
'They have obviously decided collectively that they no longer want me in the band -and it was very upsetting to find that out through the website.'
The message informing fans of his departure was posted on the official OCS website last week and suggested that the bass player had left because of musical differences.
Band manager Chris Cradock, father of guitarist Steve, wrote: 'As some of you are aware, for the last four gigs in Ireland, Damon was missing from the line-up.
'The reason being that after the gig at Castlebar he decided that he no longer wanted to be part of Ocean Colour Scene.'
He said Mani from Primal Scream would replace Damon when the band supports Stereophonics at Cardiff Millennium Stadium on December 20.
Damon will go on tour next year with his own band The Players - formed with Paul Weller drummer Steve White, former Style Council keyboardsman Mick Talbot and guitarist Aziz Ibrahim.
CAPTION(S):
BACKSTAGE INCIDENT: Damon Minchella, left, and with the rest of Ocean Colour Scene
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| Publication: | Sunday Mercury (Birmingham, England) |
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| Date: | Dec 14, 2003 |
| Words: | 393 |
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