not really a surprise since he wasn't even on the band's pics but... http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2010/08/07/freebass-andy-rourke-peter-hook-mani/
And then there were two: Andy Rourke of The Smiths is no longer involved with the Manchester-based triple-bass supergroup Freebass, which also features Peter Hook of New Order and Gary “Mani” Mounfield of The Stone Roses, according to a note posted on the band’s website.
The band’s official site now lists Hook, Mani and Haven singer Gary Briggs as the band’s sole core members, noting that, “Andy Rourke was initially involved in the conception of the group and contributed to the EP and a few tracks on the LP. He is now living in NYC and will not be joining the band for live dates.”
The news isn’t much of a surprise, given that Rourke — who DJs and has a weekly radio show on New York’s East Village Radio — didn’t perform with Freebass during the band’s debut run of U.K. dates this summer, nor is he featured in the group’s promo photos.
After years of discussing the project and recording with various singers, Hook earlier this year released both Freebass’ debut EP, Two Worlds Collide, and the band’s first full-length, It’s a Beautiful Life, digitally. The EP will be released on CD next week.
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