Morrissey's bassist on compassionate leave
Rocker MORRISSEY's long-term bassist SOLOMON WALKER is on "compassionate leave" from the band.
The musician was replaced onstage in Hannover, Germany on Wednesday night (05Nov14) by former The Breeders star Mando Lopez, and fans were not told of the reason for the new line-up.
The sudden move, which came after the Suedehead hitmaker axed three gigs across France and Switzerland due to illness, sparked speculation Walker had departed following a backstage bust-up.
However, Morrissey has now reached out to tell his followers the bassist is on a period of leave from the group.
In a statement, the singer writes, "Following the recent predictable attacks of influenza, both the team and I were ecstatic at last night's reception at Hannover. We are very grateful to the crowd for such a huge boost, and we are thrilled to resume what has (sneezes aside) been a triumphant tour... Bass player Solomon is on 'compassionate leave', and our new bass player is Mando Lopez, to whom we are instantly indebted."