Bad stuff - Death Cab pull dates, HHH guitarist quits

Death Cab For Cutie have cancelled their European tourdates, including all the big ol' tour supports with Blink 182, due to Ben Gibbard having to undergo surgery to have a cyst removed from his leg. Gross. He's been ordered that he'll need time off to recover. Get well soon, fella.

In other Bad Stuff news, Hot Hot Heat have lost their guitarist Dante Decaro down the back of a sofa. How careless. OK, so he's left the band. No real reason has been given. The band have posted on their website: "No decisions have been made as to who will fill the position. For now, we are focusing on wrapping up the new record for release next year and touring as soon as possible."

Their third album is out on Warners potentially as early as November. The rumour mill also suggests of another band signing to Warners - oh, that'll be the other band mentioned above. Watch this space...