Special/Blown It - Mansun call it a day

mansun.net reveals today that "the band members came to the decision towards the end of March, agreeing that they each want to move on with their lives, and that the life of the group had come to an end."

Guitarist Dominic Chad says the split is amicable and "we all just want to be able to do other things." He's apologised to the band's "legions of fans" for "whatever disappointment this news may bring" and thanked them for sticking by the band over the years.

Bassist Stove has began a career in speedway racing (!), and drummer Andie Rathbone is happily bringing up his family at his farm near Chester. Lead singer and main songwriter Paul Draper was unavailable for comment, as he's on holiday with no specified date of return.

Mansun released numerous EPs and singles, plus three albums for the Parlophone label.

DiS is unhappy. :-(