After several successful gigs with their revised 2001 lineup, electronic-influenced rock band Lumiere have announced that drummer Ai has now left the band. Her decision to leave, apparently owing to "musical and ideological differences", follows the departure of singer Shelley and bassist Toshi earlier in the year. The band has already obtained a temporary drummer for its upcoming dates in June (they play the Hope & Anchor in Islington on June 9th and the 144 venue in Charing Cross Road on June 30th), and are currently looking for a new bassist and drummer.
The band also recently took part in a live webchat, in which the band members hinted that they had been working on some side-projects, one of which will feature Shelley Hannan, who has continued to be involved in the band's artistic and ideological vision since ill health forced him to retire as Lumiere's singer. A transcript of the webchat is available on the band's website, along with all the latest news updates.