10 December 2003
Newsdesk
Primal Scream bassist Mani is to join Ocean Colour Scene.
A Primal Scream spokesman has confirmed that bass player Damon Minchella, absent on some shows on their recent tour, has left the band for good.
A statement from band manager Chris Cradock on the band's official website reads: "As some of you are aware, for the last four gigs in Ireland, Damon was missing from the line up, the reason being that after the gig at Castlebar he decided that he no longer wanted to be a part of Ocean Colour Scene, evidently this was not a hasty decision but something he had been considering for some time.
"He returned home the next day and the lads continued the tour without him.
Fourteen years is a long time, but OCS goes "Marching On".
"As you know we are supporting Sterephonics at Cardiff Millennium Stadium and December 20 and Mani has agreed to replace Damon for this gig, that will be one to see."
A full time replacement for Damon has not yet been confirmed.
I came across time press release when Mani left The Stone Roses in 1996:
"After much speculation I've decided that it's time to end the Roses saga. I will be joining Primal Scream, who are one of only three other bands I would ever consider joining. I'm absolutely delighted and am relishing the opportunity of playing with Bobby and my friends.
I presume that OCS were one of the other two bands. We now look to the future to find out who the other one is to be.
