Mew bass player Johan Wohlert has announced that he has decided to leave the band, which he has been a member of for over a decade. Nearing the birth of his first child Wohlert says “feels that being a part of a band with those great international ambitions, album recordings abroad, international touring etc. would not be compatible with the fact that he now has to be a part of a family”.

The band have found a replacement bass player to complete planned tour dates in Europe and the USA, though they have stated that do not intend to find a permanent replacement. In a statement issued through their official website (www.mewsite.com) the remaining members of Mew, Jonas Bjerre, Bo Madsen and Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen, said “We have had many great experiences together, we practically grew up together, and he will be missed. A new and important chapter begins in his life and we wish him all the best.”

They also urged fans not to be concerned that this might be the beginning of the end for the band, saying, “We feel very good at the moment, we are having a great time playing live and we are already writing songs for our new record.”

Johan Wolhert also issued his own statement, in which he says “To step out of this band is one of the most terrifying things I have done in my entire life. But it is a necessary step because my life has entered a new and important phase. I have dedicated most of my adult life to the dream I had with my three very close friends Silas, Jonas and Bo. Mew will always be my band.”

Mew will release a new single The Zookeeper’s Boy in the UK on 17th April. A US release of the recent album Mew… And The Glass Handed Kites is planned for this summer.