Arctic Monkeys have released a statement explaining that bassist Andy Nicholson won't appear on the band's upcoming US tour. All indications are that it's a temporary measure, but that hasn't stopped media speculation that the band are "burning out" in the wake of their meteoric rise.
The statement read: "Owing to fatigue following an intensive period of touring, Andy Nicholson shall be taking a rest and will not be accompanying Arctic Monkeys on their forthcoming tour of North America. Nick O'Malley [formerly of The Dodgems] shall be standing in for Andy on the tour which begins in Vancouver on May 27th. We all wish Andy a speedy recovery."
The band are hoping that their bassist will recover in time for European festival dates this summer and gigs in Australia and Japan in August.