The Courteeners Statement

'We're sad to say that, due to mutual agreement, we've parted ways with Mark. We'd like to thank him for all the good times over the years & we wish him all the best in the future.
We are a close-knit family here and we will always be so with your continued love and support. Our good friend and long time collaborator Joe Cross will be on bass duties with us for the foreseeable future. Now get down the front and help us make these buildings shake.
Big love, Courteeners We Stand x'

This is the official statement that The Courteeners released today, in which it is revealed that bassist Mark Cuppello is leaving the band as part of a 'mutual agreement'. Liam's housemate - Joe - will be performing with the band on what seems to be a permanent basis. This has caused a lot of heartbreak for any fans, however some are disgusted at the decision. It has been suggested that Mark has perhaps been asked to leave the band rather than this being his decision. Facebooker, Tom Crossland, has commented on the status made by The Courteeners saying, 'A mutual agreement isn't sacking your mate and replacing them with your housemate Liam.' - a statement which many of the fans seem to agree with, and are outraged by the fact that Liam could be making a huge mistake that could have major repercussions for the future of the band.

Personally, I'm absolutely gutted that Mark is leaving the band - as I always am when a member leaves a group; it almost seems like the end of an era. However, I'd like to think that it's the beginning of a new chapter for the band. I'm just praying that Joe is able to fill Mark's role sufficiently so that the music and live performances aren't affected! I think that IF what is rumoured, with regards to Liam kicking Mark out, is true, then that's just poor quality friendship skills on Liam's part and Mark deserves better. I hope that when I go to see the band perform live in December that they are as good as when I saw them perform at V Fest; and I also hope that The Courteeners career will continue to flourish, despite the change in dynamics.

Let me know in the comments section what you think of the statement and the situation in general!

Thanks for reading!

Bethan xx