Charlotte Hatherley has quit Ash after nine years with the band " but insists the split is "amicable".
Ash formed in 1992 as a three-piece, but Charlotte brought them up to four when she joined in 1997. A statement from the band said: "After nine years Ash and Charlotte Hatherley have mutually agreed to part company. The decision is completely amicable and they wish each other the very best for the future."
But there was some good news for Ash fans: "Ash are returning to the studio later this year to make the follow up to 2004's Meltdown album. Charlotte is currently recording tracks for her second solo album which she plans to release in the autumn this year."
'JH'