BellX minus 1 as Crosby decides to leave the band

Jim Carrollon music

BELL X1 founding member Brian Crosby has announced that he is quitting the band.

Crosby has decided to concentrate on production and studio activities.

The band will continue as a three-piece and kick off an acoustic tour at Cork's Pavilion on October 21st.

Crosby's departure comes on the back of a very busy 2008 for Bell X1 outside of Ireland. Their current album, Flock, was released in the US in early 2008, and the band have toured there four times this year, most recently supporting Stars last month.

They've also played a number of European shows and festivals, including dates with Nada Surf and Micah P Hinson.

Work is ongoing on a follow-up to Flock, which was released in Ireland and the UK on Universal Music, but the band's long-running relationship with that label ended in early 2007.

That album was released on the Yep Roc indie in the US, while a live album and DVD, Tour de Flockwas released on the band's own BellyUp label last year. There is no firm news on what label will house the next album, slated by the band for release in 2009.

Aside from his work with Bell X1, Crosby has put together The Cake Salealbum for Oxfam Ireland, scored TV and radio shows and produced other acts such as One Day International.

Crosby says he will continue to applaud and support his former band from the sidelines. "It's an extraordinary privilege to be in a band with your mates for more than 15 years and I'm really grateful for everything that I have got to do with Bell X1."

Band frontman Paul Noonan paid tribute to Crosby. "I know his voice will continue to reach people, and I'm sure we'll work together again in some shape or form."

Noonan also confirmed that the band planned to recruit a new member to replace Crosby for live shows.

Electric Picnic makes a play for the early birds

With the list of forthcoming live shows growing by the day, live music promoters will be hoping that the current financial doom and gloom don't stop people going out.

Promoters will especially be hoping that Irish music fans continue to exhibit their fondness for getting their hands on tickets months in advance.

"Early-bird tickets" for Electric Picnic 2009, to be held a week later than usual from September 4th to 6th, go on sale next Friday (October 10).

Tickets are pegged at €199, the same tariff as for last year's festival, but this will doubtless rise when the full consignment of tickets goes on sale in 2009.

State to give it all away

It has been a year of ups and downs for new Irish music magazine State.

Following six outings on the nation's newstands, the magazine is now joining such titles as Analogue, Connectedand Totally Dublinin the free-of-charge zone.

The latest issue of the magazine will be available nationwide from today. Readers can also subscribe for the price of a stamp and envelope or read a digital issue of the mag online.

Issue number seven features interviews with Kings Of Leon, Fight Like Apes, The Blizzards and more.

ETC

• Glasvegas do a spot of DJ-ing at Strictly Handbag's 14th birthday soiree at Dublin's Spy on Oct 27.

• First must-see gig of 2009: David Byrne plays songs written by himself and Brian Eno at Dublin's National Concert Hall (April 6) and Belfast's Waterfront Hall (7)

• Irish indie label Out On A Limb marks five years in the business with a bash at Limerick's Dolan's on Nov 21 with Crayonsmith, Giveamanakick, Hooray For Humans, Ten Past Seven, Rest and Windings.

• OTR hearts Lykke Li. The Swedish popster plays Dublin's Button Factory on Nov 24.

Quote of the week:

"MTV has been well and truly Rickrolled"MTV awards boss Richard Godfrey on Rick Astley getting shortlisted for the Best Act Ever award at next months gong-fest.