Pitchfork

Mick Harvey, who has been something like a right-hand man to Nick Cave ever since the pre-Birthday Party band the Boys Next Door, is leaving the Bad Seeds, as Australia's Liveguide reports. His departure marks the end of a musical partnership with Cave that has stretched over two decades.

Harvey, who has also released solo albums and film scores, has already played his last show with the Bad Seeds at the Sydney incarnation of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival, which Cave and the Bad Seeds also curated. In a statement, Harvey cites the eternally vague "variety of personal and professional reasons" for his departure. He also promises to keep working on a batch of Bad Seeds reissues, due in March.

Here's what Harvey has to say about his departure: "After 25 years I feel I am leaving the band as it experiences one of its many peaks; in very healthy condition, and with fantastic prospects for the future. I’m confident Nick will continue to be a creative force and that this is the right time to pass on my artistic and managerial role to what has become a tremendous group of people who can support him in his endeavours both musically and organisationally. It was a fantastic experience to finish my touring days in the band with the recent shows in Australia and the unique events that took place in conjunction with All Tomorrow’s Parties, especially Mt. Buller, which was one of the many highlights of my involvement with the band throughout the years."

Thanks to Brooke Beswick for the tip.