Wilco multi-instrumentalist Leroy Bach has left the band, according to a post on the group's official Web site. The site gives no reason for the departure, but his exit comes as the Chicago-based combo is completing the follow-up 2002's acclaimed "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."
It is unknown exactly when Bach left the group, although he is known to have contributed to upcoming album. "We'll all miss working with him and of course wish him the best in what comes next," reads the post.
A source close to the band says it was Bach's decision to leave, and that a replacement has not yet been named. Bach first recorded with Wilco on 1999's "Summer Teeth" (Reprise) and was named an official member of the group prior to the release of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," Wilco's first for Nonesuch Records.
Prior to joining Wilco, Bach played with Chicago punk act the Dishes, and later was a member of instrumental rock group 5ive Style. Bach also performed on Liz Phair's 1999 album "whitechocolatespaceegg" (Capitol).
Since the band released its 1995 Reprise debut, Wilco has essentially turned into a revolving door of musicians. Leader Jeff Tweedy and bassist Jon Stirratt are the only founding members who remain with the group today.
Before recording "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," the group fired longtime drummer Ken Coomer in favor of Glenn Kotche. Later, the band parted ways with Jay Bennett, the multi-instrumentalist largely credited with pushing Wilco away from its alt-country roots and into a more pop direction. Bennett's much-ballyhooed exodus is chronicled in last year's documentary "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart."
As for Wilco's forthcoming album, which will also feature contributions from multi-instrumentalist Mikael Jorgensen, the site promises more news in the "coming days." As previously reported, the band has been in New York working with producer/Sonic Youth member Jim O'Rourke, who was also a part of the "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" sessions, and engineer Chris Shaw, who is best know for his work on Bob Dylan's "Love and Theft."
The set is expected to be released in late spring or early summer.
It is unknown exactly when Bach left the group, although he is known to have contributed to upcoming album. "We'll all miss working with him and of course wish him the best in what comes next," reads the post.
A source close to the band says it was Bach's decision to leave, and that a replacement has not yet been named. Bach first recorded with Wilco on 1999's "Summer Teeth" (Reprise) and was named an official member of the group prior to the release of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," Wilco's first for Nonesuch Records.
Prior to joining Wilco, Bach played with Chicago punk act the Dishes, and later was a member of instrumental rock group 5ive Style. Bach also performed on Liz Phair's 1999 album "whitechocolatespaceegg" (Capitol).
Since the band released its 1995 Reprise debut, Wilco has essentially turned into a revolving door of musicians. Leader Jeff Tweedy and bassist Jon Stirratt are the only founding members who remain with the group today.
Before recording "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," the group fired longtime drummer Ken Coomer in favor of Glenn Kotche. Later, the band parted ways with Jay Bennett, the multi-instrumentalist largely credited with pushing Wilco away from its alt-country roots and into a more pop direction. Bennett's much-ballyhooed exodus is chronicled in last year's documentary "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart."
As for Wilco's forthcoming album, which will also feature contributions from multi-instrumentalist Mikael Jorgensen, the site promises more news in the "coming days." As previously reported, the band has been in New York working with producer/Sonic Youth member Jim O'Rourke, who was also a part of the "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" sessions, and engineer Chris Shaw, who is best know for his work on Bob Dylan's "Love and Theft."
The set is expected to be released in late spring or early summer.
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