Fans were ecstatic to learn earlier this year that Nine Inch Nails would be making their return. Headman Trent Reznor first informed the public of his decision to reunite the band back in February, and last month he made it official by admitting that he had been working long and hard in the studio on a brand new album, which will hit stores in September.
Unfortunately, fans received a bit of bad news that hasn't spoiled the industrial rock band's return, but has certainly cast a shadow over what would otherwise be an elated reunion. Guitarist Adrian Belew has announced that his collaboration with Nine Inch Nails "didn't work" and that he will be leaving the band before they launch their worldwide summer tour.
Reznor previously stated that Belew played an integral role in the band's reunion, so the guitarist's recent decision to back out comes as a shock. "I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas... which led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be," Reznor said.
Belew's decision was not influenced by band politics, but rather a strong desire to focus on his solo project, FLUX. He even stated his deep respect for Reznor upon his departure. He informed the masses by posting on Facebook, "concerning me being part of the 2013 Nine Inch Nails band: it didn't work."
Although Belew is backing out of the band's massive tour circuit, he will be featured on the upcoming album, Hesitation Marks, which will hit stores on September 3 via Columbia Records.
Belew isn't the only member to back out before the daunting summer tour. Bassist Eric Avery also left, claiming that he felt "overwhelmed" by the ambitious tour schedule.
Luckily, that doesn't mean Reznor and remaining members will be not be gracing stages across the globe this summer. There's plenty of Nine Inch Nails on the horizon, so no need to pout.