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The Beta Band Split

added 03 August 2004 at 09.33

After eight years and three critically acclaimed albums the Beta Band have decided to call it a day. Following the critically acclaimed release of this year’s ‘Heroes To Zeros’ LP, the Scots four-piece will disband but not before a farewell tour this autumn.

A statement from the band reads: “All good things must come to an end. And so it is that after eight years of creating consistently innovative music, releasing three critically acclaimed albums and staging some legendary live shows, The Beta Band have decided to call it a day.

”And they’re going out on a high. This year’s album, ‘Heroes To Zeros’, met with universal acclaim and is set to be their biggest seller to date. A fitting end to a career that the band would agree has had its highs and lows…

“Steve Mason, Richard Greentree, John Maclean and Robin Jones made an immediate impact with their debut release and the resulting compilation ‘The Three EPs’. With their no formula approach to music making, a shared interest in film and art and a desire to push the envelope in terms of their music and live performance, the group continued to puzzle and delight with the release of their debut album, an album which despite the band’s own misgivings was hailed by critics as one of the year’s most important releases.

“Sadly, eight years of hard work and critical acclaim but little return in terms of commercial success inevitably takes its toll and a group decision was made to finally lay the band to rest.

“The minority is always right,” Steve Mason explains cryptically. “I left the room with silent dignity but caught my foot on the mat, and a thousand, thousand slimy things lived on, and so did I. This is adding insult to injuries. By the way, who’s your fat friend?

“The Beta Band apple has over rippened (sic) and become riddled with maggots,” Richard Greentree adds. “It must fall from the tree and let it’s seeds return to ground. Sincere thanks to everyone who has helped us along the way, see you in the Spring.

“All four members will continue to work in music and the arts. Steve and Richard continue to work on their solo albums and a new King Biscuit Time album from Steve is currently in the finishing stages. John, who directed many of the band’s videos and along with Robin was responsible for writing and directing the videos for ‘Assessment’ and ‘Out-Side’, will continue his film work whilst keeping his foot in the musical door. The same can be said for Robin who’ll also divide his time between his twin loves, film and music.

“The Beta Band would like to thank all those who’ve supported them throughout their career.”

As a reult, the band have pulled out of a scheduled appearance in their native Scotland following their announcement of a split. They will now no longer perform at the T On The Fringe event at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange (August 24). Refunds will be available from point of purchase.

The Beta Band will, however, bid farewell with a UK tour in the autumn with dates to be announced shortly. Meanwhile Parlophone are preparing for the release of a DVD featuring a collection of videos and film work made by the band and scheduled for release in 2005.

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