Mick Harvey leaves Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

After much speculation on the state of the relationship between Bad Seeds guitarist Mick Harvey and singer nick Cave, Harvey has announced his departure from the band.

Harvey issued a statement saying, "For a variety of personal and professional reasons I have chosen to discontinue my ongoing involvement with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds,

"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 organizationally,

"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."

Harvey was an original member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and also worked with Cave in the 70s and early 80s in The Birthday Party.

He has had numerous side projects, including composing scores for a number of films.

He will continue to work on the reissues of Bad Seeds album in 2009.