They never said this was going to be easy...

Hi everyone, unfortunately we have to announce that we have had to dismiss Ashley Cleaver as Sapphire Lane's drummer due to commitment and attendance issues. The decision came after last nights gig at The Greyhound in Beeston where Ash told us when we were at the venue, and when he was supposed to be at the venue, that he was at home still and could not make it to the gig - this came after him telling me twice that day that he could definitely make it to the gig with kit and all. This is not the first time we have had issues such as this - because he is such a good drummer we even threw the 3 strikes and you are out thing out of the window but decided at 5 strikes it was several too many times for us and venues to be let down.

Fortunately I (Lewis) played drums last night after having to run around and get a kit together. I think that I and the whole band did a astounding job considering we had just been knocked back by the events of a drummer no-show and the fact that we had never rehearsed as a 4 piece with me on drums before - other than little jams when we were waiting for the aforementioned drummer to arrive at practices and gigs. I would like to say well done to the band for managing to play a whole set with only one guitar and my animal, from the Muppets, like drumming. Also thanks to the people that came to the gig for their support of the band in such a situation.

Another thank you to Zac and Sam Hill for playing a bleedin awesome opening set with myself and Mr. G. Not bad to say we put it together in the space of a week I suppose! You guys really are legends!

On a final note we would like to thank Ashley for his time in the band and then energy that he did bring to the band. It is a real shame that it had to come to this as he is a great drummer but if someone can't be relied on to get to gigs and practices then I think being in a band should be left aside until they know that they can get places. Thanks for the laughs and the good gigs that we did play, good luck with your future and I hope that you enjoy whatever musical things you go on to do.

Thanks everyone, more will be posted at www.sapphirelanemusic.com later today

Lewis