NATALIE MERCHANT has announced her departure from 10,000 Maniacs after 12 years with the band. Referring to the decision in an official statement, the singer stressed that, "No irrational or explosive event brought it about - only a desire for change and a need for growth.

"I first met the others when I was 16. We began simply as a group of friends from a small town in America searching for a way to entertain ourselves and never expecting it to go beyond that. To our surprise, we slowly became professional musicians with an audience of millions. But people do grow in different directions."

The communiqué finished with Merchant reiterating that, "there is no ill-will between us. I wish everyone all the best in both their private and professional lives. This is a natural passage for which I've prepared."

A spokesperson for the rest of 10,000 Maniacs said they'd yet to decide on their future plans but added, "I'd be most surprised if they don't remain together is some shape or form."