HOT HOT HEAT - GUITARIST LEAVES HOT HOT HEAT

Canadian rockers HOT HOT HEAT are devastated guitarist DANTE DECARO has quit the band.

Decaro confessed he was leaving the group after completing Hot Hot Heat's latest album, the follow-up to last year's (03) MAKE UP THE BREAKDOWN.

The band said in a statement, "Dante has decided to leave Hot Hot Heat. We respect his decision, will miss him and he will always be a friend of the band.

"While Dante made his decision a while ago, he still co-wrote and recorded the new album with us and is as proud of it as we are.

"No decisions have been made as to who will fill the position. For now, we are focusing on wrapping up the new record for release next year (05) and touring as soon as possible."