INCUBUS - INCUBUS DROPS FOUNDING MEMBER

INCUBUS is parting ways with its bass player DIRK LANCE - with the rockers citing "creative differences" as the reason.

BEN KENNEY, former guitarist for the funk hip-hop group THE ROOTS, was chosen to replace him, Incubus announced Friday (04APR03).

Singer BRANDON BOYD says, "We, as a band, would love to express our gratitude towards Dirk for an amazing 12 years of artistry and dedication.

"He was and will remain a valuable asset to the history of this band."

Lance, one of the group's founding members, declined to comment, according to Incubus spokeswoman MELISSA DRAGICH.

She explains, "I think there were just creative differences, irreconcilable differences."

The decision to part ways was reached after the group finished their latest tour in support of the multi-platinum album MORNING VIEW.