MARK LANEGAN - LANEGAN LEAVES QUEENS TOUR

Rocker MARK LANEGAN has left QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's American tour, prompting rumours of a bust-up with frontman JOSH HOMME.

Fans were surprised to find Lanegan on the tour line-up, because he reportedly quit the band after their last road trip, the SONGS FOR THE DEAF TOUR, to focus on his burgeoning solo career.

Sources suggest a clash with Homme may be the real reason for his sudden departure - but the band insist he is suffering from exhaustion.

A statement released on Monday (4APR05) reads, "Mark Lanegan is taking a brief sabbatical from the ongoing Queens tour due to exhaustion.

"The band would like to wish a speedy recovery, so that he can return back to the touring Queens circus ASAP. Josh and Mark have already been in discussions to figure out when Mark will be able to return.

"And finally the band stresses that all other rumours regarding this subject should be written down, burned and pushed into your eyes so that you are unable to find your water cooler/sewing circle."