East 17 - East 17 Regroup Without Frontman Brian Harvey

The House of Love hitmakers were a huge success in the 1990s, but after a string of controversies, including Harvey advocating drug use, the band split in 1999.

They reunited in 2006, however a bust-up ended their tour and they broke up again.

Bandmates Harvey, Tony Mortimer, John Hendy and Terry Coldwell decided to regroup last year (10), but insist Harvey had to be axed from the line-up after failing to commit to planned gigs and rehearsals.

The three original members have now hired newcomer Blair Dreelan to join the line-up and they are planning gigs for July (11).

A statement on the band's Facebook.com page reads, "Friends! Time to set the record straight as you have all been asking!! East 17 were ready to get back out there, Brian didn't turn up to rehearsals, studio (sic) and was cancelling gigs before we even had a chance to do them! Brian was destroying any chance for success again as a band so we had to make a decision, not only for us but for you "The Fans"!!! We wish Brian all the luck in his future. Much Love For Our Supporters."