It may not seem like a very auspicious start to a band to have the leader leave after one album, but new British pop act theaudience is determined the show will go on.
Although founding member Billy Reeves is officially no longer part of theaudience, lead singer Sophie Ellis Bextor says the band is not ruling out the possibility of him working with the band in the studios.
'The split was amicable,' said Ellis Bextor over the telephone from London. 'I saw him the other day and all is well but it just wasn't working out. I mean, he's not going to be completely out of the picture. There is still the possibility of him writing for us, but on a practical basis, the touring and stuff . . . he wasn't really enjoying it.' The fact that Reeves suffers from agoraphobia and broke down during a concert at Glastonbury recently did not help matters.
Ellis Bextor herself is not sure how long theaudience will go on being a part of her life. Described by one journalist as a 'liquid Vivien Leigh poured into a Helena Bonham Carter mould', Ellis Bextor is also looking towards other projects in the showbiz world.
She would like to get into acting and perhaps write a book or a screenplay. Having a parent who has been in the business has helped make these dreams accessible.
'I'm only 19; there's a lot more I want to do with my life.' But whatever it is she does, one can be sure that glamour will play a big part. Unlike some of the other grungy-looking bands that have sprung up around the world, Ellis Bextor believes it is a pop star's responsibility to be well turned out.