Arctic Monkeys have released an official statement about the departure of bassist Andy Nicholson.

As we told you earlier today, Nicholson will not be travelling Stateside with the band because of exhaustion.

Now the official statement confirms this, saying: “Owing to fatigue following an intensive period of touring, Andy Nicholson shall be taking a rest and will not be accompanying Arctic Monkeys on their forthcoming tour of North America.

“Nick O'Malley shall be standing in for Andy on the tour which begins in Vancouver on May 27th.

“We all wish Andy a speedy recovery.”