Third Eye Blind [ tickets ] guitarist Kevin Cadogan [ tickets ] has been fired, according to a spokesman for the band's label. The split--and confirmation that the band's former guitarist, Tony Fredianelli, will replace Cadogan for the band's upcoming tour--was announced in a brief press release issued by Elektra Records.

''The members of Third Eye Blind and former member Kevin Cadogan have parted ways,'' said today's (1/27) announcement. ''Brad Hargreaves, Stephan Jenkins and Aron Salazar wish him every success. Third Eye Blind welcomes back their former guitarist, Tony Fredianelli, who will be performing with the group on their upcoming 'Dragons & Astronauts' tour. Tony Fredianelli has performed on such Third Eye Blind recordings as 'Semi-Charmed Life.'''

Fredianelli began his new duties with Third Eye Blind on last night's (1/26) ''Tonight Show.''

Cadogan joined the band in 1995 and played his final show with the group earlier this week at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. He shared songwriting credits with Jenkins on 10 of 14 songs from Third Eye Blind's multi-platinum self-titled 1997 debut, which yielded hits such as ''Graduate,'' ''How's It Going To Be,'' and ''Semi-Charmed Life.''

A posting on Cadogan's official website offered his side of the dismissal. ''The rumors are true; Kevin was fired. Brad Hargreaves informed Kevin he is no longer to work with the group and Stephen Jenkins flew off on a private jet leaving Kevin stranded in Salt Lake City. They even removed his Bio and photo from the official website. Go take a look..We will be working on this site to keep you informed of events as soon as Kevin returns from L.A. Keep your fingers crossed for a positive resolution for Kevin and 3EB.''

No official explanation from either camp has been given for the lead guitarist's firing, but a quote attributed to Cadogan on the top of his official web page suggested that the dispute might be about finances. ''..I've always been about the music never the money,'' Cadogan is quoted as saying to a friend.

Third Eye Blind issued their sophomore album, ''Blue,'' in November. Though a tour is planned, an itinerary has yet to surface.