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Ben Folds Five breaks up
After releasing three albums over its six-year run as a band, the misleadingly named, piano-driven trio Ben Folds Five is breaking up. The amicable split came about because the band’s members felt the act had run its course and wanted to pursue other interests, band manager Alan Womark announced.
"The band is splitting on good terms," pianist-singer Ben Folds said in a statement. "We are very proud of our three albums, our little hit and our audience. Now it is time to bow out with dignity rather than to make that final 'cash-in' record and tour which, of course, is very tempting."
Folds, who lives in Australia, is recording a new record with producer Ben Grosse that is scheduled for release on Epic Records next spring. A new Folds track titled "Lonely Christmas Eve" appears on the soundtrack CD for the film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which is due in stores on Tuesday (11/7). In addition, another Folds song titled "Wandering" will be in the forthcoming independent film "100 Girls."
Drummer Darren Jessee is assembling a band and has been playing his own new material on the New York club circuit for the past year, according to Ben Folds Five’s publicist.
Bassist Robert Sledge is currently putting together a new group and is producing bands in his Chapel Hill, N.C., studio. Sledge has toured with ex-Squirrel Nut Zippers member Tom Maxwell and his band the Minor Drag.
