Pixies have gotten some great buzz for what they have released so far from their upcoming album, Head Carrier. While their 2014 album Indie Cindy, which was the band’s first album since 1991, was greeted with a lukewarm reception at best, Head Carrier seems to hold more promise. However, the promotion of the album in the lead up to its Sept. 30 release has hit an unfortunate speed bump: Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago has checked himself into rehab.
One of the more influential guitarists of his generation, Santiago will spend at least 30 days in rehab for drug and alcohol issues. The band has released the following statement on their website:
“Today, Pixies’ Black Francis, David Lovering and Paz Lenchantin confirmed that the band’s lead guitarist Joey Santiago has checked into a rehabilitation center for at least 30 days to treat his alcohol and drug issues.
“This is the best thing that Joey could have done, and we’re very proud that he’s taken this step,” said the band’s David Lovering. “We ask all of our fans to support Joey while he’s on this road to recovery.”
While the Pixies fully intend to tour the UK and Europe this November and December, Santiago’s time in rehab will affect some of the band’s planned promotional activities to support their new album Head Carrier, due out Sept. 30.”
This is a shame, but obviously it’s far more important for Santiago to get well, for his sake and the long-term health of the band. Hopefully he can come out of this healthy and happy to join his bandmates again soon.
(h/t Stereogum)
