So it has been official that Spice has left Spiritual Beggars. This is
what he himsef has to say:

"It's no secret that we've had difficulties in Beggars through the years,
we've sorted it out and continued. The thought of leaving has been there
for a long time and I actually quit in late 1999 but was talked into coming
back. Becoming a member of The Mushroom River Band was a relief and it
restored my faith in music. Playing in a band with friends for the fun of it was
a real joy. So when something happened this spring that made it impossible
for me to keep on playing with Beggars I didn't hesitate to quit. It was an easy
decision as well as the only possible decision. My choice is to not discuss the
reasons further in media; I guess you all have to wait for my autobiography
which will be out in about 20 years..."

The Mushroom River Band is currently in the studio recording their second full-
length album due out in March 2002. "It'll be a killer album that will speak for
itself. A real rocker!" continues Spice. "Also a European tour is being booked
for April-May 2002. If everything goes as planned it'll be a very good package
with us headlining. That's all I can say at the moment," closes Spice, who now
focuses solely on The Mushroom River Band.