The lead singer of Kasabian, Tom Meighan, is departing the band. Meighan has been its frontman since it first formed in 1997.

A statement on behalf of the group said: "Kasabian have announced today that Tom Meighan is stepping down from the band by mutual consent.

"Tom has struggled with personal issues that have affected his behaviour for quite some time and now wants to concentrate all his energies on getting his life back on track."

The rock band say they won't be commenting further on the matter.

The remaining members of the band are Sergio Pizzorno (guitar, vocals, keyboards, percussion, electronic programming), Chris Edwards (bass) and Ian Matthews (drums, percussion).

The announcement was made via Twitter:

 

Kasabian was founded in 1997 in Leicester. The group have released six albums over their 23-year history. All but one reached the top of the charts.

Lead guitarist Chris Karloff previously departed in 2006 due to "artistic and creative differences".

Tha band had been due to play a huge return gig in their home city last month. However it had to be cancelled due to the current health crisis.