Does bad news usually arrives in threes? If so, I wouldn't want to be in The Darkness round about now...
Following yesterday's news that the band's singer, Justin Hawkins, had quit the band in an attempt to correct his drug problem, comes word that the remaining three have now been dropped by their label, Atlantic.
Ouch. Talk about being sympathetic.
The band - who plan to continue with bassist Ritchie Edwards on vocals - are yet to make any official statement. Atlantic's decision arrives on the back of much speculation to the same effect, though: rumours of their parting of company have been bubbling ever since the release of the group's under-appreciated second album, One Way Ticket To Hell... and Back.
Coming tomorrow: news that the three remaining members are to recruit Lil' Chris and The Hoff for a 'series' of Christmas shows, starting in Bognor Regis on December 20 and ending in Hull on December 21.