The Yorkshire-formed group shared the line-up change in a statement on social media, explaining that the decision came despite their best intentions and attempts to preserve the dynamic within the group.
Sam Macintyre, who originally started as the band’s guitarist before shifting to bass, shares close family ties with his bandmates. He is the brother of lead vocalist Becca Bottomley, who performs under her married name, and drummer Josh Macintyre. The group’s current touring and recording lineup also features guitarist Jack Bottomley, who is married to Becca. With the latest departure altering a family-centric formation that has existed since their formation in 2007, fans and industry observers are tracking what comes next for the Bingley-born outfit.
The parting of ways arrives shortly after a high-profile summer and autumn for the band, which included playing major live dates and festival slots at Download Festival, 2000Trees, and an opening slot supporting Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro for their massive headline show at London’s Finsbury Park alongside acts like Don Broco, Nothing But Thieves, and Wavves. These performances marked a prominent return to touring following the May release of their third studio album, CO.WAR.DICE, which arrived eight years after their sophomore record.
Addressing followers on Instagram, Becca, Josh, and Jack confirmed the separation while the band was taking a scheduled break. According to the band’s statement, “We’re taking the time, while on a little break, to inform you that we have parted ways with Sam Macintyre due to the relationship becoming unworkable despite our best intentions and attempts.” The remaining members added that the move was made in the best interests of everyone involved.
The Long Road Back to the Studio
The lineup shift comes just months after Marmozets opened up about the intensive personal and creative process required to reunite after nearly a decade away from releasing new music. Their latest full-length record, CO.WAR.DICE, dropped on May 22, following their celebrated 2014 debut The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets and their 2018 sophomore effort Knowing What You Know Now. In interviews leading up to the album’s release, the band discussed the initial friction and emotional hurdles of stepping back into the studio together after living separate lives for years.
Reflecting on the recording sessions that began in December prior to the album rollout, Becca described how time apart had changed them, noting that they had to learn how to communicate again while prioritizing family bonds. “We’d all been living our own lives. We went to record last December and there were some real moments. You forget how one another are, but we always come together and put family first to sort stuff out,” she stated in earlier press interviews. She added that the reconciliation process ultimately brought a sense of freedom and healing to the large extended family of Bottomleys and Macintyres, who span multiple siblings and relatives.
What Lies Ahead for Marmozets
The band concluded their update by thanking supporters for their ongoing patience and dedication, telling fans, “Thank you for all the love and support and we’ll see you soon.”
Related reading