LONDON, UK  [Friday Mar.18.2005]  /Mix103FM.com/ -- Yesterday Snow Patrol announced it had sacked its bassist and founding member Mark McClelland. The UK-based Daily Record reports that McClelland was surprised by the dismissal and felt it sprung from singer Gary Lightbody's desire for more control of the group. McClelland said, 'It really was a complete and utter surprise to me" and added, 'I didn't see it coming because there was no real indication of these pressures they were talking about."

McClelland says he still doesn't know why he was kicked out of the band. "I went down for a meeting to discuss what I thought was about when we were going to start rehearsing and writing for the new album. And it was just sprung upon me," he said. "I haven't actually been told what it (the reason) is."

During his meeting with Lightbody and drummer Jonny Quinn, McClelland recalled, "Gary said to me: 'We're not getting on. I don't feel I can write music with you in the band and you're going to have to go.' It was as simple as that. I wanted an explanation but there was none forthcoming.'

As to why he was asked to leave Snow Patrol, McClelland said, 'I think Gary wanted more control and less interference. It's a solo effort now because he'll be the only one really contributing."

Meanwhile, a posting by Snow Patrol singer Lightbody the band's official UK/EIRE Web site reads, "This is the hardest decision we have ever had to make, and believe us when we say we didn't make it lightly. It got to the stage that things couldn't go on as they were, so we felt there was no other course of action but this." He added, "We wish Mark all the love and hope for the future."

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