The Killers bassist to take a break from touring

The Killers’ summer plans may include a handful of summer music festivals, but don’t expect to see the full lineup at all those dates. On Tuesday (May 24), the band released a statement announcing that longtime bassist Mark Stoermer would no longer be joining the group on tour. While at first it sounds like Stoermer had left the Las Vegas four-piece, the group has reassured fans that it’s not a departure, but more of a hiatus.

In the press release the group sent exclusively to Alternative Nation, they explain that Stoermer is still very much involved with the band’s still-in-the-works fifth studio album. In addition to that they tease that fans shouldn’t be “surprised if you see him on stage from time to time.” Read the band’s statement below.

“Mark has decided to take a break from The Killers touring—but don’t be surprised if you see him on stage from time to time. Everyone supports Mark’s decision to take a break to pursue other educational goals and releasing a solo album. The four of us continue to work on our fifth studio album together, and we’re all excited about the new songs we’re writing. More to come…”

A few publications like NME and GigWise are speculating that American singer-songwriter Jake Blanton may replace Stoermer on tour. Blanton previously filled in for the bassist back in 2013 when Stoermer was unable to play the shows in the far east.

Watch Footage from the George Harrison Tribute Concert

It feels as if September 2014 has been a month dedicated to the late and former Beatle, George Harrison.

It all began with Capitol Records revealing plans to re-release Harrison’s first six record and never-before-released material in a box set titled, George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-1975 which was released last week.

After that, plans were revealed for a one-night tribute concert to take place at the end of the month, last night in Los Angeles to honor Harrison.

Then, not to be outdone, Conan O’Brien dedicated last week to Harrison with all his guest performers including Beck, Norah Jones, and Harrison’s son Dhani, playing tracks from the late Beatle.

Last night, George Fest hit L.A.’s  El Rey Theatre with a long list of performers which included previously confirmed acts such as Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd, Spoon’s Britt Daniel, Brian Wilson, “Weird” Al Yankovic, The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and Mark Stoermer, members of The Strokes, Weezer and Norah Jones.

Watch some of the videos directly from the concert.

Brian Wilson– “My Sweet Lord”:

“Weird” Al Yankovich– “What is Life”:

Conan O’Brien– “Old Brown Shoe”:

Brandon Flowers– “Got My Mind Set on You”:

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club– “Art of Dying”:

A hundred percent of the profits from “George Fest” will be donated to Sweet Relief, a charity that offers financial assistance to struggling musicians.