Pixies’ Joey Santiago checks into rehab

Pixies have issued a statement announcing that lead guitarist Joey Santiago has checked himself into rehab.

As a result, the group will no longer be playing this year’s BBC Radio 6 Music Live event. They still play to tour the UK & Europe in November and December, following the release of new album ‘Head Carrier’ on 30th September.

A full statement reads:

“Today, Pixies’ Black Francis, David Lovering and Paz Lenchantin confirmed that the band’s lead guitarist Joey Santiago has checked into a rehabilitation center for at least 30 days to treat his alcohol and drug issues.

“This is the best thing that Joey could have done, and we’re very proud that he’s taken this step,” said the band’s David Lovering. “We ask all of our fans to support Joey while he’s on this road to recovery.”

While the Pixies fully intend to tour the UK and Europe this November and December, Santiago’s time in rehab will affect some of the band’s planned promotional activities to support their new album Head Carrier, due out September 30.”