Pixies discuss Kim Deal's departure from band in new interview

Pixies recently released their first new material in nine years, following the departure of their long-term bassist and vocalist Kim Deal. Now, currently embarking on a world tour supporting new short-player EP1, they’ve opened up in interview about Deal’s big decision.

“We were at a little coffee shop near the studio ,” frontman Black Francis told Rolling Stone. “Kim walked in at some point and said, ‘I’m flying home tomorrow.’ She quit the band. It was an awkward moment. We didn’t hug or shake hands or anything. Joey and I just stood up and said, ‘Okay.’ Then we had to get out of there, so we immediately went to a bar. I had to move from coffee to alcohol.”

Francis continues to say that it came as bit of a shock, as only days earlier they were simply enjoying each other’s company again. “There weren’t any managers, producers, roadies or anything. I can’t remember the last time we all sat down and had a meal, just the four of us. It was wonderful. We broke bread together, shot the shit and had a nice meal. After the meal, Kim wanted to go back to her lodging, so we all walked her to a cab. Thinking back now, I realize this was her saying goodbye. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I think it was meant to be our last supper.”

What was the reason for Deal leaving then? The band’s manager, Richard Jones explains: ”She just had enough. he didn’t want to do all the things that go with releasing new music, as in all the traveling and touring. She just decided that she wanted to move on.”

You can read the full feature now over at Rolling Stone.