Steve Forrest Leaves Placebo

Steve Forrest has left Placebo.

The drummer - who joined the 'Pure Morning' group in 2008 - has ''amicably'' departed the band to focus on his own music, and singer BRIAN MOLKO and bassist Stefan Oldsal will now be joined on the road by former Colour of Fire drummer Matt Lunn.

A group statement said: ''The split is very amicable and Steve was keen to pursue his own musical ambitions, and has been writing and recording his own material over the last few years.

''Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal would like to thank Steve for all his work with the band and wish him all the very best in his future career.''

Fans will get their first glimpse of Matt when the group embark on their huge UK and Ireland tour later this month, on which they will be supported by The Mirror Trap.

The 20-date tour begins at the Olympia in Dublin on 25 February and ends with two nights at London's Hammersmith Apollo on 24 and 25 March.

Some fans may already be familiar with the new touring drummer as his former group previously supported Placebo when they toured in 2004.

Matt is the band's fourth drummer, with original sticksman Robert Schultzberg replaced by Steve Hewitt in 1996.

Steve left in 2007 due to ''personal and musical differences''.