U.N.K.L.E split

In a decision that is “mutual and amicable”, U.N.K.L.E mainstay Richard File has departed the band to concentrate on his new group, We Fell to Earth.

With James Lavelle and co. about to land in Australia for Big Day Out, File’s replacement has been announced as South lead singer Joel Cadbury.

File has been an integral part of the U.N.K.L.E story for over a decade, forming the Unklesounds DJ project with Lavelle in 2001. He also co-produced and lent his vocals to 2003’s Never, Never, Land and last year’s War Stories.

U.N.K.L.E’s Big Day Out set-up will now be captained by Lavelle and the Mo Wax-signed Cadbury. They’re joined onstage by Gavin Clark of Clayhill and Matt and Mike of Baltimore’s Big In Japan.