Keighley band

Three members left only weeks after the launch of the goth rockers’ latest album.

The split grew out of a row over a present Skeletals’ member playing a separate concert with former members.

The goth-rock band formed in 1982 and gained a number one album, splitting in 1987 but reforming in 2002.

Three of the original members — Stan Greenwood, Martin Henderson and Karl-Heinz — continued to play in the 2009 line-up.

The group — fronted for the past six years by Claire Bannister — released latest album Songs of Love, Hope and Despair in September.

Meanwhile, Stan was preparing for an October 31 reunion gig with Anne-Marie Hurst, the original singer with the Skeletals in the 1980s.

This separate band project was the cause of a row between Skeletal Family members immediately after their album launch gig.

The argument centred on Stan and Anne-Marie’s plans to perform some of the original 1980s Skeletals singles at their reunion. Stan said that following meetings between Skeletal Family members the situation was now stalemate.

He said: “I’m still a member but it remains to be seen if the band will perform/record again.” Martin Henderson said discussions after the launch gig revealed several other personal gripes.

He said: “Claire and I decided we could no longer work with certain parties. We are still shocked by what has happened.” Karl-Heinz, who also left, said: “There was a lot of tension within the band but I’m not one to bear grudges.”