Top Keighley band Skeletal Family have split for the second time.

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 band was first formed in 1982 and as part of the popular UK Goth scene gained a number one album.

The band split in 1987, but reformed with original members in 2002 including founders Stan Greenwood and Roger "Trotwood" Nowell.

Following membership changes three of the original members -- Stan, Martin Henderson and Karl-Heinz -- continued to play in the 2009 line-up.

The five-piece 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 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.

The Keighley News understand that keyboard player Karl Heinz was the first member to leave, followed by drummer Martin and singer Claire, who recently married.

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.

"I have no intention of leaving a band of which I was a core founder member and have dedicated a large part of my life performing and promoting."

Stan believed both bands could have continued to flourish as they played "completely different" material.

Martin Henderson said the reunion caused a split because of the "underhand" way it was handled.

He said: "From the discussions that followed, several personal gripes came to light and Claire and I decided we could no longer work with certain parties.

"We are still shocked by what has happened, until a few weeks ago we were looking forward to promoting Skeletal Family's finest album to date."

Karl-Heinz said: "There was a lot of tension within the band but I'm not one to bear grudges. I don't wish anyone any ill will whatsoever."

Following the September argument Stan and Anne-Marie recruited fellow founder Skeletal member Trotwood to perform at their reunion concert.

Fans of Anne-Marie -- who had not performed for two decades -- travelled from as far afield as France and Germany.

The new band will perform at the New Variety Club, Keighley, on November 28. Tickets £10 from the Copy Shop, High Street, Keighley.