Fans and Band Members Shocked as Glasvegas Drummer Caroline McKay Quits

Scottish Alternative Rock band Glasvegas was dealt a hard blow right in the middle of recording their second album when drummer Caroline McKay abruptly quit the band, reports Scotland's Daily Record.

Glasvegas was set to begin recording the follow-up to their hugely successful self titled debut album in Los Angeles when Caroline made the announcement to her fellow band mates on Monday and reportedly flew back to Scotland soon after.

The group has kept mum since Caroline left about the circumstances that led to her departure, but front man James Allan made it clear McKay was not fired and this was her decision to leave the group. In a statement released through the bands record label Columbia Records, "We are really sad Caroline has decided to leave as she is one of the coolest drummers around.But we respect her decision and say goodbye with all our love and luck."

Inside sources close to the group have told the Daily Record Caroline had her reasons for walking away from the band that made her a star, including her extreme stage freight. The sources also said it was unclear if she planned to stay in the music business or venture into other interests. An insider with The Razz said, "She left. She was not pushed. I don't know if she's been unhappy for a while or whether it was a recent decision. I do know the band are all gutted to lose her as they are all very close."

Since Glasvegas hasn't started recording the follow-up album yet Caroline leaving the band should not affect the production schedule while the band decides whether to replace her or not. Glasvegas formed in 2003 in Glasgow, Scotland and quickly became popular in the alternative rock scene by playing hard rock shows across the UK. Caroline was spotted by lead singer James Allan while working in Glasgow vintage shop Mr Benn. Even though she had never played drums before James helped to shape Caroline into the driving force of the band.

Many fans have suggested the band would be better off without Caroline, but other musicians, such as Jon McClure of Reverend And The Makers, jumped to her defense by saying, "I was furious when I heard someone suggest the band would be better off without her. Caroline is the coolest woman in rock."

Over the years Caroline has consistently ranked No.10 in the NME Cool List and seemed content with her new life as a rock star and has spoken about the bond between the band, which has made her decision to leave even harder for fans to understand.