EXCLUSIVE: Superheist Enlist Veteran Bassist Si Durrant Following Member Departures

Superheist have announced that veteran bassist and former member Si Durrant has rejoined the line-up ahead of the band's remaining shows on their 'Scorched Earth' regional tour, following the departure of two of its members earlier this week.

Previous bassist Drew Dedman — who originally took over from Durrant — and drummer Benny Clark both announced at the weekend that they were parting ways with remaining members dw Norton and Ezekiel Ox, the latter of whom, along with Clark, joined the band last year following its reawakening from a 13-year hiatus.

However, Norton and Ox say that, contrary to Clark's statement regarding his departure, the drummer had become "unwilling to fulfil his obligations to the band, and his position was terminated".

"Clark's sacking from Superheist led to Dedman's shock decision to leave the band, ending his five-and-a-half-year tenure with the project," Norton and Ox explained in a statement. "The band thanks him for his service to Superheist over the years."

The loss of two members was somewhat inopportune — the band had only just knocked over the first date on their 'Scorched Earth' run, which is happening in support of last year's full-length, Ghosts Of The Social Dead. The album was co-written by Norton and Ox, achieving a top-20 result on the ARIA Album Chart (#17) and a top-five landing on the indie ladder (#3).

Norton was swift to address any audience qualms regarding the present tour on Instagram, explaining that all shows would be going ahead and that Superheist would front with "a full band" for the remaining shows, which kick off on the Sunshine Coast on 10 February, at The V Room.

To that end, he and Ox have now named Durrant — who also handled vocals for mid-'90s death-metal crew In:Extremis — as the man who will step into Dedman's role. The bassist returns to the band after nearly two decades away, having previously dwelt among its ranks circa the 8 Miles High EP, released in 2000.

"Si is old-school Superheist, dating back to the '90s," Norton said in a statement. "Having him back on board means the world to the band. Hell, he has the Superheist logo tattooed on his calf!"

Fans needn't worry that the time away has left the four-string-slinger out of practice, either, with Durrant having joined Superheist for a wild rendition of their hit Two Faced (Check Your Head Up) in his hometown of Adelaide during their recent 'Don't Call It A Comeback' tour around Australia.

The band will also be padded out by guitarist Keir Gotcher (Insolence, Snot) and keyboard-master Andy Sorenson, both of whom complemented the band on the 'Don't Call It A Comeback' run. A new drummer is set to be announced in the near future.

As further proof that Superheist are set to rise above their member changes and keep their eyes firmly locked on the future, they've announced that a new single, Raise Hell, is on the way. Keep your eyes peeled for its unveiling in the coming weeks.

Along with the Sunny Coast show, Superheist have dates lined up in Brisbane (The Triffid) and Toowoomba (The Spotted Cow). 

For full date, venue and other booking information, see theGuide.