Bloc Party bassist takes paternity leave

Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes has temporarily left the band on paternity leave.

Daniel Lindegren, who is a friend of the group, will replace Moakes during the period of absence.

Speaking on the band's official website, the bassist said: "Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to join the boys during the next month or so of touring.

"The reason for this is that my wife is expecting our first baby in a few weeks and after some long hard thinking we all decided, band included, that it was a bit silly for me to be flying round the world at such a critical time in the pregnancy."

He continued: "No-one wants me to wind up in the wrong continent should there be any complications or should the little one decide to put in an early appearance.

"So while the other chaps are jetting around the Pacific Rim, I will be buying the groceries, attending ante-natal classes and generally preparing myself for the cloud of unknown that is becoming a dad."

Lindegren will make his live debut with the band at the Fuji Rock Festival at the end of the month.