Mick Harvey, one of the founding members of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, has announced his decision to leave the group.

The multi-instrumentalist (not pictured) said in a statement that he wanted to embark on “new opportunities”.

“For a variety of personal and professional reasons I have chosen to discontinue my ongoing involvement with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds,” he said.

“After 25 years I feel I am leaving the band as it experiences one of its many peaks; in very healthy condition, and with fantastic prospects for the future.”

Harvey, who was born in Victoria, Australia, met Cave and The Bad Seeds drummer, Phil Calvert, at school in Melbourne.

Since their formation in 1983, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have enjoyed widespread critical acclaim, most recently with their 2008 album 'Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!'.

In his statement, Harvey added that he would continue to work on an upcoming reissue of the band's back catalogue.

(by Jason Gregory)