Alessandro Cortini, keyboard player for NINE INCH NAILS, has announced that he is leaving the band to concentrate on his own projects. Read his statement and watch Trent Reznor’s speech video…
“It’s been exactly four years since I joined NINE INCH NAILS and the time has come for me to move onto new things. I feel a need to explore other paths in music and life which leads me to leave the tour at this stage. I am grateful of the chance i was given: it doesn’t happen every day to be able to work next to some of the most talented people on this planet. Trent and Co. have been aware of this decision of mine for a while now and are prepared to take the band to the next step. Thanks to all the fans who welcomed me at the beginning of my journey and supported me through the years: I hope to see you around here or there.”

NINE INCH NAILS mainman Trent Reznor revealed at the band’s December 13, 2008 concert in Las Vegas that the group will hit the road in Australia in January as a four-piece. (See video footage of Trent Reznor’s speech video here.)

NINE INCH NAILS has tapped LOSTPROPHETS’ Ilan Rubin to handle the drum duties for the group on the road beginning in early 2009.