Paul Barker has left Ministry

http://www.roadrun.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18390



Barker told MTV.com that he plans to produce other groups and write music on his own.

"I wanna make big, ugly, heavy music because that's what I love," he said. "But it's pop music. It has verses and choruses. It's not abstract and experimental."

As previously reported, MINISTRY have hired John Monte (ex-MIND FUNK, M.O.D.) to replace Barker, and they're in the studio in Tornillo, Texas, working on the follow-up to 2003's "Animositisomina", titled "Houses of the Molé". A late spring release through Sanctuary Records is expected.

But I was sworn to secrecy.

There's been some interesting discussions about this over at the Ministry fansite http://www.prongs.org/ministry/

There also a really cool 5 minute video of Al working in the studio on the new record, including a clip of him playing a big white Rickenbacher bass were he says something like, "History in the making after 18 years of Barker playing bass....yadda, yadda."

I saw Al and Paul on the bus when they were in town last tour and everything seemed cool. Guess that Paul had been considering dropping out of the band for some time. Then, while the band was in Helsinki, finishing up the European Tour, Paul's dad died, and he couldn't be there. That sealed the deal for him. He decided to quit so that he could spend more time in Austin, which is where he lives now.

But, his priorities have understandibly changed.

Best of luck to Paul, and a new Ministry disc in the spring.

I used to tour manage M.O.D.(Life with Billy Milano...never, ever, ever dull...sheesh). It's real nice to see Johnny getting a gig with some legs. He's a great kid.

Sure hope he's up for Life with Al...;-)

He's still Al, but without the drugs. That's if you don't included copious amounts of wine and cigarettes.

He's remarried and living on the West Coast now. Seemed really happy last time I saw him.

Life with Al. I should write a book. ;-)

Last time I saw them play live, here in Boston(2-3 years ago?), I was smoking a cig out by the tour bus, and saw him being carried out of the gig.