KUALA LUMPUR: Guitarist Joe of rock band Wings is taking a break to focus on his own new music project, Prime Domestic, said frontman Awie.
Awie or Datuk Ahmad Azhar Osman said Joe, whose real name is Abdul Zamin Abdul Kadir, was "pursuing his own activity" with the approval of fellow Wings members.
"We respect his right to take a break as we know he's got some good musical ideas of his own. We hope he'll be back in our line-up someday as he's been an asset to the band," said Awie at Istana Budaya today.
Awie confirmed that Joe had left Wings, adding that the guitarist wanted to take a break from the band’s activities.
He said that the band was now a three-member outfit because Joe was no longer playing in their concerts.
When asked if Wings would lose popularity in the event of Joe's absence, Awie said the band's brand had always been strong.
"Our history proves that Wings remains intact even if its members come and go.
"I've left the band before and later returned and yet Wings stayed strong."
Awie also said that Wings' April concert in Kota Kinabalu would continue without Joe; and guitarist Sham, a former member, would take his place.
"Edrie Hashim will stand in for Joe if Sham can't make it," said Awie.
Joe’s status in the band came under question shortly after Wings was supposed to hold its 30th anniversary concert, themed “Wings 30 Years Live”, at Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, last Dec 24, but it was postponed to April.
That set social media abuzz with talks that Joe was the cause of it, and would be replaced by a guest guitarist.
A day later, Joe’s fellow rock guitarist Edrie Hashim denied that he was replacing the veteran Wings guitarist and insisted that Joe was still with the band.
Edrie had stood in for Joe once in a mini concert last November.
Joe assured fans that Wings members would always remain friends as they strive to iron out their differences amicably and behind closed doors.
Joe's own project band Prime Domestic, was formed in 2009 and comprises Hillary Ang, Ainoll, Aweera Norhisham and Gee.
On Jan 8, Awie told the NST that Wings was “having a small problem” and the band was doing its best to iron it out through discussions.
Awie also told fans not to listen to rumours about his band members getting dropped or leaving.
Wings comprises vocalist Awie, guitarist Joe, drummer Eddie and bassist Black.
Awie was speaking at a press conference to announce the charity concert, 'Konsert Wings Dan Superfriends' which takes place at Istana Budaya at 8.30pm from April 6 to 9.
It aims to raise funds for medical expenses of artistes such as Yazit of Search, and the performers include Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Sahara Yaacob, Datuk Hattan and Datuk M Nasir.
The event is organised by Awie Entertainment.
Tickets are priced between RM80 and RM350. Call: 019-293 2436/019-297 5260.