In a stunning display of miscommunication, Bloc Party leader singer and rhythm guitarist Kele Okereke believes he may have been fired from the band, or worse, the band is beginning to record new material spoken of back in April without him.
Due to a chance encounter while people watching at lunch in New York, Okereke spotted Bloc Party lead guitarist Russell Lissack walk by while he dined for lunch.
I was actually having lunch about three weeks ago, just here on 8th Avenue and I saw somebody walk past and I recognised the haircut, said Okereke to NME.com during an interview about the incident.
However, Okereke stated Lissack either failed to notice or ignored his greeting and instead walked on by, leaving the singer to follow him.
It was Russell. I was like, ‘Hey!’ but he didn’t see me and I followed him around the corner and then I saw Matt, Gordon and Russell all standing outside this rehearsal space. They all went inside, added Okereke.
Though the band has been on hiatus since the release of their latest single, “One More Chance,” back in August 2009, a lack of a record deal and recording obligations have allowed the band to drift apart to solo or previous musical ventures and endeavors.
For Okereke, the singer released his debut solo album, The Boxer, last year with a follow up EP, The Hunter, set to release Oct. 31.
Although no indication of frustration or internal conflicts in regards to Bloc Party have been reported, Okereke still fears the worst. However, his suspicion and apprehension seems odd, considering the fact that Lissack stated back in April that the band intended to reconvene in September.
I hope I haven’t been fired. I don’t really know what’s going on, because we haven’t really spoken recently and I’m a bit too scared to ask, Okereke said to NME.com