I guess this is the reason we haven't heard whether or not Patrick is going to stay with The Vines - Patrick hasn't decided. Oh well, the article is sounding positive about the new album though .

http://www.nme.com/news/112436.htm


VINES BACK IN THE STUDIO

THE VINES have begun the follow up to ‘WINNING DAYS’ – the first time the band have been in a studio since frontman CRAIG NICHOLLS was diagnosed with neurobiological disorder Aspergers Syndrome late last year.

According to a statement posted on the band’s website, the group are currently recording in a Sydney studio with Australian producer Wayne Connolly and are “sounding brilliant.”

“Craig is in a great frame of mind and is healthier than he’s ever been,” the statement continues. “The band will demo 13 new songs which are sounding brilliant – mainly heavy, poppy and melodic plus two amazing acoustic numbers. The band are genuinely excited about being back together in the studio and can’t wait to see what comes out. Thanks so much to each every Vines fan who has been patient and understanding above and beyond the call of duty.”

However, there is doubt over whether bassist Patrick Matthews is still a member of the band. Matthews is currently on tour with his other band Youth Group, supporting The Music on a series of dates around the UK.

Speaking with Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph yesterday (May 22), drummer Hamish Rosser said he “didn’t know” if Matthews would return to Australia to be part of the recording sessions.

“I want (Patrick) to continue playing in The Vines, but I don’t know what his decision will be,” he said.

Rosser went on to say he had “always had faith” in Nicholl’s songwriting, adding; “it’s the one thing he does better than most people.”

“I’m committed to The Vines, and it is my first priority – but with (Nicholl’s condition) there’s not much of a touring future for us,” he said. “I’ve heard a good deal of (the songs for the new record) and it’s going to be a killer album.”

Yeah, I just read that on NME too. Hmm, I'm still really hoping that Pat will decide to join the band once again and come in the studio with them.
I'm glad that it sounds like Craig's really doing well, though and writing great stuff And I loved the thing about them thanking fans for being so patient hee hee...

I've read that article too and I must say the part about Patrick's leaving disturbed me. Not in the sense of The Vines losing an awesome bass player (well, that too, but it's not the point). The point is the following:



Craig is definitely not to blame for his condition (and it's not like there is any kind of treatment available for Asperger's... or is there?)
Craig needs more support from Patrick and the other members of the band, and it seems like Patrick is just turning his back on him, which is, to put it bluntly, nothing but a treachery on his part.



btw I'm positive that the new album is gonna kick ass!

its understandable if Patrick leaves, especially if he only gets paid for live performances. Youth Group seems like a better band for him right now. But, I still don't want to see him leave.

Hey! So it's only filthy lucre that counts?!!

money...pfffft

Well he needs to make a living. That's not fair to condemn someone for that. I wouldn't blame Patrick for leaving, it sucks but it's understandable.

A person can say that money shouldn't matter all they want and that would be nice, but the fact is it does. The $60 000 I owe on student loans thus far sure as hell matters to me, though I wish it didn't.

money...

"If a man runs after money, he's money-mad; if he keeps it, he's a capitalist; if he spends it, he's a playboy; if he doesn't get it, he's a loser; if he doesn't try to get it, he lacks ambition. If he gets it without working for it he's a parasite; and if he accumulates it after a lifetime of hard work, people call him a fool who never got anything out of life."
(Vic Oliver)

If patrick doesn't stay with the vines I would be definately sad about it but I would understand that becuase he seems really into Youth Group and it would be hard from him to up and leave that band if he is making a living doing it and enjoying touring with them. but I would think it would be harder to leave the vines after all these years.

well whatever happens it sure seems as though the album is coming along great and I'm so happy for them. And it's wonderful that Craig is doing so well and sounds happy I am so very excited about them being back in the studio I bet this album is going to be amazing, Craig is such a great songwriter and they play amazing together.

My thoughts exactly. You usually beat me to it on things like this, we think a lot alike it seems.

I agree

yeah you know you're right
Patrick should stay with the vines and starve to death on the street

Money doesn't matter at all. Patrick can feed on idiotic fans at gigs.

NOOOOO!!!! The Vines isn't the Vines without Patrick....

if patrick left.. then craig would be the only "original" member... this doesnt have to do with anything.. i was just saying

cannot be. OMG I realise I love Patrick so much! I love Vines bass now (in the 2 albums released)

geesh it would really suck bad arse if pat went.
it just wouldnt be the same after all.

im 100% sure that the album is gonna KICK MAJOR ASS!!! cant wait til it comes out!

im so desperate on listening to more vines....im even starting to shiver....

noooooooooo that would be so sad. he has to stay in!

Well. Pat's busy with Youth Group. Since The Vines arn't going to be doing much touring I'm glad he has a side project. Pattrick will record his bass parts soon enough. We shoudn't worry about it, Pat said The Vines are his first priority and I don't think he's lying.

you know the fact they wont be touring doesnt bother me because they will do gigs in sydney which is sweeeeeeeettttt.......... more vines for me.

Yeah, I used to get all finicky about how they'd spend more time away from their home city than actually in it. *pouts* What? Just 'cos I'm greedy!!

Above all else, I think Patrick's happiness is more important than anything else. Band members come and go - unfortunate but true. Happy and healthy Craig, Patrick, Ryan and Hamish is all that matters.

i just cant wait till the 3rd album