Pixies have confirmed that their guitarist Joey Santiago has entered rehab.

The band are set to release new album ‘Head Carrier’ on September 30. It follows on from the band’s 2014 comeback LP ‘Indie Cindy’.

Ahead of the release, Santiago (pictured above, left) has checked in to a rehabilitation centre “for at least 30 days to treat his alcohol and drug issues”, according to a statement on the band’s official website.


“This is the best thing that Joey could have done, and we’re very proud that he’s taken this step,” says drummer David Lovering in the statement. “We ask all of our fans to support Joey while he’s on this road to recovery.”

The statement continues that “while the Pixies fully intend to tour the UK and Europe this November and December, Santiago’s time in rehab will affect some of the band’s planned promotional activities to support their new album”.

‘Head Carrier’ was recorded with Royal Blood producer Tom Dalgety. Frontman Black Francis recently compared the album to 1989’s ‘Doolittle’, saying: “It’s got a bit of early Pixies slosh in it.”

Pixies will play the following UK live dates:

Brixton O2 Academy (November 28-29, December 6)

Leeds O2 Academy (30)

Glasgow Barrowland (December 2)

Newcastle O2 Academy (3)

Manchester O2 Apollo (4)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena (7)

Birmingham O2 Academy (8)

