2009-08-13 03:15:01 -

Cult British rockers THE VERVE have split again with bandmates reportedly accusing frontman RICHARD ASHCROFT of using a 2007 reunion to bolster his own solo career.
It marks the third time the group has called it quits in its 19-year history.
A

source tells Britain's Mirror newspaper that guitarist Nick McCabe and bassist Simon Jones haven’t spoken to Ashcroft for a year.
The insider says, "As far as Nick and Simon are concerned The Verve no longer exists. They think Richard was just using the reunion as a vehicle to get his solo career on track." Reports suggest McCabe's wild ways almost ended the group's most recent reunion before it started, with Ashcroft refusing to work with his bandmates again unless the guitarist quit drinking.
In a 2008 WENN interview, Jones admitted he had a small drinking problem too, confessing he has to be careful how much he sups before live shows.
He said, "I have to time it right. I'm on to my second pint. I've had one to calm the nerves because it's just like pure adrenalin and you need something to bring you down a little bit." According to the reports, Jones and McCabe have already formed a new band called the Black Ships with drummer Mig Shallice and Goldfrapp violinist Davide Rossi.