Future of The Killers in doubt as bassist sits out Asian tour

The Killers appear to be on the verge of splitting up following news suggesting bassist Mark Stoermer has quit the band.

The former philosophy student pulled out of the Asia leg of the group's Battle Born world tour due to "personal reasons" at the end of last month (Sep13), and now bandmate Ronnie Vanucci has hinted the rockers might not continue without him.

Speaking backstage to the NME after a recent gig in Hong Kong, Vanucci said, "I don't want to blow the top on it. Being part of this machine is physical and mentally exhausting."

And asked if the band would carry on without Stoermer if the rumors of his departure are true, he added: "I'd hope we'd keep trucking on. But at the same time, it isn't the same band."

The group has pulled out of a planned performance at the annual Bridge School Benefit in California, scheduled for later this month (26Oct13), and guitarist Dave Keuning has also made it clear that he is sick of touring.

The rockers have become one of the world's top live groups in recent years, selling out venues like the Hollywood Bowl and headlining leading festivals, but Keuning admits he's tired of life on the road.

He tells the NME, "I am sick of this. I'm done. The end is in sight. Some people might go, 'Why are you complaining?' But you haven't done what I have done, so you can't relate. We just toured a s**tload."

Meanwhile, the band has a greatest hits package set for release next month (Nov13) and frontman Brandon Flowers has announced plans to record another solo album once the Battle Born tour is over.

The band has yet to release an official statement about Stoermer's reasons for sitting out the tour dates or its future.