"Nuno and Kevin have disengaged."

Satellite Party

That's the word from Perry Farrell on the decision of guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and drummer Kevin Figg to leave his new group, Satellite Party, on the eve of its North American tour and Farrell's Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.

In a post on his band's MySpace blog, Farrell downplayed the moves.

"As is the case with all launched projectiles, parts fall off the back as the rocket climbs toward heaven," Farrell wrote. "Our new members are Nick Perri, and Jordan Plosky."

Farrell describes Perri as an "an exceptional young player" and "an amazing performer," saying the "room was struck by a bolt of lightning" during his audition.

Bettencourt, best known as the cofounder of Boston metal band Extreme, issued a statement to announce his departure from the band.

"I worked with Perry Farrell for over three years on [Satellite Party's debut album] Ultra Payloaded," Bettencourt said. "Although I am very proud of the music and production of Ultra Payloaded, I have always felt uncomfortable with the direction of the lineup and live show. I truly do believe in the songs and music on the album, and I wish Perry Farrell and any musician that remains on tour all the best."