Bradford rock band Ooberman have been ditched by their record company.

Fans have been left reeling after the shock announcement that the London-based Independiente label had decided not to release any more singles or albums by the highly-rated five-piece.

But Ooberman, originally formed by three pupils at Buttershaw Upper School, insisted today that the surprise move was just a blip rather than a fatal blow to their career.

Singer Danny Popplewell said he had been overwhelmed by the backing the band had been given.

"Most people in the music industry are surprised by this and think they've made an error of judgment," he said.

"We've had an amazing level of support from fans and other record labels were in touch as soon as the news was out."

Ooberman have enjoyed a meteoric rise since being formed by Danny and brothers Andy and Steve Flett.

They recruited drummer Alan Kelly and keyboard player Sophie Churney after relocating to Liverpool and were tipped for great things after being picked up by the Transcopic label set up by Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.

Ooberman were then snapped up by Independiente, which also has chart-toppers Travis in its stable.

The band won critical plaudits for their debut album The Magic Treehouse and notched up a string of minor hit singles with Blossoms Falling, Million Suns, Tears From A Willow and Shorley Wall but none quite made the major breakthrough they had hoped for.

Ooberman's official website has been inundated by messages from fans since it became clear that Independiente were unhappy with the band's chart showing.

The band say they will go ahead with all planned gigs despite being dropped by the label.

"We'll just play the festivals as planned, carry on recording songs for the next album and put it out on whichever label makes the best offer," said Danny.

No one at Independiente was available for comment.

e-mail: simon.ashberry@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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