Buckethead quits Guns N' Roses

LOS ANGELES, March 30 (UPI) -- Guns N' Roses Tuesday pulled out of the massive Rock in Rio music festival in Lisbon citing guitarist Buckethead's abrupt departure from the band.

Frontman Axl Rose released a statement saying: "Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment -- despite being under contract -- creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence."

Rose added Buckethead's "transient" lifestyle has "made it impossible for even his closest friends to have nearly any form of communication with him whatsoever."

The rocker speculated the guitarist planned to secure a recording contract with Sanctuary Records, the band's record label, quit Guns N' Roses and use his involvement in the upcoming Guns release to promote his individual efforts.

"There is not a member of this camp that is not hurt, upset and ultimately disappointed by this event," Rose wrote.

More than 70 top acts are lined up to perform over the two weekend Rock in Rio fest at Lisbon's Bela Vista Park in May and June.