Dregen leaves The Hellacopters after permanent hand injury

Andreas Tyrone Dregen has not played with the band for three years after a pinched hand injury.

"We had all hoped that he would make a full recovery and return to the band at some point, but the incredibly sad reality is that the damage to his fingers is permanent," the band wrote on .

Dregen can still play some guitar, but "it doesn't work on most of our songs anymore," they continue.

The band emphasizes that Dregen, as one of the founders, is still a big part of the band family.

"He has always had many aces up his sleeve and there is no doubt that he will pull out some of them in the near future."