Keane to split up after 16 years

London: English alternative rock group Keane are splitting up after 16 years, it has been announced.

The band is comprised of Tim Rice-Oxley, Jesse Quin, Tom Chaplin and Richard Hughes. Lead singer Chaplin wants to go solo and the band`s upcoming greatest hits album The Very Best of Keane will be their final release, reported Digital Spy online. A spokesman for the band confirmed, "Keane are taking a break after the Best Of to pursue their own projects." The four, however, are said to remain close friends and want to go out on a high. Keane`s Ivor Novello-winning main songwriter Rice-Oxley is now planning to collaborate with other popstars, having already worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue and Gwen Stefani. It was recently reported that Lily Allen will cover their 2004 hit `Somewhere Only We Know` for this year`s John Lewis Christmas advert.