Photo: WENN.com

Pixies frontman Black Francis has denied allegations of a rift surrounding bassist Kim Deal's exit from the band.

In an interview with The Times, Francis stated that all rumours of ill feeling were unsubstantiated.

"There's never really been a lot of drama in this band," he said. "We've traditionally got along much better than people think. There's never been any punch-ups."

Kim Deal exited the band in June after 25 years on and off as their bassist. At the time, the remaining Pixies said they were "sad" about Deal's decision to leave. They then replaced her with another Kim - Kim Shattuck, formerly of The Muffs and The Pandoras.

Listen to The Pixies' full set from iTunes Festival 2013 below

Francis praised Shattuck when asked how she was fitting in, saying: "She's really happy to be here. She's been doing music for as long as we have, maybe a bit longer. She's committed to the lifestyle. And she's excited."

The alternative rockers played the iTunes festival on Wednesday night, making it Shattuck's first UK performance. Read our review of the gig here. 

Below: The Pixies live at Brixton Academy