News: Press release says The Funky Bunch to return without Marky Mark

Filed under "great moments in press release history", news is now breaking that the group that redefined what it meant to be funky (oh my God, we totally just wrote that) is getting their act back together, though in less a form than expected.

Under the name The Funk Bs, returning original members Scott "Great Scott" Ross, Hector "HB" Barros, Terry "DJ -T" Yancy have recruited new rappers Jaime "Avalanche" Haage, Lola "LB" Frazier, Chad "Dragon" Penney, Dawayne "DJ Rareform" Branco and Michael "Yung Piff" Wilder to launch their comeback.

And despite Wahlberg insisting in October he wanted to reform the group because he "missed performing with the guys", the rapper-turned-actor will not be included in the new line-up.

Funk B star Ross says, "Hector, Terry, and I have had the opportunity to do many wonderful things in and outside of the music industry since the days of (hit single) 'Good Vibrations'. We always knew that we would do another musical venture together. This year it felt like it was the right time to return. The music on our new CD represents the best in world music and the newest members add a great sound and new look to our product!"

The band is scheduled to hit the road this summer in support of their new album. Their first single "She Said" is slated for release on May 20.

We can't say for sure how we feel about not having Wahlberg rejoin the group, but we can make the case that any shlub with an ounce of karaoke skill could probably fill the shoes, albeit minus the showing of boxer briefs part.  Also, we totally want to know what Mark's nickname was, as it seems like everyone had basically come up with their own superhero-like alter ego.  We don't think "Marky Mark" fits that bill.

(mp3)    The White Stripes - There's No Home For You Here

Godspeed!