Big Hit (1995)
The momentum, progress, and optimism built up around Ebbhead was slowly eroded by the group's (very expensive) three years recording the follow-up album, Big Hit. Drummers were sacked, producers changed, and more. During this period, a schism between Harris and McCarthy began to develop. The group took far too long, and then failed to deliver the album required to elevate them to the level that was promised.
The subsequent world tour saw a new live set-up with Harris on bass, McCarthy on guitar, Jason Payne on drums, and John Napier on guitar and percussion. While still an energetic and involving live act, the shows didn't seem to benefit from either real instruments or more musicians on stage, and the arresting visual dynamics of past tours were compromised in favor of a traditional set up. The Nitzer Ebb machine ground to a halt toward the end of the Big Hit tour—final dates were advertised then canceled. Although the group never officially split, McCarthy and Harris both went their separate ways. However, the door was effectively left open for Harris and McCarthy to reactivate the band in the future if their differences could be resolved.
Read more about this topic: Nitzer Ebb