Black Star Riders have announced the departure of bass player Marco Mendoza after the band’s current US tour (ending June 22), and the arrival of new bassist Robbie Crane.
Marco, a founding member of Black Star Riders, has decided to pursue other projects after potential conflicts in schedules.
His replacement will be Robbie Crane (formerly of Ratt, Vince Neil and Lynch Mob).
“I loved my time in Black Star Riders and want to thank all the fans for making the last year on road so successful,” says Maendoza. “I am sorry to be leaving the band but I feel it’s time for me to pursue other avenues, some of which I have already been working with, all of which I am very excited about. I wish the guys all success in the future and I am very happy that my friend Robbie Crane will continue to blaze with BSR.”
Mendoza appears on “So U”, the newly-released solo album by Journey guitarist Neal Schon.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Black Star Riders family,” says Crane. “As a long time fan of their music, I am thrilled to be a part of the band.”
“I am very sad to see Marco go,” says guitarist Scott Gorham. “We have been together in a band now for almost 20 years and Marco is my brother and we wish him well for the future. It’s an amicable parting of ways and we all respect that Marco wants to do other projects outside of Black Star Riders and there just isn’t time to do both.”
“Marco will always be part of the BSR family and a true friend of ours,” adds singer Ricky Warwick. “We are very happy to introduce Robbie Crane to everyone as the new BSR bass player. The guy killed the audition and we can’t wait to get on stage with him on our Euro run starting mid July and then, of course, in the studio in the Autumn for the recording of the second Black Star Riders Record.”
Black Star Riders are currently playing shows on a US tour and will begin a series of European dates in Holmfirth, UK on July 18.
See also:
Black Star Riders announce more US dates
Black Star Riders announce more US dates
Black Star Riders working on new music
Black Star Riders announce first US dates
Search Black Star Riders at hennemusic
