Guns N’ Roses members Richard Fortus and Dizzy Reed have announced their exit from The Dead Daisies to be part of "a momentous project in 2016."
The move fuels further speculation about the longtime players’ participation in GNR’s reunion tour, which to date has only confirmed the involvement of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan.
Keyboardist Reed has been in the GNR lineup since 1990, while guitarist Fortus has been on board since 2002.
Guns N’ Roses will launch the reunion run with a pair of shows at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 8 and April 9 – just two days after the venue’s opening on April 6.
The band will then headline Coachella on April 16 and 23 as part of the two-weekend event.
Former Whitesnake and Dio guitarist Doug Aldrich has taken Fortus’ spot in The Dead Daisies as they begin work on a new album in Nashville with producer Marti Fredericksen.
Aldrich joins singer John Corabi, guitarist David Lowy, bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Brian Tichy in the group.
"I'm very, very happy to join my friends Marco, Brian, John and David in the next chapter of the Dead Daisies,” says Aldrich. “I love the band and I'm looking forward to getting busy on the new record.
"This band is bringing back a raw, back to the bones sound that a lot of groups go for but the Dead Daisies are looking to nail. At this point in time, we are looking to have a kick-ass rock'n'roll album in the can by spring 2016."
"When we started speaking about finding someone to replace me, the first suggestion I had was Doug Aldrich,” adds Fortus. “It doesn't get any better than Doug in my book. I am so happy that he is able and willing to step in and take over.
"I think that it will elevate the band to the next level. Thanks to everyone that has supported the Daisies over the last couple of years. Stay tuned to see what they come up with next. I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
See also:
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