Scott Gorham leaves Black Star Riders
The band have issued a statement
Last updated 21st Sep 2021
Scott Gorham has stepped down from Black Star Riders after eight years and four studio albums.
Black Star Riders issued a statement this evening (20th September) announcing they’ve signed a multi-album worldwide recording deal with Earache Records, and they’re due to hit the studio in Los Angeles in October to commence work on their new studio album with long-term producer Jay Ruston.
The band also confirmed that founder and lead guitarist Scott Gorham won’t be working on the new record as he’s decided to step down from all recording and touring commitments with them.
70-year-old Scott will, however, continue to tour with Thin Lizzy.
Black Star Riders singer, Ricky Warwick, says: “We are very sorry to see Scott go but we discussed a very heavy World touring commitment on the new record and Scott decided he wanted to concentrate just on Thin Lizzy – and being the legend he is none of us can blame him.
“We all wish him the best and he will be looking to put Thin Lizzy back out on the road from 2022 onwards with a busy schedule, so he won’t be missing me too much!”
Black Star Riders have also confirmed that new drummer Zak St. John will replace the departing Chad Szeliga.
Bassist Robert Crane adds: “We have known Zak a while from the LA session scene and I know he will blow everyone away when you see and hear him.”
Black Star Riders will now continue as a four-piece with Ricky Warwick on guitar duties alongside Stone Sour’s Christian Martucci who replaced Damon Johnson in January 2019.
The band will release the as-yet-untitled record in 2023 and support it with a tour.
Christian Martucci says: “We have decided to let the abundance of rescheduled shows in 2022 blow over so we can come back in full force in 2023 without any distractions.
“We can’t wait to see all our fans and followers again after what seems like an eternity off the road and we appreciate no end their continued support and loyalty to BSR.”
Commenting on signing to independent imprint Earache Records, Ricky Warwick says: “We are extremely pleased to announce our new deal with Earache records.
“We had an amazing 8 years with Nuclear Blast and I want to thank everyone there for their commitment and dedication during this time but it was time to part ways and Earache have well and truly stepped up to the plate! We can’t wait to start the new relationship with the great team there.”
Black Star Riders have enjoyed chart success in the UK with all four of their studio albums. 2013’s ‘All Hell Breaks Loose’ peaked at no.25, 2015’s ‘The Killer Instinct’ reached no.13, 2017’s ‘Heavy Fire’ smashed into the Top 10 at no.6, and 2019’s ‘Another State of Grace’ reached no.14.
Black Star Riders were scheduled to headline Stonedead Festival in August put were forced to pull out due to Covid-19 restrictions. A band member later tested positive for the virus, and Uriah Heep were drafted in to replace them.
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Keith Richards statue in Dartford
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