Black Crowes On Hiatus, Chris Robinson To Go Solo

NEW YORK (Launc/Yahoo) - In the wake of drummer Steve Gorman's departure, the Black Crowes have announced that after 15 years and eight albums, the band is "taking a hiatus," with no time frame put on the break. In a statement today (January 8) from the group's spokesman, it was also revealed that frontman Chris Robinson is pursuing a solo career and that fans should "stay tuned for (guitarist) Rich Robinson's plans."

Gorman confirmed to LAUNCH today that he left the Crowes in December, saying, "It was just time to look into other projects and opportunities. I felt it was time to move on and focus on my own projects. I'm very proud of the music we've made, and now I look forward to going off in my own direction." Gorman, who joined with brothers Chris and Rich Robinson in 1987 in Atlanta, plans to move from New York City to Los Angeles with his wife and young son in order to pursue those opportunities.

Signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings label in 1989, the Crowes hit quickly with their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, a top-five success that sold more than four million copies and launched hits such as "Jealous Again" and a cover of Otis Redding's "Hard To Handle." The Crowes' second album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 1992.

Subsequent albums did not sell as well, but the Crowes remained one of the most active rock bands throughout the '90s, co-headlining both the H.O.R.D.E. and Furthur Festival summer tours, and touring with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page in 1999 and 2000-a union that resulted in the Live At The Greek concert album.

The group has seen several members come and go over the years, including guitarists Jeff Cease and Marc Ford, and bassists Johnny Colt and Sven Pipien.

The Crowes' most recent album is 2001's Lions, which the band supported with an appearance at the South By Southwest music festival and their Tour Of Brotherly Love, an outing with fellow familial bands Oasis and Spacehog.