GUITARIST SCOTT GORHAM SAYS BLACK STAR RIDERS “WOULD BE IN NO DANGER TO CARRY ON WITHOUT [HIM]”

As previously reported, Black Star Riders announced that guitarist Scott Gorham has departed just as they signed a worldwide recording deal with the long-running British independent label Earache Records.

Black Star Riders frontman stated, “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.”

On September 22nd, Gorham posted the following statement on his facebook page:

“As you all are now aware, I have decided to leave Black Star Riders to concentrate on putting Thin Lizzy on the road again next year (which will include Ricky Warwick).

Leaving a close-knit working environment, shared with good friends over eight years is never easy, but I felt that the time was right, especially knowing that Ricky and the band and how great they are, would be in no danger at all to carry on without me. I am certain that they will build on past successes and I look forward to listening to their new album.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of our fans for your fantastic support over the years, we always had a blast touring and being able to shake hands with so many of you in person. Thank you also to all the well-wishers who have posted such great comments on the web — it was very much appreciated.

There has been some speculation regarding the state of my health, so I’d like to let you all know that I am very well…

Regarding Thin Lizzy concerts in 2022 — this is currently in the planning stages and I will make sure to let you know of our progress regarding line-ups and dates.

Once again, I miss you all and thank you all and hopefully see you all very soon.

Alright then… who’s buying?!”

Black Star Riders are not looking to replace Gorham and will remain a four-piece going forwards, with Ricky handling a lot of the guitar parts alongside Christian Martucci, who joined the band after album number three in 2018.