Black Crowes comment on departed members

The Black Crowes have released a pointed statement in regards to recently departed members Eddie Hawrysch and Marc Ford. The statement reads, "Although we were very disappointed with the timing and method in which we were notified of the situation by Marc's attorney, we remain fully supportive of both Marc and Ed's efforts at sustaining sobriety and are sincerely hopeful that they enjoy a healthy and peaceful future." Ford left the group just before they went back on tour last week, reportedly because he was worried about his sobriety, but this is the first official mention that Hawrysch's absence is also related to substance abuse issues.

According to the band's manager Pete Angelus, Ford announced his resignation from the group by having his attorney send a fax to the band's office. The statement said the guitarist was immediately terminating his contract with the group, but Angelus claimed that was a violation of their deal, because Ford was required to give 12 weeks' notice.

The Black Crowes, with new keyboardist Rob Clores and fill-in guitarist Paul Stacey, have a gig at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, New York, on Wednesday, September 13th.