Guitarist quit Black Crowes for health reasons

For Marc Ford, maintaining his health was more important than being a member of the Black Crowes. Earlier this week, Crowes manager Pete Angelus announced that Ford had quit the group via fax, just before their fall tour started, and without giving the required 12 weeks' notice. According to his publicist, however, Ford had no choice but to leave the group before something bad happened. The statement, which has been reprinted numerous times, said the lead guitarist made his decision because "all the difficult work he has done to gain his longest period of sobriety ever was in jeopardy while touring." It's no secret that Ford has battled demons in the past, and he was fired by the Black Crowes back in 1997 because of excessive drug use.

The Crowes have brought in old friend Paul Stacey to handle lead guitar duties in the short term, and they're said to be looking at a more permanent replacement. They've also parted company with keyboardist Ed Hawrysch recently, and he's been replaced by Rob Clores.

Stacey and Chris and Rich Robinson are going through material for a new Black Crowes album, which could be released next year.

The next stop for the band is tonight (Friday, September 8th) at the Sovereign Center For The Performing Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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