In a surprising piece of news, Black Star Riders have announced that they are parting company with guitarist Damon Johnson. The former Alice Cooper-six stringer has been a mainstay of the group since it evolved from the final touring line up of Thin Lizzy, and played a huge part in the writing of the group’s three successful studio albums. He has decided to leave in order to focus on his solo career.

The band have moved quickly to bring in a replacement and, after auditions in Los Angeles last month, believe they have their man in Stone Sour guitarist Christian Martucci. It’s not the first change in the group who have seen increasing success despite having to replace bass player Marco Mendoza in 2014 (Robbie Crane stepped in) and then drummer Jimmy Degrasso last year, with Chad Szeliga taking over.

Damon Johnson explained his reasons in a press release which contained statements from all the band members, "3 excellent albums in 6 years with this great band is one of the proudest achievements of my career, and it has been glorious. My family and I have decided to focus our efforts into growing my solo career and I'm excited to be home more to take advantage of working and writing in Nashville. Much love and continued success to the entire band and to the incredible Black Star Riders fans worldwide."

Legendary Thin Lizzy man, and Johnson’s guitar partner in BSR, Scott Gorham commented, “I just want to thank Damon for being part of the band and three great records together and I wish him all the best. For BSR it’s onwards and upwards!”

Frontman Ricky Warwick, who will continue to work with Johnson as part of their ongoing acoustic project, explains further, “It’s been a wonderful journey for the last 6 years writing, recording and playing live with him, molding, building and making Black Star Riders into the formidable force that we have become. I totally respect his decision, he will always be family. I will miss him.”

As for Johnson’s replacement, Warwick had this to say:

Christian Martucci is a sonic force of nature, an insanely talented guitar player and a wonderful human being and I’m delighted he has become part of the BSR family.  His musical pedigree speaks for itself. He will be an amazing addition to Black Star Riders, bringing a new edge and dynamic presence to the band. I eagerly look forward to writing, recording album number 4 and touring the world with him, Robert, Scott and Chad. The best way to predict the future is to go and create it. The best is yet to come!

The band will join Judas Priest on tour in South America in November, with Thunder guitarist Luke Morley filling in. Johnson will then return for some final shows with the band in the UK at the end of the year before Martucci takes up his new role in January 2019.

Black Star Riders plan to record their new studio album for Nuclear Blast Entertainment in early 2019. It will be the follow up to 2017’s Heavy Fire which reached the Top Ten in the UK album chart (#6) and #11 in Germany.

Tour Dates:

Nov 2nd  Santiago, Chile – Pista Atletica Solid Rock Festival

Nov 4th   Buenos Aires, Argentina  – GEBA Solid Rock Festival

Nov 8th   Curitiba, Brazil – Pedreira Paulo Leminski

Nov 10th  Sao Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Park Solid Rock Festival

Nov 11th  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - KM Hall

Nov 14th - Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Expominas

Nov 28th  Buckley, UK - Tivoli

Nov 29th  Southampton, UK – Engine Room

Nov 30th Leamington Spa, UK – Assembly Rooms

Dec 1st   Trecco Bay, UK – Planet Rockstock

Dec 2nd  Holmfirth, UK - Picturedrome

Dec 3rd  Sheffield, UK - Corporation

Black Star Riders homepage: http://blackstarriders.com/