Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson says the band have split after his brother, frontman Chris, demanded ownership be handed over to him.
His statement supports comments made by drummer Steve Gorman, who said in October: “The likelihood of us doing anything again is as low as it’s ever been.”
It means their run of shows in December 2013 were their last.
Rich says: “After having the privilege of writing and performing the music of the Black Crowes over the last 24 years, I find myself in the position of saying that the band has broken up.
“I love my brother, and respect his talent. But his present demand that I must give up my equal share of the band, and that Steve Gorman relinquish 100% of his share, reducing him to a salaried employee, is not something I could agree to.”
The guitarist adds: “I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished, and I’m deeply moved by the relationships people created and maintained with my music. That alone is the greatest honour of being a musician.
“There are so many people who have helped and supported us along the way. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of our fans, our friends behind the scenes, and to everyone who was a part of The Black Crowes.”
The southern rock outfit formed in 1989 and released debut album Shake Your Money Maker the following year. Five more records followed before they went on hiatus in 2002. They returned three years later but stopped again in 2010, before one final reunion run. Their last release was Croweology, a set of acoustic retakes of tracks from throughout their career.
Rich returns to the UK as a solo artist for a guest appearance with Doyle Bramhall II at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, on February 18. Chris continues his own solo career while Gorman is working with his band Trigger Hippy.
