Renowned drummer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian Tichy, known for his tours of duty with BILLY IDOL, FOREIGNER and OZZY OSBOURNE, has announced his departure from WHITESNAKE in order to focus on SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING (S.U.N.), the band he started with Sass Jordan, a Canadian icon and Juno Award winner. Bassist and singer Michael Devin, also a participant in S.U.N., will remain with WHITESNAKE.

Said WHITESNAKE mainman David Coverdale: "We are truly sad to see [Brian] go, but, we fully support the pursuit of his ambitions and sincerely wish him well. His fearless drumming brought a relentless driving edge and to our music that we fully embraced. Good luck, Brian. May the S.U.N. shine brightly on you!!"

WHITESNAKE has begun the search for a new drummer. There are several musicians already being considered.

A spokesman for the band said that this will not affect the forthcoming tour dates for 2013.

As previously reported, Tichy broke his collarbone last weekend in a mountain biking accident. As a result, he wasunable to take part in this past Monday night's (December 31) THE MOBY DICKS - All-Star Tribute To Led Zeppelin concert at Vamp'd in Las Vegas, Nevada and was temporarily replaced by QUIET RIOT's Frankie Banali.

Tichy is one of the organizers of the Bonzo Bash NAMM Jamm 2013, which will take over Anaheim, California on Thursday, January 24 at the Observatory. Many of the drummers who have performed at past Bonzo Bashes are back, as well as some new. This is the chance for many out-of-towners to check a Bonzo Bash out as Natal and Marshall are presenting this on opening night of the NAMM show.