LILLIAN AXE: Longtime Singer RON TAYLOR Leaves The Fold

LILLIAN AXE have officially parted ways with vocalist Ron Taylor. The following is guitarist Steve Blaze's statement on the matter:

"Hello everyone. I would like to take this time to announce the truth about the rumors that Ron Taylor, vocalist for LILLIAN AXE, is leaving the band.

"After 15 years of singing for LILLIAN AXE, Ron has decided to leave to pursue other musical interests. Ron is and has always been a great friend and amazing singer, and the band wishes him all the best. We have been together through many ups and downs, tours and recording sessions, and it will be very difficult to find someone to fill this position. However, we have a new album recorded, except for the vocals, and we are prepared to start a nationwide search for the right individual. We will not miss a beat. I feel that this new record has the best material we've written so far, and we will work our hardest to please our fans.

"We hope that Ron is successful in all of his future endeavors, and due to the magnitude of his talent, I am sure he will be. We hope that our fans and friends will continue to support LILLIAN AXE as we continue forward. The important thing to remember is that LILLIAN AXE has always been about the music, and that will always be our top priority.

"We are taking all serious professional inquiries. Call Dale Carline at (225) 749-8890."

A separate statement from Ron Taylor regarding his departure from the group reads as follows:

"Hey friends. Ron Taylor here. Wow, I've gone over this a thousand times in my head and just like I told the guys, I've just got to put it out there, let you all know what's up and say thanks.

"After much deliberation and many sleepless nights, I've decided to step down as the singer for LILLIAN AXE. I've really struggled with this for a long time and have come to the conclusion that this is just something I need to do for myself. Call it a musical mid-life crisis or whatever you might like, but there's something inside telling me that it's time to let the past rest and to venture into new, exciting and even unknown musical, professional and life experiences. During our time away from LILLIAN, not only did I find my way into other rewarding musical projects but I also stumbled into a new career that I have great passion for. Unfortunately, it does not allow me time to make the commitment required to record, release and support a new LILLIAN AXE record with the promotion, touring and sacrifice it takes to make a record successful, and this is the direction the band has chosen to go.

"LILLIAN has been such a huge part of my life and will always be in my heart . We've had a great run and I thank you all so much for all your love and support over the last 16 years. I look back with only fond memories and don't regret a thing. We have been fortunate enough to get a chance to do something most people only dream of doing.

"We share so many wonderful experiences together. Seems like only yesterday, we were all sitting in Steve's parents living room watching the 'Dream of a Lifetime' video play on MTV for the first time, which by the way, stopped during the middle of the video and made all of our heart s skip a few beats before starting up again. Oh, and all those hours upon hours in a tour bus or a van with the guys, I swear you've never laughed so hard in your life. All of the wonderful crew members we've had over the years, thanks so much for your friendship, hard work and especially for putting up with me.

"You know, all of the hard work, recording, rehearsing, touring and promotion for each of the records was very draining over the years but was always so worth it every time we stepped out on that stage to see your smiling faces. I cannot begin to tell you how much you are all loved and appreciated.

"Please do not get the impression that I am leaving music behind! This is just the beginning of a new musical chapter for me. I could never imagine myself not singing, performing or having music play a major role in my life.

"Just know that LILLIAN AXE is and always will be part of my very soul."