VIXEN To Carry On With New Singer

VIXEN members Roxy Petrucci (drums),Share Ross (bass) and Brittany Denaro (guitar) have vowed to carry on with the band following the recent departure of singer Janet Gardner.

The trio issued the following statement earlier today: "To all our VIXEN friends and fans… Janet felt the time was right to pursue a solo career and devote more time to family.

"We respect Janet's bold and courageous decision to leave VIXEN and we'll always cherish the memories and music we made together as VIXEN.

"Moving forward as a band, we tip our hat to VAN HALEN who has two of the most recognizable frontmen in rock 'n' roll; Diamond David Lee Roth and the Red Rocker Sammy Hagar!

"With our new lead singer, we too will expand upon the VIXEN legacy while remaining true to our musical roots.

"VIXEN already has an amazing 2019 scheduled with a much-sought-after studio album in the works and a full slate of live performances!!!"

"More official updates and announcements forthcoming!!!"

Gardner, who released her debut self-titled solo album in 2017, broke the news of her exit from the group on January 16.

"After much soul searching and many sleepless nights, I have decided that it's time for me to step aside and let Roxy and Share pursue their vision for the future of VIXEN," she wrote.

"VIXEN will always have a very special place in my heart and I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it," she continued.

"I would like to thank everyone for the amazing support over the years, and as Roxy and Share continue to keep the heart and soul of VIXEN alive and well and I continue on my path, your continued support to all would be greatly appreciated."

Gardner, Petrucci and Ross are considered to be part of VIXEN's classic lineup, along with founding guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, who died of cancer in October 2013.

Gardner contributed lead vocals to VIXEN's most commercially successful studio albums — "Vixen" (1988),"Rev It Up" (1990) and "Tangerine" (1998) — as well as the group's latest release, last year's live album "Live Fire".

A year ago, Gardner underwent surgery to remove blood clots in her brain, a condition known as a subdural hematoma. At the time, she was touring in support of her solo album, which came out in August 2017 via Pavement Entertainment. The disc was a collaboration between the singer, who works days as a part-time dental hygienist, and her husband, guitarist/producer Justin James, who has previously worked with STAIND, COLLECTIVE SOUL and TYKETTO.

While Gardner was recovering from her surgery, VIXEN played a show in Durant, Oklahoma in March 2018 with a fill-in singer, Lorraine Lewis of FEMME FATALE.