Black Stone Cherry bassist Jon Lawhon leaves the band

Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry have confirmed that bassist Jon Lawhon has exited the band after 20 years.

Black Stone Cherry’s Chris Robertson, Ben Wells and John Fred Young released a statement this afternoon, which reads:

"To all of our amazing fans,

“It is with a heavy heart we inform you that Jon Lawhon has decided to take an indefinite sabbatical from music and touring for personal reasons. As such, Jon will be stepping down as a member of Black Stone Cherry.

"We love Jon, wish him all the best in all his future endeavours and will cherish the memories and legacy we've built with him over twenty years as a band. We ask that you please respect Jon and the band's privacy regarding this matter.

"In the meantime, we can't wait to play more rockin' Black Stone Cherry shows in 2021 and onward! Please stay on the look-out for new shows announcing near you!"

Jon Lawhon has been a constant member of Black Stone Cherry since their inception in 2001 and contributed to all seven of their studio albums.

Black Stone Cherry released their seventh album ‘The Human Condition’ last autumn and they’re scheduled to perform a headline UK tour this September with special guests Kris Barras Band.

Planet Rock wishes Jon Lawhon all the best for the future.

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Black Stone Cherry and Guns N' Roses at Download Festival 2018:

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• Black Stone Cherry