FOUNDING MEMBER PARTING WAYS WITH MULTI-PLATINUM ROCK ACT, 3 DOORS DOWN

GUITARIST MATT ROBERTS (pictured far left) LEAVING BAND TO FOCUS ON HIS HEALTH

After nearly two decades and a run of success that has included more than 20 million albums sold worldwide and a slew of accolades from Grammys to American Music Awards, one of the three founding members of 3 Doors Down, Matt Roberts, has decided to leave the band. 

Roberts, a seasoned guitarist and back-up vocalist for the group, grew up with lead singer Brad Arnold and bassist Todd Harrell in Escatawpa, Mississippi, where they formed 3 Doors Down in 1996.

The group, which now consists of Arnold, Harrell, Chris Henderson on guitar and Greg Upchurch on drums considers themselves as family and this split is an amicable one. Over the past few years, Roberts has unfortunately, dealt with health and circulation problems and those issues have only been exacerbated by performing nearly 300 dates each year with the band.

“3 Doors Down will always have a special place in my heart and it saddens me to take this time off,” said Roberts in his official statement. “But my health has to be my first priority.” 

“Matt is our brother and he will always be a part of this band and he will always be welcomed back with open arms,” added lead singer and founding member Brad Arnold. 

Thankfully, and with a blessing from Roberts, Universal Republic recording artists 3 Doors Down’s current tour and schedule will remain in tact. They are currently performing dates across the United States on the ‘Gang of Outlaws Tour’ with legendary rockers ZZ Top and country artist Gretchen Wilson. 

See below for a full list of dates.

MAY 25 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena

MAY 26 - Atlantic City, NJ - Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino - Etess Arena

MAY 27 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods

JUN 1 - Winston Salem, NC - Joel Coliseum Theatre

JUN 2 - Fayetteville, NC - Fort Bragg

JUN 3 - Fredericksburg, VA - Celebrate Virginia Central Park

JUN 5 - Glen Allen, VA - Innsbrook Pavilion

JUN 6 - Simpsonville, SC - Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park

JUN 8 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre

JUN 9 - Atmore, AL - Wind Creek Hotel & Casino Amphitheater

JUN 10 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

JUN 12 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

JUN 15 - Estero, FL - Germain Arena

JUN 16 - Orlando, FL - Universal Orlando Resort - Music Plaza Stage

JUN 17 - St. Petersburg, FL - Tropicana Field

JUN 19 - Southaven, MS - Snowden Grove Park & Amphitheater

JUN 20 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

JUN 22 - Baton Rouge, LA - Baton Rouge River Center

**JUN 23 - Houston, Texas — The Bayou Music Center - **3 Doors Down only**

JUN 24 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion

JUN 26 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena

JUN 27 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

JUN 29 - Hinckley, MN - Grand Casino Amphitheatre

taylorchristianjones:

Otis James is a necktie and bow tie maker here in Nashville, TN. I shot him early last year for a magazine feature. He has an amazing workspace in Marathon Village and I think you should go check it out! Otis James Studio

Thanks for the tip Taylor! I don’t wear bow ties but I support those who do! :)

This is going to be interesting…Nashville Cast - Picked up on ABC - Wednesday Nights - 10pm 

(Source: ericclose-close2you)

This is one of the best photos I have ever seen of Ke$ha…

“Born in the U$A”, featured in V77

Ke$ha, musician

Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, photographers

(Source: thedjf)

It’s all happening! Can you believe it’s already been 16 weeks since we opened? We can’t either! Thank you Nashville for packing the house every Saturday night. We couldn’t do it without you! And if you haven’t been to see our show yet, what the hell are you waiting for?

Last Friday I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly with the world-renowned Blue Angels, who are easily some of the most skilled pilots on the planet. It was a thrilling experience to say the least and I’d like to thank Jim Havey PR for giving me the opportunity to do so. I wasn’t the only gal in town with a Byrd’s Eye View. The adorable Kellie Pickler got in on the action and you can see a few shots from her flight above. 

American Songwriter has some great shots of last night’s show with Jack White and the Alabama Shakes at the Ryman Auditorium. They are also featuring a story on my gal Sara Jean Kelley. Take a look here. 

Skrillex is headed to #Bonnaroo this June. You can check out the official schedule here, which was just released today. And while you’re at it, take a look at this adorable video of kids reviewing Skrillex’s work. 

zooeydeschanel:

Loretta Lynn asked me to do “coal miner’s daughter” on broadway! I said YES! (Taken with instagram)

zooeydeschanel:

Thanks to @theryman @opry and the city of Nashville for a great night! (Taken with instagram)