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BLACK STAR RIDERS Recruit Former BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Drummer Chad Szeliga
May 5th, 2017

Rock group Black Star Riders, an offshoot of Thin Lizzy, have recruited former Black Label Society and Breaking Benjamin drummer Chad Szeliga, revealing this development on May 5th, 2017.

Frontman Ricky Warwick issued the following statement: “I’m delighted to welcome Chad Szeliga to the Black Star Riders family… Chad is an amazing drummer, a great guy and will powerfully strengthen Black Star Riders’ resolve going forward.”

Guitarist Scott Gorham shared the following words, meanwhile: “Just wanted to say that I’m really looking forward to getting up onto the stage with our new drummer Chad. This guy is one killer player. See you all on tour.”

Guitarist Damon Johnson supplied the following: “Chad is a monster musician and a quality human being. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to our band and to show off his skills to Black Star Riders fans worldwide.”

Bassist Robbie Crane contributed the following: “Chad’s a badass!… Great energy and a cool hang… Looking forward to working together.”

Chad Szeliga himself issued the following statement: “First, I’m so stoked for one to play with Scott Gorham, an iconic guitar player! Second, I can’t wait to play with Damon who is a badass on guitar. Lastly, I can’t wait to jam with Robbie on bass and we all know who the star is… Ricky who can command a fantastic show and is an amazing frontman. Let’s light them up, boys!”

Black Star Riders’ line-up is as follows;

Ricky Warwick (vocals and guitars, The Almighty)
Scott Gorham (guitars, Thin Lizzy)
Damon Johnson (guitars, ex-Alice Cooper / Brother Cane)
Robbie Crane (bass, ex-Ratt)
Chad Szeliga (drums, ex-Black Label Society / ex-Breaking Benjamin)

Auditions for a new drummer were held during April 2017 in Los Angeles. Szeliga was known to Black Star Riders; Thin Lizzy toured North America with Judas Priest during 2012, with Black Label Society additionally being part of the bill – who Szeliga was a member of at the time.

The departure of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (ex-Alice Cooper / ex-Megadeth) was disclosed on March 29th, 2017.

Third studio record Heavy Fire was released in February 2017 via Nuclear Blast.