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Unfortunately, at this time I must announce my intentions to step down as lead guitarist for IronHorse. I’m sure the timing of my announcement coming so soon after Ron’s resignation would make it seem that one departure is connected to the other when in actuality that’s really not the case. For Ron, his exit was for a variety of reasons—personal, professional, philosophical, etc. For me, it’s mainly a matter of logistics. My current professional musical activities and commitments no longer allow me the time necessary to devote to IronHorse to the extent I expect the band to require in the near future. After extensive soul-searching, I feel the best thing I can do for IronHorse at this time is to step aside rather than shortchange my bandmates, our fans, the future of the band, and the legacy we have created.

With the departure of Ron and the arrival of Charlie Wayne, my understanding is that IronHorse plans to be more active than it has been recently and I can’t in good conscience let my outside commitments hold back the band I’ve given nearly four years to and the guys in it that I love. My exit is in no way an indictment of the other guys, our musical direction, the addition of Charlie, or any of the other things that usually break a band up. I just want what’s best for IronHorse and right now what’s best is for someone with less scheduling baggage to take over on lead guitar. It is my understanding that discussions have been progressing with a new guitarist and therefore IronHorse hopefully won’t miss a beat. I’ll leave it to the band to make whatever announcement they feel is appropriate regarding my replacement. Obviously I’ll be keeping busy elsewhere but I don’t feel comfortable pimping my current and future projects in this letter. Anyone who’s interested in any of that is welcome to drop me a line or an email.

However, I do have some good news: I’m not going to just “go softly into that good night”. I will be performing at Little Sturgis AND I will make one last trip to Ohio to play the shows we have on the books at the end of July. After all the love Columbus/Plain City/London has shown me over the last three and two-third years, I feel the very least I can do is come “home” and salute you all from the stage one last time. Some of the very best times in my life have come with this band and with all of you and I’m sorrier than you’ll ever know that the time has come for me to dismount from The Horse.