NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Universal Republic Records) 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.
"3
Doors Down will always have a special place in my heart and it saddens me to take this time off"
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 intact. 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
For more on 3
Doors Down, including tour date info and other exclusive content, please visit www.3doorsdown.com
