Drive-By Truckers' Longtime Bass Guitarist Quits

Drive By Truckers bassist Shonna Tucker announced today she is leaving the Drive-By Truckers after nine years with the Athens Band.

“Unfortunately, I come to you all with some sad news,” Tucker announced on the band's facebook site. “It's time for me to move on to the next great thing, whatever that may be. I want to thank each and everyone of you, with my whole heart for your overwhelming kindness and support over the years.”

The band confirmed her departure earlier today and offered these parting words: “We all love and respect her and wish her all of the best in everything she sets out for. Shonna joined the band the last week of 2003 and has played on some of our best recordings. Her charm and spark will be irreplaceable and her part in our last decade of this band's history is indisputable. We will share in our fans missing of her.”

The loss of Tucker won't slow the band down, however. The Drive-By Truckers have several major shows planned for New Years Eve weekend as well as a / homecoming in January.

David Barbe, the director of the University of Georgia Music Business Program, will take Tucker's place on bass, according to the announcment.