For eight years, bassist Shonna Tucker was part of the rhythm section for one of rock's great contemporary bands, Drive-By Truckers. Now Tucker has announced via the band's website that she is leaving the group. "It's time for me to move on to the next great thing, whatever that may be," she wrote. "I am, without a doubt, not done. I will have a website up and running very soon so that we can keep in touch. I have a whole lot left to say and do, and I can't wait to hear what all of you are up to." The split appears to be amicable, judging by Patterson Hood's statement posted next to Tucker's on DBT's site. "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." Tucker will be replaced by DBT's long-time producer (and former member of Sugar) David Barbe.
Tucker joined Drive-By Truckers in 2003 with her then-husband, Jason Isbell, and played on some of the band's best and most popular albums, including 2004's The Dirty South, 2008's Brighter Than Creation's Dark, and this year's Go-Go Boots. [via drivebytruckers.com]