L.A. Guns vocalist Phil Lewis issued the following statement this week:

"Dear friends and fans. With a heavy heart I have to inform you that as of Jan 1, 2017 I will no longer be a member of this line up. I feel I have gone as far as I can in this band, and unless I get out and focus on myself and something new that has a future, I'm going to stagnate.

For the last five years I've been enthusiastic to record a new record, Hollywood Forever really recharged my batteries and made me feel very proud to be in this band, but it feels like so long ago now. At this stage I want to walk away with at least a little dignity.

I want to thank you all for your solid support throughout the last 15 years. We've had the pleasure and honor of playing so many wonderful countries, and I've always made a point of getting out and meeting some of the best, most loyal fans in the business. Your smiling faces will always be a huge part of my adventure, and I want to say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You from the bottom of my heart. What's the point of making records or playing shows if you don't have fans for feedback, and I feel blessed to have so many cool people who treasure the music as much as I do as a part of our fan base.

I will continue writing, recording, and performing in the future. I have some solid plans, and I'm also open to where fate will take me on my musical adventure, and I sincerely hope if I'm anywhere near you, you'll come out and say hi and hear what I'm doing. I love rock and roll, it's been my religion and salvation for many decades, and I feel the fire burning in my soul to do more. I have no plans on slowing down or retiring anytime soon, so please don't be sad. Wish me luck and please stay in touch. Goodbye."

Guaranteed to cause some confusion, as Lewis hasn't posted any additional information regarding his plans, Frontiers Records has posted the following message to L.A. Guns fans here:

"For you diehard L.A. Guns fans out there, you might have seen or read about Philip Lewis' announcement on Facebook yesterday that he was leaving THAT version of L.A. Guns. To clear up any confusion, Philip and Tracii Guns are currently hard at work on their brand new studio album. The line-up is rounded out by Shane Fitzgibbon on drums and Johnny Martin on bass with Michael Grant on guitar as a touring member. Their album will be released in 2017."

Sat tuned for updates.

Phil Lewis has three remaining shows fronting L.A. Guns (alongside drummer Steve Riley, guitarist Michael Grant, and bassist Kenny Kweens), confirmed dates are as listed.

December
3 - Star Theater at Spokane Arena - Spokane, WA (with Bret Michaels)
30 - Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar Grill - Las Vegas, NV
31 - Whisky A Go Go - Hollywood, CA (with Faster Pussycat)