Dark Star Orchestra’s founding member Kevin Rosen will be leaving the band. The bassist is the longest running member of the band, having performed at over 2000 of their live shows since forming the group at Martyr’s in Chicago in November of 1997. Rosen has cited his aging mother’s health issues and a need for an extended break as the reasons for his departure. He will perform at the 2nd Dark Star Jubilee Festival before ending his tenure with the band at their June 1 tour closer at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton, NH.

A message from Rosen to his fans reads:

Dear friends,

After all my years of touring with Dark Star Orchestra, I find myself in need of an extended break from life on the road. In addition, my mother’s declining health makes it even more important to be home at this time.

For the first five shows of our May tour, our good friend, Skip Vengelas will be filling the bass role. I will be returning for the rest of the tour, culminating with my last performance at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on June 1. Please know that I am leaving with a heavy heart.

I would like to thank all of the fans for your support throughout the years. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the members of the DSO family. Over the years, you have become my family. It has been one of the great pleasures of my life to be a part of DSO and I know that I am going to miss it. I will surely miss my band mates, all of my friends in the audience and the many great people I have met along the way.

Rest assured that the train will keep on rolling and the bass position will be in capable hands for years to come.

May all of your days be good ones!

Peace –

Kevin Rosen

A number of bassists will fill in for Rosen, with Skip Vangelas taking up the position May 9-14. Starting June 28, Jim Allard will begin holding down the low end through the rest of the summer tour.