Half a decade after Richie McDonald and Lonestar parted ways, the group is ready to make Country magic together once again!

Get the info on their history, the reunion, and what's up for 2012!

Lonestar with Serengeti sunglasses
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It's looking like the band is back together and all smiles once again!

All Access Music Group posted today about the news- which I think is great- especially considering the band is coming up on their 20th annivesarry!

It was November of 2007, that Lonestar announced that the band and lead singer Richie McDonald (the band that he help form in 1992) were going seperate ways. 

Richie wasn't the first to leave the band; you may remember John Rich originally being with the band when they first hit the scene in 1995. 

With Richie AND John (as the bassist and 2nd lead vocalist)- they had hits such as "Tequila Talkin'"; "No News"; "Everything's Changed" and "You Walked In". 

In between their 2nd album "Crazy Nights" and their third album - "Lonely Grill" John Rich got the boot.

"Lonely Grill" was the album that really put Lonestar on the map with Richie McDonald fully at the helm of the lead vocals.

"Amazed", the 2nd single released off the album, became the band's biggest hit: 8 weeks at #1 on the Country chart- then crossing over and going #1 on the Hot 100 (the first Country act to do so since 1983 with Kenny & Dolly).

 I remember that song playing right before midnight New Year's as I helped ring in the year 2000 at The Sundance "..that was the biggest hit of 1999... what will be the biggest hit of of the first year of  a new decade?! 5-4-3.... "

It's hard to believe that Lonestar released SIX more albums before Richie McDonald left the band in 2007.  The band (with Richie) had 27 singles on the chart 1995-2007.

After Richie's departure, Lonestar took on Cody Collins to take on the lead vocals-- you may have seen them when they were the house band on The Price is Right one time.

And Richie went on to do his own solo projects.. 

But neither side has seen the anywhere near the success that their original lineup had.

From Lonestar's website-- Richie's comments:

We've all tried other avenues and the fact remains that some things were just meant to be. With the Lonestar 20 year reunion approaching, Dean, Michael, Keech and I got together and have decided we have some unfinished business to take care of. I miss those crazy nights running around on stage making music with my band of brothers

So, 2012 will mark Lonestar's 20th anniversary - and with that-  a reunion, a new album and a tour! 

The first chance to see the band will be in February as Lonestar will join Reba and a slew of other at Wembley Arena in London.

I look forward to seeing what direction the reunited band takes with their music- how about you?

 

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