Crane, best known for his work with Ratt, Vince Neil's solo band and Lynch Mob, will be taking over bass duties in the band next month ahead of their European tour in July, as Mendoza leaves the group to pursue other projects.

Marco Mendoza offered this message about his decision to leave the group, "I loved my time in Black Star Riders and want to thank all the fans for making the last year on road so successful. I am sorry to be leaving the band but I feel it's time for me to pursue other avenues, some of which I have already been working with, all of which I am very excited about. I wish the guys all success in the future and I am very happy that my friend Robbie Crane will continue to blaze with BSR"

Scott Gorham had this to say, 'I am very sad to see Marco go. We have been together in a band now for almost 20 years and Marco is my brother and we wish him well for the future. It's an amicable parting of ways and we all respect that Marco wants to do other projects outside of Black Star Riders and there just isn't time to do both'

Ricky Warwick adds, 'Marco will always be part of the BSR family and a true friend of ours. We are very happy to introduce Robbie Crane to everyone as the new BSR bass player. The guy killed the audition and we can't wait to get on stage with him on our Euro run starting mid July and then of course in the studio in the Autumn for the recording of the second Black Star Riders Record'

Crane had the following to say about joining the band, "I am very excited to be a part of the Black Star Riders family. As a long time fan of their music, I am thrilled to be a part of the band".