Country music group Lonestar have been hit by another bombshell just a week after they were dropped by their record label - frontman Richie McDonald has quit. The singer has announced he'll be leaving the band at the end of the ear to pursue a solo career. Band mates Michael Britt, Dean Sams and Keech Rainwater plan to replace McDonald with a new singer.

He won't be the first frontman to quit the group and search for solo success - Big & Rich star John Rich left Lonestar in 1998. But guitarist Britt says, "Dean, Keech and I feel like we still have a lot of great Lonestar music to make, and we are excited about this new opportunity to continue playing for our fans."

None of Lonestar's upcoming 2007 shows will be affected by McDonald's departure; he plans to honor all existing commitments.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)