After five years, Philadelphia based hard rock outfit RAT ROD and frontman Mike Smith have gone their separate ways.

Smith departed the band to take care of his ailing mother and for health reasons, the singer announced on his Facebook page. In that post, Smith said, “The start of this New Year brings the announcement that, after a lot of thought, I have decided to leave My band, Rat Rod. I had to do this for my own reasons, as well as to have more time to take care of my sick mom. I’m not going into detail, but I want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FROM MY HEART, for all the support and love over the past 5 years. I wish the guys good luck.”

Speaking for the band, lead guitarist Mark McCarty says, “We respect Mike’s decision to leave the band and truly wish the best for him and his family. As for Rat Rod, we intend to continue on in whatever band configuration makes most sense, but preferably with a replacement vocalist.”

RATROD’s newest release, Four on the Floor, has received high praise from both fans and critics alike across the globe with KNAC saying, “… the band has both the piss and the vinegar that lets them make Four On The Floor one hell of an underrated rock and roll gem that you are going to want to listen to…a lot!” and RAMZine in Britain announcing that the album ” … shows the band going from strength to strength, growing in popularity …” while CGCM Rock radio proclaims, “Straight to the point, no frills, no bullshit 4/4 hard rock is what Rat Rod does best. And they do it better than just about everyone else.”

The band is currently speaking to prospective vocalists and interested parties are encouraged to send a demo, photo and short biography via eMail to ratrodrocks@ratrodrocks.com with the subject line: “SINGER.”

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