Richie McDonald Departs Lonestar For New Musical Journey With The Frontmen Of Country

Lonestar frontman Richie McDonald has left the group, again. This marks another chapter in his musical career, as he embarks on a new journey after rejoining Lonestar in 2011. Following his original departure for solo endeavors, McDonald is now saying goodbye to pursue a trio with former Little Texas lead singer Tim Rushlow and Restless Heart lead singer Larry Stewart.

The trio, known as the Frontmen of Country, has a busy tour schedule laid out for 2021. While they have performed together in the past, this tour will be their first time performing alongside a full band. McDonald has expressed excitement about this new opportunity and the direction it takes him.

In a recent press release, McDonald shared, “I’ve been with Lonestar for almost 30 years and have enjoyed my time with the guys. With everything that has happened in the past year, it has made me think about other things I want to do in life. This opportunity with the Frontmen came up, and I’ve decided to go a new direction. I’ve always enjoyed performing with Tim and Larry, and I can’t wait to see how this new chapter unfolds.”

Biography of Richie McDonald

Lonestar's Musical Journey

Richie McDonald, along with band members Michael Britt, Randy "Keech" Rainwater, Dean Sams, and John Rich, began their journey as a band called Texassee in 1992. They signed to BNA Records in January 1995 and released their debut single, "Tequila Talkin'," which made it to the Top 10 that same year. The band's trajectory skyrocketed when they released "Amazed," which dominated the charts in the late 1990s.

Over the years, Lonestar has released a total of nine albums, marking significant milestones in their career. McDonald initially left the band in 2007 to pursue solo projects and released several albums before reuniting with Lonestar in 2011 after the departure of Cody Collins.

Transition to the Frontmen of Country

As McDonald transitions to the Frontmen of Country, he expresses gratitude towards his former bandmates. "I want to thank my bandmates Dean, Keech, and Michael for a great run. I wish them nothing but the best," he commented in light of his departure.

Lonestar's last studio album, Never Enders, was released in 2016. With McDonald's exit, the band announced that CMA and ACM-winning singer-songwriter Drew Womack, formerly of Sons of the Desert, would be stepping in as the new lead singer.

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