Southern rockers The Black Crowes resumed their reunion tour last week (ends22APR05) with drummer BILL DUBROW still onboard - despite recent reports he was to be replaced by JEFF SIPE.

The HOTEL ILLNESS band, fronted by brothers CHRIS and RICH ROBINSON, were thought to have settled on veteran percussionist Sipe, but surprised fans when Dubrow walked onstage with them at the Verizon Wireless Theatre in Houston, Texas, on Thursday (21APR05).

Dubrow also played at gigs in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi, on Friday (22APR05) and Saturday (23APR05) respectively.

Further confusing matters was a 14 April (05) interview with Sipe in his hometown newspaper - Brevard, North Carolina's THE TRANSYLVANIA TIMES - which appeared to confirm his imminent departure to join The Black Crowes' road show.

The Black Crowes' management has yet to comment on the situation.

Original drummer STEVE GORMAN quit in 2001 when the band went on hiatus.

Alongside vocalist Chris Robinson and guitarist Rich Robinson, the current Black Crowes line-up, which reconvened for seven gigs at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom last month (MAR05), includes longtime keyboardist EDDIE HAWRYSCH, bassist SVEN PIPIEN and lead guitarist MARC FORD.

25/04/2005 21:24