Black Crowes' future in doubt

Lead singer Chris Robinson is married to Kate Hudson

The future of US rock band The Black Crowes has been thrown into doubt after they announced they were taking a "hiatus".

Lead singer Chris Robinson, who is married to actress Kate Hudson, is to pursue a solo career while drummer Steve Gibson is leaving for good.

The band issued a brief statement on their website and also announced that fans should listen out for news on Chris's brother and guitarist Rich.

The band have produced eight albums over 15 years.

Oasis toured with Black Crowes last year

They formed in Atlanta in 1987 and enjoyed success two years later when their debut album Shake Your Money Maker made the top five in the US, selling more than four million copies.

Their second album The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion topped the US charts in 1992.

The band failed to match their US success in the UK, with only three singles breaking the top 40, the highest being Remedy in May 1992 which made number 24.

After their initial success in the US, album sales declined but they continued to tour extensively.

Oasis

Robinson made the headlines again when he announced he was getting married to Almost Famous star Hudson, who is the daughter of actress Goldie Hawn.

Hudson married the rock star on New Year's Eve, 2000, at the ranch Hawn shares with her long-time companion actor Kurt Russell in Aspen, Colorado .

The couple had been together for about a year and it was the first marriage for both of them.

The band went on the road again at the beginning of last year, this time with UK rock band Oasis.

'Brotherly love'

The two bands were renowned for sibling rivalry - Oasis feature feuding brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher while the Black Crowes' Chris and Rich have had their share of bust-ups.

The tour was dubbed the "brotherly love" tour.

The Black Crowes released their last album Lions in the US last May.