November 24, 2009, 1:28PM
Exciting news for fans of southern rock iconic band The Outlaws comes in today.
The studio album "Once an Outlaw" will be released early in 2010.
The album was was completed in the summer of 2007, but Outlaws founder and guitarist Hughie Thomasson passed away before it was released, putting the project on hold.
Thomasson's family announced the news of the upcoming release.
"Hughie was special to everyone he met, and his death in 2007 was tough on a lot of people -- family, friends and the fans," states Thomasson's daughter, Constance Cowez, in a news release. "He was very proud of this record and the time is right to share it with longtime fans of The Outlaws and fans of great music everywhere. We are excited about the future of The Outlaws and the opportunity to continue my father's legacy for many years to come."
To accompany the release, The Outlaws will have a new band lineup and web site in 2010. The band will be led by Chris Hicks, who played with The Outlaws from 1990 to 1996.
"Once an Outlaw" includes the work of drummers David Dix and Monte Yoho, guitarist Chris Anderson and bassist Randy Threet.
The news release ends with these words from the late Thomasson, a great message two days before Thanksgiving. "Always remember that there's a little Outlaw in all of us. May your grass be green and your tides high."
