Singer JANET GARDNER Quits VIXEN: 'It's Time For Me To Step Aside'

Janet Gardner has announced her departure from VIXEN.

The singer, who released her debut self-titled solo album in 2017, broke the news of her exit from the group earlier today.

"After much soul searching and many sleepless nights, I have decided that it's time for me to step aside and let [drummer] Roxy [Petrucci] and [bassist] Share [Ross] pursue their vision for the future of VIXEN," she wrote.

"VIXEN will always have a very special place in my heart and I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it," she continued.

"I would like to thank everyone for the amazing support over the years, and as Roxy and Share continue to keep the heart and soul of VIXEN alive and well and I continue on my path, your continued support to all would be greatly appreciated."

Gardner, Petrucci and Ross are considered to be part of VIXEN's classic lineup, along with founding guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, who died of cancer in October 2013.

Gardner contributed lead vocals to VIXEN's most commercially successful studio albums — "Vixen" (1988),"Rev It Up" (1990) and "Tangerine" (1998) — as well as the group's latest release, last year's live album "Live Fire".

A year ago, Gardner underwent surgery to remove blood clots in her brain, a condition known as a subdural hematoma. At the time, she was touring in support of her solo album, which came out in August 2017 via Pavement Entertainment. The disc was a collaboration between the singer, who works days as a part-time dental hygienist, and her husband, guitarist/producer Justin James, who has previously worked with STAIND, COLLECTIVE SOUL and TYKETTO.

While Gardner was recovering from her surgery, VIXEN played a show in Durant, Oklahoma in March 2018 with a fill-in singer, Lorraine Lewis of FEMME FATALE. Fan-filmed video footage of that concert can be seen below.

VIXEN's next live appearance is scheduled for the Monsters Of Rock cruise, which will set sail at the end of February.