Corey Parks has officially left Nashville Pussy . The six-foot-three, heavily tattooed, fire-breathing, buxom bassist took leave from the hard-rocking redneck band earlier this year, but claimed that the leave was temporary, and that she was taking time for "family business." According to a statement released Thursday, Parks plans on recording a single with Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmeister as well as starting her own band. She also expressed interest in getting involved in wrestling, though she didn't specify what league or in what capacity.

As for the rumors that Courtney Love was interested in bringing Parks on board to take the place of Hole's departed bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, Parks told Love thanks, but no thanks. "She wanted the two of us to hang out and jam and see if we could work together," Parks said. "I am extremely flattered that she went to great lengths to track me down, but as you all know, I am a rock & roller and I would never be a part of anything that I didn't believe in."

Parks closed by thanking fans for their support after the death of her husband Matthew (who passed away in early August), before promising "to anyone who doubted it -- I am carrying on and you will be hearing from me and it will be loud and kick-ass --of course."

As for Nashville Pussy, the band plans to continue as it did during Parks' initial absence. Tracy Almazon, formerly of the Wives and Helldorado, stepped in for Parks during their Tattoo the Earth dates and has officially filled the position full-time. "The band is tighter than ever," said guitarist/vocalist Blaine Cartwright in a statement. "We were trying to be the biggest band . . . now we're going to be the best." In addition to recording a cover of Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster" for the soundtrack to the upcoming film Run Ronnie Run, the group is laying out a headlining tour through the U.S. and Canada for the fall. Dates should be confirmed in the near future.

ANDREW DANSBY
(September 22, 2000)