From the press release put out by the group:

When 2010 began, Gold City introduced a new line-up of familiar faces with the addition of tenor Josh Cobb and pianist Roy Webb. As mentioned in the earliest days of this re-organization of the quartet, Roy was  on board in a temporary role to help develop Gold City’s future plans. During this time, Roy maintained a schedule of selected solo dates, with the intentions of one day returning to a full-time solo career.

That day has arrived, and Gold City is searching a for a new pianist. Anyone interested in being a part of a 30-year ministry is encouraged to send a resume and demo to Gold City, Attn: Jason R. Maise, P.O. Box 2100, Gadsden, AL 35903 or via email at jasonrmaise@yahoo.com.

“It has been a pleasure to be involved with Gold City,” says Roy. “I wish them much success and I believe that this group is truly one of Southern Gospel music’s all-time great quartets.

“However my heart is in my solo efforts and that’s where I feel I need to be. So it is time to make the move.” Roy’s scheduling will be handled through The Beckie Simmons Agency.

“We wish for nothing but the best for Roy,” adds Gold City’s Daniel Riley. “Roy’s contributions to this group have been numerous and they are greatly appreciated.

“In the meantime, we look forward to the next person God will put in our path. We’re excited about what may lie ahead for us.” Personal appearances for Gold City are also scheduled through The Beckie Simmons Agency (www.bsaworld.com).

It seems the “Singing News cover curse” strikes again. For those who don’t know what I’m referencing, it’s a running joke that, like the “Sports Illustrated cover curse” in which the player featured on the cover usually suffers a serious injury afterwards, any group featured on the SN cover is usually due for a lineup change. Gold City was on the August 2010 edition.

Roy built quite a following with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, and even more so with Gold City. While he will be missed, his contributions towards Gold City’s image and sound will leave a lasting mark, and his fan base is big enough that his solo ministry should do well.

The obvious question on everyone’s mind now is this: who will the new player be? I have a feeling it may be an “unknown,” but it is certain that whoever is picked will be an asset to what the group is doing now. Wishful thinking, perhaps, but I would love to see Garry Jones on the piano bench with the group again. His arranging and producing with the current vocal lineup is a match made in Heaven.