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The following (found at the official site)  is a statement issued by Dean on behalf of Collective Soul regarding Ross' departure. First of all, I would like to apoligize for taking so long to personally address the recent developments of our band. However, the tragedies of September 11th that struck our nation, made even the most serious issues in our professional and personal lives seem trivial. Our first and foremost concern has been to spend as much time with our loved ones and to help out any way we can. I am well aware of the rumors that have been circulating regarding Ross's departure. I realize that everone has a certain sense of concern and curiosity. I implore you to understand that this is an extremely sensitive and personal matter. While you guys might be disappointed, please acknowledge that we have lost a partner and a relationship that dates back to our childhood. This disappointment is intensified 10 folds for us. Fans who know us recognize that our music is based solely on honest emotions and true life experiences. That being said, everyone will be able to comprehend the situation through our music in due time. At this point I want to thank Joel Kosche from Steep for stepping in and steeping up; not to fill anyone's shoes, but to wear his own. I especially want to thank the fans for being so welcoming to him. You guys are great! As many of you already know, our contractual obligation to Atlantic Records has been fulfilled. This puts us at an exciting transitional and restructuring stage. My brother, Shane, Will, and I have never been so emphatic ABOUT spreading our music around the world, and we are comforted by the fact that we are in the process of creating the best music we have made TO DATE IN OUR CAREER. For the immediate time, we are hard at work promoting 7even Year Itch as well as writing and recording new material. We will keep you updated on our progress. Thanks again or all of you r support and understanding. Dean

Ross will no longer be playing with Collective Soul. In a recent radio interview with Ed and their manager, they both discussed that Ross had become an endangerment to the band and that it had been an amicable split. There is unlikely to be much more information released regarding Ross' departure as it is seen as a personal issue between Ross and the rest of Collective Soul. Therefore I'm sure everyone wishes Ross the best in whatever direction life takes him and thanks him for the past 7 years with Collective Soul. Ross' replacement in recent touring has been Joel Kosche from the band Steep.

Has the itch finally gotten to Collective Soul? After 7 years and 5 studio albums Collective Soul have released a greatest hits collection aptly titled 7even Year Itch! It's a compilation of all their biggest hits (including She Said, one of my favourites) and also has 2 new songs Energy and Next Homecoming.

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Collective Soul's Music in High Places - Live from Morocco has been released on DVD and video. For Australian fans the DVD was released late September with no definite release date for the video as yet. Visit the Music in High Places site for more details of what took place.