The Shires are taking a break after 13 years as Crissie Rhodes steps back for family and Ben Earle stays in music

British country duo The Shires, made up of Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle, are stepping away from the band after 13 years together. In a video posted to their social media channels, the pair said their upcoming tour will be their last “for the foreseeable future,” as Rhodes takes time at home with her two young daughters.

This is not a falling-out. Both singers stressed that they remain close and left the door open to making music together again one day. The news drew wide attention this week as U.S. outlets, including American Songwriter, picked up the story.

Why The Shires are taking a break

Rhodes said in the video that the decision was hers and that it wasn’t easy.

“It was quite a hard decision to make, because, obviously, The Shires have been our life for 13 years. We recorded and released six albums. It’s literally been our every day for all those years,” she said, according to American Songwriter. “It’s not been made lightly, but I want to take some time with my family and be at home for a little while.”

The duo’s written caption put it plainly: “With two young daughters at home, Crissie will be taking a well-deserved break to focus on family life and spend more time with her quickly-growing girls. It’s a bittersweet decision, one that Ben completely understands and supports as a parent himself.”

Ben Earle: “We haven’t fallen out”

Earle said he “totally” understood the decision. “Being on the road is so tough,” he said in the video, as quoted by CountryMusic.co.uk.

He also addressed any idea that the pair had split on bad terms. “We haven’t fallen out. We’re still friends. We’re still very good friends,” he said. “Who knows, one day we might come back and make some music together.”

Earle isn’t stepping away from music. “I’ll still be doing music, doing radio as well,” he told fans, according to CountryMusic.co.uk, which noted his newer role presenting BBC Radio 2’s country music program.

The final tour

The Shires still plan to play their scheduled tour, which runs across the U.K. in November, according to American Songwriter. Earle called it fans’ last chance to see the duo together “for a very long time.”

Rhodes sounded upbeat about it. “We’ve got a big tour coming up, so we’re very excited about that,” she said. “The whole band, we’ve got all glittery outfits. It’s going to be very exciting.”

The caption added: “We can’t wait to sing, dance and make some beautiful memories together on this tour, as we celebrate the amazing journey we’ve all been on together.”

A look back at The Shires

CountryMusic.co.uk credits the duo with helping prove that homegrown British country acts could reach mainstream audiences with original songs, opening doors for other U.K. artists.

Tributes from fellow artists

The announcement brought messages from across country music, CountryMusic.co.uk reported:

• Shania Twain: “Sending congratulations for everything you have achieved and all the best for what’s to come guys.”
• Kezia Gill, who toured as a support act: “Hands down, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the opportunities you guys gave me to support you on your tours.”
• Alyssa Bonagura, co-writer of their song “Getaway Car,” called them “legends” and praised the “amazing legacy” they built.
• Twinnie and the duo Outpost Drive also posted messages of support.

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