Pennywise singer splits after 20 years

Update: Pennywise announced on Sept. 2 that Zoli Teglas, frontman for OC hardcore/punk band Ignite, will fill in on vocals during the band's set at the 2009 Smokeout Festival in San Bernadino. The search for a new singer is on.

Jim Lindberg -- singer and songwriter for Pennywise -- has announced that he's departing the Hermosa Beach, Calif., punk band after two decades in the fray.

"After 20 years, nine albums and thousands of shows around the world, my time in Pennywise has come to an end," Lindberg said in a statement. "Being the singer for this band has been an amazing experience, and along the way we made some of the best fans anyone could ask for. There are few things that made me more proud than seeing people at our shows singing our songs, and it's your support and encouragement that's kept me going this long.  I would sincerely like to thank everyone who helped us along the way and wish everyone in the Pennywise family the best of luck and continued success.  Yours truly, Jim."

Lindberg is working on a documentary based on his book "Punk Rock Dad" and will begin recording an as-yet-untitled release. Lindberg is also a founder and consultant for the Video On Demand action sports and music network, Havoc TV.

The last Pennywise stop in Pittsburgh was during the 2008 Warped Tour, on which the band was one of the few hardened veterans.