Away Team

As previously announced, DARK NEW DAY–Clint Lowery (guitarist from Sevendust), Will Hunt (drummer from Evanescence), Troy McLawhorn (guitarist from Evanescence), Brett Hestla (lead singer/guitarist from Virgos Merlot) and Corey Lowery (bassist from Stereomud and Eye Empire)—will release their highly anticipated sophomore album, NEW TRADITION, February 28 on Goomba Music (distributed by eOne Music).

To make the release extra special, the band is offering a bonus track to fans who buy the full album and send in a photo of themselves holding the CD or a digital photo of their purchase online. A MP3 of “Rising Sun” will be available for a limited time only (February 28 through March 6). Photos can be e-mailed to DND@goombamusic.com or mailed to Goomba Music, 6348 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60646 (must be postmarked by March 6). Goomba Music will then e-mail the song to the fans directly.

“’Rising Sun’ is a cool tune in the history of DND,” explains drummer Will Hunt. “We actually said before writing it, in not so many words, let’s write as basic a rock song as we can for the sake of doing it because we can. It’s kinda getting back to our formidable ‘roots.’ It’s really just about getting in your car, crankin’ up some jams, and headin’ out to get rowdy with your friends. Very different for us lyrically and stylistically.”

NEW TRADITION is the follow-up to 2005’s debut album, TWELVE YEAR SILENCE, which was released on Warner Bros. Records. In 2006, the band released THE BLACK PORCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP after being on tour for over a year with Chevelle, Seether, Crossfade, and many others. After the EP’s release, they got to work on what would eventually be their second album, known at the time as HAIL MARY. Going through many employee and management changes, Warner Bros. decided to release the band from their contract, leaving the HAIL MARY album to be unreleased. It was at this point that DARK NEW DAY went on a hiatus, with the members either returning to their previous bands or venturing out into new projects.

The fire for new DARK NEW DAY material continued to burn in both the band members and the diehard fan base alike. The band came together in 2011 to compile tracks from HAIL MARY, along with newly written and recorded songs, for a special album which will be released as a “Thank You” to all the loyal fans that have continued to follow the band and request more material from the group.









For more DARK NEW DAY click here.

DARK NEW DAY- New Tradition

Goomba Music

Rating: 9 out of 10

Reviewed By: Jay Rybak

Take one cup Virgo’s Merlot, add one part Eye Empire, mix in two parts Evanescence, topped off with a pinch of Sevendust, and you have the mind-numbing rock recipe that is DARK NEW DAY.  The supergroup consisting of vocalist Brett Hestla (Virgo’s Merlot), drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence), guitarists Troy McLawhorn (Evanescence) and Clint Lowery (Sevendust), and Corey Lowery (Eye Empire/Stereomud) on bass, are about to release their highly anticipated sophomore release, New Tradition on Feb. 28th.  The album has been five years in the making, and believe me it was worth the wait.

The opening track, “Fist From The Sky”, rips into your ears with the finger-bleeding bass and gritty guitar reminiscent of early Down.  As we delve further into “New Tradition”, we find the killer up-tempo rocker that is “I Don’t Need You”, a masterful sonic blend of STP meets Default.  Other highlights along the way include the title track, and “Tremendous”, by now I’m rocking out so hard I’m fit to be tied.  What a coincidence, here comes the “Straightjacket”, a track that, if one didn’t know any better, could easily be mistaken for Whitfield Crane’s bridge from Ugly Kid Joe to Another Animal. 

Now on to the three way tie for my favorite songs on the album.  Is that a new Taproot song I hear?  No, it’s way better.  “Caught In The Light” has a “Hello Taproot, meet your far superior evil twin” feel to it that can’t be ignored.  Nor should it be.  Enter the next contender, “Fiend”, this is pure Sevendust meets Sixx A.M.  Enough said.  You want radio friendly?  You got it.  While the entire album is somewhat radio friendly, and moreso kick-ass, “Breakdown” screams rock radio staple.

This album comes very highly recommended.  Don’t be the inferior evil twin, get your ass to your local record store on Feb. 28th and pick up your copy.  Or if you’re too busy plotting and scheming you can pre-order it here.

January 19, 2012 — JANUS—singer David Scotney, guitarist Mike Tyranski, bassist Alan Quitman and drummer Johnny Salazar—experienced great success with their 2009 debut album, RED RIGHT RETURN, but the band’s new album, NOX AERIS, reveals how far they’ve come.

That musical revelation is the self-produced NOX AERIS, which is due out March 27 on REALID Records (through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group).  The first single, “Stains,” is already getting spins at WIIL (Chicago), KPNT (St. Louis), WBUZ (Nashville), WJJO (Madison), WWBN (Flint), KHTQ (Spokane), as well as SiriusXM’s “Octane” and “Hard Drive XL.”  Early feedback includes Zigz at WBUZ (Nashville), who says, “If ‘Stains’ is a taste of things to come… then 2012 is going to be a great year for Janus.  They’ve hit on a new level with ‘Stains’… this track is righteous.”

 “Stains” explores what can happen when you don’t follow your heart, the marks left on your spirit when you become someone you’re not.  “It embodies what I was trying to say on the record,” says singer David Scotney, “it’s a dark point of view, but represents a cathartic process of self-healing.”

In 2012 touring news, the band’s first round of tour dates will be with Chevelle and Middle Class Rut starting February 24 in Grand Rapids, MI.  Additional dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

The record’s title, which is Latin for “night air,” comes from the 14th Century, a period where a third of the European population was killed off by the plague.  Then, people believed going outdoors at night would cause them to succumb to the Black Death.  While writing NOX AERIS, JANUS found this idea to be an apt metaphor for their own journey, preconceived notions of their own being flipped around as they became a bigger, more established band since the release of RED RIGHT RETURN.  NOX AERIS reveals who JANUS is and what they’ve gone through.

RED RIGHT RETURN came out in September 2009 on REALID Records and spawned the Top 10 Active Rock hit, “Eyesore.”  They spent months on the road touring with Chevelle, Sick Puppies, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Halestorm, Five Finger Death Punch, and Alice In Chains.  JANUS also sold-out numerous headlining shows of their own, appeared on MTV’s “Headbangers Ball” and performed in the biggest rock festivals in the U.S., including Rock On The Range.  Absolutepunk.net raved about the album:  “There are a few bands, given the opportunity, could take the radio by storm.  JANUS is a perfect example of this type of band.  If they were given the chance, and played on some larger radio stations alongside all of our alternative ‘favorites’ (sound-alikes), they could earn themselves hordes of fans.”  While Away-team.com hailed in a 9 out of 10 album review:  “Brilliant on many levels and impeccably engineered and produced to perfection.”

Check out JANUS with Chevelle and Middle Class Rut at any of the following stops:

 DATE               CITY                             VENUE

 Fri 2/24             Grand Rapids, MI          Orbit Room

Sat 2/25            Fort Wayne, IN              Piere’s

Sun 2/26           Niagara Falls, NY          Rapids Theatre

Tue 2/28            Portland, ME                 State Theater

Wed 2/29          New York, NY               Irving Plaza

Fri 3/2               Providence, RI              Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel

Sat 3/3              Atlantic City, NJ            House of Blues

Mon 3/5            Baltimore, MD               Rams Head Live

Tue 3/6             Norfolk, VA                   The Norva

Thu 3/8             Knoxville, TN                 Valarium

Fri 3/9               Nashville, TN                 Marathon Music

Sat 3/10            Indianapolis, IN            Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

Sun 3/11           Springfield, MO                         Gillioz Theatre

Tue 3/13            Wichita, KS                   Cotillion Ballroom

Wed 3/14          Omaha, NE                   Sokol Auditorium

Fri 3/16             Oklahoma City, OK        Diamond Ballroom

For more JANUS visit the band’s official website here.

DARK NEW DAY–Clint Lowery (guitarist from Sevendust), Will Hunt (drummer from Evanescence), Troy McLawhorn (guitarist from Evanescence), Brett Hestla (lead singer/guitarist from Virgos Merlot) and Corey Lowery (bassist from Stereomud and Eye Empire)—will release their highly anticipated sophomore album, NEW TRADITION, February 28 on Goomba Music (distributed by eOne Music). The first single, “New Tradition” is currently being serviced to radio stations nationwide.

NEW TRADITION is the follow-up to 2005’s debut album, TWELVE YEAR SILENCE, which was released on Warner Bros. Records. In 2006, the band released THE BLACK PORCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP after being on tour for over a year with Chevelle, Seether, Crossfade, and many others. After the EP’s release, they got to work on what would eventually be their second album, known at the time as HAIL MARY. Going through many employee and management changes, Warner Bros. decided to release the band from their contract, leaving the HAIL MARY album to be unreleased. It was at this point that DARK NEW DAY went on a hiatus, with the members either returning to their previous bands or venturing out into new projects.

The fire for new DARK NEW DAY material continued to burn in both the band members and the diehard fan base alike. The band came together in 2011 to compile tracks from HAIL MARY, along with newly written and recorded songs, for a special album which will be released as a “Thank You” to all the loyal fans that have continued to follow the band and request more material from the group.

“We’re very excited about the new DARK NEW DAY release,” proclaims guitarist Clint Lowery. “It seems the time is right to make these songs public and share with the fans that continue to support this project. We believe this music is still very valid and powerful today, and think its mandatory we give these songs a fair chance out in the music world. We owe it to ourselves and the DND fans. NEW TRADITION sums up the mindset we were in writing the follow-up to TWELVE YEAR SILENCE.”

Here’s the complete track listing of NEW TRADITION:

1. Fist From The Sky
2. Come Alive
3. I Don’t Need You
4. New Tradition
5. Tremendous
6. Sorry
7. Straightjacket
8. Take It From Me
9. Caught In The Light
10. Sunday
11. Fiend
12. Breakdown
13. Burns Your Eyes









For more DARK NEW DAY click here.

January 6, 2012 — Prepare for the return of a DARK NEW DAY.   DARK NEW DAY–Clint Lowery (guitarist from Sevendust), Will Hunt (drummer from Evanescence), Troy McLawhorn (guitarist from Evanescence), Brett Hestla (lead singer/guitarist from Virgos Merlot) and Corey Lowery (bassist from Stereomud and Eye Empire)—will release their highly anticipated sophomore album, NEW TRADITION, February 28 on Goomba Music (distributed by eOne Music).  The first single, “New Tradition” is currently being serviced to radio stations nationwide.

NEW TRADITION is the follow-up to 2005’s debut album, TWELVE YEAR SILENCE, which was released on Warner Bros. Records.  In 2006, the band released THE BLACK PORCH ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP after being on tour for over a year with Chevelle, Seether, Crossfade, and many others.  After the EP’s release, they got to work on what would eventually be their second album, known at the time as HAIL MARY.  Going through many employee and management changes, Warner Bros. decided to release the band from their contract, leaving the HAIL MARY album to be unreleased.  It was at this point that DARK NEW DAY went on a hiatus, with the members either returning to their previous bands or venturing out into new projects.   The fire for new DARK NEW DAY material continued to burn in both the band members and the diehard fan base alike.  The band came together in 2011 to compile tracks from HAIL MARY, along with newly written and recorded songs, for a special album which will be released as a “Thank You” to all the loyal fans that have continued to follow the band and request more material from the group.   “We’re very excited about the new DARK NEW DAY release,” proclaims guitarist Clint Lowery.  “It seems the time is right to make these songs public and share with the fans that continue to support this project.  We believe this music is still very valid and powerful today, and think its mandatory we give these songs a fair chance out in the music world.  We owe it to ourselves and the DND fans.  NEW TRADITION sums up the mindset we were in writing the follow-up to TWELVE YEAR SILENCE.”  

Here’s the complete track listing of NEW TRADITION:

1.  Fist From The Sky

2.  Come Alive

3.  I Don’t Need You

4.  New Tradition

5.  Tremendous

6.  Sorry

7.  Straightjacket

8.  Take It From Me

9.  Caught In The Light

10.  Sunday

11.  Fiend

12.  Breakdown

13.  Burns Your Eyes

For more DARK NEW DAY visit the band’s Facebook page here.

ShipRocked 2011, the music and life-style cruise, sets sail November 14th – 19th, heading for the tip of Mexico and its popular stretch of gorgeous Caribbean water known for scuba diving, shopping and bars aplenty.

ShipRocked guests are in for a very special treat next month, when QUEENSRŸCHE takes the stage onboard the cruise to perform their epic concept album, Operation: Mindcrime, in its entirety!

This performance of Mindcrime – which will feature Maria Brink of IN THIS MOMENT on vocals as “Sister Mary” – will be the band’s first of the album since the Rocklahoma festival in the summer of 2008.

“We’ve always enjoyed performing for our fans in intimate settings and the forthcoming ShipRocked cruise will certainly be one of those occasions,” states Queensrÿche lead singer Geoff Tate, who returns with the band for their second ShipRocked cruise. “We’re calling this one, ‘Mutiny on the Mindcrime‘.”

The special performance of Operation: Mindcrime, covering all fifteen songs from the album including such fan favorites as ‘Revolution Calling’, ‘Operation: Mindcrime’, ‘I Don’t Believe In Love’ and the closing track ‘Eyes Of A Stranger’, will be in addition to a greatest hits performance that will take place on another night of the cruise, which sets sail towards the Mayan Riviera on Monday, November 14th.

Maria Brink is ecstatic about joining Queensrÿche for the ten-minute song, ‘Suite Sister Mary‘. “I am so excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity to sing with Queensrÿche on the upcoming ShipRocked cruise! All of us in the band are huge Queensrÿche fans, and Geoff Tate is one of the best lead singers in the business. Getting to sing ‘Suite Sister Mary’ off the original Mindcrime album is a huge honor. This is going to be a cruise to remember!”

Acts confirmed for ShipRocked include: BROKEN TEETH, BUCKCHERRY, HELLYEAH, HINDER, IN THIS MOMENT, LIVING COLOUR, LYNAM, QUEENSRŸCHE, SEVENDUST.

ShipRocked 2010 Recap from ShipRocked on Vimeo.

Get ShipRocked with Vinnie Paul & HELLYEAH! from ShipRocked on Vimeo.

Buckcherry Wants You To Get ShipRocked! from ShipRocked on Vimeo.

For more SHIPROCKED 2011 click here.

The inaugural 48 Hours Festival Powered by Rockstar Energy Drink, the ultimate rock and roll music event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, is offering fans the opportunity to win an exclusive weekend concert experience with the “Debauchery VIP Package.” To enter to win, visit http://48hoursfestival.com/48hrs-festival-flyaway/. The winner and a guest will be flown to Las Vegas and receive:

• Two-day Debauchery VIP ticket to 48 Hours Festival with exclusive VIP entrance
• Access to Debauchery VIP Party Tent with discounted beer and drink specials
• 48 Hours Festival Limited Edition T-Shirt and collectible souvenir ticket
• Official Debauchery VIP Laminate

Located on the Luxor Festival Fairgrounds across the street from Luxor Hotel and Casino, 48 Hours Festival will feature two stages of pure rock with a royal flush of festivities at various Las Vegas locations spanning the entire weekend. Along with scheduled performances by Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace and many more, the festival also will feature multiple big air freestyle motocross jump shows by the Rockstar Metal Militia daily. In addition, the 48 Hours Festival is holding various contests to win “Survival Kits” from bands performing at the festival through its Facebook page.

The countdown to 48 Hours Festival begins Friday, Oct. 14 with a kick-off party at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino featuring Steel Panther. On Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, concertgoers can continue raging at the official after-party at the House of Blues. In addition, Korn’s Jonathan Davis will DJ a Sunday morning Hangover Brunch at Mandalay Bay.

Two-day weekend ticket packages start at $99 and can be purchased at www.48HoursFestival.com/tickets/. In addition, a limited number of once-in-a-lifetime exclusive VIP packages are available including the “All Excess – Cabanas” package featuring a full-service cabana with premium elevated sight lines. For additional information and discount hotel packages at Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, visit www.48HoursFestival.com.

Bands confirmed for 48 HOURS FESTIVAL:
Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, Hollywood Undead, Sick Puppies, Escape The Fate, Sevendust, Hatebreed, Adelitas Way, Rev Theory, 10 Years, Black Tide, Art of Dying, Eyes Set to Kill, Butcher Babies, Valora, Hell or Highwater, Orange Blossom Special

June 13, 2011 — SEVENDUST was forced to cut their current European tour short over the weekend due to circumstances beyond their control.  The trek was scheduled to conclude June 24 in Madrid.  They’re deeply apologetic to their international fans and hope to see them very soon.

The band will be regrouping for their forthcoming U.S. headlining tour—along with Adelitas Way, Emphatic and Violence To Vegas–which launches July 7 in Cedar Rapids before heading out on the UPROAR tour later this summer.

SEVENDUST is touring in support of their eighth studio album COLD DAY MEMORY, which was released April 20, 2010 on their own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group.  The limited edition CD/DVD debuted #12 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, marking the highest debut of the band’s 15 year career.

Check them out at any of the following stops:

DATE               CITY                             VENUE

Headlining shows with Adelitas Way, Emphatic and Violence To Vegas:

Thu 7/7             Cedar Rapids, IA           The Lumber Yard
Fri 7/8               Milwaukee, WI               Summerfest
Sat 7/9              Freeport, IL                   Logans
Mon 7/11          Louisville, KY                Phoenix Hill Tavern
Tue 7/12            Columbus, OH              Newport Music Hall
Thu 7/14            South Bend, IN              Club Fever
Sat 7/16            Urbana, IL                     Canopy Club
Tue 7/19            Fayetteville, AR             George’s Majestic Lounge
Wed 7/20          Little Rock, AR              Revolution Music Room
Thu 7/21            Nashville, TN                 The Cannery
Fri 7/22             Memphis, TN                 New Daisy Theatre
Sat 7/23            Mobile, AL                    Soul Kitchen

www.sevendust.com
www.myspace.com/sevendust
www.facebook.com/Sevendust
www.twitter.com/sevendust
www.youtube.com/user/officialsevendust

The annual Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival returns August 26 through October 15 to conquer North America with a massive active rock lineup. Leading the charge is multi-platinum headliner Avenged Sevenfold, making their triumphant return after co-headlining the 2010 debut Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival.

Three Days Grace, Seether and Bullet For My Valentine, along with Escape The Fate will also be featured on this year’s main stage. The touring music and lifestyle festival–which Revolver called “one of the most electric tours of the year” in 2010–also includes the Best Buy Music Gear Stage headliners Sevendust, as well as Black Tide, Art Of Dying and The Black Cloud Collective.

“When we started hearing from our fans they wanted to see us back on UPROAR this year, we thought, last year was a blast so let’s do it again. The fans are crazy and the bands kick ass,” says Avenged Sevenfold‘s frontman M. Shadows. “We’re spending the first half of summer playing some big European festivals so we’re going to be ready to get back home and play America’s top rock festival.”

“We’re thrilled to have Avenged Sevenfold back as headliners,” adds tour producers John Reese and John Oakes. “Their epic stage show helped elevate UPROAR 2010 far beyond the standard outdoor festival. The fans wanted more, and we listened.”

For more Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival click here.

Let the madness begin!  After its wildly successful inaugural run, the highly anticipated Carnival of Madness Tour returns this summer!  Joining the Carnival will be Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.

Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, the Carnival of Madness Tour will tear through North America for 25+ dates set to launch August 13 in Twin Lakes, WI.

VIP ticket pre-sales for the first 15 events will be available for those belonging to Theory of a Deadman’s Deadfan Club beginning Tuesday, May 31, followed by those signed up for the Carnival of Madness mailing list at www.carnivalofmadness.com, beginning Wednesday, June 1.   VIP bundles with exclusive merchandise, content, and an enhanced Carnival experience will be available for purchase through Artist Arena.

The public on-sale for the first round of shows will be Friday, June 3.  All of the ticket on-sale info can be found at www.carnivalofmadness.com.  The “Carnival” ticket price acknowledges the current state of the economy offering an “affordable” ticket that will be in the $25 – $35 range.

Bill McGathy, the owner of the Carnival of Madness brand proclaims, “After the incredible energy generated in the inaugural event last year, the 2011 edition combines a fantastic Rock package with a ticket price that is actually affordable in these economically challenged times”.

“Theory of a Deadman is totally stoked to be doing the Carnival of Madness Tour this year,” says singer/guitarist Tyler Connolly. “It’s great to be joined by Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and newcomers Emphatic – who all have songs rocking at radio and awesome live shows.  It’s gonna be a fuckin’ great show from beginning to end and definitely something you don’t wanna miss!  See you there!!!”

Continues Alter Bridge singer/guitarist Myles Kennedy:  “Alter Bridge is pleased to be taking part of the Carnival of Madness Tour later this summer with Theory Of A Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.  It will be great to be back in the U.S. playing on our home turf with these bands.  If you dig straight up, no frills Rock…then this tour is for you.  Hope to see everyone there!”

One of Vancouver’s greatest exports, Theory of a Deadman, is returning to give rock music a much needed reality check with their fourth studio release, THE TRUTH IS… The album is slated for release on July 12 via Roadrunner/604 Records and the first single, “Lowlife,” is already storming its way up the rock charts.  THE TRUTH IS…, the follow up to the band’s previous Platinum-selling SCARS AND SOUVENIRS, was produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, 3 Doors Down).  The band recently wrapped playing the inaugural Avalanche tour alongside Stone Sour, Skillet, Halestorm and Art of Dying, and will be playing select festivals before heading out on the Carnival of Madness Tour.  Theory of a Deadman is Tyler Connolly (vocals, guitar), David Brenner (guitar), Dean Back (bass) and Joey Dandeneau (drums).

Alter Bridge has been making their mark on the rock world for years through their three studio releases and non-stop touring.  The band is currently haunting the Top 20 of the Rock charts with their latest single, “Ghost of Days Gone By.” The single, the follow-up their #1 rock smash “Isolation,” is from their Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI Label Services release ABIII, which debuted at #17 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart when it was released last November.  In preparation for the Carnival of Madness Tour, the band just wrapped up a successful headline run with Black Stone Cherry and Like a Storm.  Alter Bridge has also made successful national TV appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live in support of ABIII.  Alter Bridge is Myles Kennedy (vocals, guitar), Mark Tremonti (guitar, vocals), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums).

Kentucky’s Black Stone Cherry–vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and drummer John Fred Young–is a band adept at creating both timeless rock ‘n roll and new, innovative sounds.  The band have recently released their third album for Roadrunner Records, BETWEEN THE DEVIL & THE DEEP BLUE SEA, which is the summation of a year in the life of the band—every emotion, triumph, loss, romance and everything in between—it’s all here on this album.  The first single, “White Trash Millionaire,” is currently approaching sitting at #15 on the Active Rock charts and climbing.

Las Vegas-based rockers Adelitas Way will release their sophomore album, HOME SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN, June 7 on Virgin Records.  The album, produced by Dave Bassett (Shinedown), showcases the band’s lyrical and musical growth.  The band has spent the past couple of years on the road and is excited to be part of this year’s Carnival.

Hard rock band Emphatic will release DAMAGE, their Atlantic Records debut, on July 12.  Led by vocalist Patrick Wilson and lead guitarist Justin McCain, Emphatic has spent years honing their edge on the road, headlining clubs and theaters along with supporting such like-minded artists as Stone Temple Pilots, Buckcherry, and Papa Roach.  DAMAGE, produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, Flyleaf), features the song “Bounce,” which is currently climbing the Active Rock charts.

The Carnival of Madness Tour made its inaugural launch in 2010 with Shinedown, Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd and 10 Years, which proved to be one of the biggest Rock shows of the summer as a Top 50 tour.

For up-to-the minute news and information, please visit www.carnivalofmadness.com.

CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2011 TOUR DATES

DATE                                      CITY                           VENUE
Saturday, August 13               Twin Lakes, IL             Shadow Hill Ranch
Friday, August 19                    Council Bluffs, IA        Harrah’s Casino
Saturday, August 20               Sedalia, MO                Missouri State Fairgrounds
Friday, August 26                    Louisville, KY              Kentucky State Fair/Cardinal Stadium
Saturday, August 27               Waterloo, IA                McElroy Auditorium (outdoors)
Sunday, August 28                 St. Paul, MN               Minnesota State Fair
Thursday, September 1          Allentown, PA             The Great Allentown Fair
Saturday, September 3          Hampton Beach, NH  Hampton Beach Casino
Wednesday, September 7      Baltimore, MD             Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Saturday, September 10        Atlantic City, NJ          House of Blues
Sunday, September 11           Huntington, WV           Harris Riverfront Park
Tuesday, September 13         Charlotte, NC              Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater
Wednesday, September 14    Fayetteville, NC          Crown Coliseum
Friday, September 16             Tulsa, OK                    Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino
Saturday, September 17        Poplar Bluff, MS         Black River Coliseum

If you don’t see your area listed, not to worry more dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

From MAAW:

Due to reasons beyond our control, The McAllen and Lubbock TX tour stops will need to be rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Official details will be released as soon as possible – keep checking this site for info. Until then, keep rocking!!
The current MUSIC AS A WEAPON TOUR V boasts Cop-Headliners DISTURBED & KORN, along with SEVENDUST and IN THIS MOMENT.

For more information click here.

 Following BUCKCHERRY since their early days and really diggin’ their 2006 release “15” after they reformed in 2005, I was elated to know I was afforded the opportunity to have a discussion with Keith Nelson (lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals).  Based out of Los Angeles, California, BUCKCHERRY has been a mainstay in the world of rock and roll. Known as “the Crazy Bitch band”, they are so much more than that. Working hard and paying their dues along the way, BUCKCHERRY continues to be one of the leaders with the in-your-face rock and roll bands, having fun and delivering their best every night to you, their fans.

Read on to see what Keith had to tell me about the Jagermeister Tour, their music, what 2011 holds for the band and Steelers football.

This is Marcy Royce with away-team.com speaking today with Keith Nelson from BUCKCHERRY.

AWAY-TEAM: Hi Keith, how are you?

KEITH NELSON: Good, how are you hon?

AWAY-TEAM: Great, thanks! I hear you are in Denver tonight. How cold is it there compared to Pennysylvania?

KEITH NELSON: It’s actually not that bad out here today. Where are you in Pennsylvania?

AWAY-TEAM: I’m in York, just south of Harrisburg.

KEITH NELSON: Yeah I know it, I know it well.

AWAY-TEAM: And you’re from Pennsylvania as well.

KEITH NELSON: That is correct. Western Pennsylvania.

AWAY-TEAM: Glad to know you’re familiar with the state more than some other people are.

KEITH NELSON: Yeah. I’ve spent some time in Indiana, Pennsylvania as well. So, I know it.

AWAY-TEAM: Thanks a lot for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me today. I really appreciate it.

KEITH NELSON: No problem. My pleasure.

AWAY-TEAM: I’ll get to my questions as to not keep you too long.

KEITH NELSON: Alright babe.

AWAY-TEAM: You’re coming back my area, Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, February 12. And since BUCKCHERRY performed at the Raven’s Kickoff Party in August of last year, what is it that you and the band like about Baltimore?

KEITH NELSON: Well, Baltimore really has been one of those cities that’s always just welcomed us with open arms even from the very early, early days of the band, ya know. It’s such a rock and roll town and the response has always been awesome. We’ve gotten a lot of support from the radio station there and some really loyal fans. It’s really been a great place for us.

AWAY-TEAM: We are so glad BUCKCHERRY is coming back!

KEITH NELSON: Right on! It’s gonna be a good time.

AWAY-TEAM: How did this Jagermeister Tour come about for you guys?

KEITH NELSON: They approached us with the idea of doing the tour and packaging up with some really cool bands. We started talking to them and HELL YEAH got on board, and then ALL THAT REMAINS and THE DAMNED THINGS kinda confirmed as well and it really started to pick up momentum. It’s just a cool opportunity for us and Jager has been a really good sponsor. They’ve provided a lot of things for us and it’s really been a good thing. They did a really successful tour with ANTHRAX and MEGADEATH and a couple of the heavier bands last year. We actually went to see one of the shows because we’re friends with the ANTHRAX guys. So, it’s been a good partnership .

AWAY-TEAM: And you’re just on the front leg of this 26 U.S. tour for Jagermeister so I’m sure your raring and fresh and ready to go.

KEITH NELSON: We’re always raring and fresh and ready to go.

AWAY-TEAM: (laughing)

KEITH NELSON: We are about 80 shows into this tour in support of our new release, All Night Long, and it’s a good way for us to spend this winter.

AWAY-TEAM: I really do like your new release, All Night Long. I did review it for Away-Team.

KEITH NELSON: Nice!

AWAY-TEAM: And it has grown on me. At first I was wondering, do I like it do I not like it? The more it spins in the ipod the it’s doing well in my opinion.

KEITH NELSON: Well, thank you!

AWAY-TEAM: You’re welcome.

AWAY-TEAM: What is different about this Jagermeister tour from other tours that you’ve been on?

KEITH NELSON: Well, first of all four bands, four kick ass bands. That’s been a big difference. Usually you have one or two bands out with you. But you’ve got four bands. It’s a very, for your entertainment dollar, there’s really a lot of entertainment. So thankfully we’ve been able to, with our partnership with Jager, keep ticket prices low and really just give people the most bang for their buck.

AWAY-TEAM: I think you are definitely doing that! Us fans thank you.

KEITH NELSON: Well, it really is all about the fans. If we can’t provide something for the people that support us and hear our music then why are we doing this in the first place. It’s been very much at the forefront of our thinking. Keep the ticket prices low, keep the merchandise prices low, and just provide an evening of entertainment.

AWAY-TEAM: Thank you. We all appreciate that. I went to see SEVENDUST, DISTURBED and KORN on the Music As A Weapon Tour last week and Lajon said the same thing to the fans. He said without you we don’t have a job.

KEITH NELSON: Yeah. We just did some shows with SEVENDUST. Great guys, love Lajon, there all really good peeps.

AWAY-TEAM: They are one of my favorite bands out there. They definitely, just like you guys, put on one hell of a show.

AWAY-TEAM: What do you like so far the most about this tour and how does it feel to be headlining again?

KEITH NELSON: It’s fun to be out with the HELL YEAH guys. We played with then before. ALL THE REMAINS is a band that we really weren’t all the familiar with, but they are going over really well and they’re really good guys. The biggest surprise has really been THE DAMNED THINGS. I don’t really know that anyone knew what to make of them based on the bands that these guys came from. But they’re really just kick-ass rock and roll band. It’s been really, really fun to go and watch those guys play every night. The thing that I am really enjoying the most is that we are finally doing a headlining show where we are playing for an hour and a half and we get to really dig deep into our catalog and play some stuff that we haven’t got to play in a few years. And we can dig deep into the new record and play a few songs that we might not normally play when we play a shorter so. So that has been fun.

AWAY-TEAM: I’m one of those fans that like to hear the deep tracks. Glad to hear some of that is going to be in the set. Especially when I see you guys in Baltimore in a few weeks.

KEITH NELSON: Right on!

AWAY-TEAM: What is it that you want the fans to take away from this Jagermeister tour about BUCKCHERRY? Maybe some of them haven’t seen you guys before or they’ve only seen you once or twice.

KEITH NELSON: Ya know, I think that we look around at our peers and the people that are out there touring successfully in this day and age, I think that we’re one of the only few real rock and roll bands that are out there. Not saying that we’re the only one but there aren’t many and we really want fans to walk away from that thinking there are five guys making music on stage, there’s no backing tracks, there’s no smoke and mirrors. Just five guys making music.

AWAY-TEAM: Pure and raw.

KEITH NELSON: Just the way nature intended it.

AWAY-TEAM: Right! (laughing)

AWAY-TEAM: I do have a question about your set list. Is there a song that all of you agree must always be the show opener?

KEITH NELSON: No. Ha ha ha ha. We always disagree what song should be the show opener. But we disagree mildly. There are so many good choices for that. We’ve decided on one song that we will open with on every date of this tour. We’ve never opened with that song before. So we all definitely agreed on this one.

AWAY-TEAM: Good, that’s great. I can’t wait to see it, to hear it, to feel it. Because you guys definitely have the energy that I love to take in.

KEITH NELSON: Right on, thanks for that.

AWAY-TEAM: I have a question about your dream tour. Who would be on the bill with you guys, of course with you guys headlining.

KEITH NELSON: Well, I would probably be with something like Led Zepplin and the Sex Pistols and we would be sandwiched in between them somehow.

AWAY-TEAM: (Laughing) You would want to be in between instead of headlining?

KEITH NELSON: Oh yeah! We’re gonna let Led Zepplin headline, come on.

AWAY-TEAM: Well they are the epitome, one of THE best bands that everyone look to. You’re right.

AWAY-TEAM: What are the plans for BUCKCHERRY when the Jagermeister tour ends in February?

KEITH NELSON: Well after that we go up to Canada for three weeks and we’re taking Papa Roach up there with us. Continuing another leg of the Jagermeister tour. I know we are looking to getting over to Europe again in the spring and summer, playing some festivals over there. And some of our own shows. Really just spreading the word on this record and taking it out there and playing it for people.

AWAY-TEAM: The new release has been out since last August. How are the sales both physical and digital?

KEITH NELSON: Well, ya know, sales of records these days is really a weird subject because the bar keeps getting lowered and lowered. You can see that about two weeks ago the number one record on the billboard chart only sold 40,000 units. That’s unheard of. That wouldn’t even get you into the top 20 three or four years ago. So, sales are definitely declining across the board and I think given that we’re at a really good place in the market with where our record is. I think judging your success as a band based on solely on record sales is a big mistake. Because records just don’t sell by themselves. In 2011 we’re earmarked to play for more fans than we’ve ever played for and in more cities and more countries than we’ve ever played. So overall things are really good, really healthy with what’s going on with us.  

AWAY-TEAM: That’s great to hear you have that many shows in 2011. That is awesome!

KEITH NELSON: Yes, it is.

AWAY-TEAM: If you were able to cover one artist in your set, who would it be?

KEITH NELSON: Wow! If you would ask the five of us, you would get five different answers. I always wanted to do God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols. I just think that is a song we would do really well. That would get my vote.

AWAY-TEAM: Have you ever done it for soundcheck?

KEITH NELSON: No.

AWAY-TEAM: Do you think it would go over with the other guys?

KEITH NELSON: I think they would be into it.

AWAY-TEAM: Well, maybe toss it out there sometime.

KEITH NELSON: You never know.

AWAY-TEAM: I’m interviewing  you but if you could interview any one musician, who would it be?

KEITH NELSON: Ahhhhh. Steven Tyler. I would want to talk to him and get inside his head and ask him some questions.

AWAY-TEAM: I’m sure there’s a lot of shit floating around in his noggin’.

KEITH NELSON: Yeah.

AWAY-TEAM: And what are the top tunes in your ipod right now?

KEITH NELSON: All my favorite records are 20 or more years old. Ha ha ha. It’s crazy. Top tunes would be Horesehead by the BLACK CROWS, Seven Nation Army by WHITE STRIPES and Mannish Boy by MUDDY WATERS.

AWAY-TEAM: Some very good choices!

AWAY-TEAM: Last question Keith. You’re a Steelers fan. What do you think about the Superbowl?

KEITH NELSON: There’s only one way to think. Ya know, I think the Steelers are gonna win. I’m also lucky enough to be a Steelers fan AND a Ravens fan. It was very hard to watch those guys square off against each other. So I’ve kinda go neutral on that day. But, I’m a big Ravens fan as well. I think the AFC is going to prevail.

AWAY-TEAM: Amen. I think so too. I’m rooting for the Steelers even though I’m a Redskins fan.

KEITH NELSON: No doubt.

AWAY-TEAM: Gotta go with the PA team!

KEITH NELSON: That’s right.

AWAY-TEAM: Thanks so much Keith for all your time and your patience with this interview. And I’ll hopefully see you in Baltimore.

KEITH NELSON: Alright hon. Take care.

AWAY-TEAM: You too!

Check out all that is ‘pure and raw’ with BUCKCHERRY at their site: http://www.buckcherry.com/

Here is the 2011 Jagermeister Music Tour schedule:
Wed 19 Jan – San Diego, CA @ 4th and B
Fri 21 Jan – Anaheim, CA @ The Grove of Anaheim
Sat 22 Jan – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
Sun 23 Jan – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
Tue 25 Jan – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Great Salt Air
Thu 27 Jan – Denver, CO @ Fillmore
Fri 28 Jan – Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
Sat 29 Jan – Des Moines, IA @ Seven Flags Center
Mon 31 Jan – Peoria, IL @ East Peoria Civic Center
Tue 01 Feb – Chicago, IL @ Congress Theatre
Wed 02 Feb – Waterloo, IA @ McElroy Auditorium
Fri 04 Feb – St Louis, MO @ Pop’s
Sat 05 Feb – Minneapolis MN @ 1st Avenue
Tue 08 Feb – Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Center
Wed 09 Feb – Louisville, KY @ Expo 5
Fri 11 Feb – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
Sat 12 Feb – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
Sun 13 Feb – Sayerville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Tue 15 Feb – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre
Wed 16 Feb – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Fri 18 Feb – Albany, NY @ Northern Lights
Sat 19 Feb – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Sun 20 Feb – Manchester, NH @ Verizon Wireless Arena
Tue 22 Feb – Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
Wed 23 Feb – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
Thu 24 Feb – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

The 2011 Jagermeister Music Tour will feature Jagermeister custom tour prizes from Schecter Guitars and Peavey Electronics. In addition, Jagermeister will be hosting nightly text-to-win giveaways including tap machines, tee shirts, hats and other branded POS.

Special thanks to Keith Nelson for taking the time to speak with me, and to Pavla Mikula at ‘Stache Media for helping to make it happen.

Featuring KORN, DISTURBED and SEVENDUST

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Giant Center, Hershey, PA

Photos by Marcy Royce

How do I even begin? Where do I even begin? How do I even… oh my, what a night!

The Music As A Weapon Tour featuring KORN, DISTURBED and SEVENDUST says a great deal. When I learned of this tour in November, I was eager to attend. I know each band is strong, each band is delivering new music, each band is an industry veteran. So, I strapped myself into my seat on the rollercoaster I was about to ride this night in Hershey, PA. (next door to the famous Hersheypark Entertainment Center, by the way).

Arriving just at the end of the set for New Medicine, I noticed the Giant Center was filling quickly. The lines outside were long. Many fans were buzzing with excitement and ready to rock out. 

This night I got to see for the first time the temporary substitution of B.C. Kochmit. Quite the guitarist. I was watching his performance intently, trying to learn his style and methods. Good job, B.C.! Sevendust never forgets that the fans have gotten them where they are today. Lajohn made sure to mention this. AWESOME! The fans sure appreciated that. Fan favorites included Black (Sevendust, 1997), Face To Face (Seasons, 2003), and Praise (Animosity, 2001) closed their set. To the delight of myself and the other rabid Sevendust fans. We all were desiring more, more, MORE!

DISTURBED is one of those bands that I love to crank in my ipod. This was exciting for me to photograph them for the first time. Hit after hit just poured from the stage. Including Another Way To Die, Asylum, The Animal and Remnants (Asylum, 2010), Indestructible, Inside The Fire (Indestructible, 2008), Ten Thousand Fists, Stricken (Ten Thousand Fists, 2005), Prayer, Liberate (Believe, 2002), and The Game, Stupify (The Sickness, 2000).

Frontman, David Draiman, was every bit as powerful as I thought he would be. Holding true to delivering his best from start to finish, taking pride in giving it his all. He even called out a fan in the front row who seemd to be ‘playing video games on his phone’ and told the security they had his permission to escort him out of the floor area, hold his spot, and bring him back for KORN. David felt this fan was disrespectful in not honoring him pouring out everything he had in each song for the fans. And you know, I agree with him! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vXpArEthX4&feature=youtube_gdata_player) Dan Donegan, John Moyer, and Mike Wengren were entrancing as I watched them at their craft. The encore was the song I was waiting for, Down With The Sickness (The Sickness, 2000). I am glad I had the unforeseen opportunity to be able to see them on this tour. Thanks DISTURBED!

KORN. My oh my, I had not a clue what I was in for. What a performance! First thing I couldn’t help notice was Ray Luzier’s drum kit. Holy cow. (and I have a thing for drummers, hence why I noticed his kit first). KORN blew onto the stage like a hurricane. Fast, furious and with great force. Giving everything they had to the fans. And the fans shoved that force right back to the band. The air was electrifying. Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer and Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu were amazing. I was seeing them all for the first time live. I was so glad I was in the press pit so witness this performance for those first few songs. What I experienced up close might have been harder to feel in my seat, but my husband told me he felt the wave too. COOL!

Some of the fan faves in the set included Oildale, Pop A Pill (Korn III, 2010), Here To Stay, Alone I Break (Untouchables, 2002), Falling Away From Me (Issues, 1999), Freak On A Leash, Got The Life (Follow The Leader, 1998), and Shoots and Ladders, Blind (Korn, 1994). The fans were immersed in each chord, each lick, and each riff. I was whacked by flying dreadlocks several times when I got too close to the barricade. Ha ha!

What a great experience. These bands, paired together, on this Music As A Weapon Tour are the perfect combination. So glad I was able to capture the emotion in my photos.

Special thanks and a shout out to Amanda Cagan, with abc-pr, & Amy Sciarretto, with Roadrunner Records, for making this opportunity happen for me and the Away-Team. You ladies ROCK!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Giant Center, Hershey, PA

Photos by Marcy Royce

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From DISTURBED‘s Facebook page:

‘MUSIC AS A WEAPON 5: Lets make it official. For the first time ever, MAAW will feature 2 headliners. Joining Disturbed this time around as co-headliners will be KORN!! Also on the tour are special guests SEVENDUST and IN THIS MOMENT. Click the offer tab above for the first list of cities the tour is coming too. Exact dates, ticket information, and more cities to follow. See ya there!!!!!’

For more DISTURBED click here.