Mike Mushok of Staind joins Newsted. New album, tour, and VIP experience announced.
Legendary bassist and six-time Grammy-Award winner, Jason Newsted has announced Mike Mushok of Staind has joined his powerhouse band, Newsted. Following the release of Newsted’s explosive EP, Metal, which debuted #1 on the iTunes metal chart, Mushok, guitarist Jessie Farnsworth and drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. are currently pounding away at Jason’s Chophouse Studios in Northern California, putting the final touches on a full-length album to be released early this summer.
“It was obvious from the word ‘go’ that Mike is one of us,” says Jason. “Professional, focused, happy and grateful to be able to make our beautiful noise together!”
“I loved the old school vibe of the Metal EP, and when we got together to jam, it really felt great,” adds Mushok. “Staind is taking a break for a while, so when Jason asked if I was interested in joining them to record an album and play on the upcoming tour, it was perfect timing. All I could say was, hell yeah! I’m totally down for this.”
As Newsted gears up for a summer album release, the band has just confirmed a string of warm up club shows, including May 1st at The Roxy in Los Angeles. Jason says, “Can’t wait to get out there and crush it for the fans around the world!”
US warmup dates:
04/19 – Walnut Creek, CA @ Red House
04/23 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Rock Shop
04/24 – Fresno, CA @ The Starline
04/26 – Sparks, NV @ The Alley
04/27 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
05/01 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
05/03 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl
05/04 – Mesa, AZ @ KUPD Ufiesta / Quail Run Park
05/15 – Battle Creek, MI @ Planet Rock
05/17 – Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
05/18 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
05/21 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
05/22 – Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East Downstairs
05/23 – Asbury Park, NJ @ The Stone Pony
Newsted will be offering fans a chance to get up close and personal with the Newsted VIP Experience! Packages go on sale Wednesday, March 27th at 10:00 AM (local venue time) at http://newstedvip.com
Newsted VIP Experience includes:
One general admission ticket
One meet & greet with Newsted
One photo opportunity with Newsted
Get one personal item signed by Newsted
One tour t-shirt
One commemorative VIP laminate
First entry into the venue (where available)
Lines-free merchandise shopping (where available)
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday March 29th and Saturday March 30th. To purchase tickets go to: http://newstedheavymetal.com/
Newsted will also be hitting the road this summer, playing several European dates (listed below) including The Download Festival in Donington Park, UK on June 16th. More dates to be announced soon. Check out www.newstedheavymetal for the latest news and tour updates.
“I’m feeling strong and can’t wait to bring our heavy music to the people again,” says Jason. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to unleash on the world’s metal fans!”
Newsted European Festival dates:
06.05 – Warsaw, Poland @ Impact Festival
06.07 – Solvesborg, Sweden @ Sweden Rock Festival
06.16 – Donington Park, UK @ Download Festival
06.21 – Graz, Austria @ Seerock Festival
06.26 – Tokaj, Hungary @ Hegyalia Festival
06.29 – Helsinki, Finland @ Rock the Beach
06.30 – Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting