Tackett’s New LP Is One Of 2014’s Best Surprises

Courtesy: Root Down L.A. Records

Singer-songwriter Miles Tackett released his new album The Fool Who Wonders today. Pardon the awful pun, but there’s no fooling about Tackett’s new album. This album is itself a wonder of a record. Throughout the course of the album’s eleven songs, Tackett takes listeners back to an era when music was at its purest. The songs that make up his album combine elements of classic funk and R&B with more modern sounds from the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Ben Harper for a whole that anyone will enjoy. Listeners will find one example of what makes Tackett’s album so worth the listen right off the top in the album’s first pairing of songs. Listeners will also enjoy the swinging, bluesy ‘Out in the Canyon.’ These three songs are but a minute examination of what makes The Fool Who Wonders worth the listen. The eight remaining songs not noted here each play their own role in the success of the album, too. And audiences that give those songs a chance, as well as those noted here will agree that one would be a fool to not pick up this album.

Tackett noted on his Facebook page of The Fool Who Wonders that he had “forgotten how much work & how many hands it really takes to bring music from one’s head to other folks’ ears.” He went on to thank a number of people in this statement. It goes without saying that all of the work and hands went into bringing The Fool Who Wonders definitely paid off. That is obvious right off the top in the album’s opener ‘Just What I Need.’ Tackett instantly takes listeners on a musical trip back in time thanks to his guitar work on this song. Its hybrid old school, up-tempo, funk/R&B sound will instantly have listeners bobbing their heads and tapping their feet in time. That musical side set alongside the song’s lyrics makes for quite the experience. He sings in this song about a woman that he had seemingly lost. He sings, “Could we recognize/After all these years/Building our brick walls/Built upon our fear/And we had enough/Mix of joy and pain…Maybe we didn’t want to see/Maybe/We gave each other just what we need/Just what we need.” Having such an up-tempo song set against a song centered on what comes across as a song about a broken relationship makes for one heck of a contradiction. That last line, “Maybe we gave each other what we need” is the explanation behind that more positive sound. Rather than let the song be just another downer about a lost love, he presents a song with optimism looking back. It’s that sort of better to have loved and lost mentality. The two elements together make this song a great way to open The Fool Who Wonders.

Tackett keeps listeners back in the golden era of funk and R&B as he transitions from ‘Just What I Need’ into the album’s second song, ‘Everything.’ This piece bears a noticeable influence from both Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz at least on its musical side. Tackett actually sounds a little bit like a mix of both guitarists as he sings. It isn’t so evident with just a fleeting listen. A closer examination of the song will reveal just how much he sounds like both singers. Lyrically, this song continues the positive, optimistic vibe established in the album’s opener. Tackett sings in this piece, “I’ve had some good things come to me/On a long lucky streak/I’ve thought that I/Could never lose/I had everything but you/I had everything but you/Everything but you/I couldn’t see you missing/Just a king/Without a queen/Livin’ all my lifetime/thought I had everything/Thought I had everything.” Forget ballads. Tackett doesn’t mince any words here. He is singing to a woman that he is crazy about. He says he’s had so many great things in life, except for that special lady. He’s trying to woo her. And any guy trying to woo his own special someone could use this to help put into words how he feels about her. It makes for yet another great addition to this surprisingly enjoyable record.

The first pairing of songs that opens The Fool Who Wonders are by themselves a great first impression for Tackett’s new album. Even after winning over listeners with that all-important first impression a firm win, he continues to impress throughout the record. One of the highest of points that comes through the album’s progression is the bluesy ‘Out in the Canyon.’ This song sounds like the kind of song one would expect to hear from the likes of B.B. King, Junior Wells, or even Taj Mahal just to name a few. This applies even in the song’s lyrical side as Tackett sings, “Out in the canyon/They gather in the sun/You kick up dust/All day long/And then burn until it’s done…Someone’s passing out beneath the old oak true/Baby’s runnin’ wild/As momma trails behind/And the old man on the hill/Keeps laughin’ all the time/Bass drums/guitar wails/Call the children home/The crowd it starts a cheerin’/As he grabs the microphone/Grab the microphone.” It’s just a fun song that comes across as depicting an equally fun setting. Together, the two elements create a song that will have audiences singing and dancing along.

Whether one finds enjoyment from ‘Out in the Canyon,’ ‘Just What I Need,’ ‘Everything’ or any of the remaining eight songs not noted here, every listener will agree that every track on this album is worth a listen. And collectively, they show just why it is such a wonder of an album and why the only fool would be the one that doesn’t pick up this record. The Fool Who Wonders is available now in stores and online. Audiences can also pick up The Fool Who Wonders at Tackett’s next performance this Thursday, July 10^th at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles, California. Audiences can find out when Miles Tackett will perform in their town and keep up with all of the latest news from Miles Tackett online at http://www.facebook.com/milestackettmusic and http://www.milestackett.com. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Sound Of Contact Announces New Tour Dates

Courtesy: InsideOut Music

Sound of Contact is coming to the United States this Spring and Summer.

The band has confirmed that it will take part in the Moody Blues Cruise and the Cruise to the Edge this Spring before embarking on a handful of dates late next month.  The Moody Blues Cruise sets sail Wednesday, April 8^th from Miami, Florida.  It will take guests through the Bahamas and to Grand Turk Island, Turks & Caicos before returning to Miami on Monday, April 7^th.  Sound of Contact will join The Moody Blues, Starship, Little River Band, and special guest Roger Daltry of The Who among a number of other artists and bands.  More information on the Moody Blues Cruise is available online at http://moodiescruise.com and http://www.facebook.com/moodiescruise.

Band founder Simon Collins and his band mates will have a quick turnaround once they return to port from the Moody Blues Cruise.  That is because they head right back out to sea Wednesday, April 8^th for the Cruise to the Edge.  That cruise will take guests Cozumel by way of Miami and Honduras.  It will leave port Wednesday, April 8^th and return to Miami Saturday, April 12^th.  Sound of Contact will join YES, Marillion, Queensryche, Scale the Summit, and a number of other acts that are scheduled to perform during the cruise.  More information on the Cruise to the Edge is available online at http://cruisetotheedge.com, http://www.facebook.com/cruisetotheedge, and http://twitter.com/cruisetotheedge.

Once Sound of Contact returns from its marathon cruise run, the band will take some much needed down time before kicking off its North American tour April 26^th.  The band will kick off its North American tour at SIR Studios in Los Angeles, California.  The band’s complete cruise and tour schedule is listed below.

Wednesday – April 2, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise
Thursday – April 3, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise
Friday – April 4, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise
Saturday April 5, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise
Sunday – April 6, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise
Monday – April 7, 2014 Moody Blues Cruise / Cruise To The Edge
Tuesday – April 8, 2014 Cruise To The Edge
Wednesday – April 9, 2014 Cruise To The Edge
Thursday – April 10, 2014 Cruise To The Edge
Friday – April 11, 2014 Cruise To The Edge
Saturday – April 12, 2014 Cruise To The Edge

Saturday – April 26, 2014 Los Angeles, CA, America – SIR Studios
Wednesday – April 30, 2014 Quebec City, QC, Canada – Le Cabaret du Capitole
Thursday – May 1, 2014 Toronto, ON, Canada – Rock Pile East
Friday – May 2, 2014 Chicago, IL, America – Reggies Rock Club
Saturday – May 3, 2014 Gettysburg, PA, America – RoSFest

Ticket information for the band’s upcoming performances will be announced soon.  More information on tickets and Sound of Contact is available online at http://www.facebook.com/soundofcontact.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Power Of Three Has Potential Staying “Power”

Courtesy: Metal Blade Records

2014 is only a week or so old.  Despite the infancy of the year, things are already picking up within the music industry.  If the many lists of the year’s most anticipated albums are any indication, there is a lot to look forward to this year.  That’s especially the case in the world of rock and metal.  Albums from Slipknot, Tool, Earth Crisis, Corrosion of Conformity, Foo Fighters, Mastadon, Black Label Society, and so many others are already making purist rockers and metal heads the world over excited about the months to come.  Now, yet another performer has added his name that already extensive list of bands and artists whose albums are highly anticipated this year.  The performer in question is Monte Pittman.  Pittman will release his new album The Power of Three.

The Power of Three is quite the interesting listen for those that might be unfamiliar with his body of work.  While Pittman has had the honor of recording and touring with veteran New York based metal band Prong, he is most well-known for his work with none other than Madonna and former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert.  He has also recorded with former Spice Girl Melanie C. on her 2003 album Reason.  Considering that he has spent more time recording and touring with pop artists, Pittman’s new record, which will be released via Metal Blade Records on January 21^st, will shock audiences.  That’s because it is anything but a pop record.  Rather, he and his band mates—Kane Richotte (drums) and Max Whipple (bass)—have crafted a ten-track record that is an early contender for a slot on this critic’s list of the year’s best hard rock records.  The album’s second song, ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ is a pummeling song that hints at influences from the likes of thrash pioneers Pantera.  This is the case at least in terms of the song’s musical side.  Pittman’s guitar work, alongside Kane Richotte’s solid drumming, make this an excellent first impression from Pittman and company.  Pittman shreds with the best of them.  And his vocal style may even lead some to compare it to that of Fireball Ministry front man James A. Rota III.  Whipple adds just enough low-end to bring everything together in this song.

Just as interesting to take in on this record is the album’s opener and lead single, ‘A Dark Horse.’  What makes the song so interesting is that there almost seems to be an old school Black Sabbath influence mixed into the song’s more prominent modern metal sound throughout its bridge and verses.  One wouldn’t think the two sounds would gel.  Low and behold, they work quite well together.  As a matter of fact, there’s no doubt that Pittman and company will have listeners putting their horns high with pride.  Yet again, all three members of the band work together here to make a song that will leave listeners breathless by the end of its near five-and-a-half-minute run time. And as with the album’s other songs, the production is just as solid as the music itself.  Not one member of the three-man organization overpowers the other at any one point throughout the song.

For all of the heavier material that comprises this record’s body, Pittman also proves that he can hold back even if only a little bit.  That’s evident in the almost Alice in Chains style ‘Everything’s Undone.’  Even more intriguing about the song is that the setup in the song’s opening moments may even conjure thoughts of Aerosmith’s ‘Back in The Saddle Again.’  It’s only momentary.  But it’s there.  On its lyrical side, it comes across as being rooted in the standard relationship issues that make up so many songs.  He sings, “Driving faster/getting closer/But I feel farther from you/Here we go again/Who’s to blame/Am I gonna get closure from you/Now you’re gone/Is there something I’ve done wrong…Now everything’s undone.”  It’s pretty obvious that Pittman is delving into a personal realm here.  The catch is that unlike so many songs that are rooted in relationship issues, this one takes that lesser travelled road, opting for a less “oh, woe is me” vibe and more for something with energy about it.  This is the case even in the song’s chorus. The song as a whole is just one more that makes this upcoming album well worth the listen and a definite early contender for a spot on this critic’s list of the year’s best new hard rock/metal albums.  Fans will get to hear even more music from Pittman and his band mates when they perform February 22^nd at Los Angeles’ famed Whisky A Go Go.  Tickets for that show can be purchased via Pittman’s official website, http://montepittman.com. Fans can keep up with the latest addition to Pittman’s tour schedule and all of his latest news online at http://montepittman.com, http://www.facebook.com/MontePittman, http://www.myspace.com/montepittman, and http://twitter.com/montepittman.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Stewart Re-Invents Himself Yet Again On His Third Country Outing

Courtesy: Weapons of Mass Entertainment

Dave Stewart has done it again.  The former Eurythmics star has re-invented himself once again on his latest record, Lucky Numbers.  The third of his Nashville records, this record comes across as the culmination of Stewart’s journey into the country music world.  And it goes without saying that if this is the last of his country records, it is his best yet.  The record offers a little of something for everybody over the course of eleven tracks.  The album’s opener, ‘Every Single Night’ is quite the interesting way to kick off this album.  That’s because while it does boast a country element, it’s also slightly tinged with an 80s sound, too.  The addition of country superstar Martina McBride doesn’t hurt the record, either.  And its radio edit, is little different.  It’s just one of the songs that listeners will enjoy on this record.  Just as enjoyable is the semi-bluesy ‘Drugs Taught Me a Lesson.’  This song doesn’t necessarily have a country vibe about it.  But its theme of past drug use set alongside its mid-tempo musical side make it another of the album’s high points.  Speaking of high points, the album’s third track, ‘How To Ruin A Romance’ is one more of those high points.  Its playful energy and equally comical yet true lyrical side will most assuredly have anyone smiling as they sing along.  These are just a few of the most notable of the songs from Stewart’s new album.  For those that want something a little softer, Stewart has a relatively good offering of softer material, too.  Along with the more up-tempo songs, they put Dave Stewart into this critic’s list of the year’s best new records again.’

‘Every Single Night’ opens Lucky Numbers.  This mid-tempo pop country tune is a good re-introduction for Stewart.  It’s quite the interesting opener, too.  It’s light pop/rock vibe conjures thoughts of Phil Collins and certain other well-known acts from the 80s.  That’s thanks to the keyboard and drums that largely drive the song.  Ironically, it’s that same solid drumming that is sure to have audiences at Stewart’s live shows raising their hands and clapping together in time to the song.  Guest star Martina McBride actually serves to make the song feel even more like a pop song straight from the late 80s with her vocal prowess.  It adds a certain charm as the pair sings, “That’s why the rain came/Every single night/Every single night/Like a ball and chain/Every single night/Every single night/I’m never gonna cry again/Every single night/Every single night/Don’t ask me why again/Every single night/Every single night.”  The charm of the duo singing together along with the song’s musical side makes it so easy to close one’s eyes and actually see them singing.  Even images of the pair singing together will come across to some just like a music video from the 80s.  Is that bad?  Not necessarily.  It’s actually somewhat endearing.  And that endearing feeling is the heart of the song.  Stewart and McBride have hit an emotional nerve with listeners that will lead to the above mentioned reactions.

After the feel good vibes created in ‘Every Single Night’, one might wonder how Stewart could possibly follow up that song.  He follows it up by changing things up in every sense of the term.  Instead of offering more of that endearing classic rock vibe, Stewart turns bluesy on the album’s next song, ‘Drugs Taught Me A Lesson.’  He was joined by Vanessa Amorosi and The Ringmaster Chorus on this song.  This is another of those songs that make it so easy for audiences to envision Stewart live on stage, performing the song.  It’s so easy to see the Ringmaster’s Chorus behind Stewart, swaying back and forth, smiling as they sing and clap in time.  The song’s laid back piano riff mixed with its infectious groove laid down by Stewart’s bassist make the song even more fun.  And one can’t forget the incredible guitar work in this track, either.  All three elements together make the song’s lyrical side hit even harder, believe it or not.  That’s because Stewart is singing from the vantage point of someone having gotten past drug addiction.  He sings, “Drugs taught me a lesson/How to lose control/Drugs taught me a lesson/Just how I lose my soul/And that’s one hard lesson to learn.”  It would have been so easy to take a more somber road on this song.  Stewart took chose otherwise.  And it paid off, too.  It shows that there is hope for those struggling to get past drug addiction, and the joy that can result in living a clean life.  So for that, kudos is in order for Stewart and company.

Stewart and his band mates maintain the light hearted vibe established in the album’s second song with the very next piece, ‘How To Ruin A Romance.’  This song just cries country.  It is really the first pure country style song on this record.  Stewart and guest musician Vanessa Amorosi sing playfully about all the ways that people—particularly men—ruin a romance.  From not taking a cue from a woman to passing up the chance to talk to a woman or even kiss her, he and Amorosi outline rather well all the things to not do.  They offer up even more ways that a romance can be romance can be ruined.  And there are a lot of ways to ruin a romance, too, as listeners will find out.  Add in some nice guitar solos and solid drumming, and listeners get yet another enjoyable song from Stewart’s new album.

As one can hopefully tell by now, there is plenty of reason for audiences to applaud Dave Stewart on his latest LP.  He offers much more from which listeners can choose as their own favorite songs.  There is more light hearted material throughout the record as well as more heartfelt material for those wanting to hear Stewart’s softer side.  Altogether, it works to make Lucky Numbers another hit from Dave Stewart, and another album from Stewart that makes this critic’s list of the year’s best new albums.  Fans will get to hear these songs and even more of his material in just a couple of months when he performs at “VaVoom…A Rock and Roll Circus” in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, January 30^th.  Tickets for that show are available now and can be ordered online at http://goldenvoice.com/shows/details/?id=245809.  All of the latest information on more upcoming shows and news from Dave Stewart is available online at http://www.facebook.com/davestewart and http://davestewart.com.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

AX7 Makes Its Case For One Of 2013’s Best With Hail To The King

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records

Avenged Sevenfold has officially made its case for its place on the list of this year’s best new hard rock and metal albums with the release of its sixth full length release, Hail to the King.  The album is ten tracks of pure hard rock that will most certainly impress the band’s fans new and old alike.  The main reason for this success is the fact that this is very much a guitar driven record.  Front man M. Shadows’ vocals are as strong as they have ever been.  And the guitar work of Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance is equally impressive.  Whether in their solos or their primary duties, the pair exhibits its talent from one song to the next throughout the record.  Listeners should not forget new drummer Arin Ilejay more than holds his own, having taken over from the band’s former drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.  The unit as a whole has crafted an album that shows even in the face of its previous tragedy has overcome that tragedy to successfully reclaim its place in the hard rock community once more.

One of the very first things that listeners will appreciate from this album is its obvious old school influences.  From the album’s hard rocking opener, ‘Shepherd of Fire’ to its final number, ‘Acid Rain’, the entire album exhibits hints of influences from the likes of Metallica, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and even Motley Crue to a lesser degree.  The driving guitars throughout the songs and the equally soaring solos from Synyster Gates and Vengeance show such a certain respect and reverence for their influences.  Listeners can hear obvious Metallica influences in ‘This Means War’ and ‘Shepherd of Fire.’  And the album’s lead single and title track is just one of a number that boasts influences from the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.  And fans of Motley Crue will appreciate the band’s seeming influence on the hard driving, semi-socially conscious, ‘Doing Time.’  Should audiences listen closely enough, they might even hear what sounds like the one and only Axel Rose guesting on the song.  It might not in fact be him.  But even if it isn’t him, it certainly sounds like him.  Regardless of whether or not it was him, the discussion that speculation would generate is enough to make this one more positive for the album’s overall effect.

The members of AX7 pay due respects to the bands that have come before them throughout all ten songs on its sixth new full length release.  Those influences are just one part of what makes this record so impressive whether this album is one’s first time being exposed to Avenged Sevenfold or one’s fiftieth.  It’s not all that audiences will appreciate from this album.  Along with the old school influences, audiences will also appreciate the lush orchestra arrangements included in a number of the album’s songs.  The album’s opening number boasts a solid horn arrangement alongside some very dark sounding church bells.  The effect of these elements combined with the rest of the song’s musical side makes it a solid and impressive re-introduction for the band.  Other songs tout some very moving string arrangements that make said songs so much more moving, even in the album’s less hard rocking moments.  The balance of these musical elements makes every song on Hail to the King worth the listen.  And in the long run, it’s that balance of musical elements and influences that makes this album one of AX7’s best yet.  It also makes this album an easy contender for a slot on the list of the year’s best new hard rock and metal records.

Avenged Sevenfold is currently touring in support of its upcoming album.  It will perform Monday in Los Angeles, California’s Hollywood Palladium.  It will follow up that performance with a performance next Friday, August 30^th in Albuquerque, NM at the Isleta Amphitheatre.  It will join Korn, Device, and Halestorm for the show there.  A full list of the band’s current tour dates is available online now, along with all of the latest updates from the band at http://www.facebook.com/AvengedSevenFold and http://avengedsevenfold.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Black Label Society Debuts Song From Upcoming Live CD/DVD, Blu-ray

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Entertainment One

Zakk Wylde and his Black Label brethren have released a new song.  The song, titled ‘Ain’t Not Sunshine When She’s Gone’ is a mournful bluesy type of song.  It was originally written by blues legend Bill Withers.  The entirely acoustic piece is one of two cover songs that will be included on the upcoming Black Label Society CD/DVD, Unblackened.  The song is streaming online now at Rolling Stone magazine’s website.  Fans can listen to it now at http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/black-label-society-cover-bill-withers-sunshine-song-premiere-20130809. 

Unblackened will be available Tuesday, September 24^th.  It will be distributed through the band’s current label, Entertainment One.  Along with its CD/DVD release, Unblackened will also be released on Blu-ray.  The double-disc CD release of Unblackened will contain six tracks not included on the DVD, including acoustic takes of ‘Queen of Sorrow’ and ‘Won’t Find It Here’ and covers of Leon Russell’s ‘Song For You’ and the aforementioned Bill Withers cover. 

Unblackened was filmed and recorded earlier in 2013 at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia.  It features performances of some of the band’s most well-known hits stripped down in an acoustic setting.  The DVD and Blu-ray will include as bonus features:  an interview with Zakk Wylde, a photo gallery, a music video for the band’s song, ‘Losin’ Your Mind’ from Zakk’s Pride and Glory solo record, and a feature with Zakk making a visit to the British prison, HM Prison Stocken. 

The DVD/Blu-ray and CD track listings are available below.

DVD/Blu-ray Track Listing

1.) Losin’ Your Mind
2.) The Blessed Hellride
3.) Sold My Soul
4.) Road Back Home
5.) Spoke In The Wheel
6.) House Of Doom
7.) Queen Of Sorrow
8.) Machine Gun Man
9.) Sweet Jesus
10.) In This River
11.) Throwin’ It All Away
12.) Takillya (Estyabon)
13.) Won’t Find It Here
14.) Rust
15.) Speedball
16.) I Thank You Child
17.) Stillborn

 

CD Track Listing

Disc I

1. Losin’ Your Mind
2. The Blessed Hellride
3. Sold My Soul
4. Road Back Home
5. Spoke In the Wheel
6. House Of Doom
7. Queen Of Sorrow
8. Machine Gun Man
9. Sweet Jesus
10. In This River
11. Throwin’ It All Away

 

Disc 2

1. Takillya (Estyabon)
2. Won’t Find It Here
3. Rust
4. Speedball
5. I Thank You Child
6. Stillborn
7. Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone (cover)
9. Lovin’ Woman
10. Queen Of Sorrow (unplugged)
11. Song For You (cover)
12. Won’t Find It Here (unplugged)
13. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

BLS fans can keep up with all of the latest from Zakk and company online at http://www.facebook.com/zakkwylde, http://www.facebook.com/blacklabelsociety, http://www.zakkwylde.com, http://www.blacklabelsociety.com, and http://twitter.com/zakkwyldebls.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com. 

Green Day Announce New Tour Dates

Courtesy: BB Gun press

Pop punk band Green Day has announced two new concert dates to its current tour lineup.  The band—Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals/guitar), Tre Cool (drums) and Mike Dirnt (bass)—added performances on Tuesday, April 16^th and Thursday April 18^th.  The band will perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California on April 16^th.  Tickets for this show will be available this Friday at noon local time.  Fan club members will get first access to pre-sale tickets, which go on sale today at 3pm EST/12pm PST.  For more information on this pre-sale and more, fans can go online to http://www.idiotclub.com.  The second of the new pair of performance dates will be at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.  Tickets for this show will be available next Friday, February 22^nd at 10am local time.       

The dates are just two more in an already very busy schedule for the trio.  The band will kick off its tour on Thursday, March 28^th and will tour across the country through April 18^th before heading overseas for the European leg of its tour.  The tour is in support of the band’s recently released trilogy, Uno!, Dos!, and Tre!  Also recently announced is the upcoming debut of the band’s documentary, Cuatro!, at the 20^th annual SXSW Film Conference and Festival.  The documentary follows the band as it brings its trilogy from concept to store shelves.  It also includes some very special performances recorded along the way.  The 20^th annual SXSW Film Conference and Festival runs from March 8^th – 16^th in Austin, TX.

Also debuting at the annual event is the Doug Hamilton directed, Broadway Idiot.  The film follows Billie Joe Armstrong as he ventures into the world of Broadway and turns the band’s album, American Idiot into the massive stage success that it is today. 

For more information on all of this and to get the latest news from the band, go online to http://www.greenday.com, http://www.facebook.com/GreenDay, http://twitter.com/greenday, and http://www.youtube.com/greenday.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.