New addition to Newsted

Only months prior to Newsted's album debut, there has been an addition to the band. A surprising one, but nonetheless good. According to MetalHammer magazine,Mike Mushok, lead guitarist for Staind, was approached by Jason with the proposal.He said: 'I loved the old school vibe of the Metal EP, and when we got together to jam it really felt great. 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'.
The upcoming tour seems to be going really well and with Mike on board there really is no question whether the music delivered will be of the greatest quality. While Staind takes a break from the studio and touring, it seems that Mike has found a terrific project to get his hands on. Since Jason&gang say that they switch instruments  from time to time, maybe we'll get to see Mike playing bass.Anyhow, the show's on the way and for all the Newsted community out there, let's hope the tour will get extended to more European cities.It's still early days...

Jason's Back

  Being Metallica's bassist since November 1986 has had a great impact on Jason Newsted. Although they have been through some though times, Jason's departure came as a shock for both the members of the band and their worldwide fans. Since then, he has been working with Ozzy Osbourne, Voivod, his own creation Echobrain, Papa Wheelie and Govt Mule. Altough playing music is something he can never give up, Jason also started his own record label, Chophouse Records and publishing company named after his Voivod pseudonym, Jasonic. In 2004 he became a dedicated supporter for the 'Little Kids Rock' project, which helps provide musical instruments to children in not so famous schools across the US. Now, after taking a short break from music because of a shoulder operation, he is back with new and original material. His EP is simply entitled 'Newsted Metal' which is very different to past Metallica albums. It stands to show that Jason is not only back, but standing on his own two feet and finally letting his creativity run wild. The EP is just a preview to the album that is due to be released sometime this summer and it only contains 4 songs: 'Soldierhead' , 'Godsnake', 'Skyscraper' and 'King of the Underdogs'. 'Soldierhead' has already benefited from a video that has got mixed reviews on Youtube, but the Jason Newsted community seems to be coming togheter again. Which is actually in time with Jason's tour dates. Two have been confirmed this June,  Download festival in Nottingham, UK on the Pepsi Max stage and Impact Festival in Warsaw, Poland.His Facebook page offers regular updates on what's going on in and out of the studio, so add your Like to http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=541303719243205#!/jasonnewstedofficial?fref=ts
The album is available on newstedheavymetal.com and you can order a hand signed copy which will be available for a limited time only. Other merch, including the 'Jason's back' t-shirt, can be found at www.tinmanmerchandising.com.