Depeche Announces Summer 09 US Tour

From Billboard.com

As expected, Depeche Mode will tour North America this summer, beginning July 24 in Toronto. Venues have yet to be announced for the trek, which runs through Sept. 5 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The band will be out in support of its new album, Sounds of the Universe," due April 21 from Mute. The project is being made available in a deluxe boxed set edition, featuring a host of the special extras.

They include two extra audio CDs featuring bonus songs, remixes and 14 demos, a DVD featuring behind-the-scenes footage and band interviews and two 84-page hardback books with lyrics and photographs from Anton Corbijn, Daniel Miller, Ben Hillier, Luke Smith and Ferg Peterkin.

Depeche Mode returns to the road May 10 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Here are Depeche Mode's tour dates:

July 24: Toronto
July 25: Montreal
July 28: Washington, D.C.
July 31: Boston
Aug. 1: Atlantic City, N.J.
Aug. 3: New York
Aug. 10: Seattle
Aug. 12: San Francisco
Aug. 14: San Diego
Aug. 16-17: Los Angeles
Aug. 20: Santa Barbara, Calif.
Aug. 22: Las Vegas
Aug. 23: Phoenix
Aug. 25: Salt Lake City
Aug. 27: Denver
Aug. 29: Dallas
Aug. 30: Houston
Sept. 1: Atlanta
Sept. 4: Tampa, Fla.
Sept. 5: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Here is their latest video posting from YouTube in the studio:

NIN and Janes Addiction to hit the Road for 09 Tour

From Billboard.com

Nine Inch Nails will tour later this year with the reunited Jane's Addiction, NIN frontman Trent Reznor wrote in a post on the band's Web site.

Although he stopped short of saying the band was going on something more than a hiatus, Reznor confirmed these will be the last NIN shows for some time, and that they will be "much more raw, spontaneous and less scripted" compared to last year's "Lights in the Sky" tour. "It's time to make NIN disappear for a while," he said.

Dates have not yet been announced, but Reznor says the tour will take the bands "across the globe."

The pairing with Jane's Addiction was inspired by NIN's stint on the maiden Lollapalooza tour in 1991, which was headlined by Jane's. The band broke up for the first time shortly thereafter, only to reunite minus original bassist Eric Avery in 1997 and again in 2001.

"These performances essentially created and defined the term 'alternative' rock in the U.S., created an ongoing festival franchise that is still thriving (Lollapalooza), set the stage for Nirvana to shift popular taste a few months later, and were really f*cking FUN to play and attend -- truly the best times I've had," Reznor wrote.

Of late, Reznor has been in the studio with Jane's, which has played a handful of intimate L.A. club shows in the past few months with Avery, but has yet to announce a full-scale reunion tour. In fact, the band is playing tonight (Feb. 16) at the Echoplex. The intent of the studio sessions is unclear from his post.

"Emails were sent, phone calls were made, dinner was arranged, ideas were discussed and the next thing I know we're in the studio experimenting," he wrote. "We laugh, we get to know each other, we cry, we yell, we almost quit, we record LOTS of guitar solos, we discuss, we actually begin to all communicate, we yell some more, we become FRIENDS, we laugh again and we do some great things. I get to see first-hand why they broke up all those years ago but I also get the chance to see four distinct personalities that become an INCREDIBLE band when they're in the same room."

Reps for both acts were unavailable for comment at deadline.

Also Be sure to check out NIN.com for a posting from Trent Reznor himself on what the future lies for nine inch nail touring.

Morrissey New Album Release Date and Tour in US

Morrissey Inks U.S. Deal, Plots Spring Tour

Courtesy of Billboard.com

Morrissey

December 17, 2008 06:13 PM ET

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Morrissey has inked a U.S. deal with Lost Highway for the release of his new album, "Years of Refusal," Billboard can reveal. Due Feb. 17, the project will be issued in conjunction with the former Smiths frontman's own Attack imprint.

Lost Highway is an intriguing destination for Morrissey, as it is most commonly associated with roots- and country-leaning acts such as Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams. The label is also the U.S. home for Van Morrison and Elvis Costello.

"Refusal" will be supported by an extensive North American tour, including shows in three different New York venues (Bowery Ballroom, Webster Hall, Carnegie Hall).

The album was previewed for media last week in London, from where Polydor will handle the international release. First single "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" arrives Feb. 9; guitar legend Jeff Beck guests on the track "Black Cloud."

Here is the track list for "Years of Refusal":

"Something Is Squeezing My Skull"
"Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed"
"Black Cloud"
"I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris"
"All You Need Is Me"
"When Last I Spoke to Carol"
"That's How People Grow Up"
"One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell"
"It's Not Your Birthday Anymore"
"You Were Good In Your Time"
"Sorry Doesn't Help"
"I'm OK By Myself"

Here are Morrissey's North American tour dates:

Feb. 28: Boca Raton, Fla. (Mizner Park)
March 1: Orlando, Fla. (Hard Rock Live)
March 3: Jacksonville, Fla. (Florida Theater)
March 4: St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jannus Landing)
March 6: Myrtle Beach, S.C. (House of Blues)
March 7: Atlanta (Variety Playhouse)
March 9: Asheville, N.C. (Orange Peel)
March 11: Durham, N.C. (Durham PAC)
March 13: Richmond, Va. (the National)
March 14: Washington, D.C. (Warner Theater)
March 16: Montclair, N.J. (Wellmont Theater)
March 17: Pittsburgh (Carnegie Music Hall)
March 19: Buffalo, N.Y. (Center for the Arts)
March 21: New York (Bowery Ballroom)
March 22: Philadelphia (Academy)
March 25: New York (Webster Hall)
March 26: New York (Carnegie Hall)
March 28: Mashantucket, Conn. (Foxwoods)
March 29: Boston (House of Blues)
March 31: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Theater)
April 1: Columbus, Ohio (Palace Theater)
April 3: Milwaukee (Eagles Ballroom)
April 4: Chicago (Aragon Ballroom)
April 6: Minneapolis (State Theater)
April 7: Kansas City, Mo. (Midland Theater)
April 8: St. Louis (Pageant)
April 10: Dallas (Palladium Ballroom)
April 11: Houston (Jones Hall)
April 12: Austin, Texas (Bass Concert Hall)
April 14: El Paso, Texas (Chavez Theater)
April 15: Albuquerque, N.M. (Sunshine Theater)

The Smiths Reunion? Could Morrissey Eat His Own Testicles?

Well its been a while since I last posted here. I promise that will change.

Could it be? Recent reports have been rampant about Morrissey recently speaking with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr in recent weeks have settled their differences. There are reports that the Coachella Festival, which is held every April of each year, is already ready to swing in the buckets of cash their way. Don't take my word for it, check out this report for the UK Telegraph by Clicking Here.

In Morrissey news, his latest album 'Years of Refusal' is set to be released in the UK February 16, 2009 with a USA release TBA. He has also announced a slew of dates in the UK to kick off his tour listed below.

Also enjoy some old skool Smiths music with their video for 'This Charming Man'.

May 04 - Stirling @ Albert Hall
May 05 - Dundee @ Caird Hall
May 07 - Glasgow @ Barrowland
May 08 - Glasgow @ Barrowland *new date*
May 10 - Liverpool @ Empire
May 13 - Birmingham @ Symphony Hall
May 15 - Great Yarmouth @ Britannia Pier
May 16 - Cambridge @ Corn Exchange
May 19 - Hull @ Arena
May 20 - Hartlepool @ Borough Hall
May 25 - Salisbury @ City Hall
May 26 - London Mile End @ Troxy Ballroom
May 28 - London Brixton @ 02 Academy
May 29 - London Brixton @ 02 Academy *new date*

Deftones New Album Update Straight from Abe Cunnigham

Well the official Deftones Blog (http://deftonesinstudio.blogspot.com/) has been updated with the standing of the new Deftones record. As reported here earlier this year, the album is rumored to be titled 'Eros'. Also reported here earlier today, the band plans to join Alice in Chains on September 20th in Peoria, AZ at KUPD's End of Summer Scorcher.

Here is the posting straight from Abe on the new Deftones record:

Hey all, we’re almost finished tracking our record up here at The Spot and we’ll head up to Terry’s studio in Seattle next month to add the final touches and begin mixing. We’re all excited about how this record is taking shape, and can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Alice in Chains New Record Status + Show with Deftones

Well its been over 12 years since the Seattle based Grunge act have come out with any new material. Word is from their MySpace blog that the writing for the new album is drawing closer to a conclusion and recording is about to begin after this show stop with the Deftones, who themselves are feverishly working on a new record. Here is actual posting:

End of Summer Scorcher - Sept 20

Alice in Chains is wrapping up the writing phase for their forthcoming album. Before they begin recording, the guys will take a jaunt to Peoria, AZ to join their good friends Deftones at KUPD's End of Summer Scorcher on September 20th. The event will take place at the Peoria Sports Complex and tickets go on sale this Saturday, AUG 2nd at all local AZ Club Tattoo locations. Tickets will be available online beginning Monday, AUG 4th via Tickets.com. Head to KUPD.com for more information.

And Now for the Unplugged version of Would?

NIN Release Music Sampler - FREE! + Firmed up NIN 2008 Lineup

2008 has become a busy year for the NIN Camp. In todays news Trent Reznor and company is now releasing a free mixer sampler featuring some up and coming electro acts called 'Lights in the Sky'. Theses acts will be apart of the upcoming various legs of tours with NIN.

Also courtesy of NIN.com, Trent has announced the firmed up lineup for the 2008 incarnation of NIN as they prep to go and hit the road for their Summer tour trek which includes Lollapalooza 2008. Here is what he had to say

I am proud to announce the final personnel lineup of nine inch nails for the foreseeable future. We've added, we've subtracted and we've wound up with unquestionably the strongest lineup I've EVER had. Joining me onstage will be Robin Finck, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Freese and Justin Meldal-Johnsen.
We've been working on something really special for these shows and so far I couldn't be happier with the results. We'll be revealing some live performances shortly here on nin.com - in the meantime, we've posted some photos from rehearsals up on Flickr here.

Meanwhile, I assume some of you may not be entirely familiar with the acts I've chosen to join us on various legs of this tour, so we've compiled a sampler EP for you. CLICK HERE to download this for free. If you like what you hear, be sure to show up early to the show (and please remember to support them by purchasing their music, if so inclined).

Best,
TR

Click here for the direct download for 'Lights in the Sky Music Sampler'.

Now here is an interesting video nugget featuring Trent Reznor before he joined Nine Inch Nails and was in the band 'Exotic Birds':

Coldplay returns with new record + new tour dates

After what seems a long 3 year absence Coldplay is returning with a brand named record strangely named Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. From what I hear this is supposed to be a heavy soft rock record, which sounds intriguing. The record is due June 17 via Capitol. Here is the official tracklist:

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends:

01 Life in Technicolor
02 Cemeteries of London
03 Lost!
04 42
05 Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love
06 Yes
07 Viva la Vida
08 Violet Hill
09 Strawberry Swing
10 Death and All His Friends

Coldplay also have some tour dates lined up in the late summer as well:

07-27 Pemberton, British Columbia - Pemberton Festival
08-09 Osaka, Japan - Maishima (Summer Sonic Festival)
08-10 Tokyo, Japan - Marine Stadium (Summer Sonic Festival)

Nine Inch Nails Summer Trek 2008

With the physical release of their instrumental outfit 'Ghosts I-IV', NIN is headed on the road to conquer America once more. Here are the dates:

7/25 - Pemberton, BC @ Pemberton Festival
7/26 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena at Seattle Center
7/28 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
7/29 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
7/31 - Winnipeg, MA @ MTS Centre
8/02 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
8/05 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
8/07 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
8/08 - Worcester, MA @ DCU Center
8/12 - Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Civic Coliseum
8/13 - Duluth, GA @ Gwinnett Arena
8/15 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Ford Center
8/16 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
8/18 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
8/20 - Saint Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
8/22 - Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
8/23 - Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
8/27 - East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center
8/29 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
8/31 - Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
9/02 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
9/03 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The E Center Of West Valley
9/05 - Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
9/06 - Inglewood, CA @ The Forum

Here is a word from Trent Himself in regards to Ghosts I-IV

Helmet Announces New Tour Dates

Influential alternative rock pioneers HELMET have scheduled the following dates:

Mar. 13 - Red Seven - Austin, Texas
Mar. 14 - Viper Room - Austin, Texas
Mar. 15 - The Playground - Park City, Utah
Apr. 17 - Canes Bar and Grill - San Diego, California
Apr. 18 - Key Club - Hollywood, California
Apr. 24 - Coolangata Hotel - Gold Coast
Apr. 25 - Great Northern Hotel - Byron Bay
Apr. 26 - Hoey & Moey - Coffs Harbour, Australia
Apr. 30 - Gaelic Club - Sydney, Australia
May 01 - Uni Bar - Wollongong, Australia
May 02 - Anu Bar - Canberra, Australia
May 03 - Hi Fi Bar - Melbourne, Australia
May 04 - Fowler’s - Adelaide, Australia

HELMET's new song "Revenge Destroys Everything" has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The track was featured in legendary comic book creators Paul Jenkins (Wolverine Origin, Frontlines) and Rob Prior's (Spawn The Impaler, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV show, EFX) new original motion picture "Tatua".

+ Source Link

Radiohead Annouince Dates for Upcoming Tour

RADIOHEAD has confirmed the dates and venues to be visited on the first segment of its upcoming North American tour. They are:

May 5 - Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, Florida
May 6 - Ford Amphitheatre - Tampa, Florida
May 8 - Lakewood Amphitheatre - Atlanta, Georgia
May 9 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, North Carolina
May 11 - Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge - Bristow, Virginia
May 14 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - St Louis, Missouri
May 17 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, Texas
May 18 - Superpages.com Center - Dallas, Texas

Pre-sale for the above dates will begin February 14 via W.A.S.T.E. with general on-sales following on February 16.

The second half of the North American tour will follow the band's summer tour of the UK and Europe.

+ Source Link

Black Rebel Motorcycle Announce North American Tour

Black Rebel Motorcycle will be hitting the road and playing a series of North American dates throughout April and May later this year.

The tour kicks off in Grand Rapids, MI and all dates are listed below. Support comes from The Duke Spirit.

Tickets will be offered via an exclusive pre-sale starting February 18th at 1pm Pacific Time. The link will be made available Monday so make sure to come back then.

Apr 4 2008 7:00P
La Trastienda Buenos Aires
Apr 6 2008 5:00P
Quilmes Rock Festival Buenos Aires
Apr 16 2008 8:00P
The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
Apr 17 2008 8:00P
Frankie’s Toledo, Ohio
Apr 18 2008 8:00P
Mad Hatter Club Covington, Kentucky
Apr 19 2008 8:00P
The Dame Lexington, Kentucky
Apr 19 2008 8:00P
The Dame Lexington, Kentucky
Apr 22 2008 8:00P
Visulite Theatre Charlotte, North Carolina
Apr 23 2008 8:00P
40 Watt Athens, Georgia
Apr 24 2008 8:00P
The Valarium Knoxville, Tennessee
Apr 25 2008 8:00P
The Pageant St. Louis, Missouri
Apr 26 2008 8:00P
Liberty Hall Lawrence, Kansas
May 1 2008 8:00P
Canopy Club Urbana / Champaign, Illinois
May 2 2008 8:00P
Turner Hall Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 3 2008 8:00P
High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin
May 19 2008 8:00P
Antone’s Nightclub Austin, Texas
Jun 20 2008 12:00P
Hurricane Festival Bremen
Jun 21 2008 12:00P
Southside Festival Tuttlingen
Jun 21 2008 12:00P
Southside Festival Tuttlingen
Jun 23 2008 8:00P
Paradiso Amsterdam

Scott Weiland Reforming Stone Temple Pilots?

According to Slash of Velvet Revolver, lead singer of Velvet Revolver Scott Weiland is set to reunite the influential San Diego Grunge based Stone Temple Pilots after the current Velvet Revolver spring tour concludes. For now the talk is playing a handful of summer reunion shows, with no other additional info on what is beyond for STP.

STP broke up in late 2002; the band's last album was the previous year's "Shangri-La Dee Da."

Radiohead #1 on Billboard Charts + North American Tour Update

Radiohead's physical version of 'In Rainbows' top the Billboard Charts this week beating out Mary J Blige's "Growing Pains" selling around 122,000. The sales do not reflect the sales made during the 'Name Your Own Price' download sale that was done weeks before. For reference 2003's 'Hail to the Thief' sold over 300,000 copies and was atop the charts as well.

In other Radiohead news, the band is set to embark on a 2008 Summer North American tour following their European stint which ends in Berlin on July 8th. And while actual dates are TBA, we have the city destinations. They are:

Atlanta
Boston
Charlotte, N.C.
Chicago
Cleveland
Dallas
Houston
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Miami
Montreal
New York
Philadelphia
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Seattle
St. Louis
Tampa, Fla.
Toronto
Vancouver
Washington, D.C.

more to come when it comes available.

Underworld Release 'Beautiful Burnout' Video + Single and Tour News

From the Underworld MySpace Site

Underworld are well and truly back. It’s been a blistering 2007 for Rick & Karl having played Hollywood Bowl, Central Park and a sell out UK tour. Their latest new studio album ‘Oblivion With Bells’ has been heralded as their best album since the seminal ‘Dubnobasswithmyheadman’. Now comes the second single from the album, “Beautiful Burnout”, which has become a firm live favourite, and with mixes from Mark Knight and Pig & Dan, this package is of the highest order. The luscious trademark synth swathes and swells ebb and flow with majestic yet melancholic vocal melodies. Beautiful indeed.

• 2008 beckons and will see them playing a revised schedule of shows in the Europe and London around this single.

Underworld - Beautiful Burnout

Bravery 2008 US & Canadian Tour Trek

The Bravery are continuing to tour .....and tour ......and tour in support of their sophomore effort 'The Sun and the Moon'. Apparently according to their MySpace Page,

Stay tuned for more Major Bravery announcements over the next few weeks.

Pre-Sale Tickets go on Sale TODAY for the Bravery’s 2008 US & Canadian Tour. General Public Tickets go on sale this Saturday through ticketmaster.

2008
Wed Jan 16 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre - BUY TIX
Thu Jan 17 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre - BUY TIX
Fri Jan 18 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up - BUY TIX
Sat Jan 19 - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Sound - BUY TIX
Tue Jan 22 - Boise, ID Big Easy - BUY TIX
Wed Jan 23 - Spokane, WA - Big Easy - BUY TIX
Thu Jan 24 - Vancouver, BC - Richard's On Richards - BUY TIX
Fri Jan 25 - Seattle, WA - Neumos - BUY TIX
Sat Jan 26 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater - BUY TIX
Mon Jan 28 - Sacramento, CA - The Boardwalk - BUY TIX
Tue Jan 29 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues - BUY TIX
Wed Jan 30 - San Diego, CA - House Of Blues - BUY TIX
Thu Jan 31 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues - BUY TIX
Fri Feb 1 - Tempe AZ - The Clubhouse - BUY TIX
Sat Feb 2 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock - BUY TIX
Tue Feb 5 - Austin, TX - Emo's - BUY TIX
Wed Feb 6 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre - BUY TIX
Thu Feb 7 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live - BUY TIX
Fri Feb 8 - Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theatre - BUY TIX
Sat Feb 9 - Atlanta, GA - Roxy - BUY TIX
Tue Feb 12 - Toronto, ON - Opera House - BUY TIX
Wed Feb 13 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick - BUY TIX
Thu Feb 14 - Cincinnati, OH - 20th Century Theatre - BUY TIX
Fri Feb 15 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall - BUY TIX
Sat Feb 16 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom - BUY TIX
Mon Feb 18 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club - BUY TIX
Tue Feb 19 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club - BUY TIX
Fri Feb 22 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore At TLA - BUY TIX

Mars Volta Lines up New Tour Dates

Texas based Mars Volta is set to release a new record and launch a supporting tour in 2008. The band's 4th record entitled 'The Bedlam in Goliath' is set for release on January 29th.

And now for the dates which kicks off New Years Eve in San Fransisco:

12-31 San Francisco, CA - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
01-09 South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
01-11 New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
01-12 Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
01-14 New York, NY - Terminal 5
01-17 Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore at the TLA
01-18 Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live!
01-19 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
01-21 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Hall
01-23 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
01-25 Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club
01-27 Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
02-17 Hamburg, Germany - Docks
02-19 Oslo, Norway - Sentrum
02-20 Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
02-22 Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
02-24 Berlin, Germany - Huxley's
02-26 Zurich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
02-27 Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
02-29 Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
03-01 Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz
03-03 Munich, Germany - Elser Halle
03-05 Paris, France - Olympia
03-06 Tilburg, Netherlands - 013 Music Hall
03-08 Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall
03-09 Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
03-11 Glasgow, Scotland - Academy
03-13 Manchester, England - Apollo
03-14 London, England - Brixton Academy

Meat Beat Manifesto - New Album/Tour 2008

According to the Meat Beat Manifesto MySpace page:

Meat Beat will be releasing a new record in March 2008. Keep watching the site for new tracks. Many people have sent emails suggesting venues for live shows and now is the time to get in touch for potential shows in 2008. Just send an email via the MySpace page. Thanks and we'll see you next year!

It appears this maybe a double album record release. More on this as it develops.

2008 will be Extreme's Comeback Year!

Thats right, according to Billboard the 90s one hit wonder Extreme is working on new material and a full scale tour. On 11.26.07 the band announced their plans for a world tour in Spring 2008 as well as a release date and label for the as yet untitled album, which is being produced by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.

"It's a real record," Bettencourt tells Billboard.com of the new Extreme album, which will likely include such songs as "King" and "You're a Star." "It's not just a throwaway to tour with. i think it's gonna be one of our better records yet."

Extreme now includes original members Bettencourt, frontman Gary Cherone and bassist Pat Badger, along with new drummer Kevin Figueiredo.

Morrissey Working on Next Record + Tour in 2008

From Billboard.com
As his marathon tour in support of the 2006 album "Ringleader of the Tormentors" winds down, Morrissey is already making plans for the future. The artist has two new releases in the works and will be back on the road early next year, according to his manager, Merck Mercuriadis.

Mercuriadis says Morrissey, who was last inked to Sanctuary, will sign a new record deal to be announced soon. A greatest hits collection with two new songs and a new studio record produced by Jerry Finn, who was behind the boards for 2004's "You Are the Quarry," are on tap for 2008.

And while Morrissey has tended to stay off the road for long periods, the upcoming break will last only a few months, given the high demand to see the man in person. "He'll be back out in January," Mercuriadis says. "We'll take a short break and then start again in March."

Launched in mid-March 2006, the "Ringleader" tour was initially set to end in the United Kingdom the following December. But from the start, the routing philosophy was to "take it to the people instead of having the people come to us," according to Mercuriadis.

"He loves to play off the beaten track," Mercuriadis says. "Playing Merrillville, Ind., is at least as important to him as playing the major markets. It's also what allows him to continue going for 18 months. Everything is a fresh experience."