Finnish rocker Michael Monroe has welcomed British guitarist Rich Jones (The Ginger Wildheart Band, The Black Halos) to his band following news that Dregen is leaving the lineup to focus on his solo career.
Dregen has played guitar in Monroe’s live band since the summer of 2011, and he also played on the band’s latest album, ”Horns and Halos.”
Dregen´s solo band will appear as Monroe’s opening act on their gigs in Finland at Pakkahuone (Tampere), Tavastia-klubi (Helsinki), Kaivohuone (Naantali) and M/S Viking Grace in April and May. After the Finnish shows, the Swedish guitarist, best known for playing with Michael Monroe, Backyard Babies and The Hellacopters will continue to focus on his solo career.
”It's been three amazing years in the Michael Monroe band and I've been enjoying every second of it!,” said Dregen. “I'm gonna miss this band so much, but it's time for me to focus on my solo career and future Backyard Babies albums. I hope that I contributed positive energy, great live shows, riffs, dirt, and songs on Horns And Halos that gave Michael Monroe an extra dimension after Sensory Overdrive. This band is so good so they'll be fine without me. I’ll be supporting Michael Monroe with my solo band in April and May. What a great package! What a great show! What a great ending!”
“Dregen and his band opening up for Michael Monroe is a nice send-off and a special treat for the fans,” said Monroe. ”Luckily Rich, who has done an excellent job as Dregen's substitute, has gelled into the band's chemistry so well that the rest of the band welcomes him with open arms as a permanent member. And so the saga continues.”
Michael Monroe with special guest Dregen:
Apr 25 - Tampere, Finland - Pakkahuone (K-18)
Apr 26 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia (no age limit, doors at 2 PM)
Apr 26 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia (K-18, doors at 8 PM)
Apr 30 - Naantali, Finland - Naantalin Kaivohuone (K-18)
May 02 - Turku-Tukholma, Finland - M/S Viking Grace
See also:
Michael Monroe releases Stained Glass Heart video
Michael Monroe announces UK tour
Michael Monroe announces tour of Finland
Michael Monroe releases new single, Eighteen Angels
Search Michael Monroe at hennemusic