FOZZY Announces Their Return to the Road Headlining the #HAPPENS Radio Concert Series!
FOZZY is Excited to Announce Their Most Anticipated Tour to Date: The "2025th Anniversary Tour”! Set to kick off in Springfield, MO on April 17 while concluding in Wyandotte, MI on May 12. FOZZY will hit the road on a cross country journey to 20 of the nations most epic venues, bringing their electrifying live performances for fans in every city. Featuring Superstar showman Chris Jericho on vocals tagging with the iconic signature riffs of maven guitarist Rich Ward, Fozzy is set to launch the next phase of their 25th Anniversary tour with guitarist Billy Grey, bassist P.J. Farley, and drummer Grant Brooks rounding out the band. Living up to their unabashed and uncaged reputation, FOZZY truly delivers the ultimate arena rock experience to every show - a sonic assault of head banging, energy, attitude and most importantly, songs. With Eight albums under their belt, a Certified RIAA Gold single with "Judas", Seven Straight Top 10 Radio Singles, Over 300 MILLION US Streams and Video views, every show is an experience, fueled by crowd participation sing alongs and chants of FOZZY! FOZZY! FOZZY!” from the masses. From performing three shows across America in one day, to filming a music video on one of the fastest hair raising roller coasters in the world, to performing live at Wembley Stadium twice in the past year, Fozzy always brings innovation to their fans. And this leg of the 25th Anniversary tour is no different as they bring community and concerts together with a Radio Presents approach. “Born of a desire to create opportunities for our artists, create revenue for radio and continue to strengthen our amazing community, we are proud to present the #HAPPENS radio concert series and to have FOZZY, a band we broke at radio with their song Judas, be the band that kicks off our new concert series". Ken Pittman, #HAPPENS For Ticket, VIP, or More Information: FOZZY announces at 10am ET TOMORROW 12.18 Pre-Sale starts at NOON ET TOMORROW 12.18 General Public on sale 10am ET THURSDAY 12.19 www.fozzyrock.com
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Tom George passed away on Wednesday night December 11 from a massive heart attack. Tom, along with his wife Tracy own TAG Publicity. Due to them owning their own business Tom George did not have life insurance so the family needs help with the insurmountable hospital bills accumulating along with the funeral costs. Tom was a loving husband & father.
Tom was a remarkable man whose passion, dedication, and tireless work ethic transformed the world of music publicity. But beyond the press releases, the interviews, and the media campaigns, Tom was a true believer in the power of music—not just as an art form, but as a force that could move people, bring people together, and change lives. He lived his dream! As a music publicist, Tom had a gift for seeing the heart of an artist, and understanding what made them special. He didn’t just promote music; he helped shape stories, craft narratives, and give voice to the people behind the music. Tom was everyone's friend, he listened, he also loved talking. Whether working with a rising star, an iconic legend, or a band on the verge of breaking through, Tom was the unsung hero in the background, tirelessly fighting to make sure the world heard what they already knew: that these artists and their work mattered. He put his blood, sweat tears and literally his life into his work. But what truly set Tom apart was their integrity and unwavering belief in the artistry of music. He was more than just a publicist—He was a champion for the artist. He believed in music's transformative power, and they understood that behind every press kit and media appearance, there was a person, a dream, and a journey that deserved to be heard. Whether it was late nights or not sleeping at all while he was working on an album launch, chasing down the perfect media placement, or navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Tom gave his life to help others realize their dreams. And in doing so, they made the dreams of countless artists, fans, and colleagues come true. While Tom was often the one behind the scenes, orchestrating complex campaigns and building relationships with journalists, producers, and record labels, those who worked closely with them knew that their heart was always in the music. Their love for the industry wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing Tom, we saw his kindness, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. He was generous with their time and wisdom, always offering guidance and support to colleagues, aspiring publicists, and friends. He understood that success wasn’t just about the end result—it was about the relationships that were built along the way and the mutual respect earned through hard work, honesty, and a genuine love for the craft. Today, as we remember Tom, we don’t just think about their accomplishments or the people they helped make famous. We think about the moments when he shared a new track he was massively excited about. We think about the late-night phone calls, the laughs, and the deep conversations about the music industry, all of which were punctuated by Tom's infectious passion and enthusiasm for the art form. He understood that music wasn’t just a career; it was a calling. And through his work, they connected artists to the world and, in doing so, left a lasting impact on all of us. Tom is survived by his wife Tracy and child "Human Bean" Rock N Roll has always been the foundation of the music world it might be cut up into different genres but at the soul of every musician there is an inspiration that started from hearing an old rock n roll signature sound that made you fall in love with an instrument or music in general. Rock n roll is a mentor that has made so many artists what they are today.
Some musicians take that raw rock n roll sound and keep it close to their heart as they put a twist of their own perspective on it and that is where the guys in RYDER has exhilarated in the career they have carved out. The band hails from Queens, NY and have blended the classic rock sound with a modern twist of their own styles and have made a quite impressive arsenal of songs since their inception in 2016. A rock song should make you feel and as RYDER’s newest single SOUTHBOUND hit my ears it clenched my soul with pure power passion and that feel of old school rock n roll character. It brings to the forefront the sizzling fire of driving guitars and a beat with attitude in which every rock song thrives on; and with those two parts and creativity from the songwriter that rock n roll vibe is brought to life and this band always keeps upping the ante when they release new music. SOUTHBOUND is one of the newest tracks off the bands upcoming album MENAGERIE which releases in January 2025. The forthcoming album sounds like it’s going to be a fiery packed adrenaline induced set of songs to show the growth and love RYDER has for keeping rock n roll alive and kicking! The band has been teasing fans with yet another single that will be releasing December 13th, 2024 called QUEEN VIPER’S KISS so be on the lookout for that, keep up with the bands social medias for shows and merchandise and new music releasing; but for now continue to read on to find out about the band members and why they love classic rock n roll, when they realized music was their true passion, how it feels to be self-producing their music and what SOUTHBOUND is all about. R: Ryder combines the love for classic rock n roll with a modern twist. What made you guys fall in love with the classic rock sound, and what do you believe makes a true classic rock banger of a song? James: "For me, classic rock is timeless because it’s so raw and real. It’s about passion and storytelling that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable or loud, and that’s what pulled me in. Growing up, I was drawn to the way those bands created music that was larger than life—it felt like it could shake the walls and still get right to your heart. A true classic rock banger, in my opinion, has to have a killer riff, a hook that stays with you, and lyrics that speak to something deeper. It’s not just about sounding good; it’s about connecting with people." Max : "Since childhood, I was exposed to rock music of the 60s and 70s. From there, it grew exponentially. The classic stuff is just better music than a lot of what’s popular these days, and I think that’s why we still talk about it. It’s timeless. I think that what makes a banger of a rock song is that feeling of an adrenaline rush and what we hear just resonates with what’s inside of us. The hook is super important as well. If you can walk away from the song and be able to hum the melody, there is your answer." Rod: "I always loved the classic sound, and we really tried to be authentic to it with this album." Nick: "My dad is really responsible for my entire love of music. He has been showing me the music he’s listened to all throughout my life, taking me to concerts, and most importantly, getting me drum lessons to have an outlet for this newfound passion." R: Your newest single is called Southbound, and we talk about the intertwinement of both modern punch and classic elements it hollers in this song. What inspired the song, and how do you rate this to your older stuff in the arsenal of RYDER? James: "Southbound came from a really personal place—it’s about breaking free from anything that’s holding you back, whether it’s a situation, a mindset, or even fear. It’s a song about movement and freedom. Musically, it feels like a step forward for us. It carries the grit and heart of our older songs but has a sharper focus and more confidence. I think it shows how we’ve grown as a band while staying true to the sound that made us fall in love with making music in the first place." Max: "Southbound came about from an unused idea from the band’s past. We jammed on it a bit and morphed it into what it became by putting all of our individual marks on it. Personally, I feel it is a great representation of where the band is at with 3 new members, myself included. Naturally, it won’t sound the same as the older material, and it shouldn’t. It’s new points of view and it really shows." Rod: "I think it's just about escapism and setting yourself free. We are expanding on the traditional Ryder sound with our new material." Nick: "For me, Southbound has always been about letting go and being free. It represents breaking away from that thing that was holding you back. I personally think it is the best Ryder release to date purely off the chemistry we all have as musicians." R: As musicians, what is your earliest moment of knowing this was your true passion, and what gave you the confidence to know this was something you wouldn’t give up? Also, give me the rundown of the band members in Ryder. James: "My earliest memory of knowing music was my passion, which takes me back to being a kid watching Disney’s Fantasia. I’d sit there completely mesmerized, conducting the music with whatever toys I had nearby—building blocks, action figures, anything I could turn into a baton. Even at that age, I felt this deep connection to music, like it was something magical I wanted to be part of. The confidence to stick with it came later, during our first shows as Ryder. Seeing how our music could impact people made me realize this wasn’t just a dream; it was something real and worth dedicating my life to. As for the band, Max Knight is on guitar—he’s a genius when it comes to crafting those unforgettable solos and riffs. Rod Viquez handles the bass, and his energy is the heartbeat of our sound. Nick Bavaro is on drums, bringing the intensity and drive that elevates every song. Together, we’re more than just bandmates—we’re a team that pushes each other to be better every step of the way." Max: "I was about 12 years old when I picked up a guitar. I had no clue how to play it or even where I would end up with it, but I did know that I wouldn’t put it down. It was infectious and gave me a sense of liberation and self-expression. I knew it had to be explored and was determined to never give that feeling up. Ryder has been like a family, which encourages that very feeling on a daily basis. James and I are like two scientists always looking to develop the perfect solutions: in our case, the guitar riffs. Nick is one of the most charismatic drummers I’ve ever played with, and his craft exhibits such articulation and creativity that it, along with the bass, forms this unrelenting rhythm section Rod seamlessly intertwines with Nick and provides a thunderous low end that gives Ryder its massive sound. I’m truly fortunate to be around these guys." Rod: "I knew i wanted to do this since I was 14 and loved the idea of creating music that people enjoy." Nick: "I remember exactly when I realized I wanted to be a musician. I was at a 4th of July party, which has a live band playing music. I did not leave the side of the drummer for the entire day. I watched, listened, and certainly talked to him a lot. From there, I got a used drum set, started taking lessons, and its history from there." R: A new record is coming in January 2025 entitled Menagerie. Where is the journey leading fans with this new set of tunes, and how does it feel self-producing the music you create this time around? James: "Menagerie is a bit like opening a scrapbook of everything we’ve been through—each song tells a story, and together, they create this bigger picture of where we are as a band. Self-producing has been both a challenge and a gift. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly freeing to have complete creative control. Every sound, every lyric, every beat is 100% us, and I think fans will feel that when they listen." Max: "Well, I feel that the journey will be up to the listener. You decide where it takes you as I feel people will resonate with different songs in different ways, and that is a beautiful thing. I am so proud to be at the helm of this record with production and engineering. The guys trusted me with full confidence as I know what we wanted to sound like, and I’ve been producing and engineering for over a decade now, so we benefited in that way, I believe. I’m grateful for their confidence." Rod: "It just felt great to be in control of the entire process from writing to producing." Nick: "Menagerie is just a conglomerate of song ideas from everyone’s past. The songs may have been written for other projects or just have been an idea, but utilizing all our different backgrounds, we were able to take those ideas and make a cohesive collection of music." R: RYDER formed in 2016, and now we are eyeing the year 2025 coming soon. Being in the music scene for this long, how much has the music world changed in your eyes, and if you could bring back one thing from the days of starting out, what would you want back? James: "The music world has changed so much. Streaming has given artists so many opportunities to reach new listeners, but it’s also made the industry more crowded and competitive. Social media has become such a big part of the process—it’s a blessing and a challenge all at once. If I could bring back anything from when we were starting out, it would be the simplicity of focusing solely on the music and live shows. There’s something magical about those early days when all that mattered was the energy in the room." Max: "The music industry changes at such a rapid pace all the time. When I started in the metal scene about 15 years ago, there was so much more opportunity for a gigging band to showcase their work in the physical sense. The number of venues that have unfortunately closed down is tragic. I would bring all those places back if I could. The more avenues for live original bands, the better. However, we can only adapt and find ways to get our music out there. In fact, Southbound has already passed 12,000 streams worldwide in only a couple of weeks, so I am super grateful that our music can be heard even if we’re not on a stage." Rod: "Would love to see the local music scene go back to a time when you could draw a crowd and see great bands several days a week, not just on weekends." R: As an artist and musician, do you guys find that in your opinion you should learn your craft like a master artist, or do you feel like you should be good at what you do but also have knowledge and background in other instruments and parts of the music world to make you a great artist and musician? James: "I think mastering your craft is essential—you need that foundation. But having a broader understanding of music as a whole only makes you better. Knowing how different instruments interact or how production works can really elevate your ability to create. For me, it’s about always being a student of music. The more you learn, the more tools you have to express yourself and to connect with the people you’re working with." Max: "My philosophy is that we can never ever learn enough. I don’t care if I have been playing for 100 years. There is always more to learn, and I always strive to be better in everything. Never limit yourself as that is the killer of creativity. I’ll never be perfect. There is no such thing. We can only get better if we try enough." Rod: "I think we are all on a path to be the best we can be, and as a musician, you should look to continuously grow and expand with time and experience." Nick: "There’s no right way to go about learning your craft. Personally, I want to be the best drummer I can possibly be, so I put most of my energy into that. I think the most important part of being a musician, though, is knowing music theory. It’s not required, but that knowledge can really take your playing and composition to another level." R: Do you have any last comments or anything coming out other than the new album that fans and the music world should know that RYDER is up to? James: "First, I just want to thank everyone who’s been supporting us along the way—it means everything to us. In addition to the album Menagerie dropping in January, we’ve got our next single, Queen Viper’s Kiss, coming out in December with a lyric video we’re really excited about. We’ve also got a lot of live shows in the works for 2025, and we’re pouring everything we’ve got into making this next year unforgettable. There’s so much more to come, and we’re grateful to have our supporters with us every step of the way." Max: "We are working on a new music video for an upcoming single, and I can’t wait for people to see it. We also have some great shows lined up with other awesome bands in our hometown. Thank you to everyone out there who has supported us, and if you have just heard about us for the first time, stick around because we have a lot of great music coming out." Rod: "Just want to say that we have some great things planned for 2025, so come out and see us live." Nick: "Zoo wee mama!" You can follow Ryder on social media here: https://linktr.ee/ryderbandny Stream "Southbound" on Spotify Here: https://open.spotify.com/track/31vVB0csGDA2cKiamS8v0X?si=GZHeQByST-CznyPKi71Q9w Stream "Southbound" on all other services here: https://lnk.to/VjxO0i Pre-Save "Queen Viper's Kiss" here: https://lnk.to/qSLptp |
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February 2025
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