Now that 2008 is nearing its end, it’s time to look ahead into 2009 to see which bands will be hitting the road. Def Leppard, Styx, AC/DC, Journey, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Ratt, FireHouse, and many others all have either announced dates for a 2009 tour or are rumored to be plotting one. AC/DC’s new album is at #1 and their tour dates are selling out at record pace. Styx will be ringing in the New Year in Tempe, AZ, and then hitting the road in February. Motley Crue is rumored to be planning another tour for the winter of 2009, and Cinderella and Ratt are reportedly hooking up for a summer tour. FireHouse will be in India this December, no doubt playing for thousands of fans, and are planning more dates in the spring of 2009. There is still no news as to whether or not Whitesnake will return to the United States for what would be their first major tour of the country in nearly six years, but I’m hopeful that a co-headlining deal with Def Leppard can be worked out for the late spring or summer.
In other news, melodic rock legends Jimi Jamison and Jim Peterik have teamed up for the first time since 1988 to record Jimi’s first solo album in over 9 years. The album, titled Crossroads Moment, is simply one of the best releases ever made in the genre, and it will be available through Frontiers Records on November 8. Jimi’s voice is in pristine condition after all these years and it is amazing to hear his voice once again. I will be doing a full review of the album in a few days so be sure to check back.
