In addition to the explosive pairing of Whitesnake and Judas Priest this summer, there’s a whole gang of other hard rock and metal groups hitting the road. Dokken, Great White, FireHouse, and Ratt just to name a few are all embarking on a nationwide tour of rock festivals, fairs, and other venues. 2009 is without a “Rock Never Stops Tour” – this yearly tradition that was last active in 2006 would feature of 80s rockers playing arenas and amphitheaters over the summer. Fear not, as the bands are still active and ready to have a great time on stage. Great White will be touring in support of their brand new release Rising, while Ratt is hard at work on a new studio album for later this year. It will be Ratt’s first in nearly a decade, but the new album from Great White comes just two years after their 2007 release Back to the Rhythm. Clearly this group, led by singer Jack Russell (pictured) and guitarist Mark Kendall, has been able to re-encounter a steady flow of creativity – not unlike the creativity that led to earlier classics like ‘Once Bitten…‘.

Skid Row and Slaughter are both playing a variety of shows this summer, and their paths will be crossing on June 20 in New Town, North Dakota when they are joined on stage by Great White for “Music Fest” at 4 Bears Casino. In addition, Skid Row (along with Queensryche and Tesla), will be on board for “Shiprocked”, a winter cruise in the warm Atlantic waters from November 15 to 20.

Also making the rounds will be Dokken and FireHouse, two solid acts (and Melodic Rock Concerts favorites). Dokken released the blistering Lightning Strikes Again last year, and if you haven’t picked this one up it’s truly a must. Packed with melodic guitar hooks courtesy of the brilliant Jon Levin and a menacing presence from Don Dokken, this is one new release that can stand up next to the classics. I did an interview with FireHouse’s Bill Leverty a couple weeks back, and it’s clear that you don’t want to miss one of their shows this summer. Dokken’s Dakota Rock Fest performance on July 25 will be covered right here, as will FireHouse’s June 20 outing at Prairie Fest.

The options are endless this summer. Which bands will you be seeing?