Red Dragon Cartel Apologize For Singer’s Live Debut
Red Dragon Cartel Apologize For Singer’s Live Debut
December 15, 2013
On December 12th Jake E. Lee’s new band Red Dragon Cartel made their live debut at Hollywood’s infamous Whiskey A Go Go. However after a series of critical reviews, mostly focusing on the poor performance of singer Darren James Smith, the band’s website have issued a statement defending the vocalist.
“You fly thousands of miles, have 40 possible songs to create a set with, pick and refine 14 of those, rehearse till 4 in the morning for only four days with jet jag and strep throat. Then have a reasonably good sound check only to return to the stage to find one of the monitors is out and the teleprompter is set up wrong (yes I said it, TELEPROMPTER. It seems to work fine for Obama and Steven Tyler, Elton John), plus it’s said it will be gone within a couple of weeks, mix in some American prescription cough syrup (thanks Nassad) and one to many pre-jitter shots. Result, a sub-standard performance from a great singer. I have stood in a room while they played together and Darren sings his ass off! Yes you’re right, there will never be another Ray Gillen, R.I.P., but the Red Dragon Cartel is about to show the world that they can be a great band and that Darren James Smith is a great singer! Reserve your judgment until you watch the videos from tomorrow night’s San Diego gig and Friday’s show at Vamp’d in Las Vegas. In the meantime go over to iTunes and check out “Deceived” from the Red Dragon Cartel album. Jake E. Lee is back, playing better than ever with a great Band, album and live show. Wait till they come through your town sometime in the next year and decide for yourself. You wont be disappointed.”
It appears Darren James Smith himself realizes he had an off night by stating, “No excuses! I fucked up. I can’t believe the band is sticking with me. With the most sincere apologies to the band and all the Jake fans, you deserved better and you’re going to get it.”
But one poor outing hasn’t slowed down Red Dragon Cartel. The band states that, “based on a huge buzz created by the band’s very first show, our agency’s phone rings all the time and we will have tons of gigs in the USA before and after the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Our European tour will start in Italy on May 3rd and end at a major festival in the UK on June 15. After that some more USA and then Japan and Asia in middle of July, then USA again and then Europe again. RDC will be busy!”
Red Dragon Cartel’s self-titled debut is set for release on January 24th in Europe and January 28th in North America through Frontiers Records.
Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on the ‘Bark At The Moon’ and ‘The Ultimate Sin’ albums. Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).
From the opening riff of “Deceived” to final sustained piano chord of “Exquisite Tenderness”, it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as “Shout It Out”, “Wasted” and “Slave” showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track “Feeder” and a lyric video for the song has now been posted online. Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track “Big Mouth.” Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off.
The entire album is available for pre-order and preview at Amazon.com. More details on Jake E. Lee and Red Dragon Cartel can be found at reddragoncartel.com and www.facebook.com/reddragoncartel.
Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com