Oh boy, are you guys in for a treat! 🎉 Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and his band The Chophouse Band have embarked on their first-ever North American headlining tour, and I’m just so excited I can barely contain my sarcasm. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a 60-year-old metal legend playing bluegrass-infused Americana music? 🤠 It’s not like he’s trying to relive his glory days or anything… 🙄
So, Jason Newsted and The Chophouse Band kicked off their tour on July 1 at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, Massachusetts, and from what I’ve seen, it’s been a real barn burner 🤣. They’re playing a bunch of headlining dates, including shows in Albany, Alexandria, Grand Rapids, and Knoxville, because who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned road trip? 🚗 They’ll also be supporting Blackberry Smoke for 10 shows in July, because, you know, country rock is all the rage these days 🤠.
The Chophouse Band: A Brief History
Apparently, The Chophouse Band has been around since 1992, playing benefit shows and charity gigs, because Jason Newsted is just that kind of guy 🙏. He’s all about giving back to the community, unless, of course, it’s a Metallica reunion, then he’s all about giving the middle finger 🖕. The band’s lineup includes Jesse Farnsworth, Jimbo Hart, Humberto Perez, and Robert John-Tucker, all of whom are probably thrilled to be playing with a Metallica legend, even if he is a bit of a grump 😒.
When asked about the tour, Jason said, “We’re fired up to finally take this to the people, and it’s an honor to head out on the road with the Blackberry crew for our first proper run.” Yeah, because nothing says “proper run” like a bunch of 60-year-old dudes playing music that’s slightly less heavy than their age 🤣. He also mentioned that they’ll be playing some acoustic-based tunes, because, you know, the Ryman Auditorium is all about intimacy 🎶. But don’t worry, folks, it’s still going to get heavy, because Jason Newsted is a metal god, after all 🤘.
What to Expect from the Tour
So, if you’re planning on catching The Chophouse Band on tour, expect a healthy dose of outsider Americana, with roots in bluegrass, folk, soul, rock, and a bit of heavy metal, because why not? 🤷♂️ It’s not like Jason Newsted is trying to appeal to a wider audience or anything 🤑. His lyrics will be deep and personal, because that’s what happens when you’re a 60-year-old dude with a lot of feelings 🤕. And who knows, maybe he’ll even bust out some Metallica classics, because, you know, nostalgia 🎸.
In all seriousness, though, it’s great to see Jason Newsted doing his own thing and still making music that’s true to himself, even if it’s not exactly what the kids are listening to these days 🎧. So, if you’re a fan of Jason Newsted or just want to see a metal legend in action, be sure to catch The Chophouse Band on tour, because it’s going to be a wild ride 🎢. Just don’t expect any mosh pits or crowd surfing, because, let’s face it, everyone involved is a bit too old for that 🤣.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
