When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. And no band seems to know that better right now than Detroit, Michigan’s Battlecross, who were set to hit the road throughout the month of October supporting Machine Head, Children Of Bodom, and Epica. But when the tour was postponed last month, instead of throwing their arms up in the air and admitting defeat, they instead made the most of the situation. Battlecross has just announced that they will be headlining their own “Winter Warriors Tour” throughout November and December with support from Charlotte, North Carolina’s death metal heroes Wretched and Erie, Pennsylvania’s War Of Ages.
As if this wasn’t good news enough, not only does this tour include more dates in more cities than the previously scheduled tour, but Battlecross is using this tour as an opportunity to give back to United States military veterans (hence the tour’s name). During the tour, Battlecross will make a limited number of tickets available to VET TIX, which will allow members of the military to attend a show in their city for free. The band also donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of a limited edition tour shirt to a local veteran’s charity. In addition, a Veteran in each market will be chosen for a VIP experience. On November 11th (Veteran’s Day) fans can nominate a friend or family member who has served in the U.S. military and share their story and photo. Finally, after the tour concludes, a member of the military will be chosen to win a guitar and more at the end of the tour.
But that’s not all! Battlecross is also bringing back merchandise from their previous album and debut on Metal Blade Records, Pursuit of Honor, in their official merch store. Then, on the same day that the winner of the guitar is chosen, a portion of proceeds will be donated to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. According to the website of the Battlecross’ label, Metal Blade Records, the band’s guitarist Hiran Deraniyagala stated:
“We won’t let a cancelled tour stop Battlecross from performing for our fans and the Winter Warriors Tour with Wretched and War of Ages is the perfect way to remind our fans that you keep moving forward when challenges come up in life. Who knows perseverance more than those who bravely serve our country and we are honored to dedicate this tour to them. We are a band that stands for ideals such as loyalty, honor, sacrifice and perseverance through our lyrics and how we conduct ourselves, and hope the tour will be a fitting tribute to every service member who attends. We look forward to raging with our fans who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and thank them again for their service.”
What you think of that, eh? Not only are Battlecross resilient in their touring plans, but they’re also selfless gentlemen not afraid to take the extra step for others, especially those who certainly deserve it. If you or someone you know is a member of the military and is interested in free admission to the tour, visit www.vettix.org. Check out the routing for the tour below to see where and when Battlecross, Wretched, and War Of Ages are stopping near you, and don’t be afraid to buy some merch to help out a good cause!
11/26 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Stache at The Intersection
11/28 Erie, PA @ BT Theater
11/29 Dayton, OH @ Rockstar Pro Arena
11/30 St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird
12/02 Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard
12/03 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Studio
12/04 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N Grill
12/05 Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar
12/06 Lubbock, TX @ Backstage
12/07 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
12/08 Mesa, AZ @ Club Red
12/09 West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go-Go
12/10 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
12/11 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
12/12 Las Vegas, NV @ Adrenaline Sports Lounge
12/13 Sparks, NV @ The Alley
12/15 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
12/16 Merriam, KS @ Aftershock
12/17 Minneapolis, MN @ The Nether Bar
12/18 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
12/19 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
12/20 Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge
12/26 Toronto, ON @ Opera House
12/27 Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
12/28 Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
12/29 Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus
12/30 Worcester, MA @ Upstairs at The Palladium
