Shortly after departing Anthrax, Rob Caggiano revealed that he would be co-producing Volbeat’s new album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. Now comes word that he’ll be doing a little more than producing, as Caggiano has been announced as the Danish rockabilly metal group’s new guitarist.
Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen had the following to say about now calling the former Anthrax guitarist his new bandmate:
“The band is very proud and happy to announce that he will also be the new guitar player in Volbeat. The collaboration with Rob in the studio was so inspiring and in good spirit that we the decided to keep him. Basically we went into the studio as a three-piece and came out as a whole band!”
Caggiano shares Poulsen’s excitement, offering the following explanation as to how he came about joining the group:
“Wow! I have to say I’m completely blown away by the turn of events over the last few weeks here in Denmark and at this point an update is definitely in order. To start with, I came to Denmark about a month ago to produce the new Volbeat record which in and of itself has been an incredibly exciting adventure from a producer’s perspective thus far. However, I’m extremely happy to say my relationship with these guys will not end there as it turns out……it’s just beginning!
Michael had asked me on the phone before I got out here if I would play some guest solos on the new album in addition to my other duties and of course I was thrilled about that and agreed to do so. When I actually got to Denmark and started going through the material, this turned out to be so much more than that. After weeks of collaboration between Michael and I, it became quite clear that we had an amazing creative chemistry together and a huge mutual respect for one another. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to be creative again on a songwriting level that words can’t even describe it and the vibe between Anders, Jon, Michael and I is just awesome. I’d say an artistic relationship like this one is very rare and it’s also something I don’t take for granted.
When the guys asked me if I was interested in joining Volbeat the other day, my jaw just about hit the floor! It actually didn’t even register in my brain properly until the next morning but I gotta say, it also didn’t take me long to decide. It really isn’t the way I envisioned the rest of my year to play out but at the same time, THIS feels more ‘right’ to me than anything I could have possibly imagined and I’m going for it! To all my fans, family, friends and overall supporters that have reached out to me over this last month wondering if I’m ever gonna play guitar again or what I’m up to in general etc……..See you all soon my friends and get ready for a wild ride!!!”
Caggiano recently stated that despite leaving Anthrax, he was not giving up on recording and touring. Still, we didn’t think that his next project would be such a high-profile gig. Still, it’ll be exciting to hear what Volbeat produce with Caggiano now in the group. Volbeat had been utilizing Mercyful Fate’s Hank Shermann on the road for the past year following guitarist Thomas Bredahl departure.
Now with Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies slated to be released in the States on April 9 via Vertigo/Universal Music, Volbeat will be embarking on a headlining tour with support from Danko Jones. Check out a rundown of dates for the Spring tour after the jump.
03/06 Dallas, TX – Palladium Ballroom
03/07 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
03/09 San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
03/10 El Paso, TX – Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
03/11 Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Pavilion
03/12 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
03/14 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
03/15 Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues
03/16 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
03/17 Reno, NV – Knitting Factory
03/19 Boise, ID – Revolution Center
03/20 Missoula, MT – The Wilma Theater
03/22 Seattle, WA – Showbox At The Market
03/23 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
03/24 Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall
03/25 Prince George, BC – CN Centre
03/27 Dawson Creek, BC – EnCana Events Centre
03/28 Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Centre
03/30 Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
04/01 Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Center
04/02 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
04/06 Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s
04/09 New York, NY – Best Buy Theatre
04/10 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head
04/11 Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
