Black Star Riders are proud to announce that their new drummer is Chad Szeliga.
Chad, formerly with Breaking Benjamin and Black Label Society amongst others, first came to Ricky, Scott & Damon’s attention in 2012 when Thin Lizzy were touring North America with Judas Priest and Black Label Society were also on the bill.
After auditions last month in Los Angeles with some incredible drummers, Chad was chosen to take up the drum stool position for Black Star Riders.
Chad Szeliga
Ricky Warwick ‘I’m delighted to welcome Chad Szeliga to the Black Star Riders family…Chad is an amazing drummer, a great guy and will powerfully strengthen BSR’s resolve going forward.‘
Scott Gorham ‘Just wanted to say that I’m really looking forward to getting up onto the stage with our new drummer Chad. This guy is one killer player. See you all on tour’
Damon Johnson chimes in, “Chad is a monster musician and a quality human being. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to our band and to show off his skills to Black Star Riders fans worldwide.”
Robert Crane added, “Chad’s a badass!…Great energy and a cool hang… Looking forward to working together”
Chad, “First, I’m so stoked for one to play with Scott Gorham, an iconic guitar player! Second, I can’t wait to play with Damon who is a bad ass on guitar. Lastly, I can’t wait to jam with Robbie on bass and we all know who the star is… Ricky who can command a fantastic show and is an amazing front man. Let’s light them up boys!!!!!!!“
Black Star Riders start their summer European Tour in Dusseldorf on May 24th. 2017.
Tour dates are below:
May 24, Wednesday Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi-Electric Hall
May 25, Thursday Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
May 27, Saturday Jelling, Denmark – Jelling Festival
May 28, Sunday Berlin, Germany – Tempodrome
May 29, Monday Dresden, Germany – Junge Garde
May 30, Tuesday Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne
May 31, Wednesday Nuremberg, Germany – Hirsch
June 1, Thursday Leiden, Holland – Nobel
June 2, Friday Rostock, Germany – Messehalle
June 3, Saturday Hamburg, Germany – Mehr Theater
June 5, Monday Gothenburg, Sweden – Pustervik
June 7, Wednesday Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
June 10, Saturday Twistringen, Germany – Ziegelei Open Air
June 16, Friday Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Festival
June 17, Saturday Nickelsdorf, Austria – Nova Rock Festival
June 18, Sunday Clisson, France – Hellfest
June 21, Wednesday Freiburg, Germany – Jazzhouse
June 23, Friday Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival
June 24, Saturday Fredrikstag, Norway – Tons of Rock Festival
June 25, Sunday Hinwil, Switzerland – Rock the Ring Festival
July 2, Sunday Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona RockFest 2017
July 8, Saturday Weert, Holland – Bospop Festival
July 23, Sunday Stuttgart, Germany – Winterbach Festival
July 29, Saturday Maidstone, U.K. – Ramblin’ Man Fair
Black Star Riders third album “Heavy Fire” was released in early 2017. It went to #6 in the UK and #11 in the German album charts and received widespread critical acclaim.
I first went to a gig in 1981, Gillan at Leeds University. I've been a regular gig goer ever since. I haven't kept count of how many gigs I've been to over the intervening years, but it's a lot!
My favourite bands are AC/DC then, in no particular order, Anti-Nowhere League, Slaughter and the Dogs, Towers of London and Dirt Box Disco. I tend to like Glam/Punk and rude offensive lyrics, not sure what that says about me but as Animal would say 'So What!'
The question was recently put to me - did I write for any online publications? My reply - No, but I'd like to! Planetmosh was suggested and I found myself offering to review Aces High Festival. Easy peasy I thought! Well not quite, if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing well! I had sixteen bands to research. I found I actually enjoyed that and it kept me too busy to be making lunatic comments on Facebook! ;)
Then I felt a bit inadequately qualified. I mean, who am I to comment on others, when my musical expertise extends to being able to play a mean Greensleeves on the recorder and a passable Annie's song on the flute! Haven't picked up either instrument for years! What I do have, however, is over 30 years of experience as a gig goer, so I can comment on what I like and what I don't! It's only my opinion and, if I don't like a band it doesn't mean they are bad, just not to my own liking. I admire anyone who has the guts to get up on that stage and have a go!
PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
