LAST IN LINE---the band that features current DEF LEPPARD/former DIO guitarist Vivian Campbell, former DIO/BLACK SABBATH drummer Vinny Appice and vocalist Andrew Freeman (RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT/OFFSPRING) have confirmed five USA concert dates for October before they head out on a UK/Europe tour. After memorable appearances at the LOUD PARK Festival in Japan and Rocklahoma in the USA, requests came soaring in from fans, demanding that LAST IN LINE play more stateside shows. To round out the line-up bassist Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBOURNE, VINCE NEIL) has been enlisted after original DIO bassist/original LAST IN LINE member Jimmy Bain passed away. Erik Norlander (Ex-ASIA) will handle keyboards.
Vivian Campbell says, "We're thrilled and humbled by the reaction the ‘Heavy Crown’ album has gotten and in due course we look forward to playing more shows across the entire U.S. as schedule and resources permit."
Earlier this year, saw the release of the well-received, debut album from LAST IN LINE, "Heavy Crown." The album landed at #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart, #6 on the Hard Rock albums chart and #22 on the Top Rock chart.
What started as a casual and fun reunion jam in a Los Angeles rehearsal room in 2011 has grown into a fully-fledged recording project that has taken on a life of its own. LAST IN LINE, the band, takes its name from the second DIO album released in 1984. Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell were Ronnie Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the Holy Diver, Last In Line and Sacred Heart albums records that defined the classsic early Dio sound and became a part of rock history.
Appice stated that LAST IN LINE would be playing more dates during late 2016 and 2017 as Campbell’s Def Leppard duties eased off. He also praised LAST IN LINE's live performances, saying: "The band kicks ass. It's so much fun to play together. We have a great time on and off the stage. It's just a real pleasure playing, especially with Viv again. We're not doing this to try to make money; we're doing this because we want do it. And Viv is totally enjoying playing this stuff and revisiting his old solos. With the addition of Phil and Erik we have become a powerhouse again.”
Phil Soussan, who is the heir to the late Jimmy Bain’s place in the band, says: “It is such a thrill to be playing with LAST IN LINE. Jimmy and I were not only bass players in ‘sister’ bands but also longtime friends. I am proud to be able to do him justice and to pay tribute to his legacy. In fact we are all friends and former bandmates. Vinny keeps me on ‘10’ and we bring the thunder. It is an honor to finally share a stage with Vivian and to reunite with Andrew who is ‘the real deal’ and Erik who brings so much texture to the music. The band just feels so right ...and heavy!”
Keyboard Virtuoso, Erik Norlander also weighs in: "Vinny and Phil are an absolutely thunderous rhythm section that is truly genre defining! It’s so great to be playing with them again. Andrew is an unstoppable powerhouse vocalist and an amazing frontman. We always feel so confident going on stage with him. And, Vivian leads the charge of this mighty brigade with his unfathomably heavy virtuoso guitar work. It’s a thrill to weave my keyboard parts around his iconic riffs.”
The LAST IN LINE project has been especially significant to Vivian Campbell, who has been playing to enthusiastic audiences on tour with both DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE while battling cancer. He says, "I'm pleased to report that my cancer treatments are going as well as I could hope for and that my ability to continue my work during this difficult time has given me even greater purpose in both life and work. It's been an absolute pleasure to re-connect with my old friends and our past musical legacy and to build upon that with Andrew on the ‘Heavy Crown’ album.”
Campbell adds, “Losing Jimmy was a very bitter blow for all of us, but we will continue to honor him through performing the music he created. Jimmy would very much approve of his old friend Phil Soussan joining us to help make this happen and the addition of Erik Norlander on keys elevates the band to new musical heights. I find tremendous joy in each and every note that we play together."
VIP Packages can be purchased at the band’s official website. They include: Meet and Greet with Last In Line, VIP Souvenir Laminate, Guitar Pic Set, Group Picture with the band, Personal items autographed and Autographed Band Photo