In an audio interview with Review Fix, drummer MIKE PORTNOY (ex-DREAM THEATER) commented on how his new band, THE WINERY DOGS, provides a musical outlet he's never had before. An excerpt from the interview is available, with the complete discussion to air next week:

The Winery Dogs featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-ADRENALINE MOB, FLYING COLORS), bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS) and guitarist Richie Kotzen (ex-POISON, ex-Mr. Big), have announced a string of European tour dates in September. Shows in France and Spain have been added to the schedule (**):

European dates now include:

September

5 - London, England - Islington 02 Academy
6 - Zoetermeer, Holland - Boerderij
7 - Saarbruken, Germany - Garage
9 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal
10 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
11 - Berlin, Germany - Lido
13 - Munich, Germany - Theaterfabrik
14 - Cologne, Germany - Gloria
15 - Paris, France - La Maroquinerie **
17 - Prattein, Switzerland - Z7
18 - Milan, Italy - Live Club
19 - Karlsrue, Germany - Substage
21 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo **
22 - Madrid, Spain - Joy Eslava **

The Winery Dogs previously announced the following four shows for Brazil:

July

24 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Teatro Rival
26 - São Paulo, Brazil - Carioca Club
27 - Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Music Hall
28 - Porto Alegre, Brazil - Opinião

The band recently posted a clip featuring a three-part harmony vocal blend from the recording sessions for their debut album. Check it out below:

The Winery Dogs have signed with Loud & Proud Records, who will issued the band's self-titled debut album in North America on July 23rd (out in Japan on May 15th via Victor Entertainment with a bonus DVD). The album was self-produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, STEEL PANTHER). It features a classic rock/power trio sound which seamlessly melds the immense talents of the three veteran rockers.

Of The Winery Dogs’ signing, Mike Portnoy commented, “I am so excited about The Winery Dogs and am proud and honored to be working with two of the greatest musicians on the planet! Richie Kotzen is such an unbelievable talent, as a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. I think The Winery Dogs will finally get him the attention and recognition that he so richly deserves. And what can be said of Billy Sheehan that hasn't been said already? He is one the true pioneers of the instrument and a legend. I am looking forward to working with the great staff of Loud & Proud Records, some of whom I worked very closely with during their time at Roadrunner and my time with Dream Theater. I look forward to continuing that relationship with The Winery Dogs!”

Loud & Proud Owner & President Tom Lipsky added, “The debut by The Winery Dogs absolutely rocks and we are very excited that Loud & Proud is their label partner. This body of work showcases not only their renowned skills as musicians and vocalists, but also the depth of their talent as songwriters. Billy, Mike and Richie delivered some of the best performances of their illustrious careers and I am confident this album will be recognized as one of the truly great rock albums of the year."

The Winery Dogs tracklisting:

'Elevate'

'Desire'

'We Are One'

'I'm No Angel'

'The Other Side'

'You Saved Me'

'Not Hopeless'

'One More Time'

'Damaged'

'Six Feet Deeper'

'Criminal'

'The Dying'

'Regret'

Japan Bonus DVD:

'Elevate'

'Desire'

'I'm No Angel'

The Winery Dogs will kick off their World Tour with two shows in Japan in July, on the 16th in Osaka and the 17th in Tokyo. Portnoy recently checked in with the following update:

"First two days of The Winery Dogs rehearsals done...already feeling great! World Tour will start in July!"

Japan tour details and updates are available at this location.