Metal-Rules caught up with guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal to discuss the upcoming Metal Allegiance Destination (Almost) East Coast Tour. An excerpt below:

Metal-Rules: How does the show work with all of the members performing?

Bumblefoot: “The core group is Mike Portnoy, Alex Skolnick and Mark Menghi. Then they trade off with the singers. I’ll come out and do 2/3 of the songs and then Alex will do his thing with the Van Halen songs – the one guitar stuff. It’s just a bunch of friends hanging out and jamming. These guys are so talented they can all hold the stage individual and own it.”

Metal-Rules: Have you rehearsed together?

Bumblefoot: “No, we will see each other for the first time on stage and then play together. They are fine, I’m the one that that they have to worry about. I hope I got all my homework done [laughing]. I have to be ready to play as soon as I plug in.”

Metal Allegiance recently announced their Destination (Almost) East Coast tour. The 7-day trek kicks off March 31st in Providence, Rhode Island followed by stops in Poughkeepsie, New Haven, and Lancaster before the final show on April 7th at the Gramercy in New York. Fans should note that the Rhode Island show has changed venues and will now take place at The Met instead of Lupos.

Tour dates are as follows:

March
31 - The Met - Providence, RI

April
1 - Main Street Armory - Rochester, NY
2 - The Machine Shop - Flint, MI
4 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
5 - Toads Place - New Haven, CT
6 - Chameleon Club -Lancaster, PA
7 - The Gramercy - New York, NY

Drummer Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs) recently issued the following update:

"So psyched! My brother Chris Jericho is joining Metal Allegiance for the PA and NYC shows! These seven shows are the only US MA shows for a while, so don't miss out on the fun!"

With the recent release of their self-titled album under their belts, they are bringing their all-star team and epic live experience to the East Coast. In true Metal Allegiance form, the band is bringing along some good friends to share the stage. Accompanying the band for these seven special shows are none other than Mark Oseguesda (Death Angel), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Chuck Billy (Testament). Check out the Destination (Almost) East Coast tour trailer below.

“I’m stoked for MA to be playing other areas in the States," comments Mark Menghi. "We’re trying real hard to hit everywhere in America (and all over the world for that matter) when time allows. Prepare for a full-on metal assault during our (almost) East Coast trek…”

Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal stated: "Very excited to be joining Metal Allegiance for these shows! Can't wait to make music together, and to see you all!"

Don’t miss your chance to catch the Metal Allegiance brethren that is Mike Portnoy, Mark Osegueda, Chuck Billy, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Alex Scholnick and Mark Menghi doing what they do best – playing some heavy metal music.

Joining the band on the Destination (Almost) East Coast tour is teen prodigy progressive metallers, Next To None, who will be direct support. Opening the shows each night is Chains Over Razors. VIP Upgrades now available for sale at this location.