THE WINERY DOGS guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (ex-POISON, ex-MR.BIG) is featured in a new interview with SWTimes.com. An excerpt is available below:

Having drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG) as your rhythm section can never be a bad thing.

Those words come from singer-guitarist Richie Kotzen, who has joined the acclaimed virtuosos to form The Winery Dogs, a new trio set to release its self-titled debut CD on the Loud & Proud Records label on July 23. The three prolific veterans created two music videos, 'Desire' and 'Elevate', for their official Youtube page and announce tour dates on their Facebook page.

For the 43-year-old Kotzen, the new group is a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy come true. Portnoy and Sheehan approached him more than a year ago to see if he would be interested in co-creating new music.

“Obviously, the power-trio thing with them, for me, was a no-brainer,” Kotzen said during a recent telephone interview. “I’ve played in the power-trio format since I started making records, but The Winery Dogs was to have more of a collaboration, rather than me doing everything myself. I thought The Winery Dogs would be an interesting departure.”

When asked if The Winery Dogs’ upcoming concerts will include much improvisation, Kotzen seemed hesitant.

“I would imagine this band will have elements of that, but this will be more of a high-energy-based thing,” he said. “We’ll be delivering the songs, but then again, I never play the same thing twice the same way”

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The Winery Dogs have announced their first ever US show, which will take place on August 3rd in New York City, NY at BB King's. JOLLY have been confirmed as support, tickets go on sale June 14th here.

More shows will be confirmed soon.

The Winery Dogs recently 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'