Veteran rock vocalist John Corabi kicked off his European tour under the "John Corabi & Friends" banner on February 12 at Empire Music Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the most star-studded rock tours of the winter season. The all-star backing band reads like a who's who of hard rock and heavy metal pedigree: Michael Devin (THE DEAD DAISIES, WHITESNAKE) holds down the low end on bass, Paul Taylor (WINGER) adds keyboards and guitar, Jeremy Asbrock (ACE FREHLEY) brings lead guitar firepower, Troy Lucckella (TESLA) drives from behind the drum kit, and Marti Frederiksen (STEVEN TYLER, AEROSMITH collaborator) adds additional guitar layers.
Corabi, best known for his tenure as MOTLEY CRUE's vocalist on their critically acclaimed but commercially polarizing 1994 self-titled album, has spent the past few years building a devoted solo following through intimate live performances and fan-centric events. His powerful, soulful voice — which drew favorable comparisons to Paul Rodgers and Robert Plant during his CRUE days — remains in stunning form, and the addition of this caliber of backing musicians elevates the live show into something truly special.
The tour supports Corabi's debut full-length solo album "New Day," due April 24 via Frontiers Music Srl. While Corabi has released solo material before in limited formats, "New Day" represents his first proper full-length solo statement, assembled with the same all-star cast backing him on the road. The setlist promises a mix of new solo material alongside covers and fan-requested deep cuts, likely including selections from his MOTLEY CRUE, THE SCREAM, and UNION catalogs.
The Belfast show reportedly drew an enthusiastic crowd who responded passionately to both the new material and the classic tracks. Social media reactions from attendees praised the chemistry between the musicians and Corabi's commanding stage presence. The European tour continues through February and into March, hitting venues across the UK and continental Europe.