Red Dragon Cartel
Formed: 2012
From:
Las Vegas,
NV,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Red Dragon Cartel News
Below is our complete Red Dragon Cartel news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Headline News
Jake E. Lee Shot Multiple Times In Las Vegas
Legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands, as well as his own project Red Dragon Cartel, is expected to recover after being shot multiple times in the early hours of this morning (October 15th) in Las Vegas while walking his dog. Authorities believe that the shooting was completely random. Lee (real name Jakey Lou Williams,) is currently awake and responding well in an Intensive Care Unit. No further information is currently available.
Jake E. Lee began his career as an early member of Ratt and would soon find himself in Rough Cutt before being invited to become a part of Ronnie James Dio's initial eponymous band, though he would quit Dio shortly after joining. He then joined Ozzy Osbourne's band, for whom he wrote and co-wrote several songs on the albums, "Bark At The Moon" and "The Ultimate Sin," before being fired over the phone by Sharon Osbourne. Lee then formed Badlands with drummer Eric Singer, bass player Greg Chaisson and brief Black Sabbath vocalist Ray Gillen, who released two studio albums before disbanding in 1993 following the passing of Gillen. His most recent project, Red Dragon Cartel, was formed in 2013 and released a self-titled album the following year, with a second record, "Patina," following in 2018.
Former Skid Row Drummer Announces Retirement
Phil Varone, best known for his time performing drums for Skid Row, as well as being the current drummer for supergroup Red Dragon Cartel, has confirmed that he plans to retire from drumming following the current Red Dragon Cartel tour. A statement from Varone reads as follows:
"No Drums No More... Although I’ve given interviews announcing my retirement from drumming, it seems people think I’m kidding... So this is an official post... This is my farewell to drumming tour. There is no big story other than I no longer have a passion for drumming. As I get older in life, drums have fallen to the bottom of my list. As I get older in life, drums hurt instead of making me happy... When you’re not happy or lose the passion in anything you do, it’s time to gracefully bow out. After 30 years I’m gracefully bowing out. I just recorded the greatest record of my career with Jake E Lee and Red Dragon Cartel, and I’m playing with the greatest players of my career. I leave in a good, grateful place. I have the best fans in the world, and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love, for the support and for being apart of my musical career... I hope you follow me to the next chapter of my life, when the time comes... until then, thank you for 30 years a drummer."
Red Dragon Cartel Recruits New Vocalist
Las Vegas outfit Red Dragon Cartel just issued the following announcement about recruiting a new vocalist:
"Red Dragon Cartel and singer Darren James Smith have officially parted ways. All scheduled shows will still take place as planned with Michael Beck on vocals. We would like to welcome Michael to RDC and we look forward to getting back on stage!" More...
Red Dragon Cartel Releases "Shout It Out" Video
Red Dragon Cartel, the new hard rock act featuring former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee, released a second music video for the track "Shout it Out." The song appears on the self-titled debut which was issued back in January via Frontiers Records.
Check out "Shout it Out":
Red Dragon Cartel Releases "Deceived" Music Video
Red Dragon Cartel, the new hard rock act featuring former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee, released a music video for the debut album opener "Deceived." The self-titled debut is set to be released on January 28th via Frontiers Records.
The track listing for "Red Dragon Cartel" is:
1. Deceived
2. Shout It Out
3. Feeder with Robin Zander
4. Fall From The Sky (Seagull)
5. Wasted (Feat. Paul Di’Anno)
6. Slave
7. Big Mouth (Feat. Maria Brink)
8. War Machine
9. Redeem Me (Feat. Sass Jordan)
10. Exquisite Tendernes
Check out "Deceived" here: More...
Red Dragon Cartel Feat. Jake E Lee Details Debut
Red Dragon Cartel, the new band comprised of Former Ozzy Osbourne/Badlands Guitar Legend Jake E. Lee, Bassist Ronnie Mancuso (Beggards & Thieves), Vocalist D.J. Smith and Drummer Jonas Fairley will release the self-titled debut album on January 28th via Frontiers Records.
The press release reads: "The newest band ready to take aim at the creative void in the hard rock world, Red Dragon Cartel, are set to release their debut album via Frontiers Records. The self-titled debut by the band, made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley is set for release on January 28th. Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums. Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Sass Jordan, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).
"From the opening riff of 'Deceived' to final sustained piano chord of 'Exquisite Tenderness,' it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as 'Shout It Out,' 'Wasted' and 'Slave' showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track 'Feeder' and a lyric video for the song can be seen [below]. Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track 'Big Mouth.' Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off. The album is available for pre-order on Amazon.com at [this location] or digitally on iTunes that comes with an instant download of 'Deceived.'"
The track listing for "Red Dragon Cartel" is:
1. Deceived
2. Shout It Out
3. Feeder with Robin Zander
4. Fall From The Sky (Seagull)
5. Wasted (Feat. Paul Di’Anno)
6. Slave
7. Big Mouth (Feat. Maria Brink)
8. War Machine
9. Redeem Me (Feat. Sass Jordan)
10. Exquisite Tenderness More...