Funk metal powerhouse INFECTIOUS GROOVES is gearing up for their Australian tour with an impressive lineup shakeup which features ex-SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg
METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES‘ Mike Muir, and Dean Pleasants have enlisted the skills of Weinberg to step in for INFECTIOUS GROOVES drummer Brooks Wackerman. Adding to the excitement, the band has brought back ex-INFECTIOUS GROOVES guitarist Dave Kushner, known for his work with VELVET REVOLVER, for a nostalgic reunion.
While the initial announcement highlights the Byron Bay Bluesfest on April 1 as the first stop, indications suggest that more tour dates will be unveiled shortly. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and additional opportunities to witness this stellar lineup in action.
INFECTIOUS GROOVES posted the following statement to their social media: “Warning Number One… This Ain’t No April Fool’s joke… but you definitely won’t be laughing if you miss out on Infectious Grooves April 1st at the Byron Bay Bluesfest!”
“Warning Number Two… Infectious Grooves is gonna bring a super special extra Funk and Punk and everything in between edition.
“Unfortunately our brother, drummer Brooks Wakerman was not available to do this run of shows due to Avenged Sevenfold dates.
“Drummer for IG is definitely not an easy gig to fill. Starting with Stephen Perkins (Infectious Grooves) on drums, then followed with a 17 year old Josh Freese (FOO FIGHTERS etc) and then came a 14 year old Brooks (The Teenage Drum Sensation) Wakerman, IG has always been blessed with some amazing drummers.
“So Warning number Three… IG is beyond stoked and honored to be able to have the incredible Jay Weinberg to be the driving force as he beats the funk out of the drums on this run!
“‘It’s an absolute honor to play with the legendary Infectious Grooves on this incredibly exciting Australian tour! Playing with some of my favorite musicians, in one of the most beautiful countries, for some of the greatest fans of heavy music in the world…I couldn’t be more thrilled to get started. See you all soon!’- Jay
“Rounding out the band, on guitar will be a bit of reunion. Dave Kushner (VELVET REVOLVER etc) played on some of the first IG album.
“He’ll be reuniting with IG for these dates also. Dave is a good friend and we are all looking forward to getting on stage and having a blast, and giving a big dose of the Infectious Grooves!
“Warning number Five… (yes, we skipped warning number 4, we’ll save that for later, lol)…
“Super limited dates due to everyone’s schedule. We’d love to do a massive run of dates, but it’s not possible with everyone’s schedule. These are short notice, but we jumped at the opportunity to lock some dates in at this time.
“So when the rest of the dates are announced, be there or be prepared to let your friends tell you what you missed out.
“Needless to say, Robert Trujillo, Mike Muir and Dean Pleasants are beyond stoked to welcome Jay Weinberg and Dave Kushner in for this event (and a few more soon to be announced shows)!”
On November 5 of last year SLIPKNOT released the following statement via social media: “We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years. No one can ever replace Joey Jordison‘s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey‘s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it. But as ever, SLIPKNOT is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds.”
Weinberg‘s final performance with SLIPKNOT took place on Friday, November 3, at the Hell & Heaven festival in Toluca, Mexico.
Weinberg, now 33 years old, first encountered SLIPKNOT during his pre-teen years, introduced to the band by his father Max Weinberg, renowned for his role in Bruce Springsteen’s E STREET BAND and as the bandleader on Conan O’Brien’s talk show. Instantly captivated, Jay became an avid enthusiast of the band by the time he was invited to Los Angeles in 2013 to audition as a replacement for Joey Jordison.