THE DEAD DAISIES Head To Cuba As Part Of Cultural Exchange

Dynamic musical collective The Dead Daisies head to Cuba as guests of the Cuban Ministry of Culture, Institute of Music and the Cuban Rock Agency. The rock band will be in Havana from February 22nd to March 1st as part of a cultural exchange.

While in Cuba they will be performing shows as well as recording tracks for their upcoming album and jamming with Cuban musicians Yasek Manzano, Carlos Miyares, Michel Herrera, Alejandro Martinez, Harold Lopez and Yaimi Karel. The group will also visit schools and conduct workshops with students and local musicians. The trip will conclude with the Cuba Rocks for Peace concert at the legendary Salon Rosado de la Tropical on Saturday, February 28th. The Salon Rosado de la Tropical is one of the most important venues in Cuba and is considered a cathedral for Cuban popular music. Joining The Daisies on the 28th will be Cuban artists, David Blanco y su grupo and Anima Mundi.

The trip is the first for a rock band since Obama loosened travel and trade rules for the country. The band for this excursion includes Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy), Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses), David Lowy (Mink) and Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne).  Also along for the ride are friends Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), John Corabi (Motley Crue) and Bernard Fowler (The Rolling Stones).

Guitarist Richard Fortus says, “As an American, playing in Cuba is an incredible opportunity. To work and learn from Cuban musicians, and to experience their unique musical character is a dream of mine.  I know this will be one of my greatest experiences yet!”

“I’m really looking forward to a first visit and experience in Cuba,” says Mendoza. “It’s always been on my list of places to visit, being a fan of Afro-Cuban history and artists and the fact that I speak the language is also going to help. It will be a fantastic time with The Dead Daisies, it’s sure to be something very special and memorable; A Rock’n Roll Buena Vista Social Club! VIVALAROCK!!”

Following their diplomatic summit of rock, the band will join KISS in June for European dates.