RED DRAGON CARTEL, the band led by former OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee, has recruited Phil Varone (SAIGON KICK, SKID ROW) as its new drummer. Varone joins RED DRAGON CARTEL as the replacement for Jonas Fairley, who played on the band’s 2014 self-titled debut album. The group’s current lineup is rounded out by singer Darren James Smith and bassist Anthony Esposito.

RED DRAGON CARTEL is rehearsing new material in Pennsylvania before entering the studio next week to begin recording its sophomore album for a late 2017 release. The band said: “It’s gonna be awesome!”

Back in September 2015, RED DRAGON CARTEL was rejoined by Darren James Smith after a period of several months during which the band played shows with a number of other vocalists, including former JONES STREET frontman Shawn Crosby, Canadian singer Paul D’Eath (CITIZENS UNITE, MUSHROOM TRAIL), Chas West (Jason Bonham, LYNCH MOB, 3 LEGGED DOGG) and Michael Beck.

RED DRAGON CARTEL in March 2015 announced the departure of bassist Greg Chaisson, who exited the group because he could “no longer take any more time away from [his] regular job.”

RED DRAGON CARTEL‘s debut CD sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 69 on The Billboard 200 chart.

RED DRAGON CARTEL‘s setlist includes original material like the singles “Feeder” and “Deceived”, as well as major hits from Jake E. Lee‘s glorious past: “Bark At The Moon”, “The Ultimate Sin” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Rebel” (all originally recorded by OZZY OSBOURNE), as well as “Shine On” and “High Wire” (BADLANDS).

Fonte: Blabbermouth.net