I really don’t like being the bearer of bad news but sometimes that task falls upon my shoulders and I must. That being said I must inform you to put away your “Game Of Thrones” formal wear because Manowar have just announced that they are cancelling their upcoming US Tour for “Kings Of Metal” so they might continue working on their soon to be released album. I’ve embedded the bands official statement beneath their logo so continue along to get the full on inside scoop.
Press Copy: “MANOWAR have announced their return into the studio to begin working on their next studio album. In order to concentrate on the yet unnamed new studio album, MANOWAR will postpone their U.S. tour dates in November due to scheduling conflicts. Tickets will remain valid and updates regarding new dates will be announced as soon as possible. Those who cannot attend the re-scheduled concerts will be able to get a full refund. MANOWAR will headline Loud Park Festival in Tokyo on October 18, 2014 and will then resume the “Kings Of Metal MMXIV” World Tour with first dates in Germany in January. More 2015 dates will be announced soon!
Meanwhile, “Hell On Earth V” is now available on iTunes in many countries; more will follow shortly. Shot from over 150 camera angles, including spectacular helicopter footage, this video with more than 2 hours running time includes the Viking Encore set from the 2007 “Demons, Dragons and Warriors” tour, full-length versions of “Sons Of Odin”, “Glory, Majesty, Unity”, “Gods Of War” and many others, with highlights from Turkey, Spain, Czech Republic, USA, Canada, Germany and other countries. More MANOWAR feature length videos will be available on iTunes stores worldwide shortly.”
The Cancelled Dates:
July 5, 2014 – Rock Fest BCN – Barcelona, Spain
July 26, 2014 – Magic Circle Festival – Helsinki, Finland
October 18, 2014 – Loud Park Festival – Tokyo, Japan
November 12, 2014 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA, USA
November 14, 2014 – Pops – Sauget, IL, USA
November 15, 2014 – Concord Music Hall – Chicago, IL, USA
November 16, 2014 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI, USA
November 18, 2014 – The Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY, USA
November 19, 2014 – The Altar – Pittsburgh, PA, USA
November 21, 2014 – The Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH, USA
November 22, 2014 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ, USA
January 14, 2015 – Grugahalle – Essen, Germany
January 16, 2015 – Zenith – Munich, Germany
January 17, 2015 – Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt, Germany
My Thoughts: As I was writing this I came to the realization that I had never actually seen Manowar in concert despite being a fan for so many years. An appreciation that began with the seminal “Battle Hymns” and lasted firmly until a few years after “Fighting The World”. I had not planned on seeing the final US show at our NJ concert neighbor The Starland Ballroom, and I had always hoped that they would do something at the now shuttered Roseland Ballroom but that is surely a missed opportunity. I do admit that I am kind of curious how the cancellation of a ten date run makes any sense towards getting more ahead on their new album. Clearly being in front of your fans (who paid upwards of $100 a ticket) sets up more interest in any new material but the final decision is in their hands to do. What do you fair readers think about this one? Do you stand by them or call bulls**t on the cancelled dates and think there is more to the story? Let me know in the comments.
Official Website: http://www.manowar.com
Fans can make sure their collection is complete while they count the days until their next US Invasion Tour.