It’s been, well, a literal dog’s age since the vibrant powerhouse trio known as THE WINERY DOGS–RICHIE KOTZEN, MIKE PORTNOY, and BILLY SHEEHAN–marked their recording territory with new music. But now, following a seven-year break from the studio, THE WINERY DOGS are back in full force with their aptly named third album III, which is set for release on February 3, 2023 on the band’s Three Dog Music label (via Burnside Distribution/The Orchard). Following in the footsteps of their first two albums, III was once again self-produced by The Winery Dogs and mixed by longtime band associate Jay Ruston.
Pre-orders will be available starting Friday, December 9 on CD and all digital formats, which include an instant download of the album’s first song to be released, “Xanadu.” A vinyl edition of III will also be forthcoming in just a few months.
While the all-out smokin’ opening track and lead single “Xanadu,” title might evoke different imagery in more progressive-leaning listening circles, KOTZEN’s zen-seeking, hard-rocking ruminations on “Xanadu” once again shine a light on the eternal power of good collaboration. “Coming out of the gates, that’s a barnburner,” acknowledges PORTNOY. “It’s one of the fiercest tracks on the album.” Incidentally, eagle ears will also delight in picking up on how definitively PORTNOY drops his drumsticks right as the song concludes. “At the end there, you’re hearing me toss my sticks — not in frustration, but very much in satisfaction of what we had just done,” he clarifies with a laugh.
In addition to the new music, fans will also be excited to hear that the trio is hitting the worldwide concert trail starting February 15 in Greensburg, PA at the Palace Theatre for their “202III World Tour.” Ticket and VIP package info can be found on the band’s official website.
“Oblivion” video
“Captain Love”
“Fire” video
“Hot Streak”
The band will be making a stop here in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 13th at the Devos Performance Hall.
