Rumors were confirmed today when Mike DiMeo (The Lizards/ex-Riot) announced that he would be relinquishing his long-standing position on vocals for Hard Rock legends Riot. DiMeo is parting ways with Riot to take over vocal duties with European metallers Masterplan.
The official press release from Mike DiMeo is as follows:
“In response to all the mail I have been receiving about my status with Riot I have had many great years with the band, and I am tremendously proud of all the work I have done with them, especially Army of One, but at this point in my life and career, I prefer to forge ahead with a new path musically. I look forward to a new creative beginning with Masterplan, who are an incredibly talented and motivated group of guys!! I wish Riot the best of luck in the future and will always consider them brothers……thank you.”
DiMeo is replacing Jorn Lande at the mic for the band. Lande and Masterplan parted company due to “musical differences” in early 2006. Masterplan will issue a new E.P., LOST AND GONE (AFM Records), on January 26th. The E.P. will be the band’s first release with the new line-up of Mike DiMeo (vocals), Roland Grapow (guitars), Mike Terrana (drums), Jan S. Eckert (bass) and Axel Mackenrott (keyboards). A new studio album is scheduled for February.
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Wow! Didn’t see that one coming. I thought all was well in the Riot camp because their latest album., ARMY OF ONE, is really good. DiMeo has been focusing on his newer band, The Lizards, as of late while the Riot situation was up in the air. Riot doesn’t tour as much and I would assume it’s definitely not the full-time gig Masterplan will be. As soon as I heard the news, I went to the Riot website and there was no update (yet). Good for Masterplan but who the hell is going to sing for Riot!
