Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted is set to hit the road this summer with THE CHOPHOUSE BAND for their first-ever North American headlining tour, marking a major milestone for the long-running Americana outfit.
The 18-date run will kick off on July 1 in Northampton, Massachusetts at Iron Horse Music Hall and will travel across the South, Midwest, and East Coast before wrapping up with a two-night finale at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on July 24–25. Along the way, the band will also make stops in cities including Albany, Alexandria, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, and more. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time.
In addition to their headlining shows, JASON NEWSTED & THE CHOPHOUSE BAND will also join forces with iconic Atlanta country rock outfit BLACKBERRY SMOKE for 10 performances throughout July.
Since 1992, THE CHOPHOUSE BAND has surfaced periodically for select benefit appearances and charity events, supporting causes such as veterans’ relief, animal rehabilitation, and youth music and arts education programs.
The 2026 lineup features Newsted alongside Jesse Farnsworth (guitar, vocals), Jimbo Hart (bass, vocals), Humberto Perez (guitar), and Robert John-Tucker (drums, vocals), continuing the band’s evolving blend of roots-driven and hard-edged music.
“We’re fired up to finally take this to the people, and it’s an honor to head out on the road with the BLACKBERRY crew for our first proper run,” said Newsted. “BLACKBERRY SMOKE has built a loyal following that knows and enjoys good music.
“We’ll be performing THE CHOPHOUSE BAND originals and selections from a few of our heroes. Even at places like the Ryman, we will play some acoustic-based tunes, but throughout the set it is guaranteed to get heavy!”
Musically, JASON NEWSTED & THE CHOPHOUSE BAND deliver a gritty strain of outsider Americana, pulling from bluegrass, folk, soul, rock, and even heavy metal influences. Newsted’s songwriting often leans deeply personal, weaving lived experience into the band’s broad sonic palette and offering one of his most direct artistic statements to date.
Jason adds: “I’ve realized that this is where I can place my energy effectively now. THE CHOPHOUSE is the continuation of my ambassadorship of American music. THE CHOPHOUSE BAND plays everything from bluegrass to f**king slabs of metal. We’re covering a lot of ground. There could be country flavor to a song, but it’ll still have sharp teeth. We are looking forward to an exciting summer!”
JASON NEWSTED & THE CHOPHOUSE BAND – 2026 North American Tour Dates
July 01 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
July 02 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
July 03 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
July 05 – Wayne, PA – 118 North
July 06 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
July 09 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
July 10 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center*
July 11 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium*
July 12 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
July 15 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark*
July 16 – Utica, NY – Saranac Brewery*
July 17 – Farmington, PA – Timber Rock Amphitheater*
July 18 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*
July 20 – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme
July 21 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
July 22 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
July 24 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
July 25 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
- Supporting BLACKBERRY SMOKE
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