Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted is taking his Americana project, The Chophouse Band, on the road this summer for their first-ever North American headlining tour.
The 18-date trek begins in Northampton, Massachusetts, and will route through the East Coast, Midwest, and South before concluding with a two-night stand at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets for all headlining dates will go on sale Friday, 24 Apr at 10 a.m. local time.
In addition to the headlining shows, Jason Newsted & The Chophouse Band will serve as the support act for country rock group Blackberry Smoke on 10 of the July dates.
Operating since 1992, The Chophouse Band has traditionally performed sporadically, mostly appearing at charity events to support causes like youth music education, animal rehabilitation, and veterans’ relief. The group’s 2026 touring lineup features Jason Newsted alongside guitarists Jesse Farnsworth and Humberto Perez, bassist Jimbo Hart, and drummer Robert John-Tucker. Musically, the band blends outsider Americana with elements of bluegrass, folk, soul, rock, and heavy metal.
Discussing the upcoming summer run and the pairing with Blackberry Smoke, Jason Newsted issued the following statement:
“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. 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!”
He further elaborated on his current musical focus and the project’s sonic direction:
“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:
- 01 Jul – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
- 02 Jul – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
- 03 Jul – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
- 05 Jul – Wayne, PA – 118 North
- 06 Jul – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
- 09 Jul – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
- 10 Jul – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center*
- 11 Jul – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium*
- 12 Jul – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
- 15 Jul – Lewiston, NY – Artpark*
- 16 Jul – Utica, NY – Saranac Brewery*
- 17 Jul – Farmington, PA – Timber Rock Amphitheater*
- 18 Jul – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall*
- 20 Jul – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme
- 21 Jul – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
- 22 Jul – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
- 24 Jul – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
- 25 Jul – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
*Supporting Blackberry Smoke
