I can see this one from both sides.
What's mainly annoying from the "fan" side is the elitism involved. You're basically saying that because this guy was in Coal Chamber, he's therefore not allowed to like or play any other style of music? Should he be kept in a plastic bubble for all time, never being allowed to progress or move on? If I had a popular band in 1981 that sounded like Saxon (a favorite band at that time) would that mean I had no right to form a new band now that was along the lines of Opeth?
Most of you seem to forget that the people in bands are music fans too. The only difference between them and us is that they secured recording contracts that allowed whatever they had on their minds at the time to be heard. People, styles and tastes change. Give 'em a chance. You never know, you might even like 'em.
On the other side, this does appear to be the work of a booking agent covering all angles. Devildriver are getting a lot of more mainstream press and are no doubt being supported for the tour by their label. The agent and venues will be happy as the "Coal Chamber" connection might sell a few more tickets, and that's what this tour is about at the end of the day.
But, what with Devildriver being a brand new band, they should be first on the bill and not rotating with Moonspell who, despite being appallingly bad, have built a decent fanbase over a number of years and albums.
It's not the fault of Devildriver themselves. They no doubt have a cliched "hard-assed" US style manager barking demands to the agents and label every five minutes, demanding that the band get a better deal, etc, etc. And good luck to them I guess. While there are countless more deserving bands out there who would have killed for this support, Devildriver have all the right connections, they're getting the right media attention and, like it or not, they have the tour. Live with it.
