Veteran progressive rock fusion trio, Cosmosquad, has announced a Midwest tour for April 2025, marking the band’s first live performances in over five years. The tour will feature the group’s classic lineup, including guitarist Jeff Kollman, drummer Shane Gaalaas, and bassist Kevin Chown.
Formed in 1997, Cosmosquad pioneered a distinctive blend of metal and jazz fusion, drawing from the worlds of shredding metal riffs, intricate jazz chord structures, and improvisation. Over the years, the band has released five acclaimed albums, including Cosmosquad (1998), Squadrophenia (2001), Acid Test (2003), Live At The Baked Potato (2010), and their 2017 concept album The Morbid Tango, which received critical praise for its innovative fusion of genres.
“Born from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene of the ‘90s, Cosmosquad has always been a project that allows us to break free from the musical confines of our other high-profile session and touring work,” said Kollman. “We’re excited to reconnect with our fans and bring some fresh energy to our live performances after such a long break.”
Cosmosquad has remained a musical outlet where the trio merges their roots in classic rock with their shared love for jazz fusion. Despite each member’s extensive touring careers, the band has maintained their unique chemistry and a commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Guitarist Jeff Kollman is known for his signature tone and fearless guitar work. His recent solo album, 2023 A.D. (released in 2024), features a guest appearance from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith on the single “Tongs & Thongs.” Kollman continues to tour with Alan Parsons, alongside performances with legends like Chris Isaak, Lou Gramm (Foreigner), and many others.
Drummer Shane Gaalaas, originally from Canada, has built a legendary career through his long association with Japanese rock superstars B’z and has worked with notable artists including Glenn Hughes, Billy Idol, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, and Uli Jon Roth. Gaalaas’s ability to blend rock attitude with jazz sophistication has earned him recognition as one of the world’s finest drummers.
Bassist Kevin Chown is a prominent member of 90s rock band Steelheart and has previously toured with artists such as Sebastian Bach, Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine, and Tarja Turunen. Chown has also contributed to multiple solo and collaborative projects, including The Bombastic Meatbats, alongside Jeff Kollman and Chad Smith.
Cosmosquad’s music continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, with glowing praise from industry legends such as Steve Lukather of Toto, who said, “Some of the best, most inspiring stuff I have heard in a long time! Incredible playing and just gorgeous melodic composition. This band is killer!”, and British record producer Terry Brown (Rush, Fates Warning, Voivod) who said, “This album is so cool I cannot pick my favorite cut. Just so much great material and killer execution.”
Tour dates:
April
11 – Sweetwater – Fort Wayne, IN
13 – Howard’s – Bowling Green, OH
18 – Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
19 – Leroy’s – Porter, IN
The post Classic COSMOSQUAD Lineup Reunites For First Shows In Five Years appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...
Formed in 1997, Cosmosquad pioneered a distinctive blend of metal and jazz fusion, drawing from the worlds of shredding metal riffs, intricate jazz chord structures, and improvisation. Over the years, the band has released five acclaimed albums, including Cosmosquad (1998), Squadrophenia (2001), Acid Test (2003), Live At The Baked Potato (2010), and their 2017 concept album The Morbid Tango, which received critical praise for its innovative fusion of genres.
“Born from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene of the ‘90s, Cosmosquad has always been a project that allows us to break free from the musical confines of our other high-profile session and touring work,” said Kollman. “We’re excited to reconnect with our fans and bring some fresh energy to our live performances after such a long break.”
Cosmosquad has remained a musical outlet where the trio merges their roots in classic rock with their shared love for jazz fusion. Despite each member’s extensive touring careers, the band has maintained their unique chemistry and a commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Guitarist Jeff Kollman is known for his signature tone and fearless guitar work. His recent solo album, 2023 A.D. (released in 2024), features a guest appearance from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith on the single “Tongs & Thongs.” Kollman continues to tour with Alan Parsons, alongside performances with legends like Chris Isaak, Lou Gramm (Foreigner), and many others.
Drummer Shane Gaalaas, originally from Canada, has built a legendary career through his long association with Japanese rock superstars B’z and has worked with notable artists including Glenn Hughes, Billy Idol, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, and Uli Jon Roth. Gaalaas’s ability to blend rock attitude with jazz sophistication has earned him recognition as one of the world’s finest drummers.
Bassist Kevin Chown is a prominent member of 90s rock band Steelheart and has previously toured with artists such as Sebastian Bach, Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine, and Tarja Turunen. Chown has also contributed to multiple solo and collaborative projects, including The Bombastic Meatbats, alongside Jeff Kollman and Chad Smith.
Cosmosquad’s music continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, with glowing praise from industry legends such as Steve Lukather of Toto, who said, “Some of the best, most inspiring stuff I have heard in a long time! Incredible playing and just gorgeous melodic composition. This band is killer!”, and British record producer Terry Brown (Rush, Fates Warning, Voivod) who said, “This album is so cool I cannot pick my favorite cut. Just so much great material and killer execution.”
Tour dates:
April
11 – Sweetwater – Fort Wayne, IN
13 – Howard’s – Bowling Green, OH
18 – Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
19 – Leroy’s – Porter, IN
The post Classic COSMOSQUAD Lineup Reunites For First Shows In Five Years appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...
