STAIND, SHINEDOWN, CHEVELLE and HALESTORM will offer cash-strapped fans across the nation moderately priced rock shows this summer during the “Stimulate This!” tour.

July 2009

1 - Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center

2 - Saint Paul, MN - Harriet Island

4 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

7 - Roanoke, VA - Roanoke Convention Center

9 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion

10 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion

12 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center

14 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion

16 - Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theatre

17 - Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury park Convention Hall

21 - Pikeville, KY - Eastern Kentucky Expo Center

22 - Corbin, KY - Southeastern KY Agricultural & Expo

24 - Evansville, IN - Roberts Stadium

25 - Dubuque, IA - Dubuque County Fair

26 - Brookings, SD - Swiftel Center

29 - Billings, MT - MetraPark Arena

31 - Rochester, MN - Mayo Civic Center

August 2009

10 - Ridgefield, WA - The Amphitheatre at Clark County

13 - Denver, CO - The Fillmore Auditorium

14 - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center

15 - Lubbock, TX - Lonestar Amphitheater

18 - Laredo, TX - Laredo Entertainment Center

28 - Toledo, OH - Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre

30 - Philadelphia, PA - Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing

It has been said that first impressions last a lifetime. Luckily for Staind, some only last for about 45 minutes. After a volatile disagreement with Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst over some of Staind’s early cover art, it seemed their big break had walked out the door. Fortunately, by the time Durst had witnessed Staind’s intense live show, he was ready to exchange phone numbers.

Staind’s story began in the New England area when vocalist Aaron Lewis and guitarist Mike Mushok met at a Christmas party in 1993. Mushok was able to bring drummer Jon Wysocki into the fold, and Lewis’ connection with a bass player (who later left) completed the early lineup. Establishing themselves took time, and extensive touring of the Northeast with other established metal acts helped them sell over 2,000 copies of their self-released debut in just over a year. They were primed for their big break, and on October 23, 1997, the hard work paid off.

At a show in Hartford, CT, Staind was all set to open for Limp Bizkit when Bizkit singer Durst raised a stink over cover art on Staind’s self-released CD. After a heated conversation over whether or not Staind were Satan worshipers, Durst forcefully returned the disc to the band, and walked away. But 45 minutes later Durst was back, not to further the argument, but to make sure he kept in contact with Staind. Blown away by their live show, Durst exchanged phone numbers, and loved their demo tape when they gave it to him. He convinced them to travel to Jacksonville, FL, to work on the new songs.

After reworking the new material and a successful live show, Durst contacted the head of Flip Records and arranged a meeting for Staind with the label. While in Los Angeles, a three-song sampler was recorded, and by the time February rolled around in 1998, the band had a record deal. After playing the Vans Warped Tour, they began work on their first album, Dysfunction. The album was produced by Terry Date (Deftones, Pantera, Soundgarden) and was released April 13, 1999. A tour with Kid Rock followed that spring and later the band reunited with good friends Limp Bizkit for a summer tour. Their follow-up, Break the Cycle, enjoyed a prolonged visit at the number one spot on U.S. charts in 2001. Smash hits like “It’s Been a While,” “Fade,” “For You,” and “Epiphany” catapulted Staind into the mainstream, leaving their 2002 DVD =MTV Unplugged to go gold. Staind released 14 Shades of Grey in spring 2003, and after a two-year break returned with the chart-topping Chapter V, named to include their self-released debut in the Staind canon. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide