Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted's new metal band is called Newsted. Newsted's new metal EP is called 'Metal.' Now, Newsted are set to promote 'Metal' with a U.S. tour beginning April 19.

Newsted's upcoming series of shows are not only geared to promote the 'Metal' EP, but are also being used as "warm up club shows" before the band releases a full-length album and starts touring internationally. Throughout Newsted's upcoming dates, the band will offer the Newsted VIP Experience, which includes a ticket to a show of your choosing, a meet & greet with the group, a picture with the band, a tour t-shirt, a commemorative VIP laminate, the opportunity to have one personal item signed by Newsted, first entry into venue (where available) and lines-free merchandise shopping (where available). Packages will become available on March 27 at 10 AM local venue time. Tickets will go on sale beginning on March 29 and March 30.

During our recent interview with Jason Newsted, he spoke to us about the challenges of beginning a tour with a new band. "I am reaching out and stepping on new ground and there’s a whole lotta new stuff going on for me with this thing, man," he told us. "[There’s] new roles to be played. I’m going to be the frontman. Sometimes I’m going to be playing guitar and fronting — most of the time I will be playing bass and fronting — but we will switch instruments onstage and all of that crazy stuff to keep it interesting."

Newsted recently welcomed Staind guitarist Mike Mushok into the band, adding a new element to the lineup, which Jason Newsted promises is "gonna come out and kick your ass!"

Check out Newsted's full list of 2013 U.S. club tour dates below.

Newsted 2013 U.S. Tour Dates:

4/19 - Walnut Creek, Calif. @ Red House
4/23 - San Jose, Calif. @ San Jose Rock Shop
4/24 - Fresno, Calif. @ The Starline
4/26 - Sparks, Nev. @ The Alley
4/27 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Ace of Spades
5/01 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Roxy
5/03 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Vinyl
5/04 - Mesa, Ariz. @  KUPD Ufiesta / Quail Run Park
5/15 - Battle Creek, Mich. @ Planet Rock
5/17 - Pontiac, Mich. @ The Crofoot
5/18 - Chicago, Ill. @ Bottom Lounge
5/21 - New York, N.Y. @ Highline Ballroom
5/22 - Cambridge, Mass. @ The Middle East Downstairs
5/23 - Asbury Park, N.J. @ The Stone Pony

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