Red Dragon Cartel bring back 1st singer Smith

Jake E Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel have brought back original singer Darren James Smith – after four other vocalists had taken his place over five months.

He’ll front the band for their shows in September, then work on their second album, which is expected in early 2016.

Smith left in March and was replaced by Michael Beck, Chas West then Paul D’Eath, before Shawn Crosby last month said he hoped he’d become a permanent fixture.

Now the band say: “We would officially like to welcome Darren James Smith back to Red Dragon Cartel! He will be reuniting with the band for shows on September 6th and 10th in California, followed by a tour of Japan that begins on September 15th.

“The band will be taking the rest of 2015 off from touring to hit the studio and start recording. The highly-anticipated second album from Jake and RDC will be ready for release in the first few months of 2016.”

Jake E. Lee - highlights from a rollercoaster career in rock

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.