Dead Daisies are the first band to tour Cuba since Obama relaxed trade rules

American-Australian rock supergroup The Dead Daises will be the first international rock band to tour Cuba since the Obama government relaxed trade restrictions.

The band is: Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses, Psychedelic Furs), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses, Hookers & Blow), David Lowy (Mink, Red Phoenix) and Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol). Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones, Sting, Peter Gabriel), John Corabi (Motley Crue, RATT) and Bernard Fowler (The Rolling Stones) will join them.

The visit to Havana from February 22 to March 1 is part of a cultural exchange organised by the Cuban Ministry of Culture. The band will visit schools and conduct workshops with students and local musicians and perform the country’s Cuba Rocks for Peace concert at Salón Rosado de la Tropical alongside local artists David Blanco y su grupo and Anima Mundi.

The US government announced new trade rules for Cuba in January, opening up the communist-ruled island to expanded travel, trade and financial dealings. The loosened restrictions end decades of hostility sparked by the Cold War and allows Americans to travel to Cuba without first obtaining a special license from the US government.

“[…] With the long overdue changes in diplomacy just ahead, it feels like the right time to come and hang. It's been a life long dream of mine to experience Cuba, so much history and influence in this part of the world, and now that is about to happen. Can't wait amigos!” said Dizzy Reed.

Guitarist Richard Fortus added: “As an American, playing in Cuba is an incredible opportunity. To work and learn from Cuban musicians, and to experience their unique musical character is a dream of mine. I know this will be one of my greatest experiences yet!”

Following the tour The Dead Daisies will finish recording an album in Sydney before joining KISS on their European tour through June.

The Dead Daisies Cuba Schedule

Sun, Feb 22 – Havana, Cuba – Welcome Cocktail Party with the Cuban Ministry, Institute & Musicians

Mon, Feb 23 – Havana, Cuba – Press Conference & Acoustic Performance at la Fábrica de Arte

Tues, Feb 24 – Havana, Cuba – Cuban Recording Sessions with local Cuban musicians

Wed, Feb 25 – Havana, Cuba – Cuban Recording Sessions and Club Gig at Maxims in Havana

Thurs, Feb 26 – Havana, Cuba – Music School & Master Class Visits

Fri, Feb 27 – Havana, Cuba – Cuban Recording Sessions

Sat, Feb 28 – Havana, Cuba – Cuba Rocks For Peace concert at Salón Rosado de La Tropical