Simon Rushworth
rushonrock approved metallers Fozzy have inked a new deal with heavyweight label Century Media to maintain their incredible rise through the rock ranks.
Fronted by WWE wrestling star Chris Jericho and renowned for their full-on live shows, the US band have gone from cult favourites to mainstream attractions at breakneck speed.
The brainchild of Chris Jericho and Rich Ward, Fozzy was formed a decade ago out of a passion for hard rock and heavy metal and has transformed into one of North America’s most electrifying bands.
“We are so excited and honored to be part of the Century Media family,” said Jericho, an entertainment icon who has achieved legendary status as one of the WWE’s most acclaimed superstars.
The multi-talented workaholic has also penned two New York Times best-selling autobiographies and was a finalist on ABC’s hit television show Dancing With The Stars in 2011.
“Fozzy finally has a record company with the firepower and worldwide influence we need and deserve to rise to the next level,” he added. “Century Media is the perfect home for Fozzy and we are stoked to release the masterpiece album of our career and conquer the world… and elsewhere!”
Fozzy – lead singer Jericho, guitarist Rich Ward, drummer Frank Fontsere, bassist Paul DiLeo and guitarist Billy Grey – will release their Century Media debut worldwide in summer 2012.
The album will be the follow-up to their acclaimed 2010 release Chasing The Grail, which saw them tour 15 countries around the world and perform in cities from Los Angeles to Lichtenvoorde, including an appearance alongside metal’s Big 4 – Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax – on the Knebworth Sonisphere bill.
“There are very few musicians I respect more than Rich Ward and I couldn’t be prouder of bringing him home to Century Media Records – the label that introduced me to Stuck Mojo in 1995,” added Century Media Records product manager Paul Gargano.
“Chris is one of the most captivating entertainers and electrifying frontmen I know and Fozzy have emerged as one of the best-kept secrets in hard rock and metal over the years – now it’s time to let the secret out…”
Ward added: “Shortly after my 12th birthday, while air-guitaring to Iron Maiden, I decided that when I grew up I wanted to ‘pay my bills’ by playing guitar. In 1995 Century Media Records allowed this seemingly unreachable goal to become a reality with my band Stuck Mojo.
“When that relationship came to an end in 2001 I continued making and releasing music with several different bands, through several different record companies. There was only one common thread in all my experiences with these other organisations – I wished they were more like Century Media.
“The truth is, like any ‘first’ relationship, it’s tough to get a real perspective of how good it really is until you’ve had other relationships to compare it to. After having lots of opportunities to gain some perspective, I am honored to return to Century Media Records as they become the home for Fozzy’s music. I’m so grateful to be able to play music for a living and it is a privilege to continue my career with the label that gave me my start.”