Marty Friedman Plans First North American Tour Since 2003

Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, who now resides in Japan, last embarked on an extended North American tour in 2003, but he has decided to head out on a Stateside trek to support his new solo album Inferno.

"On the rare occasion that I stop and think about it, I realize I've done an insane thing: I left a successful international band to concentrate my efforts on the domestic music scene of a country thousands of miles from my home," says Friedman. "Different culture, different language, different planet. Since I went to Japan, so many Americans have supported me, and while many doubted I would ever play live in my homeland again, now it's happening. Choosing the setlist and doing prep for this tour has been a blast. Words can not describe how excited I am about finally touring North America!"

The trek gets underway Sept. 9 in Baltimore at Soundstage. Exmortus will be joining Friedman for the upcoming tour, which starts out East but winds down on the West Coast in Ramona, Calif., on Oct. 3. Get VIP packages and ticketing info at this location.

As for the new Inferno album, fans can check out the video for the title track below. The album is available via iTunes and Amazon and in a variety of options at this spot.

Marty Friedman 2015 North American Tour Dates

9/9 -- Baltimore, Md. -- Soundstage
9/10 -- New York City, N.Y. -- Gramercy Theatre
9/11 -- Pittsburgh, Pa. -- Altar Bar
9/12 -- Philadelphia, Pa. -- Northstar Bar
9/13 -- Boston, Mass. -- Brighton Music Hall
9/15 -- Cleveland, Ohio -- Beachland Ballroom
9/16 -- Toronto, Ontario -- Virgin Mobile Mod Club
9/17 -- Detroit, Mich. -- Token Lounge
9/18 -- Chicago, Ill. -- Reggie's Rock Club
9/19 -- St. Louis, Mo. -- Fubar
9/20 -- Kansas City, Mo. -- Riot Room
9/22 -- Denver, Colo. -- Marquis
9/23 -- Salt Lake City, Utah -- Liquid Joes
9/25 -- Seattle, Wash. -- El Corazon
9/26 -- Vancouver, British Columbia -- Rickshaw
9/27 -- Portland, Ore. -- Aladdin
9/29 -- San Francisco, Calif. -- Great American Music Hall
9/30 -- Hollywood, Calif. -- Whisky-a-Go-Go
10/1 -- Anaheim, Calif. -- House of Blues
10/2 -- Las Vegas, Nev. -- Backstage Bar
10/3 -- Ramona, Calif. -- Mainstage