Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS have issued the following update:

“To answer the numerous questions on our numerous blogs in the last couple of days regarding detailed info on who's drumming on live gigs in support of 'Dirty Dynamite' release:

There will be several guest drummers supporting KROKUS on tour. For the time being, it is Kosta Zafiriou [PINK CREAM 69], who also drummed on our forthcoming CD release.

"KROKUS will be a five-piece lineup. The drummer is part of the live lineup but not official band member (example: when original band member Bill Wyman left THE ROLLING STONES, he was replaced with Darryl Jones for live performances, yet he is not pictured on press photos, album covers, etc.)

"Before KROKUS will rock festivals in Switzerland and abroad, we want to 'get close' to our fans in some smaller venues, starting in Zurich and then in our home town (other dates might be added, we will let you know). Those intimate tour dates are as follows, tickets went on sale a couple of days ago."

The "Close Contact Dög Tour" dates:

May 02 - Zürich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
May 09 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl

Drummer Freddy Steady left KROKUS in May 2011 because he "concluded that he really wanted to play music just for fun in small clubs rather than conquering the world, playing arenas on huge stages with pyro props, etc.," according to guitarist Fernando Von Arb.

KROKUS will release its new album, "Dirty Dynamite", on February 22, 2013 via Sony Music.

Sony Music is offering a free download of the title track at this location (e-mail sign-up required). It was the last song that was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England at 5 o'clock in the morning. Bassist Chris Von Rohr added some honky tonk piano licks on the original "Lady Madonna" piano at the studio.

"Dirty Dynamite" marks the return of KROKUS guitarist Mandy Meyer after 30 years.

Chris Von Rohr, along with vocalist Marc Storace, recently laid down bass and vocal tracks at London, England's Abbey Road Studios for the band's 17th album, "Dirty Dynamite". Sound engineer for the recording sessions is again Dennis Ward, who also recorded the band's last album, "Hoodoo".

KROKUS 2012 is:

Marc Storace - Vocals
Chris Von Rohr - bass
Fernando Von Arb - Lead Guitar
Mark Kohler - Rhythm Guitar
Mandy Meyer - Guitar

(Thanks: NJthrasher)