The new record is the band’s first since 2001’s Break the Cycle, which earned quadruple platinum status in the U.S. and sold more than 7 million worldwide, thanks to the smash single "It’s Been Awhile," as well as "Fade," "For You" and "Epiphany."
Since then, singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April and drummer Jon Wysocki saw their 2002 DVD MTV Unplugged go gold.
For Elektra Entertainment Exec. VP/GM Greg "Salad Sandwich" Thompson, the album is a chance to "firmly show the band is a force in rock music. We want to build on the legacy they’ve established with their fans. This record will speak volumes for Staind’s longevity. We hope people will recognize the growth in their writing skills and continued creative development."
The first single, "Price to Play," went to radio earlier this month, where it was Most Added at Active Rock radio and is now in the Top Five. Fans received an e-card containing highlights of the song before it was serviced to radio, while an awareness campaign urged them to promote the new release on the Web and at concerts and clubs "by spreading news, music and information wherever possible."
14 Shades of Grey was produced by Josh Abraham and mixed by Andy Wallace, the same team that worked on Break the Cycle. The first run of the CD will include a limited-edition bonus DVD disc featuring footage of the band from the early years to the present, along with lyrics and new band photos.
A video for "Price to Play" has already appeared on AOL; it can be viewed on the band’s website and is currently being played on MTV, MTV2, MuchMusic USA and CTN.
Fans won’t have to pay any "Price" for the free shows Staind will perform in Boston (5/15), N.Y. (5/17), L.A. (5/20) and Chicago (5/23).
"The free shows are the band’s way of giving back to their core fans, allowing them to get a taste of the new album live," says Thompson.
A U.S. concert tour will begin May 24 in Indianapolis, with dates through June 22; a second leg commences in early July.
Other initiatives include:
TV appearances on Conan OBrien (5/16) and Jimmy Kimmel (6/13), along with MTVs TRL and the new Headbangers Ball (5/16). Also appearing on mtvICONs tribute to Metallica (5/6).
MTV2 summer promotion contest with Heineken.
In-stores at Boston’s Newbury’s Comics (5/15), CD World in NJ (5/17), L.I.’s Best Buy (5/18), L.A.’s Tower Sunset (5/20) and Chicago’s Rolling Stone (5/23) coinciding with the free concerts in each city.
Appearance at Indianapolis 500 Speedway (5/25).
TV ad campaign two weeks prior to release on MTV, ESPN, TNN, local cable.
AOL "Artist of the Month" for May, "AOL Sessions’ week of release.
Covers of Guitar World, Request, Drum and Onstage magazines.
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