By now, you probably know that Queensrÿche has a new concept album, entitled American Soldier, coming out on March 31. You might know the first single off it, If I Were King, will be on the radio and available digitally on March 3. And I’m guessing you already know that the tour kicks off in mid-April, and they’ll be playing music from the new one, Rage for Order, and Empire… and if you’ve looked at the band’s site you know they’re playing the Ship Rocked Cruise in November. Oh, and Mike Stone is off to do his own thing, and Geoff’s daughter’s boyfriend is going to fill in on guitar or something like that. (There’s an idea - metal band as family business.)

All good so far? Looking forward to hearing stuff off Rage as much as I am? Thought so.

So why am I posting, other than to demonstrate that I still have a pulse? Well, there are a couple other things I’ve been hearing. The first is that the band might show up on a ship (or two?) other than that cruise… and this time they might actually do more than a meet-n-greet. (Check your 2004 history books if you’re lost.)

The second thing I just heard is, of all things, a Seattle telephone number. +1 (206) 260-1215. I’m sure no explanation is needed… but it’s a hotline for info on the new album, and something more than that, too.