Rumor Mill —  Hot tip on the streets is that RED DRAGON CARTEL is set to play their up coming run of July shows with former JONES STREET frontman SHAWN CROSBY.

CROSBY played the Hollywood scene for years back in the 80’s and his band JONES STREET was featured in rock rags like Metal Edge, Faces and Blast. But JS was on the tail end of that scene and never got that big break.

Now it appears that JAKE E LEE will hit the road with CROSBY and give him the chance to showcase his skills on a National level. ANTHONY ESPOSITO (Ex. LYNCH MOB, Ex. ACE FREHLEY BAND) on bass and JONAS FAIRLEY (drums) round out LEE’s lineup.

Original frontman DARREN JAMES SMITH left RDC back in mid March. Soon after the band featured shows with MICHAEL BECK, CHAZ WEST (ex. BONHAM, ex LYNCH MOB) and most recently PAUL D’EATH. Each who performed a short string of dates for the band as their lead singer.

It was reported from sources very close to the RDC camp that SMITH was recently asked back but declined.

It was also reported that the band never actually gave the position to any of these recent singers, yet were merely ‘auditioning’ them on the fly.

The source states; ‘what better way to see how they do, then trial by fire’.

RED DRAGON CARTEL has performed with 4 singers to date and CROSBY will be #5.

CROSBY himself is definitely no stranger to the stage and definitely has pro caliber qualities. Aside from his local bands on the Sunset Strip, he also fronted the AC/DC tribute project BACK IN BLACK throughout the 90’s.

BACK IN BLACK featured ERIK TURNER (WARRANT), BRENT WOODS (Ex WILDSIDE, SEBASTIAN BACH BAND) ROBBIE CRANE (Ex. RATT, DEATH STAR RIDERS) and frequently hosted a who’s who of special guests over the years.

Below are images found online of CROSBY jamming with CHRIS HOLMES (W.A.S.P.), VINCE NEIL (MOTLEY CRUE), STEVE STEVENS (BILLY IDOL BAND) and performing with the mighty STEEL PANTHER.

Look for RED DRAGON CARTEL on the road soon. Twitter, Facebook, Website.