DROWNING POOL Supports USO And Troops

DROWNING POOL, in collaboration with the USO will launch a free download and Internet video campaign today, featuring their new song "Soldiers". Written for the troops after returning from an overseas USO tour, "Soldiers" can be downloaded for free through the USO's MySpace page. In addition, the new Internet video, featuring exclusive live footage of the band's USO performances in Iraq and Kuwait, can be viewed on DROWNING POOL's MySpace page.

"We are proud to be working with DROWNING POOL to make 'Soldiers' available as a free download," said USO president and CEO, Edward A. Powell.

Since the band's first USO tour in 2005, DROWNING POOL and the USO have worked closely in an effort to boost the morale of thousands of service members stationed overseas. "The USO appreciates DROWNING POOL's willingness to perform for American troops stationed far from home, and for encouraging other groups to do the same," said Powell. "Last year the band entertained more than 12,000 troops in Germany, Kuwait and Iraq, and we look forward to their next USO tour."

The band is committed to supporting the troops and their families. During their 2006 USO tour, the band performed for troops in Baghdad on the fifth anniversary of 9/11. "It was probably one of the most rewarding shows we've ever performed," said lead vocalist Ryan McCombs. "This last year and a half, we have been fortunate to spend a great deal of time with American troops overseas. We are honored to be so embraced by our service men and women," bassist Stevie Benton remarked.

"After returning from the Persian Gulf, our priority was to write a song about our troops, for our troops. We hope they will accept the song as a show of our respect and thanks for all they do for our country," said Benton.

As previously reported, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx and former BEAUTIFUL CREATURES guitarist DJ Ashba wrote and produced two songs — "Light Another Candle" and "Reason I'm Alive" — on the upcoming DROWNING POOL album, "Full Circle". The CD is tentatively due in July through the group's new record label, Eleven Seven Music (BUCKCHERRY). The band was reportedly looking at offers from Sanctuary and Century Media, but turned both down in favor of Eleven Seven Music. DROWNING POOL also has taken on a new management company, Tenth Street Entertainment (MÖTLEY CRÜE, BUCKCHERRY),following the group's split with Paul Bassman of Bass Management (DAMAGEPLAN).

A brand-new DROWNING POOL track, entitled "No More", was included on the "Saw III" soundtrack, which was released on Oct. 24 via Warcon Enterprises.

"No More" was the first DROWNING POOL track to be officially released featuring the band's new vocalist, Ryan McCombs, formerly of SOIL.

DROWNING POOL parted ways with Wind-Up Records last year after releasing two albums through the label, each featuring a different lead singer.

DROWNING POOL's original vocalist, Dave Williams, was found dead on the band's tour bus in August of 2002 while the group was on the road with that summer's Ozzfest. An autopsy revealed that Williams died from cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease for which he was never diagnosed. His successor, Jason "Gong" Jones, lasted less than two years before he left the band and was replaced by McCombs.