Acclaimed singer-songwriter MICHAEL RUDOLPH CUMMINGS, former frontman of underground rock legends BACKWOODS PAYBACK, and MLNY PARSONZ, powerhouse bassist and vocalist of the iconic band ROYAL THUNDER, are joining forces for an intimate, exclusive winter tour. This six-show run marks a landmark moment, as it is PARSONZ’s first-ever solo tour and CUMMINGS’ fifth tour this year, further strengthening their storied, decade-long friendship and creative partnership.
The tour begins on December 5th at Koto in Salem, MA, and will end on December 12th in PARSONZ’s hometown of Atlanta, GA, at The Earl. Each show promises a unique experience featuring solo material from both artists, deep cuts from their rich back catalogs, and some exciting surprises along the way.
This tour celebrates the unique bond between CUMMINGS and PARSONZ, who have collaborated and inspired each other through various musical projects for over ten years. Their shared love for ‘90s rock and commitment to “music and art always first” has cemented their bond, one that fans will witness firsthand on this special tour.
MICHAEL RUDOLPH CUMMINGS on the Tour: “MLNY and I met back in the mid 2000s when Backwoods Payback and Royal Thunder would cross paths on the road every now and again. Sharing a mutual love of bands from our youth in the 90s, along with the mindset of “music and art always first” we became the best of friends over the years. This tour is something that we have chatted about for a long time now, I’m happy for it to finally be happening.”
MLNY PARSONZ on Going Solo: “It’s nothing new for me to feel a part of myself longing to be set free. For decades I’ve been feeling “it” nudge and knock around in my heart and now it’s time to set it free.
Mike has been a dear friend and an inspiration to me. I have watched him grow into the solo artist he is and is becoming. I’m inspired by his fear, his fire, his drive, and his ability to own his story. I’m really proud of him and I’m proud of us for making this happen. We hope to see you all, old and new friends!! Mike and Mel is FINALLY happening!”
Tour Dates:
- December 5 – Koto, Salem, MA (w/ Eryka Fir of Coma Hole)
- December 6 – Recess Coffee, Syracuse, NY
- December 7 – Philly On The Rocks, Erie, PA
- December 9 (Afternoon) – Better Days Records (In-Store Performance), Louisville, KY
- December 9 (Evening) – Wrong Side, Jeffersonville, IN
- December 10 – Cobra, Nashville, TN (w/ Coleman Williams, great-grandson of Hank Williams)
- December 12 – The Earl, Atlanta, GA
Audiences can expect intimate performances highlighting the range and depth of both artists’ songwriting, with exclusive tour-only merchandise available at each venue. The setlists will span songs from both of their careers, including pieces from BACKWOODS PAYBACK and ROYAL THUNDER, plus surprise additions from their extensive musical journeys.
Tickets will only be available at the door. This is a limited engagement tour with only six shows, so fans are encouraged to get to each show early for an unforgettable night of music, friendship, and raw, unfiltered passion.
Connect with Michael Rudolph Cummings and Mlny Parsonz:
- Instagram: @michaelrudolphcummings, @meltoro
- Facebook: Michael Rudolph Cummings