Mickey Hart, Particle join forces in Hydra

Published February 11, 2005 05:35 PM

By Rob Evans / LiveDaily Editor

Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart [ tickets ] and electronic jam-band Particle [ tickets ] are collaborating in a new group dubbed Hydra [ tickets ], which will debut with a 14-date April tour.

The band is described in a press release as a departure from anything either act has done before.

"Hydra is about extreme music," Hart said in a statement. "Extreme music for extreme people. I need it!"

Hydra's shows are expected to feature original material--song titles "Heart of the Hydra," "Creature of Comfort" and "The Glow"--as well as some Particle and Hart songs. Some re-workings of Grateful Dead classics are also being considered.

In recent years, the bulk of Hart's touring has been with The Dead [ tickets ], a band that features surviving members of The Grateful Dead [ tickets ].

Self-described "funktronic" quartet Particle formed in 2000, and built a strong fan base on the jam-band and festival circuits before releasing its debut album, "Launchpad," in 2004.

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

April 2005
7 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst
8 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
9 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
10 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
12 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
14 - Minneapolis, MN - Quest
15 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
16 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
17 - St. Louis, MO - Orpheum Theatre
19 - Covington, KY - Madison Theatre
21 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
22 - New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom
23 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
24 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club