As previously reported, STRATOVARIUS drummer JORG MICHAEL played on the new SAXON album, Lionheart, and signed on for the upcoming tour. He was made the band's official skinbasher at their release party in Hamburg on August 20th, which took place at the famed Markthalle. Saxon played a couple songs at the party, then hit the stage at the Mission Impossible Festival in Sweden the following day. Prior to these live appearances, Michael guested at this year's Wacken Open Air on the song 'Crusader'. Michael is expected to make a statement regarding his status in Saxon soon. The Lionheart tour kicks off in Kiel, Germany on September 22nd. Go to Saxon747 for current tour news, schedules and updates.

This skin-pounder news comes via Hard News. Considering the chaos in Jorg's full time band's status one wonders whether he might just join Saxon full time.