Rumors continue to abound that SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison will be sitting behind the kit for MINISTRY on their upcoming North American tour, which is scheduled to kick off in early May. Joey is expected to join a touring lineup that will include MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen, guitarist Tommy Victor (PRONG, ex-DANZIG) and bassist Paul Raven (KILLING JOKE). The latter two musicians have also contributed to MINISTRY's new album, "Rio Grande Blood", which is scheduled for release in April 2006 via Jourgensen's newly launched 13th Planet label.

Speaking to The Gauntlet in early October, Jourgensen stated about the band's touring lineup, "Right now, the MINISTRY touring band is a whole new band for us. Joey Jordison from SLIPKNOT is playing drums, Paul Raven of KILLING JOKE is on the bass, and Tommy Victor of PRONG is playing guitar." Asked what it's like to jam with a guy like Joey, Jourgensen said, "Oh, awesome, it's awesome. He knows all the stuff. He grew up on it. It's not really necessary [to use two drummers anymore]. This new record has really turned out to be a thrash-o-rama, so we just need one extremely good, fast drummer and I think Joey certainly fits that bill."

When asked by a fan on the official MINISTRY message board to confirm the above-mentioned musicians' participation in the upcoming tour, Jourgensen's wife Angie stated "I can confirm that Tommy Victor is definitely in the lineup. We will announce the official lineup once all t's are crossed and i's are dotted."

MINISTRY's MasterBaTour 2006 will consist of 60 dates scheduled throughout the U.S. and Canada beginning on May 6. Support on the trek will come from Al's other band, REVOLTING COCKS. European dates are currently being booked for August and September 2006.