With their highly anticipated new record nearing completion, the punk rock veterans Rancid are turning their attention towards a new project – a summer tour that will mark their first live shows since 2006.  Rancid – Tim Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Lars Frederiksen (vocals, guitar), Matt Freeman (bass, vocals) and Branden Steineckert (drums) – have dedicated the last several months to perfecting their seventh studio album.  Working with Epitaph president Brett Gurewitz, who helmed the project as producer, and mixer Joe Barresi (Tool, Bad Religion), the album is slated for release later this year.