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Artist News: Kai Hansen To Tour With Avantasia

Posted on Saturday, September 11 @ 12:10:00 UTC by nightowl

Gamma Ray/ex-HELLOWEEN guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen will perform with Avantasia, the project led by Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet, on the group's upcoming tour. Also scheduled to appear are Bob Catley (Magnum), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Amanda Somerville, Olli Hartmann and Michael Kiske (Helloween).

Kicking off in Pratteln, Switzerland on November 30, the three-week trek will bring the prestigious metal-opera event to three different continents around the planet.

Commented Tobias: "Kai will have a vocal role and play some guitar, too.



"We've been friends for quite a while now.

"I remember I was a little kid when I first heard Helloween's Keeper albums. And that was the instant that lit a spark in me. Unfortunately I never got the chance to see Helloween with Michael and Kai on stage, but they'll make up for it now! Both have played an important role for me personally and for the history of Avantasia and its Metal Opera in particular.

"I am looking forward to sharing the stage with them and play some of our old Avantasia classics together."

So far the following dates have been announced:

Nov. 30 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7
Dec. 01 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7
Dec. 03 - Germany - Lichtenfels, Stadthalle *
Dec. 04 - Germany - Kaufbeuren, All Karthalle *
Dec. 05 - Sweden - Stockholm, Arenan
Dec. 10 - Mexico - Mexico City, Circo Volador
Dec. 15 - Argentina - Buenos Aires, [venue to be announced]
Dec. 18 - Germany - Fulda, Esperantohalle *
Dec. 19 - Germany - Essen, Grugahalle*
* Due to the fact that this is not a regular or annual tour but an extensive Avantasia event and experience, these shows will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for the German dates are available at www.metaltix.com.

[Source: Blabbermouth, E-prog]

Posted in Band News (tours, comings/goings, etc)