Finnish vocalist TARJA TURUNEN (ex-NIGHTWISH) has issued the following update:

"I was having some fun in L.A. for few days. Just before the rehearsals for the tour, I went there to write couple of new songs for my album. Very interesting material was born and I can’t wait for you to get to listen them! You’ll be surprised, I’m pretty sure.

Here (left) is a photo of lovely Bart and me taken in his studio after we finished gathering together all our ideas for a mystical, dark song. BLACK SABBATH/PINK FLOYD goes Tarja’s way… some weird stuff :)

Well, I know we got another killer song for the next album.

Now all the band and crew, we have been in the Big Apple rehearsing for the shows. It felt so good to meet everybody again and start the fun.

I am so happy to meet all my American friends tonight in the first show!

It is very nice to play with the “original” live line up now. Has been one year since that happened last time!

Here some photos from the rehearsals

As many of you might know already, there is a health issue problems at the moment especially in Mexico, USA and Canada. Still Mexico is the worst affected area and is very sad that people are dying because of this flu. Our condolences to all families of the flu victims. We all hope this will end up very soon. You might also know that I am supposed to have a concert pretty soon in Mexico City. I want to let all my fans know that as long as the government of Mexico does not cancel the public events, I am heading to Mexico and I’m going to have my show there. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the disease gets under control and people can return to their normal life.

As always, I’ll keep you posted on the tour. Let’s rock the Americas!"

Tarja's special North American live performances in support of her solo debut, My Winter Storm kick off tonight (April 29th) in NYC and will include shows in Chicago, San Francisco, West Hollywood, CA, Toronto and Montreal.

Backing Tarja on My Winter Storm are the talents of a truly stellar line-up of musicians, including acclaimed bassist Doug Wimbish (LIVING COLOUR, ANNIE LENNOX, JOE SATRIANI, JEFF BECK, MADONNA, ROLLING STONES), guitarist Alex Scholpp, keyboardist / programmer Torsten Stenzel (NELLY FURTADO, MOBY, TINA TURNER, VANESSA MAE) and drummer / percussionist Earl Harvin (SEAL, PET SHOP BOYS, AIR) - a player personally selected by Tarja after she witnessed him steal the spotlight on tour with Seal.

The dreamlike, fantastical music video for Tarja's 'I Walk Alone' can be viewed below.

Tarja tour dates:

April

29 - New York, NY - The Fillmore at Irving Plaza

May

1 - Montreal, QC - Le Medley
2 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
4 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
7 - San Francisco, CA - Regency Center at The Grand
8 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues