Avantasia masterming Tobias Sammet (Edguy) has confirmed that guitarist Oliver Hartmann will be back on the road with the band in 2016 and on the forthcoming album, Ghostlights. He has issued the following update:

"I know, it's not really surprising. Everyone knows what an amazing enrichment Oliver 'The Hitman' Hartmann has been for Avantasia since the beginning. In fact, he is not only a super cool, funny and great character, but also a friend and for sure one of the most complete musicians you could possibly meet. He's an amazing singer, perfect pitch, and a guitar player with a magic tone who's capable of doing anything you can imagine, and many things you even can not imagine. I am so happy to have Olli on board. Sometimes, when there is so much talent in one's inner circle, we tend to take it for granted and forget how blessed we should be. Sascha Paeth and Oliver Hartmann are the best 'guitar twins' that could happen to Avantasia. Different in style they compliment each other to become an amazing unity.

Just like Sascha, Olli will appear on the forthcoming album and also do the full tour. I feel blessed!"

The Ghostlights World Tour 2016 will start in March. Tour dates in other parts of the world to be announced soon.

Ghostlights will be out January 29th via Nuclear Blast. Singers who have been confirmed for the album are Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween, Unisonic), Jorn Lande, Geoff Tate (ex-Queensrÿche, Operation: Mindcrime), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) and Bob Catley (Magnum). More to be announced soon.

Avantasia - Ghostlights World Tour 2016:

March
4 - Berlin, Germany - Huxley’s
5 - Hamburg, Germany - Große Freiheit
6 - Bremen, Germany - Aladin
8 - London, England - The Forum
9 - Paris, France - Le Trianon
11 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 1
12 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
15 - Frankfurt-Langen, Germany - Stadthalle
16 - Prague, Czech Republic - Forum Karlin
18 - Kaufbeuren, Germany - All-Karthalle
19 - Bamberg, Germany - Brose-Arena
20 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
22 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
24 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
25 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
27 - Banska Bystrica, Slovakia - Ice Stadium
28 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Sportshall
29 - Tropolach, Austria - Full Metal Mountain Festival
31 - Saarbruken, Germany - Saarlandhalle

April
1 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Arena
2 - Fulda, Germany - Esperantohalle

Note: No further bands, Avantasia plays 3 hours