As most NIGHT RANGER fans will now be aware, guitarist Jeff Watson has issued a statement on his MySpace page in regards to his departure from the band.

Up until this point, the members of Night Ranger have chosen to not to talk publicly about any issues being dealt with within the band. A statement from Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis will be at hand very shortly.

The illustrious and well respected guitar wizard Reb Beach (WINGER, WHITESNAKE) has been confirmed to join Jack, Kelly, Brad and Michael Lardie in Night Ranger for the band's summer touring plans, which includes some dates in Japan as well as US shows. Reb's involvement with Whitesnake is not effected by this decision. Reb previously played with drummer Kelly Keagy in the supergroup project The Mob, releasing an album through Frontiers Records in 2005.

In related news, Jack Blades confirms that Tommy Shaw has recovered from his recent voice problems and the Shaw/Blades tour will recommence again in Southern California this Wednesday night at AC's Lounge in San Jacinto.

Two of the cancelled dates have already been rescheduled - May 30, Akron, OH at Tangiers and May 31, Chicago, IL at Joe's.

And in news just to hand - Saturday's LA show at the Canyon Club (in Agoura Hills) will be filmed for a live DVD release!

Lastly, SHAW/BLADES have been added to the bill of the May 13 FOREIGNER show in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay casino. The show will be filmed by VH1 for a live TV special (part of a live concert series the network is developing).

(Thanks Melodicrock.com)