Stratovarius keyboard player Jens Johansson has posted the following statement:

"A long, long time, fans all over the world have eagerly waited for Stratovarius to return to the stage. They will finally be back on the road this year, with new guitar player Matias Kupiainen. We are happy to announce that Stratovarius will rock England, Scotland and Ireland for a couple of exclusive European shows before digging into the festival season 2009. Yes, you got it right: fans there will be the very first to see them live in 2009 and witness Matias's introduction onto stage with the band. Come be a part of it!" Here are the dates:

Stratovarius North Atlantic Isles Tour 2009

May 15 - Wolverhampton, England, UK @ Wulfrun Hall
May 16 - Nottingham, England, UK @ Rock City
May 17 - Glasgow, Scotland, UK @ Cathouse
May 18 - London, England UK @ Islington O2 Academy
May 19 - Manchester, England UK @ Academy 2
May 20 - Dublin, Ireland @ Button Factory

"We are also happy to announce two more shows in May after Wacken Rocks: one in Warsaw, Poland on May 24 at the Progresja music club and one in St. Petersburg, Russia on May 30, 2009 at the Glavclub. As usual, confirmed Stratovarus live shows can be found here.

Source:	stratovarius.com
Band profile:	Stratovarius
Event:	Stratovarius: European Tour