As previously reported, LOUDNESS are currently touring North America for the first time in 18 years. The set list for the tour is as follows, with a couple classic tracks having been added since the tour began on March 18th: 'Exultation', 'Lunatic', 'Crazy Night', 'Crazy Doctor', 'In The Mirror', 'The Winds Of Victory', 'Crazy Samurai', 'Cross', 'The Pandemonium', 'S.D.I.', 'The Battleship Musashi', 'Rock Shock', 'Let It Go', 'Like Hell'.

Remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

March
29 - The Horseshoe in Toronto, ONT
31 - Webster Theatre in Hartford, CT

April
1 - Jaxx in West Springfield, VA
2 - Jesters Pub in Fayetteville, NC
4 - Starland Ballroom in Asbury Park, NJ
5 - Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, PA

As previously reported, LOUDNESS vocalist Minoru Niihara released his new solo album on February 22nd in Japan. The album, Ashes To Glory, was produced by Niihara and Wyn Davis, and features performances from drummer Vinnie Appice and bassist Jeff Pilson. It also showcases the talents of blind Japanese guitarist Hiroaki Tagawa. Go to this location to see a five minute video clip of Tagawa in action.

The track list for Ashes To Glory is as follows: 'It's All Over Now', 'Fever', 'Zero', 'Long Live Your Life', 'Eternity', 'Easy Money', 'Is This First Time', 'Blue Ballad', 'Here We Go', 'Ashes To Glory'.