Wishbone Ash will kick off the North American leg of its 2013 tour Feb. 28, stopping at the Iron Horse in Northampton on March 4 and the Bull Run in Shirley on March 6. The group returns to these shores following a successful spring tour last year to celebrate the release of its highly acclaimed studio album, Elegant Stealth, and on the heels of the RoadWorks 3release, a collection of live performances.Released in November, 2011, by ZYX Music, Elegant Stealth represents a benchmark in the evolution of Wishbone Ash. Signature twin-lead melodies and a powerhouse rhythm section frame 11 new tracks that reflect a diverse realm of styles and moods.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland’s guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 15-year veteran of the band, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of Britain’s new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

Citing Wishbone Ash as an influence on their style, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ~ more recently ~ heavyweights like Opeth have all taken a little something from the legendary twin-guitar approach of Wishbone Ash.

For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit wishboneash.com. To see the rocumentary trailer, The Making of Elegant Stealth, visit youtube.com/watch?v=iYsyHQoRriE.