'Nice 'n' sleazy' does it indeed - true troubadours of sneering new-wave The Stranglers return to the live touring circuit in 2011, after a string of successful festival appearances and a triumphant Hammersmith date back in the spring of this year. Entitled 'The Black and Blue Tour", this jaunt will herald the release of their first new studio material since 2006's "Suite XVI" and its subsequent minor hit-single, "Spectre Of Love". The title has yet to be confirmed, although I wouldn't bet against it being called "Black and Blue" myself.

The tour dates begin with Newcastle on 4th March followed by a pair of dates in Scotland, a return to Hammersmith (on the 11th), their first stop in Leicester for 15 years and the final gig in Manchester on the 26th. Tickets cost between £23 - £25, depending on venue (more for London).

Their recent Weyfest appearance in August also heralded Jet Black's 72nd birthday - still going strong, what a trooper. You can't keep a good man (in black) down.