The term 'supergroup' is synonymous with classic-rock musicians from different bands, coming together in musical harmony, giving each other manly bear-hugs, hangin' out and sharing drug dealers. Yet seldom have been worthy of the concept, let alone the finished product. Early examples include Cream, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, later ones have included Asia, The Travelling Wilburys, Velvet Revolver and Them Crooked Vultures, all comprised of moonlighting musicians and singers with the urge to 'spread their creative wings'.

Chickenfoot don't want to be called a 'supergroup', even though by definition and composition, they sort of are. Sorry lads. Let's look at the facts, then. Lead vocalist is Van Halen's frontman, Sammy Hagar. Bassist is another Van Halen regular, this time Michael Anthony. Their usual drummer is none other than Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and, whip me with a wet dishcloth, there's only Joe Satriani on guitar! THAT, lady-rockers and gentlemetallers, IS a super supergroup.

The quartet began jamming together in late 2007, performing their first show in early 2008, although this was not the first time that Hagar and Anthony had parked Van Halen (pardon the pun) - they had also played together in a band called Los Tres Gusanos (with another VH member, David Lauser). Scheduling shows around each other's musical commitments proved no harder or no easier than other similar bands, with hiatus being a common descriptive for lack of activity.

It's been two years (and a bit) since Chickenfoot's self-titled 2009 debut, but the wait for a follow-up is over. "III" (very droll, guys) is their second set and got a release in the US and UK last month, plus much acclaim. Preceded by the single "Big Foot", the album features several Hagar/ Satriani and band compositions - we're talking classic rock here.

And classic is what you'll get when the band hit the UK next year. Replacing Chad Smith (temporarily - he's on RHCP duties) with the incredible Kenny Aronoff (John Cougar Mellancamp, Bon Jovi and literally dozens of others), Chickenfoot will play two shows, one in Manchester and one in London. First stop will be the Academy in Manchester on 12th January, followed by the Brixton Academy on the 14th. We will have tickets at 9am on Friday, priced at £29.50 and £32.50 respectively.