Formed some 17 years ago in Florida's theme-park heartland of Orlando, Matchbox Twenty (or 20 for the numerologists amongst you) have experienced something of a rollercoaster of their own in recent years - this year will see them end a second hiatus and issue their first new material since 2002's 'More Than You Think You Are'.

Not that any of the breaks in service were directly related to rock 'n' roll excess, on-stage brawls, seedy shenanigans and groupies lining up for threesomes (well, we don't think so). Moreover, the various band members had other projects and intentions, including a Rob Thomas solo project and guitarist Adam Gaynor's departure. Prior to all this uncertainty, Matchbox Twenty enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in the U.S. and a modest one over here. Their first two albums paid for the coffees, in particular 2000's 'Mad Season' which was #1 in Australia, #3 in the U.S. and Canada, a hit in New Zealand and Germany and a respectable seller in the UK.

But the last album did for them - critically drubbed on occasions, although heavily rotated on radio, the band decided to give it all a rest until reforming in 2007, plugging a retrospective album, touring and then going on another hiatus. So, here we are again, frothing at the prospect of Matchbox Twenty's long-awaited fourth album and new shows. Oh ok, show.

In support of 'North', which is due out on 4th September, the band have announced a lone London show for a fortnight later on 18th September. We will have tickets on sale for the Shepherd's Bush Empire event from 9am Friday 17th August, priced from £25. It'll be a sell out.

Fear not, rest of the UK, we'll let you know of any further touring activity from Rob and the boys as and when we hear about it!