This year saw the return of much-revered US outfit Matchbox Twenty after a lengthy hiatus and some time-out for singer Rob Thomas to pursue solo interests. The reformation meant something of a relief for fans, especially after the band performed two high profile shows in London, including a triumphant comeback set at the iTunes Festival in September.

With new album "North" finally making the light of day earlier in the autumn, their first since 2007's "Exile on Mainstream", Matchbox Twenty appear keen to tour the album next year with the announcement of a UK tour. Dates confirmed so far include Southampton on 15th April 2013, followed by Hammersmith on 16th, then Wolverhampton, Manchester and Glasgow on the 21st.

We will have tickets on sale from 9am on Friday 23rd November with a strong chance that all shows will sell out pretty quickly. They may even add more shows - Bristol, Cardiff and Newcastle might be a good idea lads!

Matchbox Twenty's career began in the mid '90s. 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. With this success the future looked rosy but, as with all rock and roll lifestyles, things took their toll and the band separated for the various members to continue solo projects. As if to add insult to injury, singer Rob Thomas' first solo album, "Something to Be", debuted at #1, some 5 places ahead of the band's last studio set.

"North", their first new studio album for ten years, swept Matchbox Twenty back to the top of the Billboard charts and into the UK rundown with consummate ease. Job done - now for that tour.