December 11, 2008 16:22

Specials announce more 2009 UK shows

Plus band respond to Jerry Dammers' 'driven out' claims

The Specials have announced details of more UK tour dates for 2009, after their previously-announced shows sold out this morning (December 11).

The newly-announced gigs will take place at the Glasgow Academy (April 29), Manchester Apollo (May 4), and at the London Brixton Academy (8, 11, 12).

As previously announced on NME.COM, The Specials are reuniting to celebrate their 30th anniversary, although founder member Jerry Dammers is not part of the line-up.

Dammers has since criticised his former Specials bandmates, claiming he was 'driven out' by them.

The band members today (December 11) responded to the keyboardist's statement, saying: "We don't agree with what Jerry has said, but we don't want to talk about it, not least because it is in the hands of our lawyers.

"We are all very excited about the overwhelming support shown to us, and the rush to buy tickets would appear to prove that the fans are looking forward to joining us in these dancehalls across the country next year as much as we are looking forward to playing them."

The Specials will play:

Newcastle Academy (April 22)
Sheffield Academy (23)
Birmingham Academy (25, 26)
Glasgow Academy (28, 29)
Manchester Apollo (May 3, 4)
London Brixton Academy (6, 7, 8, 11, 12)

To check the availability of The Specials tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.