The Hives 'rob fans of dignity' at Nottingham show

The Hives hit Nottingham's Rock City last night (April 16), treating fans to an energetic two hour-long performance- which led to frontman 'Howlin''Pelle Almqvist having his shirt ripped off.

Strutting on stage at 9.30pm (BST), the animated lead singer kept the crowd enthralled with songs from his band's latest album, 'Black And White' plus highlights from their earlier records.

The Hives trademark on stage banter reached its peak during 'Die, All Right!' as Almqvist declared "we will now rob you of your dignity", sending the crowd into raptures.

His following question - "Do I speak your native tongue well?" - was met with more mixed results.

Near the end of the gig, the band held their poses for five minutes before launching into former single 'Tick Tick Boom', resulting in a climatic mosh pit breaking out in the venue, and a torn shirt for Almqvist.

After a heavy session of instrument smashing, The Hives returned with new ones in hand, capping off their performance with a rousing rendition of 'Hate To Say I Told You So'.

Speaking to NME.COMafterwards, frontman Almqvist explained why he thought his shirt was ripped.

"I guess my rampant sexuality means people want to rip your shirt off, kind of like a flamenco dancer," he mused. "That’s all I have in common, except maybe my fabulous dancing skills!"

The Hives played:

'Here We Go Again'
'Main Offender'
'You Got It All...Wrong'
'Automatic Schmuck'
'Walk Idiot Walk'
'No Pun Intended'
'Stay Alive'
'Return The Favour'
'Die, All Right!'
'It Won’t Be Long'
'Diabolic Scheme'
'Well All Right!'
'Two Timing Touch And Broken Bones'
'T.H.E. H.I.V.E.S.'
'Bigger Hole To Fill'
'Tick Tick Boom'
'Hate To Say I Told You So'

The band now head to Bristol Academy tonight (April 17) before wrapping up thier UK tour at London's Brixton Academy (18). Their north American tour kicks off in Atlanta on May 15.