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The Specials' shows in 2009 will be their first together since their split in 1981

Influential ska-pop band The Specials have announced a full UK tour.

The Coventry outfit revealed in April 2008 that they would reform and return to live action for the first time since their split in 1981.

Heralded by the likes of Blur, Lily Allen and The Enemy as a primary influence - the line-up will play eight UK dates next spring.

The jaunt begins in Newcastle on 22 April and concludes at London's Brixton Academy on 7 May.

The gigs will see the line up of Terry Hall, Lynval Golding, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Horace Panter and John Bradbury reconvene.

The band are largely credited with the popularity of ska punk in the late 1970s and the emergence of the 2-Tone sound.

Rumours of an announcement had grown after the majority of the band made a special appearance together at this year's Bestival festival in September.

Details of a special hometown show in Coventry are yet to be announced.

Meanwhile tickets go on sale on Thursday 11 December.

The tour will visit:

Newcastle Academy - 22 April

Sheffield Academy - 23

Birmingham Academy - 25 & 26

Glasgow Academy - 28

Manchester Apollo - 3 May

London Brixton Academy - 6 & 7

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