Stranglers chalking up40 years

Spokesman Warren Higgins said: “Very few bands survive to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, and even fewer bands have a history, indeed a notoriety, to compare to these titanic figures, who emerged from various blues, jazz and classical movements, became figureheads of punk and then transcended genres to become one of the most revered alternative bands of the last four decades.

“To commemorate this huge achievement, The Stranglers are embarking on a major world tour, kicking off in the UK and rolling through Europe, North America and the Far East, before a series of festival appearances and special events.

“A comprehensive series of anniversary reissues, rarities and collector’s items are soon to be revealed, essential for fans old and new, continuing to mark their long, pioneering and often controversial career, which has seen these enfants terribles go from being the quintessential anti-establishment scourge of the music industry who were banned by the BBC to becoming pillars of said establishment with their performance at the 2012 6Music Proms at the Albert Hall with a full orchestra.”

The Ruby Anniversary Tour of the UK runs for 28 dates, including London’s Hammersmith Apollo, which the band first played in 1976. The set will see The Stranglers playing tracks from all of their 17 studio albums in a special 40th Anniversary set, starting with their debut and album Rattus Norvegicus.

On March 6, they play Brighton Dome; on March 24, Portsmouth’s Pyramid Centre; and on March 25, Guildford’s G Live.