STADIUM rockers Simple Minds are set to prove they are still alive and kicking as they announce a European-wide tour due to take in the region.

The Scottish band have delivered more than 20 top 10 hits over a career spanning nearly three decades, with songs such as 1982's Promised You A Miracle, 1985's Alive And Kicking, and their chart-topping 1989 hit Belfast Child still finding radio airplay years down the line.

After a period of absence from the musical scene, the band - vocalist Jim Kerr, guitarist Charlie Burchill, drummer Mel Gaynor and bassist Eddie Duffy - is now set to fly high again with their new album Black & White 050505, which was released this week.

Their tour - which kicks off in Dublin on February 1, 2006 ,and includes dates in Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona - celebrates their new release and includes a date at Birmingham Academy on Thursday, February 9.

Tickets have now gone on sale, priced £28.50.