Placebo are to play a UK and Ireland arena tour, which gets under way in Birmingham on December, 8.

The rock band will also perform at London's O2 Arena and the SECC in Glasgow during the five-date winter trip.

The group are already confirmed for August's Reading and Leeds festivals.

Placebo release their new album 'Battle For The Sun' on June 8.

The album was recorded over three months with producer Dave Bottrill in Toronto, Canada and mixed in London by Alan Moulder.

Placebo's UK winter dates are:

• Birmingham, LG Arena - December 8
• London, O2 Arena - 9
• Bridlington, Spa - 11
• Manchester, Central - 12
• Glasgow, SECC - 14
• Dublin, The Olympia Theatre - 15

(by Jason Gregory)