Portishead to play Manchester Apollo 9th April

After eight reclusive years, Portishead have announced a world tour to promote their third album, THIRD.

Portishead were one of the most influential bands of the nineties and the most famous example of the 'trip-hop' genre. Beth Gibbons' tear-soaked, 40-a-day vocals ached and throbbed over Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley’s off-kilter instrumentals, while Andy Smith scratched over the top.

The band decided to 'take a break' at the turn of the millennium and it was generally assumed that they had disbanded. Andy Smith is now a well-established DJ in his own right, while Beth Gibbons worked on projects with Rustin Man.

In December 2007 Portishead made their first full live appearance in 10 years in London for the All Tomorrow's Parties Nightmare Before Christmas event. This appearance confirmed rumours that the band were working together again, and the news of this appearance was swiftly followed by news of a spring tour to promote their forthcoming third album, due for release on April 14th.

Many of the dates have sold out including this Manchester gig.