Franz Ferdinand for Dublin & Belfast in October

The former Hot Press cover stars are to play Belfast's Ulster Hall on the Monday October 11 and then go back to back at the Olympia Theatre on October 12 and 13.

Support is provided by Domino labelmates The Kills, the drummer-less US duo who won oodles of plaudits for last year's Keep On Your Mean Side album.

As for Alex Kapranos' mob, they're 3/1 joint favourites with The Streets to win this year's Mercury Music Prize.

Tickets for all dates go on sale this Saturday, August 7th at 9am with tickets priced from €22.50 (Dublin) and £15stg (Belfast).