Public Image Ltd are reforming to play five UK live dates later this year.

The shows mark the 30th anniversary of Metal Box, arguably the John Lydon-fronted post-punk outfit’s finest album The dates are as follows:

Dec 15 – O2 Academy, BirminghamDec 16 – O2 Academy, LeedsDec 18 – O2 Academy, GlasgowDec 19 – O2 Academy, ManchesterDec 21 – O2 Brixton Academy, London

Unfortunately, the two men who really helped make PiL great – Jah Wobble and Keith Levene – won’t be involved in the, ahem, "reunion". Instead, Lydon will be joined by Scott Firth (bass), Slits drummer Bruce Smith and Damned guitarist Lu Edmonds.

This is the first official activity from the band since 1992; no news yet on whether or they plan to record any new material. Tickets for the shows go on sale on Friday 11 September.