STILL standing after two decades, Alabama 3 are mounting a British and Irish tour to mark the 20th anniversary of the rapscallion band's formation in Brixton, London.

Opening on Thursday in Birmingham, the nine-date itinerary accommodates one Yorkshire gig at the Leeds O2 Academy on November 26, in the wake of the October 28 release of the Londoners' new album, Blues, on their own Hostage Music label.

Available on CD and download, their 13th long player was recorded at Dean Street Studios, London last year and co-produced with Wizard, who has worked with The Chemical Brothers, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, M.I.A. and Chase & Status.

Led off by forthcoming single (I'll Never Be) Satisfied, the ten tracks bring together Alabama 3's trademark chain-gang clarion calls, bittersweet dope laments, sleazy whiskey rhythms, wailing harmonicas and obligatory Delta slide guitar. Further song titles include Exodus (Movement Of War People), Rattlesnake Woman, Nothing To Lose But Your Chains, Forever In Blues and Vigilante Man.

In the 2016 line-up are Larry Love, lead vocals; Rev. D Wayne Love, vocals; Rock Freebase and Steve Finnerty, guitars; Wizard, decks; L.B. Dope, drums; Rev Be Atwell, backing vocals; The Spirit Of Love, keyboards, and Harpo Strangelove, harmonica.

How would Alabama 3 sum up their 20 years? How about this: "Pills and blues. B.B. King, Hank Williams, Bobby Rush, Rosco Gordon, Howlin’ Wolf, Ma Rainey and Fats Domino. American record deals, theme tunes to hit TV series, BAFTA awards and the departure and re-entry of more members than any band should ever carry. Twenty years and still standing."

For ticket details, visit alabama3.co.uk