ROYAL Blood have announced a five date August underplay tour ahead of their sets at the Reading and Leeds Festival -to include Southampton.

Their first UK gigs in almost two years offer a rare chance for fans to catch Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher in intimate venues.

They play the city’s O2 Guildhall on August 9.

Royal Blood’s previous UK and Ireland arena tour included three sold-out shows at London’s Alexandra Palace, selling 30,000 tickets in the capital and more than 100,000 in total.

Special guests in Southampton will be The Mysterines.

A portion of ticket price will be donated to War Child UK who, together with its partners, works in 15 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and Latin America providing protection, education and stands up for the rights of children caught in conflict.

Royal Blood’s two albums to date – their self-titled debut and 2017’s ‘How Did We Get So Dark?’ – both went straight to #1 and they emerged as firm festival favourites following triumphant sets at Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

The duo’s accolades include the BRIT Award for British Group; Best Live Band and Best New Band at the NME Awards; Best Live Act at the Q Awards; and Best British Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards.

W: ticketmaster.co.uk