As you all know, the NME stage all kinds of shenanigans in the run up to their annual awards, including a national tour and a programme of gigs in London. This year the two will combine so that as well as the national tour, the programme of gigs in London will tour too. Or something like that. Basically, as well as there being a programme of awards shows in London there'll be shows in Manchester and Glasgow too. As well as the tour. No word yet on whether Morrissey will appear at any of these.
On the expansion of the awards stuff, NME editor Conor McNicholas told CMU: "For the last few years I've spoken to music fans across the UK who have - despite the excitement of the Shockwaves NME Awards Tour - eyed the London Shows jealously and complained about the focus on the capital. I wanted to change that and finally we can now bring this celebration of live music to both Manchester and Glasgow".
Among the artists due to play the shows are Justice, Babyshambles, Dizzee Rascal, The Wombats and Frank Black.