Hey, hey it's The Monkees anniversary tour

The Monkees have reformed for a 45th anniversary tour.

The pop/rock group - who were created to appear in their own TV show in the 60s - will play their first shows in the UK for 12 years, including one night at historic London venue the Royal Albert Hall.

Original members Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork will celebrate the milestone year by playing their best loved hits, including 'Daydream Believer', 'Last Train to Clarksville' and 'I'm a Believer', over 10 nights and the tour will kick off at Liverpool Echo Arena on May 12.

The trio promise "the show is for fans of all ages. Expect all the hits, lots of energy and a great, fun evening!"

The band - which also included Michael Nesmith in the original line-up - starred in 'The Monkees' TV series, which was based on The Beatles, from 1966 to 1968, and after the show was cancelled they continued to release albums and tour until 1971.

They sold a phenomenal 50 million records worldwide and were praised by the late John Lennon as the "Marx Brothers of rock" - a reference to the revered American comedy siblings.

The Monkees UK Tour dates, tickets available at www.ticketline.co.uk:

May 12 Liverpool Echo Arena

May 24 Manchester Apollo

May 15 Newcastle City Hall

May 16 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

May 19 London Royal Albert Hall

May 20 Sheffield City Hall

May 21 Birmingham NIA Academy

May 23 Plymouth Pavillions

May 24 Cardiff CIAgoodma

May 25 Nottingham Royal Centre