The Wakefield trio will headline the prestigious NME Awards Tour 2008, which includes a date at Newcastle Carling Academy on Sunday, February 3.

It kicks off in Belfast five days earlier, and includes the band's biggest headline show to date, at London's Brixton Academy on February 22.

It has been quite a year for The Cribs – Ryan Jarman (guitar/vocals), his twin Gary (bass/vocals), and their younger brother Ross (drums).

They've released their third album, seen its title track Men's Needs give them their most successful single to date (No 17), and opened for the Sex Pistols at three reunion shows at London's Brixton Academy.

The NME tour will see them return there for their biggest-ever headlining show, but before that they will support Bloc Party and the Kaiser Chiefs and round off the year with a trio of gigs in Leeds.

The bill for the awards tour is specially selected each year by NME magazine, and previous ones have acted as springboards to success for Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, Klaxons, Arctic Monkeys and The Killers.

The Cribs, who will be hoping to emulate them, have had three critically-acclaimed albums and half a dozen Top 40 singles, but major success has so far eluded them.

They have built up a cult following with their riotous live shows, however, and Ryan can't wait for the tour which could provide their big break.

"It feels so exciting. Whenever I go on tour, I say I'm going to war – and this is a very exciting war!" he said.

The tour coincides with the release of The Cribs' new single I'm A Realist, which will feature exclusive new tracks across its various formats.

They will be recording them with producer Bernard Butler (the
former Suede guitarist) early next month.

Joining them on the NME tour are art-rockers Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, dance act Does It Offend You, Yeah?, and indie-pop band The Ting-Tings.

Tickets, priced £15.50, are on sale now from www.nme.com/gigs or (0871) 290 1094.

Historically the tour sells out quickly, so get in there early.