The Popes return with their new album in March 2012 - the follow up to 2009'2 critically acclaimed "Outlaw Heaven". "New Church" is the band's strongest album to date - from punked up blitzkreig of opener "Storming Heaven" to the rousing Celtic tones of "How Many Bullets", from the feelgood anthem that is "Alice" to the Bond theme-esque vibe of the brooding "In A Broken Dream". The album also features as stunning guest slot from Howard Marks on "Throw Down Your Aces". The album was produced by The Popes.

The band are an established live draw. March 2012 will see them on a full UK tour as main support to The Stranglers. With festivals and further dates to follow later in the year.

Shane MacGowan formed The Popes to record his album 'The Snake' in 1994 after leaving The Pogues. The band released two studio albums and a live album with Shane but have gone onto record a further three albums with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuiness taking charge of lead vocals. "New Church" is the bands fourth album. The current line up of The Popes are Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness - Guitar and Vocals, Charlie Hoskyns - Guitars and Backing Vocals, Will Morrison - Drums and Backing Vocals, Dave Allen - Fiddle and Backing Vocals, Jim McAllister - Bass and Backing Vocals and Whiskey Mick - Mandolin and Backing Vocals.

Full UK dates (with The Stranglers) below - all March 2012:

Thursday 1st - Leeds O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Friday 2nd - Dunfermline Alhambra 0844 499 9990
Saturday 3rd - Glasgow O2 Academy 0844 499 9990
Monday 5th - Liverpool O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Tuesday 6th - Nottingham Rock City 0845 413 4444
Thursday 8th - Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 357 851
Friday 9th - London Roundhouse 0844 482 8008
Saturday 10th - Birmingham O2 Academy 0844 477 2000

Sunday 11^th - Exeter Phoenix  01392 667080 - (Headline)
Monday 12th - Oxford O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Tuesday 13th - Portsmouth Pyramid 02392 824 355

Wednesday 14^th - Bedford Esquires http://www.bedfordesquires.com/  (Headline)

Thursday 15th - Lincoln Engine Shed 0844 8888 766
Friday 16th - Brighton Dome 01273 709 709
Saturday 17^th - Bristol O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Monday 19th - Leamington Spa Assembly 0844 854 1358
Tuesday 20th - Guildford G Live 0844 770 1797

Wednesday 21^st - York  The Duchess 08444 77 1000 (Headline)
Thursday 22nd - Newcastle O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Friday 23rd - Sheffield O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Saturday 24th - Manchester Academy 0161 832 1111

For Stranglers tour tickets priced £23 except London £26 subject to booking fee. Please purchase tickets at www.ents24.com

www.thepopesofficialsite.com