INTERNATIONAL rock stars Enter Shikari will play Southampton’s The Joiners in August.

The Kerrang! award winners usually perform to thousands at festivals and arena shows around the world, but will return to the St Mary Street venue as part of its 50th birthday, 12 years after their first show there.

Since then lead singer and keyboardist Rou Reynolds, guitarist Rory Clewlow, bassist Chris Batten and drummer Rob Rolfe have released five top 20 albums with their debut Take to The Skies, 2007’s A Flash Flood of Colour and latest record Spark all reaching the top five.

While they headlined to more than 10,000 fans at Alexandra Palace in November, their show here will be to no more than 200 lucky ticket holders.

“These will be some of the most sought after tickets in the history of The Joiners and one of the biggest nights in Southampton music with one of Britain’s biggest bands” promoter Ricky Bates told The Echo.

Enter Shikari frontman Rou, currently touring with the band in Japan, says they did not hesitate to come back to Southampton’s most famous music spot. “We last played The Joiners in 2006, just as things were really kicking off for us. When Ricky asked us to be part of the 50th anniversary, we couldn’t refuse.

“In an age of venues closing down and desperately in need of support, the idea of an iconic place like The Joiners hitting a half century is something to celebrate.

“But it also shines a light on the much needed efforts of the Music Venue Trust to help more venues reach a ripe old age and give a space for, and inspiration to, the next generation of young bands who will enrich the culture of the country.”

Rou says he knows what to expect when the band climb onto the high stage at The Joiners. “It’s going to be hot, sweaty and more than a little insane, we can’t wait,” he said.

Tickets for Enter Shikari at The Joiners, Friday August 10, are on sale now on the band’s website entershikari.com.

Richard Derbyshire