2014 marks a remarkable chapter in the life of new wave icons, The Stranglers. Very few bands survive to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, and even fewer bands have a history, indeed a notoriety, to compare to these titanic figures, who emerged from various blues, jazz and classical movements, became figureheads of punk and then transcended genres to become one of the most revered alternative bands of the last four decades.

To commemorate this huge achievement, The Stranglers are embarking on a major world tour, kicking off in the UK in late February and rolling through Europe, North America and the Far East, before a series of festival appearances and very special events still to be announced (full details of the British dates are below).

A comprehensive series of anniversary reissues, rarities and collectors items are soon to be revealed, essential for fans old and new, continuing to mark their long, pioneering and often controversial career, which has seen these enfants terrible go from being the quintessential anti-establishment scourge of the music industry who were banned by the BBC to becoming pillars of said establishment with their performance at the 2012 6Music Proms at the Albert Hall with a full orchestra.

The Ruby Anniversary Tour of the UK rcomes to Cardiff University Solus on March 20. Visit ents24.com for ticket details.