Iconic noughties rock band announce new tour 23 years since smash hit and shock split

AN iconic noughties rock group are reuniting 23 years after shooting to fame with a smash hit.

The band formed in 1996 but it wasn't until 2001 that they achieved international success.

Now Alien Ant Farm have confirmed they will tour the UK later this year, co-headlining gigs with fellow rock band CYK.

Alien Ant Farm is made up of members Dryden Mitchell, Terry Corso, Tim Peugh and Mike Cosgrove.

Speaking about the upcoming concerts, Dryden told : "We’ve always loved our UK tours! For over 20 years we have been able to play shows all around our 'home away from home' and we’re excited to see old friends and fans on this run.  

"We’ve watched CKY as fans through the years but have never had the pleasure to meet and tour with them. We think this is a proper nice fit."

Alien Ant Farm had a huge smash hit with their cover of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal in 2001 but in 2003 Terry shocked fans when he quit the group, citing "irreconcilable differences" at the time.

But he returned in 2013 and confessed the time away from his band mates had actually helped them.

Terry told : "Through us doing outside stuff, we know what we have. We never had a problem playing music together since we were kids.

"We have that commonality of influences and inside jokes and all that stuff.

"I think it all plays into rhythm that plays between people. It gives you that ESP off one another.

"I know that sounds mystical or whatever, but it's more of a feel thing with music. We have that and we know it's special."

Alien Ant Farm released their sixth studio album - their first in nine years - last month.