Bruce Springsteen announces 2012 tour

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band last toured in 2009

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are to tour in 2012, it has been announced.

The singer said on his website that European dates would run from May to July, while US and world concert details will be announced shortly.

The band will also headline next year's Hard Rock Calling and Isle of Wight Festival in the UK.

It will be the group's first tour since saxophonist Clarence Clemons died following a stroke in June.

Springsteen added on his site: "We want you to know that the music is almost done (but still untitled).

"We have almost settled on the release date (but not quite yet), and that we are all incredibly excited about everything that we're planning for 2012."

Springsteen last toured in 2009 with his Working on a Dream tour, the third biggest earning tour of the year behind U2 and Madonna, making $156m (£99.6m).

His UK dates will commence with a show at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on 21 June.

The headline slot at Hard Rock Calling will be Springsteen's second, after previously topping the bill in 2009.

"It's great to welcome Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band back to Hyde Park," said Live Nation promoter Toby Leighton-Pope.

"They always put on a fantastic show and 2012 is set to be a special one," he added.