Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will embark on a world tour and release a new studio album in 2012. The band has not toured since late 2009, though the late ‘70s incarnation of the band played a stealth show in 2010 as part of a filming for The Promise DVD.

An announcement posted on the band’s website yesterday says:

Well, things are starting to heat up down on E Street. A lot of you have been hearing that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be on tour in 2012. That is absolutely correct. The European dates run from the middle of May until end of July and are being announced this week. Info on the US dates and the World tour dates will coming up shortly. In addition, 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. That’s all the info we have for right now, but we’ll get back to you—real soon.

The E Street Band has not performed since longtime saxophonist Clarence Clemons died this past June. As of press time, Springsteen has confirmed four shows.

Here’s a look at Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s 2012 shows

June 20 Sunderland, England—Stadium of Light
June 22 Manchester, England—Etihad Stadium
June 24 Isle of Wight, England—Isle of Wight Festival
July 14 London, England—Hard Rock Calling