PAUL DI'ANNO (ex-IRON MAIDEN) is in need of a band for a North American tour.

A message reads: "I am looking for a great, experienced "Hard 'n' Heavy" fully functioning American 4-piece twin lead guitar band, to tour USA. Must be a gigging band with good backline and own trucking-transport. I need to see your website, and tons of YouTube (or similar) videos of previous live shows.

SORRY, BUT INDIVIDUAL MUSICANS ARE NOT REQUIRED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

US bands email me now at Pauldianno@operamail.com."

Early last month, further to the report that Di'Anno will "be Pulling The Plug next year 2013," and making it his Farewell Tour, the vocalist issued the following update:

"To all of you who have been with me from the start and many new friends who have given me the privilege of being able to play and meet so many of you through the years I can't find the right words to tell you all how much I'll miss you. All of you have my love & respect forever, and anyone who knows me knows that ain't a load of bollocks you have kept me going through difficult times, happy times and a lot of heartbreak. I thank you all with all my heart and I'm glad you're not here right now watching me write this crying like a big Jessie (for you mates it means a wuss!) thank you all again, I love you all and wish you all health good fortune and most of all love & happiness. You will be with me always thankyou thankyou thankyou . Timao Corinthians n again te amo simper, Love Paul"

Former Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley recently issued the following update: "Australia and New Zealand, here I come! These are the confirmed dates of my Down Under Tour 2012: Di'anno Vs Blaze. I have never been to Australia or New Zealand before, so I'm very excited. I also have family there that I have never met so it makes the whole tour even better. Of course I will be signing after every show where it is possible, and I will try to meet you all and sign things before the show if I have to rush off after the show."

The schedule is as follows:

November

22 - Melbourne, Australia - The Hi Fi
23 - Hobart, Australia - The Brisbane
24 - Perth, Australia - Civic
25 - Adelaide, Australia - Fowlers
26 - Brisbane, Australia - The Hi Fi
29 - Newcastle, Australia - Cambridge
30 - Sydney, Australia - Manning

December

1 - Canberra, Australia - Basement
2 - Wollongong, Australia - Waves
7 - Wellington, New Zealand - Bodegas
8 - Auckland, New Zealand - Kings Arms