THE drummer of gender blending goth punks Placebo will be heading near home later this year as the cult trio hit Manchester.

Former Weaverham High School pupil Steve Hewitt will take to the stage at Manchester Arena alongside the inimitable singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass player Stefan Olsdal for one of Placebo's biggest shows to date in December.

Formed in the mid 90s, Placebo dazzled the music scene with an edgy new take on glam rock, adding more than a little sparkle to an indie drenched market with their androgynous image and controversial views.

Heavily influenced by The Pixies and Sonic Youth, they first enjoyed success with the Fierce Panda release of Come Home, but it was Brian Molko's distinctive vocals on the infectiously catchy single Nancy Boy that propelled the band to stardom.

Follow up singles Bruise Pristine, Teenage Angst and 36 Degrees, from their eponymous album debut, also set the charts alight, earning them an admirer in David Bowie.

Their second album Without You I'm Nothing, which spawned the singles Pure Morning, Every You, Every Me and Without You I'm Nothing, placed them firmly in the mainstream.

In recent years the band have gradually shed the androgynous shock-chic and taken steps into fresh musical territory with the release of the hip hop and disco-tinged Black Market Music, while Sleeping With Ghosts saw them experimenting with electronica.

Placebo will be promoting their fifth studio release Meds at Manchester Arena on Sunday, December 10.

Tickets, priced £23.50, can be booked by ringing either 0870 190 8000 or 0161 832 1111.