You'd think that having spent most of the year touring, Feeder would be looking to slow down as the festive season approaches. But the trio are back on the road for a gig in Blackpool on November 29.

"It's a way of saying thanks to the hardcore fans," explains drummer Mark Richardson. "Arena tours are OK but you can't beat the atmosphere of smaller venues."

Feeder -- Grant Nicholas, Taka Hirose and Richardson -- have five studio albums and a number of top 40 singles behind them.

The band's biggest hit remains the single Buck Rogers and it's hard to believe they have been around for 13 years.

Mark, formerly with Skunk Anansie, is the relative newcomer in the band, replacing founder member Jon Lee who tragically committed suicide in 2002.

"When Jon died, the others knew they wanted to carry on. I'd known them for a long time and they asked me to join.

"It was difficult at first because they'd lost their best mate and this hairy Yorkshireman had come along and started beating hell out of a drum kit behind them. But that first tour worked well and we have developed a good chemistry together.

"Any change of line-up in a band changes the balance of things. As a drummer I play differently to what Jon did and, as any musician will tell you, you always try and stamp your personality on what you do.

"But it has worked really well for us and albums such as Comfort in Sound and Pushing the Sense have revealed a deeper, more lyrical side to the band.

Having played at some of the leading festivals and supported major acts such as U2 and Coldplay, Feeder spent six dates with REM in Europe this year.

"They were really nice people," said Mark. "They would stand at the side of the stage and watch us and, as a band that has lasted for such a long time, you have to respect that and learn from them."

Although not a major tour, Mark promises fans in the UK a much more extensive series of dates next year.

"There is talk of a singles album or possibly a new album," said Mark. "So we'll see.

"But gigs we're doing in November will be a chance to play some old stuff and maybe throw in some new material to see how it goes down."

Feeder, supported by Goldie Lookin Chain, play Blackpool's Empress Ballroom on Tuesday, November 29. Details from the box office on 01253 625252.