Candlebox reignites for lengthy tour

Rockers Candlebox, who split back in 1999, have reconvened to tackle an ambitious summer tour that supports a forthcoming best-of set.

The band's original lineup--singer/guitarist Kevin Martin, drummer Scott Mercado, guitarist Peter Klett and bassist Bardi Martin (no relation to Kevin)--plans to launch the three-month outing July 1, and already has booked stops in nearly 50 cities. The group plans to warm up with a one-off May performance and a handful of June dates. Details are included in the itinerary shown below.

Next Tuesday, Rhino Records serves up "The Best of Candlebox," which features 15 cuts culled from the group's three studio albums. A complete track list is posted at the label's website.

Formed in Seattle in 1991, Candlebox rose to fame with its self-titled, platinum-certifed 1993 debut, which features the hits "You," "Change, "Cover Me" and "Far Behind."

A pair of albums that didn't fare as well commercially--1995's "Lucy" and 1998's "Happy Pills"--followed before the group disappeared from the scene.

Following the upcoming tour, the band plans to begin work on a new studio set that is expected to surface next year, according to Rolling Stone.