Pavement reunion tour to launch in New Zealand

Pavement's return to the stage will kick off in Auckland, New Zealand, on March 1 and then continue to Australia for six more confirmed shows, according to a statement posted at the band's website.

The group--Stephen Malkmus, Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Dannberg, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West--recently confirmed they would be reuniting for a series of concerts around the world, including a September 2010 gig in New York City.

The seminal indie band also will headline and curate an All Tomorrow's Parties weekend in May at Butlins Holiday Resort in Somerset, UK.