No Doubt have hinted they will return to touring in 2009 while simultaneously completing their first studio album in seven years.
The group made the announcement via an instant message transcript posted on its official website, but did not provide specific details.
"I have cabin fever. Maybe we should play some shows or something," guitarist Tom Dumont wrote.
Vocalist Gwen Stefani answered, "I think we should go out now. I don't think we should wait. Pack up the babies and get a bunch of nannies. So fun! Would be so inspiring to get out there and play all those songs again."
Then again, at the time of writing the band can't decide what time they should even liaise in the studio, so let's not hold our breath.
The group have been recording throughout 2008 but have not played live since mid-2004. No Doubt's last studio album was 2001's Rock Steady.
Since then, Stefani has released two critically acclaimed solo albums. Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young have pursued solo and session work. Recently, they all played on ex-Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland's new album, Happy In Galoshes (due 25 November).
Weiland could maybe have used their skills on his 21 November TV performance here. Ouch.
“It didn’t even represent what we were doing. Even the guitar solo has no business being in that song”: Gwen Stefani on the No Doubt song that “changed everything” after it became their biggest hit
"There was water dripping onto the gear and we got interrupted by a cave diver": How Mandy, Indiana recorded their debut album in caves, crypts and shopping malls
“It didn’t even represent what we were doing. Even the guitar solo has no business being in that song”: Gwen Stefani on the No Doubt song that “changed everything” after it became their biggest hit
"There was water dripping onto the gear and we got interrupted by a cave diver": How Mandy, Indiana recorded their debut album in caves, crypts and shopping malls
