Costello’s tour starts in Canada July 2, and Canada is where he’ll wrap things at the end of the month. The last three shows will feature Costello and his keyboardist Steve Nieve, sans The Imposters.

Speaking of The Imposters, they comprise two-thirds of Costello’s usual and longstanding band, the Attractions. Along with Nieve, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey Farragher (former Cracker member) make up the band.

Many shows are already on sale with ticket prices round the $60 mark.

Costello is reported to be working on a new album due out sometime in September, although no firm information is available. And don’t expect to hit up his Web site for any scoop; its news section is down in anticipation of a forthcoming new version of the site.

Costello has been touring the world over this past year in support of his latest effort, When I Was Cruel. The album, which hits shelves in spring 2002, is his first record of new material since All This Useless Beauty came out seven years ago.