Single dates are also set for Las Vegas and Anaheim, and he’s confirmed to headline Lollapalooza. Dates for the traveling festival – expanded to two days this year – are expected soon.

He’s also been announced as the artistic director for the 12th annual Meltdown Festival, set to take place from June 11-27 at London’s South Bank Centre. Other European festival dates for the Mozzer are pouring in, including the Carling Reading and Leeds festivals August 28-29.

Although the ex-Smiths vocalist hasn’t released any fresh solo material since 1997’s Maladjusted, he’s kept up a consistent touring schedule and has a fervent following to show for it. His new album, You Are The Quarry, is set for a May 18 release on Sanctuary Records’ revamped imprint, Attack.

The album was produced by Jerry Finn, best known for multiplatinum punk-pop albums by the likes of blink-182, Green Day, and AFI.

“I wanted a louder sound for this record,” Morrissey said. “I was introduced to Jerry by a mutual friend. He made me feel very confident. He’s not easily pleased and he’s not prepared to be overwrought. He knows exactly what he wants to do. He was able to help me create the sound for this album that I had already been hearing in my head.”

“This is the album that I’ve wanted to make for quite a while,” he added. “I didn’t want to do the same thing over again. That’s so boring.”

The singer has said he plans to tour throughout 2004.