But that was last week. Today, the hair metal band that has proved to be too rawk to die is set to announce a tour that will feature all four original members.

After a three-year hiatus, Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitar), Lee (drums), and Nikki Sixx (bass) are reuniting for the first time in five years.

The tour is set to start February 17, 2005, at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Fla. There are 24 arena dates on the first U.S. leg of the trek. The band also has U.K. arena dates slated for June.

Earlier this year, Sixx told the media that the Crüe has had other opportunities to tour. The band was twice offered slots on Ozzfest, but relations between the band members were tenuous at best and they couldn’t commit to the task.

Complicating a potential reunion, guitarist Mars underwent hip-replacement surgery in early October.

Somehow, things have improved to the point where the band has scheduled a press conference for this evening. All four members are expected to attend, whether they’re speaking to each other or not.