Arctic Monkeys to preview new material tonight

Arctic Monkeys are set to preview new songs at the Shockwaves NME Awards tonight (25.02.09).

The Sheffield foursome - Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders and Nick O'Malley - have been rehearsing unheard material in preparation for their surprise set at the ceremony which is being held at London's Brixton Academy.

A source said: "It's not certain what the band will play but they've been rehearsing some new songs along with the hits, plus a cover of Kings of Leon's 'Use Somebody'."

The 'Brianstorm' hitmakers - whose last album 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' was released in 2007 - have been trying to keep their concert plans under wraps and have put a ban on any photographs being taken.

The source added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Alex and the lads have never been one for the spotlight. They have been trying to keep it quiet that they plan to play. They've ordered everyone in the know to keep quiet and requested no photographers are around to capture the moment."

Last year, the band took home three NME Awards - Best British Band, Best Track for 'Fluorescent Adolescent' and Best Video for 'Teddy Picker'- but this year they are up for only one accolade, Best DVD for 'At The Apollo'.

Frontman Alex has been nominated in the Best Dressed category alongside his TV presenter girlfriend Alexa Chung.

Oasis are the frontrunners with seven nods, including Best British Band, Best Live Band and Best Album for 'Dig Out Your Soul'.