The Strokes to play two dates in 2010

The Strokes finally returned to the studio last week, but despite persistent rumours, it's been finalised that they will play just two shows this summer.

The band confirmed they began recording a follow-up to 2006's 'First Impressions Of Earth' with U2, White Stripes and Beck producer Joe Chiccarelli at New York's Avatar Studios on February 1 report NME. However, frontman Julian Casablancas admits the band will restrict themselves to headlining the Isle Of Wight and Rock Ness festivals in the UK in June.

"We're doing two with The Strokes and that's it for the summer," declared the singer, explaining there will be limited chances to hear what the band are currently working on live.

"I'll do other festivals alone," he added, with the likes of Glastonbury already in his sights. "If they'll have me!"

However, it won't be a case of the singer playing the 'big' shows with his main band and then tacking on a few stripped-down dates for his side-project. After playing a short 'basic' tour with his solo band before Christmas, Casablancas is hoping to bring over the 'full production' based around his 2009 debut solo album 'Phrazes For The Young'. This set-up involves screens and stage sets which so far he has only used at a limited number of dates in Los Angeles' Downtown Palace Theatre.

This weeks NME has more and is out nationwide now.