Franz Ferdinand and Dizzee Rascal to play in Auckland

3.20pm

Two of the hottest acts in British music are due in Auckland for concert dates in July.

Franz Ferdinand, the Glasgow art-rock band who have become critical darlings following the release of their self-titled debut album, are to play at the Regent St James on Monday July 26.

Meanwhile, teenage rapper Dizzee Rascal, whose 2003 debut album Boy in Da Corner won Britain's prestigious Mercury Prize last year, plays at the same venue on the following night.

Franz Ferdinand have been acclaimed as saviours of brainy British rock in a period since the 90s Britpop era has faded and rock's pendulum of cool has swung towards the American likes of the White Stripes and the Strokes.

As well as making headlines last year for his Mercury Prize win - with its 20,000 prize money - Dizzee Rascal made the news last year when he was stabbed three times in the chest by mystery assailants on Ayia Napa, the Cyprus playground of the British "garage" scene he has ties to.

Born Dylan Mills in Bow, east London, the rapper's debut album delivered cynical views on street and tenement life in his idiosyncratic raps.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on Friday (Dizzee Rascal) and on Monday (Franz Ferdinand).

- HERALD STAFF