By Jade Lazerevic

IN its first Australian tour since 1997's Howling Tour, the Saints will make a long awaited return when they perform at the Cambridge Hotel on Saturday night.

The tour comes on the eve of the release of the new album Spit Out The Blues, which features eight new tracks and four classic blues tracks.

The line up for the tour will feature original Saints member Chris Bailey and later recruits bassist Arch Larizza, drummer Iain Shedden and guitarist Eddie Nystrom. Recorded in Amsterdam, Bailey said the album mixes originals and covers that reflect the 'grim and greedy theme park in which we live'.

When Bailey introduced the world to punk in the 1970s with Ed Keupper, Kim Bradshaw and Ivor Hay, it was the start of many line up changes over the years.

Its show at The Cambridge promises to be a major attraction.

'If I was going to use the Australian vernacular, Newcastle can expect a 'grunter' of a set,' Bailey said.

Tickets to the show are available from the hotel and The Saints will be joined by Orange County.