NEW YORK (AFP) - Dark rock legends The Cure on Monday announced their first extensive tour of Europe since 2008, following dates across North America.

The English band, whose 56-year-old frontman Robert Smith is famous for his on-stage stamina, will open the European leg on Oct 7 next year in Helsinki.

The Cure will play 30 shows across Europe, culminating Dec 1 at Wembley Arena in London.

The tour is further evidence that The Cure has no plans to retire after a comparatively quiet two years.

The Cure earlier announced shows across North America to start on May 10 in New Orleans.

In a sign of the huge interest, The Cure added two additional days at Madison Square Garden in New York for a total of three shows at the prestigious arena.

The tour comes despite the departure of The Cure's only constant member besides Smith, guitarist Porl Thompson, who played the band's 2007-2008 tour but has since focused his attention on painting.

The Cure said on its website that it will tour with Reeves Gabrels, a guitarist best known for his work with David Bowie.

Thompson's departure has complicated plans for a new album, with Smith saying that The Cure had material ready from sessions before his bandmate left.

The Cure has transformed itself throughout its prolific career.

Led by Smith's plaintive, wailing voice and rich guitar textures, The Cure helped shape Goth rock with albums including 1982's Pornography, which was full of suicidal imagery.

But The Cure has since had hits with much cheerier material including Friday I'm in Love.