For THE BLACK CROWES, it's always been about musical exploration, and on their "Lay Down With Number 13" world tour in 2013, for which tickets go on sale January 11 at 10:13 a.m. local time, they'll keep their shows as fresh as ever. The iconic and influential band will reach deep inside their songbook and extensive catalog, performing greatly varied set lists. The tour's first leg will encompass dates in the U.K. March 24-30 and the U.S. April 2-May 4.

For their two-night engagement at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium April 20 and 21, the band — Chris Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall and new member Jackie Greene (guitar, vocals) — have announced that the second night (April 21) will mark the tour's only acoustic show, featuring special guests performing with the band.

"THE BLACK CROWES road has come calling again for us," says Chris Robinson. "Our music is a living, breathing thing, and we go where ever it takes us. In a world of rock and roll tourists, we look forward to seeing our friends and loyal travelers who will join us and be a part of the shows. The musical horizon beckons."

For the first time since the band's 1990 multi-platinum debut album, "Shake Your Money Maker", THE BLACK CROWES are offering their fans a limited number of VIP packages which include a meet-and-greet photo opportunity, poster signed by the band, collectible laminate, merchandise vouchers and early entrance in the venue. Check out BlackCrowes.com for more details.

A week before the tour's launch, the band will release on March 19 the live set "Wiser For The Time" (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records). Its mammoth eight sides on four vinyl albums will contain 26 songs — 15 acoustic and 11 electric — from the band's five-night, sold-out New York City performances in the fall of 2010. These never-released-before versions will also be available as a double album digital download.

As a Christmas gift to their fans, the band has offered via their website a free mobile web app. It includes a free download of the acoustic version of "Under A Mountain" (the "Three Snakes And One Charm" song which contains the lyrics "Lay down with number 13") performed live in New York City in 2010. This offering is exclusive and not included on "Wiser For The Time".

The first leg of the "Lay Down With Number 13" tour begins March 24 in Manchester in the U.K. and will run through May 4 in New Orleans. Highlights of the itinerary include two-night stands in London (The Forum), Port Chester, New York (at the recently reopened historic venue the Capitol Theatre), New York City (Terminal 5), Chicago (The Vic), Washington, D.C. (9:30 Club) and Nashville (Ryman Auditorium) and a special late-night performance at The Historic Mahalia Jackson Theatre in the French Quarter following Jazz Fest.