Stone Temple Pilots have postponed a string of upcoming tour dates to give the band more time to work on their new album.

Scott Weiland's group was due to play a series of North American gigs in December and January, but they have now scrapped the concerts and plan to reschedule them for next year.

A message on the band's website reveals the rockers cut short the tour because they want more time in the studio to finish their new disc, their first since 2001's Shangri-La Dee Da, which is due for release next summer.

The statement reads, "STP are postponing the December and January dates until next year so the band can finish their highly anticipated record which will be coming out in the early spring of next year."

The news comes in the middle of the Canadian leg of the band's tour. None of the upcoming Canadian dates are affected.