Tom Waits yesterday published a photo of himself in pirate-themed get-up, along with the words 'Coming August 7', suggesting a possible upcoming tour, report the NME.

The photo, entitled 'Permission To Come Aboard?', features Waits wearing an eye-patch, wielding a cutlass and chomping a cigar. The NME say the image fuels "speculation that he is set to announce live shows, possibly of port cities or even aboard a boat". If Waits does announce live dates, they will be his first since 2008's 'Glitter and Doom Tour'.

Waits also stopped by US TV shows Late Show With David Letterman and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon recently to perform material from last year's Bad As Me album. Have a watch of 'Chicago' from Letterman below.

In the meantime, watch this space for what promises to be a timber-shivering announcement on August 7. Yar!