AFTER imploding on stage at Sydney's Annandale Hotel more than two years ago, you could be forgiven for thinking The Vines would want to steer well clear of that particular pub.

But like bees to honey, or to use a more rock analogy, like flies to vomit, The Vines can't seem to stay away.

"We've played there many times from the beginning. It just feels very natural," singer Craig Nicholls says.

"It's like where we left off."

Drummer Hamish Rosser offered a slightly different view.

"Criminals always return to the scene of the crime. That's why they get caught."

The band played at the Annandale last month under the name Joe Dirt, before taking to the stage as mystery guests at Splendour In The Grass.

It's little wonder they like the Annandale. Their first official Sydney gig in support of their latest album, Vision Valley , at the Annandale on September 8 sold out within two minutes of going on sale.

A second show was added and promptly sold out as well.

Now a third gig will take place on September 5, with tickets on sale today from 9am by phone on 9550 1078 or online at annandalehotel.com.au.

The band have been out of action for a while after Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. In that time, bands like Jet and Wolfmother have risen up to take the band's mantle as the great Aussie hopes outside of this country.

Asked whether it makes them feel a little strange considering they were once in the same position as those bands, Rosser says somewhat philosophically: "Do you think Jet are looking at U2 and wishing they were as big as U2. There is always someone bigger."