Portishead kicked off their 2008 last night (March 19), showcasing new songs in Berlin at invite only gig for a German radio station.

Surrounded by 400 guests and competition winners, the band performed a nine-song set, mostly comprising of songs from their upcoming album 'Third'.

In an austere venue on the outskirts of the city the band, Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons and Adrian Utley[/b] backed by three session musicians, played in the middle of the crowd for the intimate show.

Due to the nature of the session, which included the classic 'Glory Box' alongside the likes of new single Machine Gun' and other new songs, several of tracks were restarted or performed more than once to find the perfect take.

However despite the difficulties, Portishead enjoyed a friendly atmosphere with Barrow excusing the group by explaining "it's been a long time".

'Third' is released on April 28.

Meanwhile, Portishead play the following European tour dates:

Oporto Coliseum (March 26)
Lisbon Coliseum (27)
Milan Alcatraz (30)
Florence Sashall (31)
Munich Tonhalle (April 2)
Berlin Columbiahalle (3)
Copenhagen KB Hallen (4)
Cologne Palladium (6)
Amsterdam HMH (7)
Manchester Apollo (9)
London Hammersmith Apollo (10)
Edinburgh Corn Exchange (12)
Wolverhampton Civic Hall (13)
Paris Zenith (May 5, 6)
Brussels Forest National (8)