After completing a busy summer on the European festival circuit--and working on some tracks for a planned greatest-hits album-- The Red Hot Chili Peppers [ tickets ] return to the U.S. for their third leg of U.S. tour dates of the year.

The just-announced U.S. itinerary--which will feature Queens of the Stone Age and French Toast in the opening slots--is currently scheduled to visit 13 cities in September, and more dates are expected.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers--who are supporting their 2002 album "By the Way"--recently wrapped up a round of North American summer dates that featured Snoop Dogg in the opening slot.

"This last leg with Snoop has been a trip," Chili Peppers bassist Flea wrote on the Flea Mail section of the band's official website. "A completely different energy than what we are used to."

Flea added that the band will use its current, seven-week break from the road to "write and record two or three new songs for a greatest hits record to come out at a future date."