Into the cold to play

One of Britain's most successful bands of recent years is lined up to play in Auckland at the end of July.

Coldplay, whose debut album Parachutes came out of nowhere to sell five million copies worldwide, picked up numerous awards, including a Grammy for best alternative album last year.

Fronted by Chris Martin, who is squiring actress Gwyneth Paltrow, they came back with an equally successful follow-up in A Rush of Blood to the Head (two Grammys, two Brit awards) which also juggled sensitivity with memorable melodies.

"There is an alternative," said Martin. "You can try to be catchy without being slick, popular without being pop, and you can be uplifting without being pompous."

Making their third appearance in New Zealand, Coldplay are scheduled to play the Showbuildings venue in Auckland Showgrounds (where Oasis and Radiohead performed) on Thursday, July 24.

Tickets through the usual outlets from Monday.