Snow Patrol in line for U2 gigs

(belfasttelegraph.co.uk) -- Northern Ireland indie band Snow Patrol could be supporting rock giants U2 on the North American leg of their 2005 world tour.

It is understood negotiations are underway between the two camps to secure a support slot for Snow Patrol when U2 take to the road next year.

In a statement from Snow Patrol, the band members said nothing had been confirmed yet.

But rumours are rife that Bono and co are keen to take the Scottish-based Snow Patrol with them on their US tour.

In the past U2 have turned to Irish bands for support, including The Corrs, Relish and JJ72.

Snow Patrol's star has been rising in the States, with their third album Final Straw climbing from 126 to 114 on the Billboard chart.

And at home it's been a highly successful year for Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Johnny Quinn and Mark McClelland in which they saw Final Straw climb up the charts, a nomination for the Mercury Prize award and their single Run becoming the indie anthem of 2004.

They will also play three sold-out homecoming gigs in Belfast on November 22, December 22 and 23.

Meanwhile, Snow Patrol are giving away a free song download in memory of veteran broadcaster John Peel.

The song is a laid-back acoustic version of "Teenage Kicks" by Ulster punk legends the Undertones. The original was Peel's all-time favourite track and one he described as musically and lyrically "perfect".

In an interview shortly before his tragic death from a heart attack in Peru, the BBC's longest-serving DJ said he wanted it played at his funeral.

In a message delivered via their website, Snow Patrol expressed their sadness at Mr Peel's death, saying: "Unfortunately we never had the honour of a Peel session or meeting him.

"We greatly admired him and his maverick radio shows. He was responsible for saving Radio 1 from chart hell and will be sorely missed. This track is free to download and is given as a gift from us in memory of John."

The song is available from their official website www.snowpatrol.net