Coldplay offer single for free

Violet Hill, the first single from Coldplay's soon-to-be-released album Viva la Vida, is to be offered as a free download on the band's website from 12.15pm on 29 April 2008.

On a day of announcements from the quartet, the band revealed that they are to play two free gigs at London's Brixton Academy and New York's Madison Square Garden on 16 June and 23 June 2008 respectively. They also unveiled the artwork for their new album.

Viva la Vida will receive its Worldwide release on 16 June 2008.