Coldplay will receive the Godlike Genius Award at the NME Awards 2016 with Austin, Texas.

The band will pick up the award in person and also perform live at the ceremony on February 17 at O2 Academy, Brixton, London.

Coldplay, who recently released their seventh studio album ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ and have sold 80 million records worldwide, will perform an exclusive set of their greatest hits to close the show.Tickets for the ceremony, held at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on 17 February, are on sale now at NME.com/tickets.


Speaking of their win, Chris Martin said: “We’re extremely grateful to the NME for giving us this award. It’s a huge honour and it means everything to us as Coldplay would be nothing without the NME. Appearing in the magazine for the first time in 1998 – in the smallest font – was the biggest thing that ever happened to us, and their love and support changed our world. Thank you so much NME.”

Voting for the NME Awards 2016 with Austin, Texas has begun. To vote, head to www.nme.com/awardsvote.

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Meanwhile, Mike Williams, Editor in Chief of NME, adds: “Coldplay first attended the NME Awards over a decade ago, and since then have gone on to be the biggest band on the planet, so it’s an honour to invite them back as this year’s Godlike Genius. NME were there for the band right at the beginning – our early coverage was instrumental in setting them on their way – and we’ve had a thrilling relationship in the 15 years since. As Coldplay gear up for their biggest year yet – from the Superbowl to Wembley Stadium – it’s fitting that they join the likes of The Cure, Dave Grohl, Blondie and Noel Gallagher in being named NME’s Godlike Genius”

The NME Awards 2016 With Austin, Texas take place next month with The Libertines, and Wolf Alice leading the list of nominees.

Following thousands of votes from NME readers, The Libertines and Wolf Alice have six nominations in total, including nods in the categories of ‘Best British Band, ‘Best Live Band’ and ‘Best Track’.

Hot on both bands’ heels are Foals, receiving four nods across the shortlist, including Best British Band, Best Live Band, Best Album and Best Track. The Maccabees, who are yet to add an NME Awards gong to their trophy set, are up for Best British Band, Best Live Band and Best Album supported by HMV.


The winners are decided by you – the fans – and voting is now open.

The NME Awards with Austin, Texas season kicks off on January 29 with NME Awards Tour 2016 with Austin, Texas. Headliners Bloc Party, Drenge, Rat Boy and Bugzy Malone will tour the UK. Tickets are available now.

Meanwhile, Crystal Castles will mark UK return at two NME Awards Shows with Austin, Texas. Other acts playing at London gigs throughout February include Suede, Swim Deep, Blossoms and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.