Coldplay - Coldplay To Ring In New Year With $1.6 Million Gig

Coldplay are set to cash in this New Year after agreeing to play a $1.6 million (£1 million) gig in the United Arab Emirates.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has persuaded frontman Chris Martin and his bandmates to perform at the Volvo Ocean Race venue in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (31Dec11).

Guitarist Jonny Buckland admits he is excited to play in the Middle East after he was treated like royalty during his last visit.

He says, "I've never stayed anywhere like the hotel they put me in and probably never will again. It made Buckingham Palace look like a two-bed semi."

Premium tickets to the event cost $6,880 (£4,300).