Snow Patrol: 'We're like the Village People, only less gay'

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody has hit back at Nicky Wire, claiming they are "like the Village People, only slightly less gay".

The Manic Street Preachers bassist had dubbed Lightbody's band "the most boring band in Britain," prompting the Northern Irish group to defend themselves.

"Nicky Wire has earned the right to say what he wants, he's a rock God, so more power to him. We only seem dull on the surface," Lightbody told the Daily Record.

"Jonny (Quinn) fights fires. Tom (Simpson) toils shirtless on construction sites, Paul (Wilson) is in the Navy Reserve. Nathan (Connolly) is a volunteer policeman and I explore my Cherokee ancestry. We're like the Village People, only slightly less gay."

Lightbody went on to challenge public perceptions about his band.

"'Chasing Cars' was an inescapable hit worldwide," he said. "People think of us as that band with that song on 'Grey's Anatomy' and decide to hate us. One review said our fourth album would 'keep Ford Focus drivers happy,' meaning our music appeals to average blokes, not hipsters," he said.

"I have never understood the connection between us and Coldplay, as much as I like their music."

Snow Patrol tickets: