Backstage Pass

 
Coldplay debuted its new single "Violet Hill" on its website today and is making it available as a free download until next week, when it goes on sale at Internet retailers. (The site was down a bit this morning from all the traffic, but is back up now.)

"Violet Hill" is the first single from the forthcoming Brian Eno-produced "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" album, set to be released on June 17, and it's more of what we've come to expect from Chris Martin and friends, a moody, piano-driven arena anthem, though the guitars are turned up a bit more than usual. The album, recorded in London, New York and Barcelona, is the follow-up to 2005's "X&Y."

Coldplay will also play a free show at Madison Square Garden on June 23. Ticket information will be available through the band's website.

PHOTO: Capitol Records