RICHARD ASHCROFT - ASHCROFT GIVEN ANOTHER BOOST BY COLDPLAY

Former THE VERVE frontman RICHARD ASHCROFT is being given a boost as he attempts to break America again - COLDPLAY have asked him to tour with them.

In a bid to promote his hit new album KEYS TO THE WORLD, Ashcroft will play his first US shows in six years as support on the upcoming Coldplay stadium tour.

Ashcroft is a longtime friend of Coldplay frontman CHRIS MARTIN, who recently named him "the best singer in the world", and joined the group for a rendition of The Verve's BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY anthem at last summer's (05) Live 8 concert.

Ashcroft also opened for Coldplay during a recent UK tour. The North American dates begin on 17 March (06) in Ontario, Canada.