Snow Patrol - Snow Patrol's Family Affair

Snow Patrol's Family Affair

Snow Patrol are excited about performing in front of friends and family in Belfast tonight (06.11.11).

The Northern Irish rockers are thrilled the prestigious MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) are being held in the city and although they are looking forward to their gig outside City Hall, drummer Jonny Quinn admitted trying to keep up with ticket demands has been tough.

He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "We have a guestlist of 200 and it was quickly filled with friends and family. My cousin asked for plus six, who asks for plus six? I'm glad MTV have given us a large guest list but we always try to get a big one when we come to Belfast because these people still love us."

However, ticket demands aside, the band - who are preparing for the release of their latest album 'Fallen Empires' - are delighted the awards have come to Northern Ireland because it will give the world a chance to see a different side to the country that is best known for it's troubled past.

Speaking before the band played to 1,000 people at their sound check yesterday (05.11.11), he added: "We're super excited about the gig. For two reasons, the MTV awards in Belfast is something really special, you can feel it in the air. This sort of thing doesn't really happen in Northern Ireland. And there's a really good burgeoning music scene in Belfast right now and the other thing is its not going to rain. It's been raining here all summer but it looks like it'll hold off so it's perfect for an outdoor gig.

"Northern Ireland has gone through so much change in peace times and events like this are just good for the city, good for the economy and the community and the positivity. It's great that Northern Ireland is being recognised, people who have been scared to come here are now realising that it's a great city."

The 2011 MTV EMA airs live from Belfast tonight (06.11.11) at 9pm on MTV.