Gary Lightbody to follow Coldplay and U2 in the new year

Gary Lightbody wants to become as big as Coldplay and U2 in the new year.

The Snow Patrol frontman - whose 2006 effort 'Eyes Open' became the biggest selling album in the UK – said he wants to push the band to even greater heights in 2010.

He said: "I see U2 in a class of their own, Coldplay in the next tier down and us and a ton of bands in the tier below them."

Although the band received a positive reception when they stepped in to headline this year's V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex, in August after the 'Live Forever' rockers pulled out at the last minute, Gary insists his group are still not as big as other top-billing acts.

He added: "I don't see them as equals. We need 10 or 15 more songs in the national consciousness for that to happen."

However, the 'Chocolate' singer admitted the festival show was one of the greatest crowds they'd ever played to as they "screamed, jumped up and down, and sung every word."