ECHO And The Bunnymen frontman Ian 'Mac' McCulloch has been roped in by indie pals Coldplay to support them on their forthcoming UK arena tour.

The big-haired, overcoat wearing icon became close friends with the band while they were recording their globe stomping album A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Chris Martin has expressed in interviews his respect for Echo And The Bunnymen's work and was thrilled when Mac arranged to meet up with them to act as group mentor and inspiration while they applied the final touches to the recording.

Martin should consider himself deeply honoured to have earned Mac's respect. He is notorious within the industry for being arrogant and frighteningly outspoken, eternally sneering at the success of early rivals U2 who he believes sold out and practically berating every other act plying their trade during the eighties. He also proclaims on frequent occasions that the Bunnymen are 'the greatest band in the world.'

McCulloch's difficult persona aside, he was and still is a truly great talent. Blessed with rock star looks and an unsettling, dramatic voice, the Bunnymen were a fantastic band, fused together by their adoration for Television and The Doors. They specialised in bleak guitar soundscapes conjured by criminally under-rated guitarist Will Seargeant that vividly complimented McCulloch's cryptic lyrics.

Their biggest hit The Killing Moon still sounds dangerous and the beautiful Nothing Lasts Forever marked a triumphant return to form during the nineties after they'd seemingly slipped away from the public consciousness for good.

Now, he's back with a vengeance. He appears at the MEN Arena alongside Coldplay and Feeder on April 14. Welcome back Mac.