The Cribs have been forced to cancel their appearance at Coachella Festival in California today due to the Icelandic volcano ash blighting the skies of Britain.

In a lengthy blog posting on Myspace, Johnny Marr said that despite their best efforts, the band haven't been able to negotiate any alternate flights from mainland Europe.

"Unfortunately, despite a Herculean effort we won't be able to play at Coachella this year,” he wrote.

“We are pretty gutted to be frank, currently languishing in the grimmest ferry port after waiting for good news about free airspace that never came."

He continued: “We were really looking forward to playing this year, the slot sounded perfect, outdoor at dusk, and the last time we played Coachella was really fun.

“We're really sorry it hasn't worked out and we'd like to thank the promoters for being so understanding and helpful. They even offered to get us a private jet to the festival site if we could just get to the USA but even that is currently impossible.”

Frightened Rabbit, Delphic, Los Campesinos!, Bad Lieutenant and DJ Mary Anne Hobbs' slots at the festival also look in doubt following the announcement that all flights in and out of the UK are cancelled until Saturday.

Electro God Gary Numan says his performance at the festival on Sunday is in the balance.

British airways have offered a flight on Sunday morning, but this may not give Numan enough time to get ready for the show.

“We are still waiting to find out if British Airways can offer any better alternatives,” he said. “Very upsetting though to see such a huge opportunity slipping through your fingers. I am glued to the TV news at the moment.”

British acts including Florence & The Machine, Muse, Gorillaz and Little Boots are already in the US and haven't been affected.

Several reports claim the volcano under the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier is still erupting and may cause further delays.

(by Scott Colothan)