Six hundred thousand people downloaded the new Coldplay single ‘Violet Hill’ within the first 24 hours of it being placed on the band’s website.

The single, which is taken from the band’s forthcoming album ‘Viva La Vida’, has been greeted positively by fans of the band.

According to the band’s record label, three hundred thousand people downloaded the single within the first 12 hours yesterday (April 29th).

The band’s official website ground to a halt just after midday as a result of the demand for the song.

‘Violet Hill’ will only be available for free until May 6th, when it will be released as a paid for digital download.

The band will play three free shows this summer - in London, Barcelona and New York - in support of their new material.

(by Jason Gregory)