We’ve never come across a ‘are Coldplay a rock band’ debate before, but Bono has started one.

He was speaking for the Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay series on BBC Sounds, and spoke of his love of Clocks: “the feeling of, ‘oh, this is just better than anyone else’s song at the moment’.”

He went on: “I should mention Coldplay are not a rock band. I hope that’s obvious. There is something much more interesting going on there like the Isley Brothers or something.

They should not be judged by rock rules… Rage is the river running under most rock formations. Coldplay’s music has a different source and I think it’s best revealed in this song ‘Clocks.’”