NME Awards 2016: Coldplay crowned Godlike Genius – to a mixed response

The band will play a greatest hits set at the ceremony, held at London's O2 Academy Brixton on February 17

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said the band 'would be nothing without the NME' (Getty Images)

Coldplay will follow in the footsteps of The Clash and The Cure when they receive the Godlike Genius honour at this year’s NME Awards.

Chris Martin, Coldplay frontman, said it was a “huge honour” to receive the award from the now-free magazine since “Coldplay would be nothing without the NME.”

The band will play a greatest hits set at the ceremony, held at London's O2 Academy Brixton on February 17.

However the announcement received a mixed response from music fans. “God help us,” wrote one on Twitter. “The final straw,” said another. “God really doesn't command too much respect these days, does (s)he?,” it was suggested.

Martin added: "Appearing in the magazine for the first time in 1998 - in the smallest font - was the biggest thing that ever happened to us, and their love and support changed our world. Thank you so much NME.”

The award is a recognition of the careers of music icons who have been pioneers in the industry, and was won last year by alternative rock band, Suede. New Order, Johnny Marr and Dave Grohl has previously accepted the honour.

Coldplay, who formed in 1996, have sold more than 80 million records worldwide. They will also perform at The Brit Awards, where they are up for two categories, a week after the NME ceremony.