Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody Confirms R.E.M. Collaboration

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody clearly isn't a man worried about meeting his idols. Not if his latest collaboration is anything to go by.

Currently ensconced in a studio in Portland, Oregan and working on his Tired Pony side-project, the singer has revealed that R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck is to make an appearance with the band.

Speaking to Q Magazine, Lightbody said, "Peter is one of my all-time heroes.

"I admire his versatility, he can play any stringed instrument and more besides. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! He's a real innovator, which is great because this is a whole new project."

The sessions are already shaping up to be quite the party. Also involved in the Tired Pony project are singer Iain Archer and his wife Miriam, Belle and Sebastian drummer Richard Coburn and producer Jacknife Lee.

No release date for Tired Pony's album has been confirmed though Lightbody and Lee will be recording an album of dance music in Los Angeles once the current sessions have finished.