Most played on UK radio in 12 years named

Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’ has been given an award for reaching 200,000 plays on UK radio since its release in 2006.

The single has become the first song ever to hit the milestone since Nielsen Music began calculating the number of plays with figures dating back to the year 2000.

The Nielsen Music Airplay Awards were introduced in 2005 and are handed out to songs which reach 10,000, 30,000, 100,000 and now 200,000 plays on UK radio. There is also a certificate for hitting 5,000 plays within the 8 weeks prior to official release.

‘Chasing Cars’ got its first airplay on 24th April 2006 and has received the highest proportion of its ‘spins’ from the stations which now make up Global Radio’s Heart network.

The first song to receive the 100,000 plays award was ‘Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)’ by Spiller in 2005.

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol said: “We are staggered by this news. It’s an incredible achievement and we’re all very proud of this milestone for Chasing Cars. Thanks to all who played it and helped to make it so successful.”

Gavin Hughes, Head of Regional Radio at Polydor Records, added: “Everyone at Fiction and Polydor are delighted with the news that Snow Patrol have reached 200,000 plays at radio for ‘Chasing Cars’. It’s testament to the timelessness of the song and the success the band enjoy at UK radio. Thank you to all the UK stations that have continued to support the band over the years”.

Radio Academy Chief Executive John Myers told us: “Snow Patrol’s success is outstanding. Radio plays, promotes and encourages great music but talent comes first. Snow Patrol have this in abundance.”