Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody says that he would have ended up dead from alcoholism if it wasn't for the band's drummer Jonny Quinn.

In a candid interview, the 32-year-old admitted that he over a six month period he was drinking an “appalling” amount and may have ended up on a downhill spiral if it wasn't for his friend.

Speaking about his problem, Lightbody said: "I was at a stage where I was destroying everything in my path. I was like a whirlwind - a calamity magnet. I was behaving appallingly and drinking far too much. There was a six month period where I was completely out of control.

"I wouldn't listen to anyone. I was drinking so much that if I'd have carried on at that rate, I would have ended up dead."

The singer continued that it was only when Quinn questioned his drinking habits that he turned himself around.

He told The Sun: "Our drummer, Jonny Quinn, saved my life. I wasn't listening to anyone but he had a word in my shell (ear) and I eventually realised the pain I was causing to everyone around me.

"I was a fucking mess, but just couldn't see it. I needed to be taken aside."

Snow Patrol released their new album 'A Hundred Million Suns' next month. The full track-listing is as follows:

1. If There’s a Rocket Tie Me To It
2. Crack The Shutters Open
3. Take Back The City
4. Lifeboats
5. The Golden Floor
6. Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands
7. Set Down Your Glass
8. The Planets Bend Between Us
9. Engines
10. Disaster Button
11. The Lightning Strike

(by Scott Colothan)