The world's smallest independent state, the Principality of Sealand, has invited top US rockers Airiel to play an exclusive gig, live from the Royal Palace - six miles off the coast of the UK.

The event will also mark the first use of Sealand's latest server technology, with a live webcam internet broadcast letting web users around the world watch for free.

The date of the much-hyped gig is still to be confirmed but will be before the end of the year.

The Chicago-based foursome is considered the perfect choice to perform having just released their latest album, entitled Battle of Sealand, in recognition of Prince Roy's heroic efforts to protect his island state.

To acknowledge their contribution to the cultural development of Sealand, Airiel band members Chris DeBrizzio, Jeremy Wrenn, Cory Osborne and John Rungger have all been made honorary Lords of Sealand.

Lord Chris DeBrizzio, Airiel: "When we found out about the history of Sealand, and how much has happened there in such a short time, we had to name our album after one of its most triumphant moments."

Their new aristocratic titles will ensure that they benefit from all the perks members of the nobility the world over have long since enjoyed.

The band has just returned from South America, where they played to a capacity crowd in Lima, Peru. With their unique brand of experimental rock, they will be sure to shake the former World War II fort turned micro-nation, to its foundations.

"When we found out about the history of Sealand, and how much has happened there in such a short time, we had to name our album after one of its most triumphant moments," said Airiel guitarist Lord deBrizzio.

"It's such a unique place and we are honoured to be invited as the first people to actually get to play there. And to be made a Lord of Sealand is just unbelievable, I never thought I'd have a title!"

The Battle of Sealand is arguably the most dramatic event in Sealand's brief but proud history. A mixed Germanic-Dutch force launched a daring raid on the principality, but was foiled by a brilliant counter attack, led by the founder and current ruler of Sealand, Prince Roy, involving an armed helicopter assault. The battle, thankfully, only lasted a matter of minutes and ended without casualties.

Sealand has celebrated a number of firsts recently - having launched the world's first national online casino, Sealand Casino, and receiving backing from Russian investors to launch its first communications satellite.

The micro-nation also celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 2, commemorating the day that Prince Roy of Sealand exerted state authority on the island.