THERE are many things Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin, is uncomfortable discussing in interviews. Rumours of a rivalry with fellow supergroup U2 and his marriage to actress Gwyneth Paltrow are two.

 

Yesterday, it was whispers the band have been secretly rehearsing with John Farnham for a duet at the Sydney Sound Relief Concert on Saturday. Last week Coldplay's drummer, Will Champion, let slip that he had been learning Farnham songs, with the band seguing into the chorus of You're The Voice at a concert in Melbourne.

 

In Sydney yesterday for three gigs at Acer Arena, Martin squirmed when asked to confirm or deny the collaboration. "Perhaps … I only said perhaps, so that is all I am going to say," Martin said, before letting slip that the band had been too busy with rehearsals for sightseeing. Because we are not doing anything special at it, we have to do extra rehearsals," he quickly corrected.

 

Tongue-in-cheek allusions to the rumoured cameo from Whispering Jack set the tone for a press-call that was less about the band's latest album and tour than a display of English self-deprecatory humour. "Where we come from we are always put down. Australia has a similar culture like that," Martin said.

 

With their final sold-out concert in Sydney on Saturday night, Coldplay will be the first band on stage at Sound Relief on Saturday, at midday, in what is usually considered the warm-up slot. Were they afraid of playing to an empty stadium? "We are used to that," Martin joked. "The first time we played a festival was in Reading in 1998 … they hadn't even opened the gates when they made us go on," Champion added.

 

Acts confirmed to join Coldplay at the SCG event, to aid victims of the Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods, include the Australian bands Jet, Wolfmother, Icehouse and the Presets, while Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees will play the closing slot.

 

Midnight Oil and Hunters and Collectors will reunite at the MCG, which will also feature a performance by Kylie Minogue.

 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/coldplay-coy-at-hint-of-a-dream-ticket/2009/03/11/1236447302830.html

Thanks Ian :D

"The first time we played a festival was in Reading in 1998 … they hadn't even opened the gates when they made us go on," Champion added.

 

 

Aww that's so sad. they were probably performing to no one if the gates hadn't even been opened yet. :(

Nice article, thanx Ian! :D

Thanks for the article!

 

 

Thaat picture is wonderful :wacky:

Thanks for the artricle and the very cute pic

Very cute pic, but Chris looks tired a bit :\

They all look tired :( GO TO BED!!!

 

On the plus, I was hoping for a new Sydney photo :)