Coldplay To Turn Yellow For 'Simpsons' Episode

It's been said that you're nobody in Hollywood until you've done a guest spot on "The Simpsons," and that idea may apply to musical acts as well. After all, the list of artists who have appeared on the show in some form reads like a hall of fame: Michael Jackson, U2, Metallica, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all loaned their pipes to the long-running animated show, writes MTV today.

And Coldplay are the latest group to have their skin turned yellow for the sake of cartoon comedy. According to "Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean (and confirmed by a Coldplay spokesperson), Chris Martin and the gang will lend their voices and likenesses to an episode in the show's upcoming 21st season. Jean says the episode in question will see Homer use a million-dollar windfall from lottery winnings to pay the band to play a private concert for himself and Bart — "When Bart goes to the bathroom, Coldplay has to stop," Jean told Entertainment Weekly.

The band joins "Funny People" star Seth Rogen, comedian Sarah Silverman and actresses Anne Hathaway and Neve Campbell as special guest stars on the upcoming season, which launches on Fox on Sunday, September 27. An episode later in the season will also feature one of the last recordings of legendary torch singer Eartha Kitt, who passed away last Christmas.

Though it may represent the first time his group has been animated, it's hardly Chris Martin's maiden voyage into comedy: He appeared as a slightly more egotistical version of himself in an episode of Ricky Gervais' "Extras," poked fun at himself on episodes of "Saturday Night Live" and also appears on the titular character's cheesy charity single at the end of "Brüno." The band is currently wrapping up its tour of North America (including a set at this weekend's All Points West festival) before heading back to Europe to complete the world tour in support of their multi-platinum fourth album, Viva La Vida, or Death and All His Friends.

Source: MTV News

Pictures of Coldplay at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI (25th July 2009)