When Chris Martin invited this British rock icon onstage during Coldplay’s set at Live 8, he said he’s the best singer in the world and that he wrote the greatest song ever. A barefoot Richard Ashcroft then sauntered onstage and fronted Coldplay as they performed The Verve’s timeless hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” The surprise collab went down in rock history, and fans had to agree that Martin’s big calls were 100% on the money.
Ashcroft effortlessly worked the crowd as Martin provided piano and backing vocals and Coldplay played that instantly-recognisable riff. If Chris Martin is willing to be your backing vocalist at Live 8, then you know you’re a real rock legend. Ashcroft didn’t disappoint, as he provided flawless live vocals and kept the crowd hyped throughout. The Music Man readers will def want to tune in from 2:50 onward as Martin and Ashcroft perform a delicious extended dual vocal section.
Live 8 uploaded a high-definition version of the 2005 performance to YouTube in 2018, and the 55 million view video has become one of the most popular performances from the charity concert. Fans were loving the collab and added comments such as “This is one of my favorite concert performances ever. Richard was in his element and Coldplay was a great addition as the backing band. It’s the definition of perfect” and “He’s correct when he said it was the best song ever written. Still a classic! Amazing performance.”
Coldplay’s set was full of bangers at Live 8. Their live cut of “In My Place” also proved to be popular and drew 13 million views on YouTube. “In My Place” is all old school Coldplay brilliance, with hypnotic groove from the band and vocal perfection from Martin. The way the whole crowd sings along with the frontman in the main hook is a magical moment.
The Verve released “Bitter Sweet Symphony” on June 16, 1997, as the lead single from their third album Urban Hymns. Chris Martin is not the only one who thinks “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is one of the greatest songs ever, as it’s developed a reputation as a defining anthem of Britpop. Rolling Stone accordingly featured it on two of its lists of the ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’. The Music Man readers might be interested to hear that “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is built around a sample from a 1965 recording of “The Last Time” by the Rolling Stones, which featured the Andrew Oldham Orchestra.