Continuing the theme of duets and collaborations which earlier saw Paul McCartney and U2 open the concert with ’Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, Ashcroft joined the group for a version of his former group’s hit ’Bitter Sweet Symphony’.
Speaking to the 200,000 strong crowd, Coldplay singer Chris Martin said: “This is the greatest song ever written” before bringing the Verve man on.
Following the show Ashcroft said: “It was Chris' idea - it was poetry. It felt right to be here singing this song on this stage.”
The performance came in the middle of a three song set which also included Coldplay's 'In My Place' and 'Fix You'. During 'In My Place', Martin sang a little of Status Quo's 'Rocking All Over The World', the track that opened Live Aid 20 years ago. He also paid tribute to Bob Geldof declaring him a "hero of our times" for his fight against poverty and his organising of the show.
- Source: NME
