Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, surprised everyone when he joined forces with A-side, an 8th-grade band, at a charity event in Santa Monica, California, on April 24, 2016. The event, organized to raise funds for Chords2Cure, a nonprofit supporting pediatric cancer research through music, was initiated by students at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences. The idea stemmed from a fellow student, Jaxon Blumenthal, being diagnosed with liver cancer.
During the event, Martin and the young band delivered an unforgettable performance, starting with Coldplay classics “Fix You” and “Twisted Logic.” Martin was particularly impressed with A-side’s rendition of “Twisted Logic,” mentioning that Coldplay had never performed it live due to its complexity in transitioning from studio recording to stage performance. The collaboration marked the live debut of the song, a decade after its release.
Although the performance originally included a touching tribute to Prince with a cover of “Raspberry Beret,” this part was removed from online platforms due to copyright issues after Prince’s passing on April 21, 2016. This incident sheds light on the challenges artists face in honoring Prince’s legacy, as discussed in a Billboard article addressing similar tributes by renowned musicians.
The collaboration not only showcased Martin’s support for a charitable cause but also highlighted the exceptional talent of the A-side band members. Their proficient execution of Coldplay’s songs and the tribute to Prince earned praise from viewers and fellow musicians, indicating promising futures for these young artists.