Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, made a surprise appearance alongside A-side, an 8th-grade band, at a fundraising event in Santa Monica, California, on April 24, 2016. The event, organized in support of Chords2Cure, a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research through music, was initiated by students at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences. The inspiration behind this noble cause stemmed from the diagnosis of liver cancer in one of their fellow students, Jaxon Blumenthal.
During the event, Martin and the young band delivered an unforgettable performance, starting with Coldplay classics “Fix You” and “Twisted Logic.” Martin expressed his admiration for A-side’s rendition of “Twisted Logic,” noting that Coldplay had never performed it live due to its challenging transition from studio recording to stage performance. The collaboration marked the live debut of the song, a decade after its release.
Although the performance initially included a touching tribute to Prince with a cover of “Raspberry Beret,” this segment was removed from online platforms due to copyright issues following the artist’s passing on April 21, 2016. This incident sheds light on the difficulties artists face in honoring Prince’s legacy, as highlighted in a Billboard article discussing similar tributes by renowned musicians.
The collaboration not only demonstrated Martin’s support for a charitable cause but also showcased the exceptional talent of the A-side band members. Their proficient execution of Coldplay’s repertoire and the tribute to Prince garnered praise from both viewers and fellow musicians, underscoring the potential for future success among these young artists.