Coldplay rocks Little Noise

Friday 25 November 2011

Mencap’s Little Noise continues with a session from Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland

Half of award-winning band Coldplay continued the impressive Little Noise Sessions line-up last night.

Chris Martin promised a performance that was “more enthusiastic than professional” and delivered exactly that, in what was a thoroughly enjoyable jam session with the band’s guitarist Jonny Buckland.

The pair opened proceedings with the Coldplay classic ‘Yellow’, followed by a host of other hits, including ‘Clocks’, ‘Viva la Vida’ and ‘The Scientist’. Their impromptu encore saw Chris Martin move away from the piano and pick up an acoustic guitar, for a powerful rendition of 'Shiver', before rounding off the set with the rousing ‘Fix you’.

Excellent support was provided by the soulful Emeli Sandé, along with Ben Howard, Michael Kiwanuka and Bebe Black.

The series of gigs in aid of Mencap were kicked off on Tuesday night (22 November) by Manchester band Elbow (pictured right). The gig was the last of this year for the Mercury Prize-winning band.

Elbow performed a selection of hits, including ‘Grounds for Divorce’, ‘Forget Myself’ and ‘One Day Like This’. The band was supported by singer songwriter Maverick Sabre and fellow Mancunian Ren Harvieu.

Little Noise Sessions are now in their sixth year and are curated by DJ and Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley (pictured top). This year’s performances take place in the beautiful surroundings of the St John at Hackney church in London, until Sunday 27 November.

Wednesday night's gig was headlined by Welsh songstress Marina & The Diamonds, who performed hits 'Hollywood' and 'Radioactive'. She was joined by a full backing band, including string section and backing singer.

Headliners for the rest of the Little Noise Sessions are Goldfrapp, Example and Sinead O’Connor.

Visit the Little Noise Sessions website