Watch Coldplay cover James' 'Sit Down' at Manchester Etihad Stadium

See the full setlist

Coldplay's Chris Martin in Manchester
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 1st Jun 2023

Coldplay’s Chris Martin paid tribute to Manchester’s rich musical heritage by performing a cover of James’ ‘Sit Down’ at the Etihad Stadium last night (31st May).

As part of their multi-year Music of the Spheres World Tour, Coldplay kicked off their four-night residency at Manchester Etihad Stadium in typically triumphant style.

After performing classic ‘Parachutes’ song ‘Sparks’, Chris Martin hailed Manchester as the “home of music” and described James’ enduring anthem ‘Sit Down’ as one of his favourite songs since he heard it way back in 1990 and swiftly "bought the t-shirt."

Before launching into the cover, Martin told the capacity audience: “This is one of the best songs of all time. We’re going to sing a little bit together, ok?”

Coldplay cover James' 'Sit Down' in Manchester:

Coldplay previously covered a short segment of ‘Sit Down’ at the One Love Manchester concert at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in June 2017 which segued into their lighters-in-the-air anthem ‘Fix You.’

Coldplay’s career-spanning 23-song set in Manchester last night also featured a cover of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ in homage to the late-great Tina Turner.

The band were joined by Chvches singer Lauren Mayberry for the performance. The Scottish synth popsters were special guests to Coldplay earlier in the night.

See photos of Coldplay's kaleidoscopic gig at Manchester Etihad Stadium:

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay play Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Chvrches at Manchester Etihad Stadium

Coldplay's opening Manchester Etihad Stadium show on Wednesday 31st May 2023.

Coldplay continue their Manchester Etihad Stadium residency tonight (1st June) before concluding on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June. They then play two further UK concerts at Cardiff Principality Stadium on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June.

Coldplay’s setlist at Manchester Etihad Stadium:

Higher Power

Adventure of a Lifetime

Paradise

The Scientist

Viva la Vida

Something Just Like This (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay cover)

Green Eyes

What's Love Got to Do With It (Graham Lyle cover) (with Lauren Mayberry)

In My Place

Yellow

Human Heart

People of the Pride

Clocks

Infinity Sign

Hymn for the Weekend

Aeterna

My Universe

A Sky Full of Stars

Sunrise

Sparks

Sit Down (James cover)

Humankind

Fix You

Biutyful

Watch James perform 'Tomorrow' and 'Say Something' for Absolute Radio

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