Chris Martin Defends Live 8

Chris Martin has jumped to the defence of Live 8 saying that it was good that it happened.

The comments follow the scathing attack Damon Albarn launched the other week condemning it for not having any African artists on the bill.

Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, the Coldplay frontman said: "Live 8 could have been better, but it could have been worse - and it could have not happened at all.

"We could have all just watched whatever we watch on Saturday afternoons - re-runs of Minder - which would have been fun, but it would have been making no effort whatsoever."

He went on to say that Coldplay have now become a finely honed live act following their extensive tour of the States. He said: "We've actually become tremendously good, I think.

“The tour is exciting and it's taken us a long time to get to a point where we really feel totally at home."

Photo by: Shirlaine Forrest