Coldplay perform at bush fire benefit

COLDPLAY joined musicians from around the world to play simultaneous benefit concerts in aid of the victims of Australia's recent bushfires.

Coldplay and Kings of Leon performed at a gig in Sydney, while Kylie Minogue and Midnight Oil entertained crowds at a show in Melbourne.

The Sound Relief concerts attracted tens of thousands of fans despite being hit by heavy rain and storms.

The Melbourne gig alone attracted a sell-out crowd of 80,000 people to watch acts including Jack Johnson, Gabriella Cilmi and Wolfmother.

Kylie Minogue came on stage after a minute's silence to lead 80,000 people in an emotionally charged rendition of Peter Allen's "I Still Call Australia Home".

Princes William and Harry relayed a message of support on giant screens.

Australia's Environment Minister Peter Garrett, 55, returned to his former group Midnight Oil who headlined the event, and said: "The music industry coming together to put its hands in its pockets and get itself out on the stage...is a very, very special day for us.

"Naturally, I consulted with my colleagues because I've got responsibilities but I think everybody recognises that it was just a really extraordinary situation."

In Sydney, Coldplay performed songs such as "Yellow" and "Viva la Vida".

Lead singer Chris Martin said: "Today's the only day in the world when we can claim to be honorary Australians."

Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Grease star Olivia Newton-John rounded off the concert with a duet.

A total of 210 people died in the recent fires, which wiped out communities in the south of the country and are the worst to be recorded in Australia's history.

Organisers hoped the gigs would raise up to £2.3million.