Coldplay singer debuts new song at surprise gig

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin played a surprise solo set in London on Monday night (November 27th), according to Yahoo! Music. The singer's four-song performance included a brand new tune called "Bucket For A Crown" as well as covers of the Killers' "When You Were Young" and Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain." Martin, who was accompanied only by a violinist, appeared on a bill with several other artists for the U.K. learning disability charity Mencap.

Martin said he wrote "Bucket For A Crown" just 24 hours before playing it at the event.

The vocalist dedicated "Buckets Of Rain" to British singer Lily Allen, who also performed, saying, "This is for Lily Allen. She's gorgeous, she's sweet. And if I wasn't married..."

Coldplay has been on an extended break since completing its touring efforts behind 2005's X&Y earlier this year.

The band recently donated autographed pairs of shoes to be auctioned off for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) charity, which helps remove unexploded bombs from conflict zones. According to ClickMusic.com, David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Keane and other artists also donated footwear.