Coldplay frontman Chris Martin plays impromptu gig at homeless shelter in Manhattan

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin played an impromptu gig at a homeless shelter in New York.

The 39-year-old rocker surprised the homeless people at The Bowery Mission in Manhattan by jamming with them, reported a celebrity website.

James Macklin, the mission’s director of outreach, said Martin’s appearance, which included performances of songs like The Beatles’ “Yesterday”, Prince’s “Purple Rain” and David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?”, helped lift the spirits of the homeless men and women at the shelter.

“Chris Martin proved once again the power of one person to make a difference through The Bowery Mission. As the temperatures drop and we serve thousands of lonely people during the holidays, Chris has lifted our spirits today,” Macklin said.

Martin played solo for part of the show but was later joined by two singers, both of whom had previously turned to the mission.