Tim Wheeler Joins Coldplay for Epic ‘Clocks’ Performance at Wembley Stadium

Experience the magic as Tim Wheeler of Ash teams up with Coldplay onstage at Wembley for their iconic hit ‘Clocks.’

A Night to Remember at Wembley Stadium

If you were lucky enough to be at Wembley Stadium on September 4th, you witnessed something truly special. Coldplay, deep into their 10-night residency at London’s legendary stadium, surprised the crowd by inviting Tim Wheeler, frontman of the Northern Irish band Ash, to join them onstage for the unforgettable classic, “Clocks.”

The atmosphere was electric. Imagine standing in a sea of 90,000 fans, lasers cutting through the sky, and the legendary Flying V guitar in hand—Tim Wheeler later described the experience on Facebook as “still floating on air from it all.”

Tim Wheeler and Chris Martin lighting up Wembley Stadium with an unforgettable ‘Clocks’ performance.

Wheeler reminisced about reuniting with Chris Martin after nearly a decade, noting, “There was a time we were like brothers and the feeling is still there all these years later.” Their chemistry onstage was a reminder of their deep-rooted friendship and musical connection.

Watch the Performance

For those who missed this historic moment, luckily there’s footage capturing the magic. Here’s Tim Wheeler joining Coldplay for ‘Clocks’ live at Wembley:
Watch on YouTube

And here’s another stunning angle of the performance:
Watch on YouTube

A Friendship Forged in Music

The bond between Wheeler and Coldplay goes way back, tracing to the early 2000s. Wheeler contributed guitar parts to “1.36,” a B-side to Coldplay’s iconic “The Scientist” single in 2002. That collaboration laid the groundwork for a lasting musical friendship.

Back then, Ash even shot a DIY slasher movie featuring Chris Martin, Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland, and Ash’s own Charlotte Hatherley. This quirky footage was eventually repurposed as the video for Ash’s 2010 single, “Binary”—a fun throwback to a creatively rich period for all involved.

Special Guests and Wembley Residency Highlights

Tim Wheeler wasn’t the only surprise guest during Coldplay’s Wembley run. Earlier, on August 26, Simon Pegg, known for his role in Shaun of the Dead, hopped onstage for a lively rendition of “Sky Full Of Stars,” rocking a tambourine and proving that Coldplay shows are a magnet for unexpected collaborations.

However, the final two nights of their residency had to shift due to planned industrial action on the London Underground. The September 7 show was moved forward a day, and the September 8 date was rescheduled to September 12, ensuring fans still got their fill of Coldplay’s spectacular live energy.

Supporting Grassroots Music Venues

Amidst all the big concerts and star-studded moments, Coldplay continues to champion the roots of music culture. For their UK tour dates this year, £1 from every ticket sold is donated to support grassroots music venues.

Chris Martin explained why this cause hits close to home:

“Organisations like Music Venue Trust are even more important in this country since Brexit, because it’s so much harder for new artists to play in Europe. I just know that I would always want people younger than us to have even more opportunity than we had, and certainly not less.”

It’s a heartfelt reminder that even stadium-filling superstars remember where they came from—and want to make sure the next generation has a chance to shine.

Ash’s Exciting New Chapter

Speaking of next generations, Tim Wheeler and Ash are gearing up for their ninth studio album, Ad Astra, slated for release on October 3 via Fierce Panda Records. Fans can pre-order the album now to get ready for fresh tracks from the iconic band.

Just recently, Ash dropped a double A-side single featuring “Which One Do You Want” and “Fun People,” the latter showcasing Blur’s Graham Coxon on vocals and guitar. It’s a testament to Ash’s enduring relevance and willingness to collaborate with fellow rock legends.

Ash’s upcoming album ‘Ad Astra’ promises new sounds and collaborations.

Looking ahead, Ash will hit the road for two nights at London’s Scala on September 9 and 10, followed by a cozy set of intimate UK in-store gigs in October. Afterward, they head to Japan before embarking on a full headline tour across the UK and Ireland in November and December. If you’re an Ash fan, these dates are not to be missed.

Final Thoughts

The night Tim Wheeler joined Coldplay onstage was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of friendship, shared history, and the timeless power of great music. Whether you’re a Coldplay aficionado or an Ash loyalist, moments like these remind us why live concerts remain a cherished experience.

FAQ

• How did Tim Wheeler and Coldplay first connect?
  They built a friendship in the early 2000s, collaborating on songs like Coldplay’s “1.36” and sharing creative projects, including a DIY slasher movie featuring band members.
• What song did Tim Wheeler play with Coldplay at Wembley?
  He joined them for “Clocks,” one of Coldplay’s most iconic tracks originally released in 2003.
• Were there any other special guests during Coldplay's Wembley residency?
  Yes, Simon Pegg appeared onstage playing tambourine during “Sky Full Of Stars.”
• What is Ash’s upcoming album and when will it release?
  Ash’s ninth album, Ad Astra, will be released on October 3.
• How is Coldplay supporting grassroots music venues?
  They’re donating £1 from every UK ticket sold during their tour to support grassroots venues via organizations like Music Venue Trust.

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