Coldplay dedicated ‘Raspberry Beret’ to Prince at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter on Sunday night (29.05.16).
Before performing the 1985 classic by the late music legend – who passed away at the age of 57 in April – lead singer Chris Martin told a story of how his own parents got "amorous" after watching Prince in Exeter and as a result he was born.
He told the crowd: "What a treat it is to come back home and play to the most beautiful place in the world. We feel like the best band in the world.
"I want to dedicate this song to my mum and dad. They got amorous a stone’s throw away and as a result I was born.
"Exeter City probably won, Strongbow was 2 for 1 and Prince was playing. This song is for Prince."
The British rockers played most of their back catalogue including ‘Yellow’, ‘Paradise’ and ‘Hymn For The Weekend’.
Meanwhile, Chris’ parents were spotted at the side of the stage with the singer’s girlfriend Annabelle Wallis as Coldplay brought Big Weekend to a spectacular close with ‘Up & Up’.
Elsewhere, Ellie Goulding – who recently split up with McFly bassist Dougie Poynter – joked before performing love ballad ‘Love Me Like You Do’ that she would have to "pretend" to feel "loved up" while singing the song.
Before performing the super-hit, she said: "I hope you guys are feeling loved up today, if not then just pretend like me."
The blonde beauty sang her heart out playing a mixture of old and new songs including ‘On My Mind’, ‘Anything Can Happen’ and ‘Outside’ and was amazed by how many fans turned up to see her.
She told the crowd: "There are so many of you can’t quite believe it. That is really epic. Can I see some hands please?"
Earlier in the day One Republic opened the main stage after arriving in style by helicopter.
They played songs including ‘Counting Stars’, ‘Stop and Stare’ and ‘Apologise’ along with their new hit ‘Love Runs Out’.
Main stage performances also included Norwegian DJ Kygo, who mixed it up with remixes of classics including ‘Sexual Healing’ whilst also doing his own tracks.
He brought out pop singer Foxes for the live debut of their new song ‘Oasis’ and Parson James joined the hunky music producer for their hit ‘Stole The Show’.
Speaking ahead of his set Kygo exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Since I’ve had my original music, I’ve been doing my own live shows. Everything from the stage to the setup to the artists who perform with me has changed."
The 1975 drew one of the biggest crowds of Sunday night at Big Weekend. The indie rock group played a set mainly of songs from their latest LP ‘I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It’.
Years and Years brought their carnival-themed set to Exeter.
Frontman Olly Alexander danced his way through all the hits and admitted after the set he was glad of a "dance break" before he sat down and performed ‘Eyes Shut’ on keyboard.
Then he was back on his feet for ‘Desire’ before bringing their set to a close with multi-coloured confetti pouring out over the stage and crowd.
After they performed Olly met with his idol, 1975 frontman Matt Healy, who he is "obsessed" with.
Recalling meeting the hunky rocker, Olly exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I am obsessed with Matt Healy. I met him for the first time today. It was a big moment for me. I was shaking. He just gave me a hug and introduced me to his dog so I met his dog. I’m pretty much in there."
Ahead of Coldplay bringing Big Weekend to a close, The Weeknd broke the no swearing rule using expletives throughout a set which consisted of the hits ‘Often’, ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ and ‘The Hills’.
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Exeter 2016 will be live on Radio 1 on May 29. Watch live online, on BBC iPlayer, with highlights on BBC Four and Radio 1’s YouTube channel.
Coldplay’s Big Weekend tribute to Prince
