Coldplay Snub For British PM

11 August 2005

Coldplay singer Chris Martin has turned down an invitation to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The singer said he feared being photographed with the PM would hurt his reputation.

"I'm not going to go. I really like Tony Blair. He's interested in the same things as I am - he plays the guitar and he always gives the impression of doing what he can to help. But I don't particularly want to be photographed with him at the moment."

It's not the first time the British PM has tried to enlist rock stars to help sway young voters. Back in 1997 Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher was criticised for partying with Blair at 10 Downing Street, while Damon Albarn from Oasis rivals Blur won instant cred by turning down a similar invitation, calling Blair "a communist".