The Choir With No Name: Coldplay's Crisis support act is a treat not to be missed

Coldplay fans heading to the band's only live UK performances of 2010 this weekend – two "hidden gigs" for homeless charity Crisis in Liverpool and Newcastle – would do well to arrive early as the evening's support act is a treat not to be missed.

Formed in London two years ago, The Choir With No Name is comprised of people without a permanent home or who have been recently rehoused. They are also one of the most charismatic vocal groups you could hope to hear. Cue the call-up from Chris Martin.

It was Crisis who saw the potential of matchmaking the choir, many of whom visit its centres, with Coldplay, who are regular volunteers. "We've sung at Crisis carol concerts and when I first set up the choir, I stuck recruitment posters up in the centres," says Marie Benton who is planning a sister choir in Birmingham.

Her posters advertised "a choir with no name yet" but the label stuck and is now emblazoned across the group's debut album, a compilation of covers ranging from Radiohead's "Street Spirit" to Primal Scream's "Movin' on Up".

www.choirwithnoname.org