Coldplay to join MCG memorial for Shane Warne

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has indicated he wants to be involved in Shane Warne’s memorial at the MCG, which will be in front of a bumper crowd.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has indicated he wants to be involved in Shane Warne’s memorial at the MCG, which will be held in front of a bumper crowd.

Final details were still being discussed with Warne’s family, but Martin, a close friend of Warne’s for more than two decades, has told organisers he wanted in.

The memorial will start at 7pm on Wednesday, March 30 to allow families to attend.

A public ballot will be thrown open to allow fans to get free tickets to the memorial, which will be an uplifting celebration of the cricketer’s life.

Those wanting to attend should visit www.vic.gov.au/shane-warne – with a release date for tickets to be announced within days.

It’s expected up to 50,000 public tickets will be available, subject to demand, with most expected to be seated in the Great Southern Stand, which will be renamed the S.K. Warne Stand in his honour.

Chris Martin and Shane Warne were friends for more than two decades. Picture: Getty Images

Mourners have been asked to make a donation to The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health instead of sending flowers.

Organisers held a meeting on Friday, with formal announcements to come after consultation with Warne’s family.

Martin’s role has yet to be agreed, with discussions surrounding whether he would be part of a live video link or send a message as Coldplay will be touring in Mexico.

Warne’s parents Keith and Brigitte gave their blessing for the state memorial, while Simone Callahan, the mother of Warne’s children, Brooke, 24, Jackson, 23, and Summer, 20, and his brother Jason, were all expected to attend.

Warne’s former fiancee, movie star Liz Hurley, has been invited and was looking at her diary to rearrange events to see if it was possible for her to come.

Ed Sheeran, a friend of Warne’s who played at Michael Gudinski’s memorial, has a gig in London that clashes with the memorial.

Elton John, who labelled Warne a “magical bowler” in a tribute after his death, has a show in St Louis, Missouri, in the United States so will not make it to Australia.

Dave Warner and Shane Warne. Picture: Toby Zerna

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Andy Lee, who ran the drinks at the Melbourne Stars, the Big Bash League team that Warne played for, was among those likely to attend.

Australian Test cricketers David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were being rested from the one-day matches against Pakistan allowing them a chance to represent their teammates at the MCG.

Warner’s wife Candice will be there.

The 7pm start was designed for families to attend. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also confirmed he will attend the memorial, flying down from Canberra following the federal budget the day before.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews authorised a statement announcing new details of how to get tickets for the MCG memorial.

“Nobody who saw Shane Warne play will ever forget him. Affectionately known as

‘Warnie’ and ‘The King’, he had a talent like no other and the charisma to match.

His humour, flair and larrikinism will be sorely missed,” the statement said.

“After his retirement as a player, Mr Warne continued to be a voice for cricket,

sharing his deep knowledge as a commentator of the game. He is survived by his

three children, Brooke, Jackson and Summer, his parents Keith and Brigitte and his

brother Jason.

“The State Memorial Service will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG),

Richmond, and will be an opportunity for Victorians and all Australians to pay tribute

to Mr Warne’s contribution to his sport, to our state and the country.”

Sam Newman, an AFL legend and also a friend of Warne’s said he hoped to see a packed crowd at the MCG “in front of the Shane Warne stand”.

“That would be a fitting tribute,” he said.

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