David Bowie shot down the opportunity to perform with Coldplay, according to the band's fronter Chris Martin.

Speaking in a testimonial that aired on the BBC Music Awards, Martin said Bowie chided him for writing a bad song.

"One time I sent him a song to ask him to sing on it. He called me and said, 'It's not one of your best,'" recalled Martin.

"He's got very high standards, and I appreciate that. It inspires the rest of us to keep our standards high."

Martin also praised Bowie's latest album, The Next Day.

"When 'Where Are We Now?' came out I was staggered, and also annoyed. Like, 'Come on, it's not fair.'

He's already got all these amazing songs and then this instant classic."