Snow Patrol, Paul McCartney, and Cheryl Cole backstage at the Royal Albert Hall for the Children in Need Rocks in London,... – @marymccartneyphotos on Tumblr

In 2009, an unforgettable musical moment took place during the BBC’s Children In Need telethon, as Snow Patrol teamed up with Cheryl Cole to perform a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Set The Fire to the Third Bar. This performance became an instant classic, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and flawless chemistry between the band and the pop star.

A Perfect Match of Voices and Talent

Set The Fire to the Third Bar, originally recorded by Snow Patrol with Martha Wainwright, is a song that resonates with themes of longing, love, and separation. It’s a song about heartache, but also about the hope that comes with love, no matter the distance. The pairing of Snow Patrol’s intense, emotive sound with Cheryl Cole’s powerful voice brought a new layer to this already beloved track.

Cheryl Cole, known for her powerhouse vocals and pop sensibilities, seamlessly blended with the melancholy tones of Snow Patrol’s lead vocalist, Gary Lightbody. Cheryl’s delicate yet emotive voice brought a new dimension to the performance, adding a softness and vulnerability that resonated deeply with listeners. Together, they crafted a rendition of Set The Fire to the Third Bar that was both haunting and beautiful, drawing the audience in with every note.

What made this performance even more special was the context in which it took place: Children In Need, a night dedicated to raising funds for disadvantaged children across the UK. The energy and emotion of the performance were amplified by the knowledge that every donation made during the telethon would help children in need. The combination of Snow Patrol’s soul-stirring melodies, Cheryl Cole’s heartfelt delivery, and the charitable cause made this a standout moment in the Children In Need broadcast.

The song’s somber, reflective mood was a perfect fit for the emotional atmosphere of the evening. As the performance unfolded, viewers were reminded of the power of music to inspire change and evoke empathy, making this collaboration a perfect tribute to the spirit of Children In Need.