Martin walks out of BBC interview

Coldplay singer Chris Martin has walked out of a BBC interview while promoting the band's new album.

Nine minutes into the pre-recorded interview for Radio 4 arts show Front Row, the 31-year-old asked to leave the studio as he was not enjoying himself.

The band's drummer, Will Champion, was left to answer questions from presenter John Wilson until Martin returned for one final question.

Coldplay's new album, Viva La Vida, was released on Thursday.

'Journalistically twisting'

Martin appeared uncomfortable with the interview from the outset.

When asked about a speech he made at a music awards ceremony in 2005 where he said the band would be away "for a very long time", Martin said: "I always say stupid things and I think Radio 4 is the place that will most remind me of that."

The band had French Revolution-style uniforms made to promote the album

Presenter Wilson questioned whether the new album - full title, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends - was a morbid reflection of the band's lyrical obsession with death.

"I wouldn't agree with you there at all, no," said Martin.

"I'd say you're journalistically twisting me into saying something I don't really mean."

A few minutes later, Martin said he was "not really enjoying this" and that he did not really like "having to talk about things".

Champion answered the remaining questions before the frontman returned to answer a final question, about finding new musical territory, with the response: "Um....yes...yes, yes....exactly..."

Sales figures released by the Official UK Charts Company confirm Viva La Vida sold 125,000 copies in its first day on sale.

It looks certain to be number one in this Sunday's album chart despite only being released towards the end of the week.