David Bowie rejected a Coldplay collaboration, saying "it's not a very good song, is it?"

Since David Bowie’s passing there have been a countless tales of his kindness, generosity and humour. It seems that regardless of the pop-culture changing music and iconic image, what people remembered most fondly was the humble Brixton boy behind it all.

But today we have a story that shows Bowie’s, rather wonderful, ruthless side.

Will Champion, the drummer of Coldplay, told NME that the band had once approached the music legend about recording vocals for one of their songs.

Bowie responded: “It’s not a very good song, is it?” (Or as the singer, Chris Martin, once told the story: “He called me and said, ‘It’s not one of your best.’”)

It seems the band don’t hold a grudge with Champion saying: “He was very discerning – he wouldn’t just put his name to anything. I’ll give him credit for that!”

Indeed, Champion went on to praise the man and said that Bowie was “one of the points of reference for absolutely everything”.

Now we can add telling Coldplay they’re rubbish to long list of things we need to thank David Bowie for.