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[[Image:Coldplay2005A.jpg|right|300px||thumb|From left: [[Guy Berryman]], [[Jon Buckland]], [[Chris Martin]], and [[Will Champion]]]]'''Coldplay''' is a [[Britpop|post-Britpop]]/[[alternative rock]] band from [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] well known for their rock melodies and introspective lyrics.
The '''Baltimore & Susquehanna Railroad Company''' was an early 19th century [[railroad]] that ran from [[Baltimore, Maryland]] to the [[Susquehanna River]] in south-central [[Pennsylvania]]. The B&S was chartered by an act of the legislature of Maryland in [[1827]], with authority to construct a railroad from Baltimore to the Susquehanna River. Tracks ran northward from the city through Maryland farmland into [[York County, Pennsylvania]]. The spur from [[York, Pennsylvania]] to the terminus at [[Wrightsville, Pennsylvania|Wrightsville]] on the river was finally completed in [[1840]]. The railroad provided an alternative method of shipping cargo from central Pennsylvania to the Maryland seaports versus the Tide Water and Susquehanna Canal. However, the cost of expansion and inconsistent tariff policies plagued the B&S and limited further growth.


The band consists of:
In December of [[1854]], the stockholders of the financially troubled railroad agreed to consolidate it with the York & Maryland Line Railroad, the York & Cumberland Railroad Company and the Susquehanna Railroad Company into the new Northern Central Railway Company. Later, the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] acquired a controlling interest in the Northern Central's stock in an effort to better compete with the rival [[Baltimore & Ohio Railroad]].
*[[Chris Martin]]: lead vocals, lead [[piano]]/[[musical keyboard|keyboard]], [[guitar]]
*[[Jon Buckland]]: lead guitar, [[harmonica]], backing vocals
*[[Guy Berryman]]: [[Bass guitar|bass guitar]], [[synthesizer]], harmonica, backing vocals
*[[Will Champion]]: [[drum kit|drums]]/[[percussion]], piano, backing vocals.


Coldplay's early material was reminiscent of artists such as [[Radiohead]], [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[Jeff Buckley]], and [[Travis]]. Other influences include [[U2 (band)|U2]], [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M]], [[Pink Floyd]], [[a-ha]], [[John Lennon]], [[The Smiths]], [[Sparklehorse]], [[The Stone Roses]], [[Tom Waits]], [[The Flaming Lips]], [[Neil Young]], [[Echo and the Bunnymen]] and, more recently, [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Kraftwerk]]. Before his death, Cash was actually scheduled to record a track penned by the band.
Eventually, much the original B&S route was preserved by local steam lines, and today, the York County Heritage RailTrail (a bicycle path) follows the railroad tracks from York to Maryland.


Since the release of ''[[A Rush Of Blood To The Head]]'', Coldplay has also been actively supporting various social and political causes. They have been advocates for [[Oxfam|Oxfam's]] [[Fair trade|Make Trade Fair]] campaign and [[Amnesty International]]. The group has also performed at various charity projects such as [[Band Aid 20]], [[Live 8]], and the [http://www.indielondon.co.uk/music/mu_coldplay_TCT03_rev.html Teenage Cancer Trust]. Martin was outspoken against [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Iraq war in 2003]], and endorsed [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] presidential candidate [[John Kerry]] in [[2004]]. Bassist Guy Berryman says, "You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it".[http://www.amnestyusa.org/musicforhumanrights/artists/artist_coldplay.html]
==Reference==


Despite Coldplay's surge in popularity, the band has remained very protective of how their music is used in the media. The band allows their music to be used in film, television, and promotional spots such as the [[movie trailer]] to ''[[Peter Pan (2003 movie)|Peter Pan]]''. However, Coldplay has been adamantly against their use in actual product endorsement. The band turned down multi-million dollar contracts from [[Gatorade]], [[Diet Coke]] and [[The Gap]], who wanted to use the songs "[[Yellow (single)|Yellow]]", "[[Trouble (single)|Trouble]]", and "[[Don't Panic (single)|Don't Panic]]" respectively. According to Martin, "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."
* Gunnarsson, Robert L., ''The Story of the Northern Central Railway,'' Sykesville, MD: Greenberger Publishing Company, 1991


==External links==
== History ==
=== Pre-Parachutes (September 1996-October 1999) ===
[[Image:ColdplayFlyer.gif|left|200px|right|thumb|Flyer for an early 1998 gig]]The members of the band met in the residence halls of [[University College London]] in September [[1996]]. Martin and Buckland were the first members of the band, having met one another during [[fresher|freshers' week]]. They spent the rest of the year planning a band; at one point Martin had considered forming a [[*NSYNC]] inspired [[boy band]] called Pectoralz. Eventually, Berryman joined the ranks, without consideration of what musical direction the band was taking. On [[January 8]] [[1998]], the band's line-up was complete when Champion joined the band to take up percussion duties. The multi-talented Champion had grown up playing piano, guitar, bass, and [[tin whistle]]; he quickly learned the drums, despite having no previous experience with that instrument. At the time, the band performed under the name Starfish. Eventually, they took the name Coldplay from a mutual friend, Tim who had his own band. According to Martin, "He (Tim) decided he didn't like the name anymore because it was too depressing."


[[Image:ColdplayEarly.jpg|right|200px|right|thumb|From left: Guy, Jon, Chris, Will]]In [[1998]], Coldplay was performing small club gigs for local [[Camden]] promoters. Wanting more creative freedom, Martin recruited fellow student and childhood friend [[Phil Harvey]] to act as band manager. Harvey helped the band raise money needed to record a demo. Harvey managed the band up until and including the release of their debut album ''Parachutes''. He was later replaced by American based manager [[Dave Holmes (manager)|Dave Holmes]] who continues to manage the band to this day. On [[May 18]] [[1998]] the band released 500 copies of ''[[Safety EP]]''. Most of the discs were given to record companies and friends; only 50 copies remained for sale to the public. In [[December]], Coldplay was signed by indie label [[Fierce Panda Records|Fierce Panda]], after founder Simon Williams had attended the band's gig that evening. The result was the three track EP [[Brothers and Sisters EP|Brothers And Sisters]] which was quickly recorded over four days in [[February]] [[1999]]. The disc was released in [[April]], only 2,500 copies were pressed in a very limited release. Buzz was slowly growing across the UK, helped by regular airplay from [[BBC Radio 1]] [[DJ]] [[Steve Lamacq]].
* [http://www.chesco.com/~apu/prr/baltimore.html Brief history of the railroad]

* [http://wilmingtonnrhs.com/ncra/history.html History of the NCR]
After completing their final examinations, Coldplay was signed to [[Parlophone]] for a five album contract in Spring [[1999]]. After making their first appearance at [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]], the band went into studio to record a third EP titled ''[[The Blue Room EP|The Blue Room]]''. The disc was released in [[October]] and 5,000 copies were made available to the public. The recording sessions for ''The Blue Room'' were tumultuous. Champion walked out for a week causing Martin, a self-proclaimed non-drinker and non-smoker to go on a drinking binge. Eventually, the band worked out their differences and placed a new set of rules to keep the group intact. First, the band declared an all-for-one approach; Coldplay was a democracy and profits were to be shared equally, taking a page from bands like U2 and R.E.M. Second, the band would fire anyone who used [[cocaine|coke]]. In later years, Martin joked about the band's clean-cut image by saying "This (playing music) is better than doing coke off a hooker's back! Which we don't do!"[http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,937490,00.html]

=== ''[[Parachutes]]'' (November 1999-September 2001) ===
In [[November]] [[1999]], Coldplay focused their efforts on their debut album. The band spent the New Year by completing album tracks "Yellow" and "Everything's Not Lost". They also played on the [[NME]] Carling Premier Tour, which showcased up-and-coming acts. After releasing three EPs without a hit song, Coldplay scored their first Top 40 single, "Shiver". Released in [[March]] [[2000]], the single placed at a modest #35 and earned the band their first airplay on [[MTV]].

[[Image:ColdplayBrits.jpg|left|250px|left|thumb|Coldplay at 2001 [[Brit Awards]]]][[June]] was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history. The band embarked on their first headlining tour, which included a triumphant return to Glastonbury. More notably, the band released the breakthrough single "Yellow". The song shot to #4 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and placed the band in public consciousness.

Coldplay released their first full-length album, ''[[Parachutes]]'' in [[July]] 2000. Along with critical acclaim, ''Parachutes'' was sometimes criticised for bearing a strong resemblance to the music of [[Radiohead]] in their ''[[The Bends]]'' - ''[[OK Computer]]'' era. "[[Yellow (single)|Yellow]]" and "[[Trouble (single)|Trouble]]" earned regular airplay on [[radio]] on both sides of the Atlantic. Parlophone originally predicted sales of 40,000 units of ''Parachutes''; by [[Christmas]] 1.6 million copies had been sold in the United Kingdom alone. ''Parachutes'' was nominated for the [[Mercury Music Prize]] in September 2000.

Having found success in Europe, the band set their sights on North America. ''Parachutes'' was released in [[November]] [[2000]]. The band embarked on a US club tour in early [[2001]] coupled with appearances on [[Saturday Night Live]], [[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]] and [[The Late Show with David Letterman]]. ''Parachutes'' was a modest success, and was certified with [[Gold album|Gold]] status in the United States. The album was also critically well received, and ''Parachutes'' earned [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album|Best Alternative Music Album]] honours at the [[Grammy Awards of 2002|2002 Grammy Awards]].

=== ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head|A Rush Of Blood To The Head]]'' (October 2001-Mid 2004) ===
Coldplay returned to the studios in [[October 2001]] to begin work on their second album. The sessions were sometimes difficult. There were numerous rumours that the band was on the verge of a break-up or that the album would be their final release.[[Image:ColdplayAROBTTH.jpg|right|250px|left|thumb|Clockwise from left: Will, Guy, Jon, Chris]]With much anticipation, Coldplay released their sophomore album, ''[[A Rush Of Blood To The Head]]'' in August 2002. The album was generally considered to be a more sophisticated effort than ''Parachutes''. For example, the charged opening track "Politik" was written days after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11 terrorist attacks]]. ''A Rush Of Blood To The Head'' became a best-seller and earned the band more critical accolades. The album spawned many popular singles, notably "In My Place", "The Scientist", and "Clocks". ''A Rush Of Blood To The Head'' was perhaps most reminiscent of classic era [[Echo and the Bunnymen]]. This is not surprising since Bunnymen singer [[Ian McCulloch]] was invited to recording sessions as an unofficial studio consultant. On one occasion, Martin was actually wearing McCulloch's jacket when recording "In My Place". Chris Martin and Jon Buckland returned the favour by guesting on McCulloch's solo album ''Slideling''. Coldplay also performed live renditions of the Bunnymen hit "Lips Like Sugar" on a regular basis.

Coldplay toured for over a year from [[June 2002]] to [[September 2003]], visiting 5 continents including co-headlining festival dates at [[Glastonbury Festival]], [[V Festival|V2003]], and [[Rock Werchter]]. The tour showed the band's progression into a bona fide stadium act. Many shows included elaborate lighting and individualized screens reminiscent of the [[All That You Can't Leave Behind#Elevation Tour|U2 Elevation Tour]]. Coldplay also built a reputation of performing eclectic covers, including [[Aqua (band)|Aqua's]] "[[Barbie Girl]]", [[Rammstein|Rammstein's]] "[[Du Hast]]", and [[Nelly|Nelly's]] "[[Hot in Herre]]", along with more heartfelt renditions of [[a-ha|a-ha's]] "[[The Living Daylights#Soundtrack|The Living Daylights]]" and [[Louis Armstrong|Louis Armstrong's]] "[[What a Wonderful World]]". During the extended tour, Coldplay also recorded a live DVD and CD, ''[[Live 2003]]'', at [[Sydney|Sydney's]] Horden Pavilion. A new song, "Moses", could be found on this compilation.

In [[December 2003]], Coldplay covered [[The Pretenders]] hit "2000 Miles", which was made available for download on their official site. It was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales were donated to Future Forests and Stop Handgun Violence campaigns. ''A Rush Of Blood To The Head'' won two trophies at the [[Grammy Awards of 2003|2003 Grammy Awards]]. At the [[Grammy Awards of 2004|2004 Grammy Awards]], Coldplay earned [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] honours for "[[Clocks (single)|Clocks]]".

=== ''[[X&Y]]'' (Mid 2004-present) ===
[[Image:Coldplay2005.jpg|right|250px|right|thumb|Coldplay, ''Inside Entertainment'' (April 2005)]] [[2004]] was a quiet year for Coldplay, as they spent most of the year out of spotlight resting from touring and recording their third album. In [[May]], Coldplay teased fans with a new song and music video on their official site to celebrate the birth of Martin's daughter, Apple. Famed producer [[George Martin|Sir George Martin]] introduced the promo as Coldplay and their producer [[Ken Nelson]] performed as The Nappies, a satirised [[rap music|rap]]/[[glam rock]] outfit. Martin joked that this music had been inspired by [[Jay-Z]].[http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=19007].

Coldplay's third album, ''[[X&Y]]'' was released on the [[6th June]] [[2005]] in the [[UK]]. The lead single "[[Speed of Sound (single)|Speed of Sound]]", made its radio and online music store debut on the [[18th April]] and was released as a [[CD]] on the [[23rd May]] [[2005]]. The album debuted at #1 in 28 countries worldwide. To promote the new release, Coldplay performed at a series of intimate secret gigs in Europe and in North America from [[March]] to [[May]] 2005, which resulted in sold-out shows in locations such as [[San Francisco]], [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], [[Toronto]], [[Boston]] and [[New York City]]. Coldplay is currently performing on a European tour through June and July; the band will be playing at 40 North American shows from August to late September during the ''Twisted Logic Tour''. Summer 2005 also sees them headlining the [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]], [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]], and [[Fuji Rock Festival|Fuji Rock]] festivals, as well as appearing at [[Live 8]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], [[London]].

''X&Y'' was originally set to be released in late [[2004]]. In the middle of that year, Coldplay had penned over 40 new songs for their third album. Several of these songs such as "Ladder To The Sun", "World Turned Upside Down", and "Poor Me" had been performed live on the ''A Rush Of Blood To The Head Tour''. However, they were scrapped and the band regrouped to write and record new tracks. ''X&Y'' was recorded over 18 months in 8 studios in [[New York City]], [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Liverpool]], and [[London]].

== Discography ==
''Note: Unless otherwise stated, all releases are on the [[Parlophone]] label in the UK and [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in the US.''

=== Studio albums ===
<!--- Please refer to discussion before making any changes --->
[[Image:Coldplayparachutesalbumcover.jpg|100px]]
1. ''[[Parachutes]]'' ([[July 10]], [[2000]]); #1 UK; #51 US

[[Image:Coldplayarushofbloodtotheheadalbumcover.jpg|100px]]
2. ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' ([[August 26]], [[2002]]); #1 UK; #5 US

[[Image:XYCoverBig.jpg|100px]]
3. ''[[X&Y]]'' ([[June 6]], [[2005]]); #1 UK; #1 US

=== Live albums ===
[[Image:Coldplaylive2003albumcover.jpg|100px]]
''[[Live 2003]]'' ([[November 4]], [[2003]]); #13 US

=== DVD ===
*''Maximum Coldplay ''(Unofficial Documentary)
*''Coldplay - Back to the Start'' (Unofficial Documentary)

=== EPs ===
<!--- Please refer to discussion before making any changes --->
*''[[Safety EP]]'' ''(1998, released independently, UK only, limited to 500 copies)''
*''[[Brothers & Sisters EP]] ''1999, released on Fierce Panda in the UK)''
*''[[The Blue Room EP]]'' ''(1999, released on EMI Int'l in the US and Parlophone in the UK)''
*''Trouble'' ''(2000 - a live EP, recorded in Norway, different from the single of the same name, Norway only, released on the EMI label)''<!--- Please refer to discussion before making any changes --->
*''Sparks'' ''(2000, never commercially released but promotional copies are widely available, contains a live version of Yellow and a B-side from The Blue Room EP)''
* ''Clocks'' ''(2003, a live EP, recorded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, comprising three separately-sold singles that go together in a large gatefold case, released on EMI international, limited production)''

=== Singles ===
<!--- Please refer to discussion before making any changes Just changed The Scientist, it WAS a single in the US as well --->
*"[[Brothers & Sisters (single)|Brothers and Sisters]]" ''(1999, released on the London based ''Fierce Panda'' label in the UK, Universal/Island in the US)'' #92 UK
*"[[Shiver (single)|Shiver]]" ''(2000, released on EMI Int'l in the US and Parlophone in the UK)'' #35 UK
*"[[Yellow (single)|Yellow]]" ''(2000)'' #4 UK; #48 US
*"[[Trouble (single)|Trouble]]" ''(2000)'' #10 UK
*"[[Don't Panic (single)|Don't Panic]]" ''(2001, Europe only, excl. UK - separate editions were sold in Denmark, France, and the Netherlands)'
*"[[In My Place]]" ''(2002)'' #2 UK
*"[[The Scientist (single)|The Scientist]]" ''(2002)'' #10 UK
*"[[The Scientist (single)|The Scientist DVD Single]]" ''(2002, UK Only)''
*"[[Clocks (single)|Clocks]]" ''(2002: US Radio. 2003: Worldwide, excl. US)'' #9 UK; #29 US
*"[[Clocks (single)|Clocks DVD Single]]" ''(2003, Worldwide, excl. US)''
*"[[God Put A Smile Upon Your Face]]" ''(2003, Europe only, excl. UK)'' #100 UK (as import)
*"[[Speed of Sound (single)|Speed of Sound]]" ''(2005)'' #2 UK; #8 US
*"[[Fix You]]" ''(2005)''

=== Other ===
<!--- Please refer to discussion before making any changes --->
* "[[Ode To Deodorant]]" ''(1998, demo tape)''
* "Mince Spies" ''(2001, released only to the pre-Parachutes Coldplay fan club, consists of a cover of "[[Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas]]" and a remix of "Yellow", limited to 1000 copies worldwide)''
*"Remixes" ''(2003, UK only, limited to 1000 copies)''

==References==
'''Mass media'''
* [http://www.edge.ca/ongoinghistory/sp_coldplay.cfm Ongoing History of New Music: The History of Coldplay] [[CFNY|The Edge]] [[2002]].
* [http://www.motherjones.com/arts/qa/2004/01/12_100.html Fair Trade's Front Man] ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' [[January]] [[2004]].
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,937490,00.html Coldplay concert review] ''[[The Guardian]]'' [[April 16]], [[2003]].

'''Websites'''
* [http://www.coldplay.com Coldplay Official Website]. Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm Recording Coldplay's Parachutes] Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.coldplaying.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=235&page=1 Coldplaying.com - Coldplay History] Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.everythingsnotlost.cjb.net/ Everything's Not Lost - The Coldplay Discography] Retrieved [[June 5]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.amnestyusa.org/musicforhumanrights/artists/artist_coldplay.html Amnesty International (USA) - Coldplay] Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.indielondon.co.uk/music/mu_coldplay_TCT03_rev.html Coldplay help put a smile on the Teenage Cancer Trust's face] Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].
* [http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=19007 Anecdote - Chris Martin] Retrieved [[March 22]], [[2005]].

==See also==
=== Similar bands/artists ===
* [[Echo & the Bunnymen|Echo and the Bunnymen]]
* [[Jeff Buckley]]
* [[a-ha]]
* [[Doves (band)|Doves]]
* [[Tom McRae]]
* [[Travis]]
* [[Athlete (band)|Athlete]]
* [[Keane]]
* [[Radiohead]]

===Other===
*[[List of best-selling music artists]]

== External links ==

===Official site===
*[http://www.coldplay.com Official site]

===Fan sites ===
*[http://www.coldplaying.com Coldplaying.com]
*[http://www.pleasureunit.com/coldplay Bernie's Coldplay Site]
*[http://www.hotandcoldplay.com Hot & Coldplay]
*[http://www.Closingwalls.net closingwalls.net]

=== Other ===
* [http://www.oxfamamerica.org/newsandpublications/news_updates/archive2003/art5892.html Coldplay Rocks the US for Make Trade Fair]
* [http://www.amnestyusa.org/musicforhumanrights/artists/artist_coldplay.html Coldplay - Amnesty International]


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Revision as of 21:49, 27 July 2005

File:Coldplay2005A.jpg
From left: Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Chris Martin, and Will Champion

Coldplay is a post-Britpop/alternative rock band from London, United Kingdom well known for their rock melodies and introspective lyrics.

The band consists of:

Coldplay's early material was reminiscent of artists such as Radiohead, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, and Travis. Other influences include U2, R.E.M, Pink Floyd, a-ha, John Lennon, The Smiths, Sparklehorse, The Stone Roses, Tom Waits, The Flaming Lips, Neil Young, Echo and the Bunnymen and, more recently, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk. Before his death, Cash was actually scheduled to record a track penned by the band.

Since the release of A Rush Of Blood To The Head, Coldplay has also been actively supporting various social and political causes. They have been advocates for Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign and Amnesty International. The group has also performed at various charity projects such as Band Aid 20, Live 8, and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Martin was outspoken against Iraq war in 2003, and endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004. Bassist Guy Berryman says, "You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it".[1]

Despite Coldplay's surge in popularity, the band has remained very protective of how their music is used in the media. The band allows their music to be used in film, television, and promotional spots such as the movie trailer to Peter Pan. However, Coldplay has been adamantly against their use in actual product endorsement. The band turned down multi-million dollar contracts from Gatorade, Diet Coke and The Gap, who wanted to use the songs "Yellow", "Trouble", and "Don't Panic" respectively. According to Martin, "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."

History

Pre-Parachutes (September 1996-October 1999)

File:ColdplayFlyer.gif
Flyer for an early 1998 gig

The members of the band met in the residence halls of University College London in September 1996. Martin and Buckland were the first members of the band, having met one another during freshers' week. They spent the rest of the year planning a band; at one point Martin had considered forming a *NSYNC inspired boy band called Pectoralz. Eventually, Berryman joined the ranks, without consideration of what musical direction the band was taking. On January 8 1998, the band's line-up was complete when Champion joined the band to take up percussion duties. The multi-talented Champion had grown up playing piano, guitar, bass, and tin whistle; he quickly learned the drums, despite having no previous experience with that instrument. At the time, the band performed under the name Starfish. Eventually, they took the name Coldplay from a mutual friend, Tim who had his own band. According to Martin, "He (Tim) decided he didn't like the name anymore because it was too depressing."

File:ColdplayEarly.jpg
From left: Guy, Jon, Chris, Will

In 1998, Coldplay was performing small club gigs for local Camden promoters. Wanting more creative freedom, Martin recruited fellow student and childhood friend Phil Harvey to act as band manager. Harvey helped the band raise money needed to record a demo. Harvey managed the band up until and including the release of their debut album Parachutes. He was later replaced by American based manager Dave Holmes who continues to manage the band to this day. On May 18 1998 the band released 500 copies of Safety EP. Most of the discs were given to record companies and friends; only 50 copies remained for sale to the public. In December, Coldplay was signed by indie label Fierce Panda, after founder Simon Williams had attended the band's gig that evening. The result was the three track EP Brothers And Sisters which was quickly recorded over four days in February 1999. The disc was released in April, only 2,500 copies were pressed in a very limited release. Buzz was slowly growing across the UK, helped by regular airplay from BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq.

After completing their final examinations, Coldplay was signed to Parlophone for a five album contract in Spring 1999. After making their first appearance at Glastonbury, the band went into studio to record a third EP titled The Blue Room. The disc was released in October and 5,000 copies were made available to the public. The recording sessions for The Blue Room were tumultuous. Champion walked out for a week causing Martin, a self-proclaimed non-drinker and non-smoker to go on a drinking binge. Eventually, the band worked out their differences and placed a new set of rules to keep the group intact. First, the band declared an all-for-one approach; Coldplay was a democracy and profits were to be shared equally, taking a page from bands like U2 and R.E.M. Second, the band would fire anyone who used coke. In later years, Martin joked about the band's clean-cut image by saying "This (playing music) is better than doing coke off a hooker's back! Which we don't do!"[2]

Parachutes (November 1999-September 2001)

In November 1999, Coldplay focused their efforts on their debut album. The band spent the New Year by completing album tracks "Yellow" and "Everything's Not Lost". They also played on the NME Carling Premier Tour, which showcased up-and-coming acts. After releasing three EPs without a hit song, Coldplay scored their first Top 40 single, "Shiver". Released in March 2000, the single placed at a modest #35 and earned the band their first airplay on MTV.

File:ColdplayBrits.jpg
Coldplay at 2001 Brit Awards

June was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history. The band embarked on their first headlining tour, which included a triumphant return to Glastonbury. More notably, the band released the breakthrough single "Yellow". The song shot to #4 on the UK Singles Chart and placed the band in public consciousness.

Coldplay released their first full-length album, Parachutes in July 2000. Along with critical acclaim, Parachutes was sometimes criticised for bearing a strong resemblance to the music of Radiohead in their The Bends - OK Computer era. "Yellow" and "Trouble" earned regular airplay on radio on both sides of the Atlantic. Parlophone originally predicted sales of 40,000 units of Parachutes; by Christmas 1.6 million copies had been sold in the United Kingdom alone. Parachutes was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in September 2000.

Having found success in Europe, the band set their sights on North America. Parachutes was released in November 2000. The band embarked on a US club tour in early 2001 coupled with appearances on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Late Show with David Letterman. Parachutes was a modest success, and was certified with Gold status in the United States. The album was also critically well received, and Parachutes earned Best Alternative Music Album honours at the 2002 Grammy Awards.

A Rush Of Blood To The Head (October 2001-Mid 2004)

Coldplay returned to the studios in October 2001 to begin work on their second album. The sessions were sometimes difficult. There were numerous rumours that the band was on the verge of a break-up or that the album would be their final release.

File:ColdplayAROBTTH.jpg
Clockwise from left: Will, Guy, Jon, Chris

With much anticipation, Coldplay released their sophomore album, A Rush Of Blood To The Head in August 2002. The album was generally considered to be a more sophisticated effort than Parachutes. For example, the charged opening track "Politik" was written days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. A Rush Of Blood To The Head became a best-seller and earned the band more critical accolades. The album spawned many popular singles, notably "In My Place", "The Scientist", and "Clocks". A Rush Of Blood To The Head was perhaps most reminiscent of classic era Echo and the Bunnymen. This is not surprising since Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch was invited to recording sessions as an unofficial studio consultant. On one occasion, Martin was actually wearing McCulloch's jacket when recording "In My Place". Chris Martin and Jon Buckland returned the favour by guesting on McCulloch's solo album Slideling. Coldplay also performed live renditions of the Bunnymen hit "Lips Like Sugar" on a regular basis.

Coldplay toured for over a year from June 2002 to September 2003, visiting 5 continents including co-headlining festival dates at Glastonbury Festival, V2003, and Rock Werchter. The tour showed the band's progression into a bona fide stadium act. Many shows included elaborate lighting and individualized screens reminiscent of the U2 Elevation Tour. Coldplay also built a reputation of performing eclectic covers, including Aqua's "Barbie Girl", Rammstein's "Du Hast", and Nelly's "Hot in Herre", along with more heartfelt renditions of a-ha's "The Living Daylights" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World". During the extended tour, Coldplay also recorded a live DVD and CD, Live 2003, at Sydney's Horden Pavilion. A new song, "Moses", could be found on this compilation.

In December 2003, Coldplay covered The Pretenders hit "2000 Miles", which was made available for download on their official site. It was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales were donated to Future Forests and Stop Handgun Violence campaigns. A Rush Of Blood To The Head won two trophies at the 2003 Grammy Awards. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, Coldplay earned Record of the Year honours for "Clocks".

X&Y (Mid 2004-present)

File:Coldplay2005.jpg
Coldplay, Inside Entertainment (April 2005)

2004 was a quiet year for Coldplay, as they spent most of the year out of spotlight resting from touring and recording their third album. In May, Coldplay teased fans with a new song and music video on their official site to celebrate the birth of Martin's daughter, Apple. Famed producer Sir George Martin introduced the promo as Coldplay and their producer Ken Nelson performed as The Nappies, a satirised rap/glam rock outfit. Martin joked that this music had been inspired by Jay-Z.[3].

Coldplay's third album, X&Y was released on the 6th June 2005 in the UK. The lead single "Speed of Sound", made its radio and online music store debut on the 18th April and was released as a CD on the 23rd May 2005. The album debuted at #1 in 28 countries worldwide. To promote the new release, Coldplay performed at a series of intimate secret gigs in Europe and in North America from March to May 2005, which resulted in sold-out shows in locations such as San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto, Boston and New York City. Coldplay is currently performing on a European tour through June and July; the band will be playing at 40 North American shows from August to late September during the Twisted Logic Tour. Summer 2005 also sees them headlining the Coachella, Glastonbury, and Fuji Rock festivals, as well as appearing at Live 8 in Hyde Park, London.

X&Y was originally set to be released in late 2004. In the middle of that year, Coldplay had penned over 40 new songs for their third album. Several of these songs such as "Ladder To The Sun", "World Turned Upside Down", and "Poor Me" had been performed live on the A Rush Of Blood To The Head Tour. However, they were scrapped and the band regrouped to write and record new tracks. X&Y was recorded over 18 months in 8 studios in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Liverpool, and London.

Discography

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all releases are on the Parlophone label in the UK and Capitol in the US.

Studio albums

File:Coldplayparachutesalbumcover.jpg 1. Parachutes (July 10, 2000); #1 UK; #51 US

File:Coldplayarushofbloodtotheheadalbumcover.jpg 2. A Rush of Blood to the Head (August 26, 2002); #1 UK; #5 US

File:XYCoverBig.jpg 3. X&Y (June 6, 2005); #1 UK; #1 US

Live albums

Live 2003 (November 4, 2003); #13 US

DVD

  • Maximum Coldplay (Unofficial Documentary)
  • Coldplay - Back to the Start (Unofficial Documentary)

EPs

  • Safety EP (1998, released independently, UK only, limited to 500 copies)
  • Brothers & Sisters EP 1999, released on Fierce Panda in the UK)
  • The Blue Room EP (1999, released on EMI Int'l in the US and Parlophone in the UK)
  • Trouble (2000 - a live EP, recorded in Norway, different from the single of the same name, Norway only, released on the EMI label)
  • Sparks (2000, never commercially released but promotional copies are widely available, contains a live version of Yellow and a B-side from The Blue Room EP)
  • Clocks (2003, a live EP, recorded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, comprising three separately-sold singles that go together in a large gatefold case, released on EMI international, limited production)

Singles

Other

  • "Ode To Deodorant" (1998, demo tape)
  • "Mince Spies" (2001, released only to the pre-Parachutes Coldplay fan club, consists of a cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and a remix of "Yellow", limited to 1000 copies worldwide)
  • "Remixes" (2003, UK only, limited to 1000 copies)

References

Mass media

Websites

See also

Similar bands/artists

Other

Official site

Fan sites

Other


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