Why use such a big portion of the wall on the cover? Too much going on, whatever, now it's an official release, something CB didn't have.

Hi, Nanda :)

 

I don't know if I understand the word 'natural' in the same way as you do, but I don't think going bigger in size is a necessary step forward even though a lot of people from a wide range of business and other domains of activity do so.

 

This isn't my favourite era either, but I don't hate it as a lot of people do, which I'm ok with. My personal reason when it comes to MX' sounds and lyrics is that I think this isn't everything Coldplay can deliver. Although there are some great moments in the album (Jonny and Guy standing out a lot more (in MM, HLH to name a few), very beautiful lyrics (in UATW and UFO, again, to name a few), Will kicking ass as ever and UWTB in its entirety), I think there is still room for improvement, judging from what Coldplay did in the previous albums.

 

On the other hand, comparisons and expectations aside, MX as a whole is a tight and cohesive album and this overall feature is what I appreciate most about it. And there are the individual highlights I mentioned above.

 

What I don't understand and don't agree with is that I think some people loathe MX because Coldplay got more mainstream, as if this, in itself, were a bad thing. As I said, I don't think getting bigger (vs. getting greater) is a necessary evolution, but I don't think it's necessarily bad either. Yes, Coldplay got bigger, but that doesn't mean they got bad.

 

As a matter of fact, I think it's a bit inadequate because you are evaluating the album not in its own merits, but by some extrinsic criteria. It's like not agreeing with what a physicist is proposing not because of the adequacy or inadequacy of his/her theory, but because you think he/she wears smelly socks.

 

 

True, but it's important to keep in mind that it's often not entirely within a band's control how "big" they get. As I said on another thread, any proffesional band, no matter how artistically driven or indie-minded, is when it comes down to it, a business entity. It's called the "music industry" for a reason. Even bands that have managed to break out of that mold to various degrees (like Radiohead) have done so after years of playing the game. Coldplay are a stadium act, not just because they want to be big (although I'm sure that's a factor), but because stadiums are now the most feasable option to meet live demand, without having to play 200+ dates a year.

I think you have a point, fakfak (sorry I don't know your name). You arguably have a lot more knowledge than me about that managerial aspect of being an artist in this day and age, so I have nothing to add about it.

 

What I was trying to point out is that getting bigger, even if it is not something a band can hold total control, it can't be the reason why one rates Mylo Xyloto negatively. I was trying to say that an album or any other piece of art should, imo, first and foremost, be evaluated as that, a piece of art and not because its author is now more mainstream or not.

Hi Su! :)

 

I don't think that the band getting bigger is the reason their music is getting worse. For one, I DON'T think their sound is getting worse, I think it's getting better. (In that matter, I think they were their highest at AROBTTH, X&Y was a major step down, but they have been doing a great job with VLV and MX)

 

What I hate reading as well, is how some fans think that they were lesser of a band because they have bigger audiences now.

I understand some people may not like this album more like others (myself included), but blaming it on the band's "stadium" status is a very week argument.

I'm one of the few people who love X&Y. Although there's nothing revolutionary as there's in Viva La Vida, for example, some of its tracks are quite masterpieces, like Swallowed in the Sea, What If and White Shadows.

 

Yeah, weak argument at best. I have the same feeling about Muse, for instance. They're a stadium band, but that doesn't mean at all they're a bad band. Very much to the contrary, actually.

I think you have a point, fakfak (sorry I don't know your name). You arguably have a lot more knowledge than me about that managerial aspect of being an artist in this day and age, so I have nothing to add about it.

 

What I was trying to point out is that getting bigger, even if it is not something a band can hold total control, it can't be the reason why one rates Mylo Xyloto negatively. I was trying to say that an album or any other piece of art should, imo, first and foremost, be evaluated as that, a piece of art and not because its author is now more mainstream or not.

 

 

Fair enough. I misunderstood your point a bit, I think. :)

Hi Su! :)

 

I don't think that the band getting bigger is the reason their music is getting worse. For one, I DON'T think their sound is getting worse, I think it's getting better. (In that matter, I think they were their highest at AROBTTH, X&Y was a major step down, but they have been doing a great job with VLV and MX)

 

What I hate reading as well, is how some fans think that they were lesser of a band because they have bigger audiences now.

I understand some people may not like this album more like others (myself included), but blaming it on the band's "stadium" status is a very week argument.

 

 

IDH, I think it's fair to say that you may personally enjoy a stadium gig less. (because let's face it, stadiums aren't the best venues for concerts on a lot of levels.), but I think it's important to acknowledge that there are other valid reasons for holding a stadium tour than simple money grubbing.

^ I like stadium gigs, it's a much more "imeresive" musical experience, of course there are a lot of cons, still I love this kind of show.

^ I like stadium gigs, it's a much more "imeresive" musical experience, of course there are a lot of cons, still I love this kind of show.

 

 

I personally think they get a bad reputation. If done well, they can be really cool. I'm just saying that some people don't enjoy them, and I respect that.

I think stadium gigs have their ups and downs. I do understand what you mean, Rafael, when you say it's a deeper experiences. But when it comes to Coldplay, a band I've been so personally involved with, I'd rather see them in a more intimate level. But I still love their massive concerts. :)

Extra tickets for UK dates on sale tomorrow

16 May 2012 4:05 pm

Tickets for all the UK stadium shows on sale from 9am

 

Good afternoon. Now that the stage designs and dimensions for Coldplay's upcoming UK stadium tour have been finalised, the promoters have been able to release some extra tickets for all of the shows. These tickets - which include standing tickets and good seats - will go on sale at 9am on Thursday morning (17th May) from the following links:

 

- Gigsandtours

- Ticketmaster

 

Please note that the number of extra tickets is limited and we expect them to sell quite quickly. The UK tour dates are as follows:

 

29 May 2012: Coventry - Ricoh Arena

1 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

2 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

4 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

7 June 2012: Sunderland - Stadium Of Light

9 June 2012: Manchester - Etihad Stadium

10 June 2012: Manchester - Etihad Stadium

 

Anchorman

Extra tickets for UK dates on sale tomorrow

16 May 2012 4:05 pm

Tickets for all the UK stadium shows on sale from 9am

 

Good afternoon. Now that the stage designs and dimensions for Coldplay's upcoming UK stadium tour have been finalised, the promoters have been able to release some extra tickets for all of the shows. These tickets - which include standing tickets and good seats - will go on sale at 9am on Thursday morning (17th May) from the following links:

 

- Gigsandtours

- Ticketmaster

 

Please note that the number of extra tickets is limited and we expect them to sell quite quickly. The UK tour dates are as follows:

 

29 May 2012: Coventry - Ricoh Arena

1 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

2 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

4 June 2012: London - Emirates Stadium

7 June 2012: Sunderland - Stadium Of Light

9 June 2012: Manchester - Etihad Stadium

10 June 2012: Manchester - Etihad Stadium

 

Anchorman

 

I wonder exactly how much seating was freed up.:confused:

Shortly before stage time in Porto...

20 May 2012 10:07 am

Check out a photo of the crowd from Friday night

 

Good morning. On Friday night in Porto, Coldplay began the European stadium tour in front of an incredible crowd (whose spirits weren't remotely dampened by the rain). Roadie #42 took this photo shortly before stage time. Click the photo to see/save a bigger version.

 

 

Anchorman

Coldplay to perform at Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony

20 May 2012 9:27 pm

Band to play special one off show on 9 September

 

With exactly 100 days until the London 2012 Paralympic Games begin, it's been announced today that Coldplay will perform at the Games' Closing Ceremony.

 

Seb Coe, London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Chair, said: "The London 2012 Paralympic Games are going to be spectacular. I am delighted that Coldplay are going to be helping us celebrate not only the end of a fantastic Paralympic Games, but also the end of a seven year journey.

 

"With tickets back on sale tomorrow I can guarantee that whatever ticket you decide to go for, the Paralympic sport will leave a deep and lasting impression on you. The athletes involved in the Paralympic Games are incredible sportsmen and women and I urge everyone to take this chance to be there and to form memories that will last a lifetime."

 

The London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, called ‘Festival of Flame’ and starting at 8.30pm on 9 September, will see Coldplay take to the stage and perform a live and one off concert in the Olympic Stadium, broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 750 million.

 

Coldplay's Chris Martin said: “Being asked to play at the closing celebrations for the Paralympic athletes in London is such a great honour for us. Kim Gavin and Misty Buckley are working hard to put on a spectacular Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony for the athletes and spectators in the stadium, and everyone watching around the world, and we are so happy to be involved.

 

“It will be one of the biggest nights of our lives and we're very excited to try to create a performance for the last night of the games that will close London 2012 in style.”

 

Kim Gavin, Closing Ceremonies Artistic Director, said: “The Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games is essentially a celebration of the achievements of amazing athletic endeavour of Paralympians from around the world over the previous 11 days. What better way to demonstrate our respect and commitment to these athletes than by celebrating with Britain’s most internationally renowned band.

 

“Working with Coldplay for the Closing Ceremony will be a great way to close the Paralympic Games and audiences will have the chance to see and hear their music in a totally unique way. Our show will be a celebration of the UK as a centre for festivals, which is a fitting finale to the amazing festival of sport that is the London 2012 Games.”

 

Tickets will be available from 11am tomorrow at www.tickets.london2012.com or via telephone on 0844 847 2012.

Coldplay take to the stage and perform a live and one off concert in the Olympic Stadium, broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 750 million.

this :awesome:

broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 750 million.

Holy shit

WOW that's soooo awesome!

And it's great for the Paralympics, they deserve that Olypmic kind of media-attention too :)

The London 2012 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, called ‘Festival of Flame’ and starting at 8.30pm on 9 September

 

Showtime in different timezones:

 

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Festival+of+Flame+%28London+2012+Paralympic+Games+Closing+Ceremony%29&iso=20120909T2030&p1=136

 

It's the first time I'm doing this, so if anyone could please check if I made any mistake (specially if I was dumb enough to set the time wrong), please, let me know.

Showtime in different timezones:

 

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Festival+of+Flame+%28London+2012+Paralympic+Games+Closing+Ceremony%29&iso=20120909T2030&p1=136

 

It's the first time I'm doing this, so if anyone could please check if I made any mistake (specially if I was dumb enough to set the time wrong), please, let me know.

 

It looks alright to me! :)

Thank you, Tash! :D

Last night in Madrid...

21 May 2012 10:52 am

Check out a great photo taken

 

Good morning. Roadie #42's photo of the Porto crowd on Friday went down very well, so we've decided to try and get one from every show on this leg of the tour. Here's an amazing shot of last night's Madrid crowd. Click the photo to see/save a full hi-res version.

 

 

Anchorman

Coldplay win four Billboard Awards

21 May 2012 12:30 pm

Band quadruple winners at Las Vegas ceremony

 

Good afternoon. We're pleased to report that Coldplay won four awards at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, which took place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last night. The band won Top Rock Artist, Top Alternative Artist, Top Rock Album and Top Alternative Album.

 

For more information and the full list of winners, click here.

 

Anchorman

Last night in Madrid...

21 May 2012 10:52 am

Check out a great photo taken

 

Good morning. Roadie #42's photo of the Porto crowd on Friday went down very well, so we've decided to try and get one from every show on this leg of the tour. Here's an amazing shot of last night's Madrid crowd. Click the photo to see/save a full hi-res version.

 

 

Anchorman

 

:wacko:

 

oooooh, ahhhhh

Last night in Madrid...

21 May 2012 10:52 am

Check out a great photo taken

 

Good morning. Roadie #42's photo of the Porto crowd on Friday went down very well, so we've decided to try and get one from every show on this leg of the tour. Here's an amazing shot of last night's Madrid crowd. Click the photo to see/save a full hi-res version.

 

 

Anchorman

 

Is there actually someone standing and pointing out the camera for the crowd? Because most of the people are looking exactly into the camera :surprised:

Live Twitter chat this evening!

22 May 2012 6:33 pm

Come and ask your questions for Guy and Will

 

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who sent in their questions - hope you enjoyed the Q&A as much as Will and Guy both did. It's Chris and Jonny's turn in a few days...

 

-------

 

Good evening - and hello from Nice, France. In 26 minutes' time (at 7pm French time / 6pm UK / 1pm NYC and 10am LA) we'll be kicking off our first ever live Twitter Q&A with the band. Guy's up first for 20 minutes. And then it'll be Will's turn. (Chris and Jonny will be on another day, soon.) Come join us at twitter.com/coldplay and use the hashtag #coldplaylive for your questions.

 

Anchorman