January 5, 2009 - submitted by Sue, China

Q. Is there a teleplay called "Extra" and Chris was an actor of it?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There was a television series here in the U.K called Extras (that ran for two seasons as well as a Christmas Special). Chris appeared in the second series playing a parody of himself, which was basically the premise for every guest star.

Extras is a sitcom about jobbing actors written by and starring Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Chris also sang the theme tune at the end of the episode he appeared in.

 

***

 

January 5, 2009 - submitted by Nishat, India

Q. Heyi Oracle... i just read somehwere few days back that Coldplay has published a book which contains all their songs' lyrics and their meanings... is it true? if yes then where can i find it?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid no such book exists.

 

***

 

January 5, 2009 - submitted by Sophie, Australia

Q. Hi there, O' wise Oracle! ^_^ I'm an 14 year old who's insanely addicted to Coldplay (can't wait for their concert!) However, I pose you a question... If the band never joined together and made Coldplay, what subjects would each of the guys study at university? (Assuming they all went there) ^^ Thanks!

 

The Oracle replies:

 

All four met at the University College London where Chris took Ancient World Studies, Jonny read Maths and Astronomy, Will studied Anthropology and they all passed. Guy started training to be an engineer but he didn't complete the course as things were going well with the band.

Yay, the Oracle answered my question about Emily Bart-Smith :D

 

She has a beautiful voice. I'll have to track down her recordings with The High Wire.

January 6, 2009 - submitted by Bonnie, United States of America

 

Q. Good to have you back Oracle! Can you please tell me if it is British custom to wear paper crowns at Christmas? I have seen this in multiple British films and have always been curious why! Thanks a bunch!

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The paper crowns are commonly found inside the Christmas cracker that is a Christmas tradition. Each person has a cracker to pull with someone and the contents are various items plus a joke and a paper hat. They're crown like in their appearance due to a Twelfth Night custom where kings and queens would oversee proceedings.

 

January 6, 2009 - submitted by kyra, United States of America

 

Q. dear Oracle please answer this question...i was just recently on youtube and i saw a video of Chris Martin saying" do you want a twiglet?" over and over again and it looked like it was a video shown on a tv show maybe..what was the tv show or whatever that the twiglet video was on?...if u know and also...wats the story behind that? why is Chris randomly saying "do you want a twiglet?" well whatever the reason..it cracked me up...i really really wanna know. thanks. <^.^>

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Basically there's a comedy show called [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cSoc9OQ9TjI]The Sunday Night Project[/ame] in the U.K, each week they have a guest host who joins Justin Collins and Alan Carr. Over Christmas their guest was Simon Pegg. One of the show's features is a Q&A segment where members of the audience ask the host any question they like. During the festive edition they showed a video clip of Chris repeatedly asking Simon if he'd like a twiglet. And that's that!

 

 

January 6, 2009 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

 

Q. Hi! Who is the "swedish friend" Johnny Cash is singing about in his song "Hurt" ?

Thanks

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Bless you Helmut, I guess it does sounds like he's singing "Swedish" but in fact the lyric is "sweetest friend"!

It's not his song though, [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iFx2TmQfM-o]Hurt[/ame] was written and originally recorded by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails).

FYI: Back in 2005 when Coldplay and Nine Inch Nails headlined Coachella festival, Chris sang a snippet of Hurt during their set on the first night in honour of NIN playing the following night.

January 7, 2009 - submitted by Daan, United Kingdom

 

Q. Happy New Year, Oracle!

 

I am embroiled in an imbroglio; exactly which version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" did Coldplay record for the limited edition EP Mince Spies, back in 2001? Was it the one that you have on the time line on this site, which is also the one that was recently (re-)aired, and put up for download, by Radio 1, who said Chris had come especially to record it in their studio, or is it the version where Chris says at the beginning of it "This is take 4 of Have yourself a merry christmas, just for *something sounding like "Kay"* Rock, Los Angeles. Ready?", which is also the version to be found on Youtube, adorned by a cover of the EP, when you search for "Coldplay have yourself a merry little christmas"?

I know I have a habit of writing criminally long sentences. Apologies.

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It was the former version you mention. Recorded for a radio 1 Christmas show session that appeared on the Mince Spies CD. The latter was a recording for an American radio station KROQ.

 

***

 

January 7, 2009 - submitted by Jason, United Kingdom

 

Q. I saw Coldplay in Birmingham on December 6th and during the concert Chris played a beautiful piece of classical music. It was piece I recognised but do not know the name of.......what was it? I would love to know cheers. Jason

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There were actually two classical/instrumental piano pieces played. One was after the stage b set and was an original composition Postcards From Far Away that is on Prospekt's March. As you say you recognised it, chances are that it was the equally beautiful yet haunting piece Chris plays at the end of Politik. It's the sublime Gnossienne No. 1 by Erik Satie.

Sorry for this question but who is answering this questions of us?

Coldplay themself? Or who?

No, not Coldplay.

 

The Oracle is a mysterious being, who knows all.

 

 

coughDEBScough

 

:P

 

 

 

A very strange thing! :laugh3::lol:

January 8, 2009 - submitted by Sofie, Sweden

 

Q. I've been thinking, since the viva tour is over, does it mean that there isn't going to be any more of Roadie #42? Or will there be a new one to the next tour?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Who said the tour is over? It's a lie! Roadie #42 will return when the band go back out on the road which isn't that long off.

 

 

January 8, 2009 - submitted by Amy, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

I just watched a delightful little video on youtube in which Borat had stolen Chris Martin's trousers and given them to a little boy. What on earth is this video from?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ah yes, that was the 2005 MTV European Music Awards. A very amusing backstage sketch featuring Chris in his Y-fronts. Oh the memories! Coldplay's manager Dave is lurking in the background too.

 

 

January 8, 2009 - submitted by Conor Whelan, Ireland

 

Q. Hi, any chance of giving Roadie #42 a kick in the ass and get him to write about his experiences in Dublin and Belfast. I would particularly like to hear what he makes of the new O2 venue in Dublin.

 

Cheers

Conor

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I should imagine he's still asleep! Roadie #42 doesn't write up every tour date and the very last ones usually don't appear due to the fact that he's absolutely exhausted and taking a very well earned break. I'd guess he feels that it was too long ago in the past to write about now.

 

 

January 8, 2009 - submitted by David, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle you didn't answer the question I sent to you on 05/01/09. I asked: "Is the B-side of Life in Tech ii, The Goldrush, just a new name for The Dubliners which was played live by Coldplay in Chicago? And if not, will The Dubliners ever be released in any way in the near future, perhaps as the B-side to Lovers in Japan?" Is it a case that the Oracle perhaps knows too much and doesn't want to give it away? Thank you.

The Oracle replies:

 

No, the reason is much simpler. On that very day Anchorman announced that The Goldrush was "previously unheard, unreleased and unperformed" so therefore it isn't a new name for The Dubliners! Lovers in Japan has already had a release (without b sides) so The Dubliners won't appear there. If it is to be released in the future that is not something I would give away as you say...

January 8, 2009 - submitted by Conor Whelan, Ireland[/color]

 

Q. Hi, any chance of giving Roadie #42 a kick in the ass and get him to write about his experiences in Dublin and Belfast. I would particularly like to hear what he makes of the new O2 venue in Dublin.

 

Cheers

Conor

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I should imagine he's still asleep! Roadie #42 doesn't write up every tour date and the very last ones usually don't appear due to the fact that he's absolutely exhausted and taking a very well earned break. I'd guess he feels that it was too long ago in the past to write about now.

The question is great :laugh3::laugh3::laugh3:

 

The answer isn't :disappointed:

I wanted a blog about the irish gigs as well :cry:

Denise your avi is awesome!! :D

 

***********************

 

January 9, 2009 - submitted by Eileen, United States of America

 

Q. Hope you and the band had a nice holiday. In reading the recent questions, I wondered what a "Twiglet" is? Apologies if it is something obvious to a non-chicagoan.

The Oracle replies:

 

Twiglets are a savoury snack food in a bag much like the potato crisp (chips to you) and depending who you ask are either gorgeous or disgusting. (FYI I say they are DISGUSTING!).

They look a little like twigs (hence the name) but taste like Marmite (love it or hate it). Basically they are crunchy, knobbly and yeasty wheat sticks.

 

 

January 9, 2009 - submitted by Danny, United States of America

 

Q. Where can I find the free download of the remix of their smash hit Viva La Vida from their official website?

The Oracle replies:

 

As Anchorman announced, it was only available for a limited time and so you have missed it via the official route. I have no knowledge of any unofficial sources, as I am a law-abiding citizen. Honest guv.

 

 

January 9, 2009 - submitted by Lahine, Christmas Island

 

Q. Here's a quick conundrum for you to solve if you are as wise as you say you are.

There is this lady whose mother dies so she goes to the funeral and she meets this guy over there. Exactly 2 weeks later she kills her sister. WHY?!?!?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ooh ooh I know this! Before you accuse me of being a psychopath, I also know that this is a test devised to work out who has a thought process deemed dangerous! So I have no pathological tendencies. You missed an important part of the puzzle out though. The man she meets is a stranger to her and she doesn't know anything about him. She doesn't have his number or anything. 'Tis is a very sick response indeed but said lady (murdering witch) wants to see the man again and as she can't get in contact with him figures that as he was at a family member's funeral, he could show up again at another, so kills her sister in the hope the guy will be there! Nasty eh?

 

:surprised: :lol:

 

January 9, 2009 - submitted by Lahine, Christmas Island

 

Q. Here's a quick conundrum for you to solve if you are as wise as you say you are.

There is this lady whose mother dies so she goes to the funeral and she meets this guy over there. Exactly 2 weeks later she kills her sister. WHY?!?!?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ooh ooh I know this! Before you accuse me of being a psychopath, I also know that this is a test devised to work out who has a thought process deemed dangerous! So I have no pathological tendencies. You missed an important part of the puzzle out though. The man she meets is a stranger to her and she doesn't know anything about him. She doesn't have his number or anything. 'Tis is a very sick response indeed but said lady (murdering witch) wants to see the man again and as she can't get in contact with him figures that as he was at a family member's funeral, he could show up again at another, so kills her sister in the hope the guy will be there! Nasty eh?

 

:laugh3::laugh3::laugh3:

January 12, 2009 - submitted by Durl, Canada

Q. Hullo, kind Oracle!

I have recently discovered that Coldplay's beautiful video 'Yellow' was shot with Chris alone because Will's mother's funeral was scheduled on the same day of the shooting. But as for one other beautiful Coldplay video, "The Scientist", I am quite unsure as to why Chris is alone in it. What was the reason?

By the way, with or without fellow band members, these videos are extremely stunning.

Thank you, all knowing Oracle.

Durl

The Oracle replies:

 

Jamie Thraves directed The Scientist and he said, "Originally it was just a story with a character not featuring the band, but Chris is a really great performer it made sense to use Chris".

 

***

 

January 12, 2009 - submitted by cocopuff, Zimbabwe

Q. What was the very first question that was ever posted on here. im too lazy to keep pressing the "older answers" button but surely you should know by heart Oracle.

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Hopefully we'll get a search option soon but the first question answered back on 25th July 2008 was from Rachel in the USA asking:

Is it possible for me to make "Coldplayism" a religion as well? Worshiping this miraculous band, of course.

 

Although there is technically nothing to stop someone from worshiping Coldplay, Coldplayism may be seen as a cult or parody religion. There may also be an issue of copyright with using the name. And remember, as Oasis once said unto us, "Please don't put your life in the hands of a rock n roll band".

 

***

 

January 12, 2009 - submitted by Danna, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hello my dear oracle.

I'm so confused.

Let me tell you why. I have an ex boyfriend that used to tell me that he still love me. I still love him but a few days ago I knew that now he has a girlfriend!!!.

And yesterday he send me a message: "Im so confused, I need to talk with someone that I really want just like you".

 

What would you do? What should I do with this man?

Please help me Oracle!!

 

thanx!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If you still have feelings for him protect your heart by doing yourself a big favour and ignore him. He has a girlfriend and until he is single and knows what he wants it sounds like he's messing you around, even if that's not his intention. If he does still love you and wants to be with you, give him time to sort himself out and then maybe you can talk.

 

***

 

January 12, 2009 - submitted by Sadi, Brunei

 

Q. Hello great and mighty Oracle!

hopefully you can help me in my dilemma?

well you see i came across this (Coldplay/Chris Martin???) comment:

"When I counted up my demons,

saw there was one for everyday,

I wish we looked more like the Backstreet Boys

and a little less like Coldplay"

and I don't quite get it. Am really sorry if i'm missing the obvious here tho.

cheers. =)

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Backstreet Boys are a boyband from America who were particularly successful during the 1990s. Every so often Chris changes the lyrics to songs during the live performances. On this occasion he's changed Trouble and is basically saying that Backstreet Boys are good looking and that Coldplay aren't as handsome. I'm sure thousands of us will disagree!

^Thats not Trouble its Everythings Not Lost!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 12, 2009 - submitted by Durl, Canada

 

January 12, 2009 - submitted by Sadi, Brunei

 

Q. Hello great and mighty Oracle!

hopefully you can help me in my dilemma?

well you see i came across this (Coldplay/Chris Martin???) comment:

"When I counted up my demons,

saw there was one for everyday,

I wish we looked more like the Backstreet Boys

and a little less like Coldplay"

and I don't quite get it. Am really sorry if i'm missing the obvious here tho.

cheers. =)

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Backstreet Boys are a boyband from America who were particularly successful during the 1990s. Every so often Chris changes the lyrics to songs during the live performances. On this occasion he's changed Trouble and is basically saying that Backstreet Boys are good looking and that Coldplay aren't as handsome. I'm sure thousands of us will disagree!

 

 

^I believe the song is Everything's Not Lost, not Trouble. That oracle....

The Oracle is having too much of *glug glug* these days

:lol:

OOoh Oracle, are you drunk :shocked2:?? :D :D

The Oracle was wrong! Oh no, how am I going to cope?!? :P

 

(And not only that, but the Oracle was wrong about a Coldplay song? ...What? :stunned:)

Coldplay are MUCH BETTER looking than those Backstreet Boys

The Great Oracle made a mistake :o

 

And no the BSB aren't better looking than Coldplay guys!!!

January 13, 2009 - submitted by Charlie, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle, I travelled to Denver, Colorado from Bath, UK to see Coldplay on the 21st November 2008 with my Dad as he was the pilot and was the best thing ever!! The show was incredible enough for me to go and see them in Manchester as well. I will also be seeing them at Wembley.

 

Anyway, is it true that a Caroline Dale played the cello on the song Rainy Day. I know that on the album it says all string arrangements by Davide Rossi, its just that I happen to know Caroline and she mentioned to me that she played on it?

Thank you

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Wow that's a cool way to go to a show!

Caroline did play cello on an early version of the track but as Prospekt's March E.P sleeve notes state, "all strings Davide Rossi", that includes cello.

 

 

January 13, 2009 - submitted by Elizabeth, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle, does Coldplay have a fashion stylist? If yes, who is it. They always look absolutely awesome every time. If they don't have a stylist, wow! They have great style.

 

The Oracle replies:

 

A lady called Beth is their stylist but of course they have very clear ideas of what they do and do not want before they meet up. She is fantastic though!

 

 

January 13, 2009 - submitted by Karen, France

 

Q. As everyone knows, Coldplay is nominated at the " NRJ Music Awards " (best international band, best international song which is Viva La Vida and best international

album) ... Will they be at Cannes the 17th January ?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Chris will be performing Lost? at the 2009 NRJ Awards. As it's the acoustic version it'll be just he and his piano.

 

 

January 13, 2009 - submitted by Alina, Germany

 

Q. Dear Oracle!

Why Guy's name is written to the first to authorship of songs?

It isn't in alphabetic order, or he's the author of the majority of songs?

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Guy is first because they ARE in alphabetical order. It goes Berryman, Buckland, Champion, Martin. Their songwriting is always credited equally.

*******

 

Dear god......... :sick:

Hahaha. I'm sorry if that was anyone here, but how stupid. :lol:

 

It's written in the sleeve notes as Berryman/Buckland/Champion/Martin, so very obviously alphabetical.

 

'Hey, G doesn't come before C..." :rockstar:

Well, to me it looks like it was written by someone whose English isn't spot on, so maybe they meant to say "Is it in alphabetical order?"... if not then it is pretty silly...

January 14, 2009 - submitted by Daniel, Sweden

 

Q. When Politik ends on the Viva la Vida tour, Chris plays a nice classic piece on the piano, and I wonder, is it "Le Moulin" by Yann Tiersen? couse parts of it sounds like that song.

Thanks

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I actually answered this on the 7th Jan so as that was only last week it should be easy to find. I am a fan of Mr Tiersen and can be frequently found whistling his music from Amelie. Yann's music is typically French and so I can understand why you'd think it was a piece by him but as you will see when you look, it's not.

 

 

 

 

January 14, 2009 - submitted by Kunal, Canada

 

Q. I was watching a Much Music TV interview with Jonny & Chris a couple of days ago, & they said that they would perform at weddings for 4 Pounds an hour.

 

I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday & my wife & my 3 year Anniversary on May 30th, 2009 & was wondering if they would perform for us?

 

Who do I need to get in touch with, in order to make this happen?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid they were jesting; they're not available for hire. If they were at �4 and hour, they'd be the bargain of the century!

 

 

 

 

January 14, 2009 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

when I went to see Coldplay at manchester on the 12th Dec, during Yellow I actually loved the balloons!

but the security didnt seem keen on people trying to keep them, why was this?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Firstly they were very large and as Yellow wasn't the last song it was a long time for people to cling on to the balloons rather than spread the love around. Also people were actually battling over them. Two women on the front row were practically fighting during the encore when trying to retrieve their balloons from security personnel, quite ugly I have to say!

It would have been amusing to see people clutching balloons and then realizing they didn't fit into their car or mode of transport!

 

 

 

 

 

January 14, 2009 - submitted by Rafael, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle

I found 2 videos on youtube with Chris and Jonny with Noel Gallagher perfoming Live Forever and Yellow, when and where was that?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The event was called Fairplay and took place at the Astoria in London on October 29, 2002. It was a Make Trade Fair awareness gig organized by, amongst others, Emily Eavis who along wither her father Michael runs Glastonbury Festival.

Chris & Jonny followed Noel Gallagher's set to which Chris said, "It's like being allowed on stage after the sixth formers have gone out for a fag". They then performed an acoustic set of In My Place, Don't Panic (with Simon Pegg playing the harmonica part) and The Scientist.

Chris then introduced Ms Dynamite and they launched in to It Takes More with Chris and Jonny on guitar. They followed this with Ms Dynamite and Chris singing Bob Marley's Three Little Birds with Jonny on guitar and then straight into Dy-Na-Mi-Tee with Chris singing backing vocals.

Noel returned and played guitar on Yellow. They continued with a cover of The Smiths song Stop Me if you Think You've Heard This One Before followed by Live Forever.

Chris took to his piano for a solo performance of Many Rivers to Cross, which he previously sang in Trafalgar Square when the Make Trade Fair campaign was launched. The finale was Whatever morphed into The Beatles� Octopus�s Garden.

J

January 14, 2009 - submitted by Kunal, Canada

 

Q. I was watching a Much Music TV interview with Jonny & Chris a couple of days ago, & they said that they would perform at weddings for 4 Pounds an hour.

 

I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday & my wife & my 3 year Anniversary on May 30th, 2009 & was wondering if they would perform for us?

 

Who do I need to get in touch with, in order to make this happen?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid they were jesting; they're not available for hire. If they were at �4 and hour, they'd be the bargain of the century!

 

 

:D:D:D