December 6, 2010 - submitted by Mark, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle

I have tickets for the Coldplay Top of the Pops, I have to travel quite far to get to the BBC. Will the band only be playing Christmas Lights? And is there going to be other acts there?

Thanks

Mark

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This is the Top of the Pops Christmas special and will feature acts who have had singles out this year. Coldplay obviously weren't releasing this year due to their recording sessions but with the arrival of Christmas Lights came the invitation to perform on the show. So... that's a yes they will only be performing Christmas Lights and yes there will be other acts there.

^I only want to see Coldplay...Starting to wonder if i should bother considering how long we have to wait.burt well...

Ahhhh Marie....you will so regret it if you don't go. I hate being in Australia.....I'm missing out. :cry:

December 7, 2010 - submitted by Colin, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

How and when can we watch Coldplay on TV when they perform at the BBC?

Colin

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm sure Anchorman will announce the times and dates as we get that information. But the first transmission will be at 2pm on Christmas Day BBC1. Last year they actually had two shows over the festive period and repeats so there'll be other chances to catch it.

December 7, 2010 - submitted by Steven, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hey Oracle, I was lucky enough to win tickets for TOTP on Wednesday. Slightly concerned as there is no definite chance of actually getting in to see the show and I am travelling from quite far away. So I wondered how many are actually allowed in the audience? Would be a nightmare if I didn't get in as I'm a massive Coldplay fan! Thanks a lot.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Congratulations.

Yes this does seem to be a concern for many fans. It is usual for TV shows to oversubscribe as they like to make sure they have enough audience members; their approach is better to have too many and turn some away than not enough. I am pretty sure that was mentioned at the time of registering for tickets.

To be perfectly honest even if you know how many people will be allowed in, it won't help as you don't know what time any other fans are planning on arriving... It is indeed a risky venture but if anyone is planning on getting there very early, please make sure you wrap up as it's bitterly cold.

December 8, 2010 - submitted by Peter, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle! Why is Ian McCulloch not credited as a producer of A Rush of Blood To The Head?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Erm, not sure why you would think he should be. Ian was present at some sessions at Parr Street Studios during the recording of the album but he didn't produce or co-produce it.

December 8, 2010 - submitted by Pranav, India

 

Q. Has the Christmas Lights video been shot in one shot? :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

A few people have asked this and apparently the word on the street is that it was a single shot video. There might have only been one camera (to be confirmed) but I can assure you that the video was not filmed in just one take.

They didn't 'wrap' until around 3 in the morning.

 

FYI: For those who wish to know, 'wrap' is the term used when the final filming has taken place. My favourite example of the word being used is at 3 minutes 55 seconds in this.

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December 8, 2010 - submitted by Kathryn, United States of America

 

Q. Where was the music video for Christmas Lights filmed? Many thanks! :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It was filmed at Southbank in London on the River Thames. This also answers other questions asked:

The building in the final scene is not a mosque nor is it The White House it is in fact St. Paul's Cathedral.

December 8, 2010 - submitted by Emily, United States of America

 

Q. Oracle!

Who did the art work on the Christmas Lights cover?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It was Yu Matsuoka Pol.

December 9, 2010 - submitted by Eman, Lebanon

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I see in a previous question you clarified that the building in the Final scene in the video of Christmas Lights was St. Paul's Cathedral not a mosque, but what about at 1:14 in the video isn't that a mosque??

 

Also I'm guessing that Mat Whitecross directed the video of Christmas Light, did I guess right?

 

Thank you,

Eman = Faith

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The cardboard scenery you mean? Well, I had just thought it was maybe an Arabian skyline with no particular religious leanings at all. The song has no undertones alluding to it.

Cute thought hahahaha

 

 

December 9, 2010 - submitted by Javier M E, Spain

 

Q. My cousin watched your Christmas Lights video and asked what Elvis had to do with Christmas. Of course I know Elvis Presley sung lots of Christmas songs, but I answered him that it might have been a mistake in the transcription or reading of the video script: Maybe the script writer intended to show THREE ELVES (like Santa's helpers) and someone read THREE ELVIS??

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Hahahahaha! That's funny! If you listen to the lyrics of the song - or you can read them here - you will hear (or see) there is actually an Elvis reference in the song so it's no mistake.

December 9, 2010 - submitted by Clarence, Malaysia

 

Q. Dear Oh Mighty Oracle,

Are you annoyed by "Team Oracle"?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It was my idea so not at all. I thought it would be an interesting direction to take and so far I am loving the audience participation.

Check back tomorrow for this week's submission...

December 9, 2010 - submitted by Jacob, United States of America

 

Q. When was Harmless written? The consensus is that it was written in the X & Y era, but then again I've heard that it was written for Parachutes (which seems more likely).

 

Nonetheless it's a fabulous song and I can only wonder why the boys didn't put it on an album!

 

Jacob

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Actually neither are right; I recall Harmless first being written during the A Rush of Blood to the Head recording sessions. It was certainly post-Parachutes and pre-X&Y.

intended to show THREE ELVES (like Santa's helpers) and someone read THREE ELVIS??

 

:lol: I had to laugh. But it would be interesting to see Phil and Simon dressed as elves :elf:

December 10, 2010 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal/emotional nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we thought we'd launch a new weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

So, if you'd like to join in, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 200 words, to [email protected] before Thursday 16th December.

 

How do you know you are doing what you're meant to be doing? Or how do you know that you are where you're supposed to be?

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

December 10, 2010 - submitted by Tom, United Kingdom

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #3

"I went out with this girl for 2 years and we were absolutely in love. Then we had to move to two different schools and she broke up with me because she thought it would be too hard. She got a new guy like 2 weeks later but I feel like he's just a rebound. Anyway, it has been 2 months since we broke up and we are meeting to talk things over. I just need some advice on what to say or whether I should just let her go because to be honest, I still love her more than anything in the world. Thank you very much for the help. Tom"

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

My interest is in you so whether your ex is on the rebound is none of my concern. Nor will it benefit you wondering if she was right and maybe it would have been too hard. However, if she is with someone else my initial reaction is to say, let her go. People talk about closure and wanting reasons why things didn't work out but you may never have any answers, or ones that make any sense to you.

Breaking up can be such a painful experience; it's hard as it was her decision too. Sadly Tom as it's only been two months and she has a new boyfriend, there's likely to be some more hurt.

I am keen to hand over to hear everyone's opinions as I don't wish to be too harsh and be the voice of rational reason, as I sometimes try, because right now you aren't in the place to hear that.

My only advice is to ask her if the relationship is truly over or if there's a chance of you getting back together. I'd urge you to be strong if she replies anything other than what you want to hear; don't wait around if she says she's not sure and needs more time for example. You have to try and move forward with your life, this does not mean you can't be sad - it's a natural healing process but know that you will love again and be loved by someone deserving of yours.

Over to the team...

 

Hmmm, reminds me of a song...Love Stinks.

I think it is encouraging that your ex-girlfriend will see you, but honestly, be prepared for a disappointment.

For your sake, I hope that I'm wrong,and that your meeting goes great, but I somehow doubt this to be the case.

Any person who is truly in love with you would never find anyone else in only 2 weeks. YIKES!

Just look in the mirror...you're still single! That alone should speak volumes to you.

I have a feeling that your brain is telling you that you should forget this one, but your heart doesn't want to let go.

It won't be easy to put this behind you, because you probably really do love her, but I think you have to let her go.

Love is a funny thing and one day she may come back. Who knows.

Time truly heals, but sometimes it hurts a lot until your heart feels like trying to love again.

I hope better days are ahead for you.

Joanne, Canada

 

It seems like you still care for her and if you have both agreed to meet and talk things over, then she most likely still cares for you too. If you love her that much, then definitely don't turn her away. Tell her how you feel and speak from the heart and you can't go wrong!

Blake

 

Dear Tom,

This response comes from a hopeless romantic. I just wanted to say this... If you still love her and you're willing to fight for her then it will be worth it in the end. You should be completely honest with her when you talk to her. (Girls do like honesty). If she doesn't feel the way you do - well, then that's something you'll have to deal with then. But right now you have to risk it and just tell her how you feel and that you want her back. You have to live life with no regrets.

Best of luck!

Anna, Sweden

 

Dear Tom, I can see that you still want to be with your ex-girlfriend, but I wouldn't advise it. There's not much chance for a relationship this early on in life to be the one that lasts, especially since your ex doesn't seem to be mature enough at this point to break up with you and rebound so quickly over different school! Although I have no experience with this, I do have faith in love, but love isn't always enough to make a relationship work. If you get back with her now it'll only be harder if you break up in the future. You've already been apart for two months, it will get easier to bear soon. You should do whatever will actually make you happy in the long run. Hope I helped and good luck. Jack, U.S.A.

 

Dear Tom,

That's really a hard position to be in. I think it's really important to ask her how she feels about you, because if her feelings have changed or aren't as strong, I think you would be happier with someone who loves you. Your love is a valuable thing, and if she isn't in love with you, it will hurt--but you have to let her go.

Amber, USA

 

Thanks again everyone for your efforts.

Click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and to send us your answer.

^ I completely missed this! :awesome: I'm in Team Oracle! :dance:

I already thought that was you!

December 13, 2010 - submitted by Christina, Cyprus

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Could you please tell me where I can find the the TOTP gig?

Thanx a lot..

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It hasn't been aired yet and I gave the first transmission date the other day - Christmas Day - so as you're in Cyprus if you can't access BBC1 or BBC iPlayer I am sure it will be fairly easy to find online after that date.

December 13, 2010 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle, I was listening to the interview that Chris and Jonny gave on XFM. Chris was being very mysterious about the new album, BUT I do remember him joking about February 9th as a release date for Christmas Lights. I'm just wondering if this is a secret coded release of information for us very intrigued fans?? I hope so! :)

 

Thanks

 

Chris

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

A couple of people have written in asking why Chris mentioned a February release date in radio interviews on the night Christmas Lights was released.

Just to clear this up he was referring to the fact that Christmas Lights isn't a song that you can release at any other time of year, such as February. A few fans got excited thinking he was talking about the album; he wasn't.

I guess this would be a good time to answer another question I was asked:

 

"Is Christmas Lights inherently a love song with Christmas context or a Christmas song with love context?" I'd say it's the former and as it wasn't written for the next album it made sense to release it at the start of the festive season - although some shops seem to think that is in October...

December 14, 2010 - submitted by Astrid, Colombia

 

Q. Dear Oracle!

 

2 questions!

1. Is this the first time that Coldplay release a song for Christmas?

2. Which scene of Harry Potter 7 was your favorite?

 

Thanks lovely oracle!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Although there have been Christmas songs recorded that have featured around the festive period this is the first time the band have officially released a song for Christmas.

The other tracks that have been available on CD (but not an EMI release) are Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2000) & 2000 Miles (2003).

If you're looking for other Coldplay Christmas related stuff you can certainly find their Christmas messages of bygone times as well as Christmas songs they have performed on the radio and at live shows...

 

My favourite scene in Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows part I is without a doubt the animation during Hermione's reading of the Tale of the Three Brothers. That sequence was stunningly designed and directed by Ben Hibon by the way.

December 14, 2010 - submitted by Tiago, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hey Oracle,

 

I just got Will's drumstick and Jonny's guitar pick whilst recording TOTP on Wednesday (which was amazing by the way). But, I wanted to know if those are the same equipment they use on their live shows or just one that Top of the Pops have provided for them?

 

Kind regards.

thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The guys always use their own gear, sticks and picks included so you have their bona fide personal items not once owned by the BBC.

we should ask the Oracle if the band will be playing new songs on the upcoming shows of 2011...

December 9, 2010 - submitted by Eman, Lebanon[/color]

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I see in a previous question you clarified that the building in the Final scene in the video of Christmas Lights was St. Paul's Cathedral not a mosque, but what about at 1:14 in the video isn't that a mosque??

 

Also I'm guessing that Mat Whitecross directed the video of Christmas Light, did I guess right?

 

Thank you,

Eman = Faith

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The cardboard scenery you mean? Well, I had just thought it was maybe an Arabian skyline with no particular religious leanings at all. The song has no undertones alluding to it.

 

10th question answered from Lebanon:D (i know i'm silly for counting:()

What idiots thought St Paul's was a mosque or the White House (surely they mean the Capitol?)??!