September 10, 2012 - submitted by Jess, Australia

 

Q. I was watching the repeats of Coldplay at the closing ceremony of the Paralympics and they said that a rumour was going around that Coldplay got paid only 1 pound to perform. Is that true? Cheers :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's not a rumour; every act/band who performed at the opening & closing ceremonies of both the Olympics and Paralympics got paid £1 to perform - including Sir Paul McCartney.

September 11, 2012 - submitted by Davi, Brazil

 

Q. Hi, Oracle

Please Reply

 

Coldplay come to Brazil? I heard Chris Martin speaking Rio is in sight in the Paralympics Closing Ceremony

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

He wasn't referring to the band touring Brazil - as you know, there are no current plans - he meant that the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics will be taking place in Rio.

September 11, 2012 - submitted by Carol, Brazil

 

Q. My dear Oracle, what a great surprise I had tonight! It was amazing the Coldplay performance at the closing ceremony of the London Paralympics... and as Chris said, a great honor! I just want to know if you were there.

Please tell me how did it feel?

Have a nice day! Love Carol.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I was there, Carol but I'm not sure I can put into words how I felt or how it was.

It was mind-blowing, magical, incredible, jaw-droppingly beautiful and the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed in my life. I doubt I will ever experience anything quite like that again in my lifetime.

I haven't watched the TV version yet but am humbled and grateful to have had the once in a lifetime opportunity of being there watching it all unfold.

It's also been great to read so many fans comments about how much they loved it too.

September 11, 2012 - submitted by Helen, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hello,

 

A group of friends and I are travelling to Prague to see Coldplay play this Sunday evening. The tickets that we have bought say that Synot Tip Arena, but your website says Slavia Eden....just to be sure: is it the same stadium? :) Wouldn't want to be in the wrong place at the right time!

 

Thanks Oracle!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Don't worry, Helen - you're going to the right place at the right time. The Eden Arena was formerly known as Synot Tip Arena so it is one and the same.

Enjoy!

September 12, 2012 - submitted by Marvick, Netherlands

 

Q. Hello Mighty Oracle.

 

I was wondering. Why doesn't Coldplay play the 'original' version (The one at ACL Festival) of Up In Flames. The one with the real drums?

 

Thanks in Advance!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That's not the original version as it were; that's the debut live version.

The song was written quite close to that performance and they were still working out how to present it live.

The album version and the way it's played live now are very similar. I think it suits the song the way it is.

September 12, 2012 - submitted by Hanina, Indonesia

 

Q. When is exactly Coldplay gonna show up at the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games? And what song they're gonna play?

 

Kisses from Indonesia!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It was all under wraps before hand so I couldn't tell you but here is the setlist as it happened on Sunday night:

Us Against The World

Yellow

Up In Flames

Paradise

42

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Clocks

Charlie Brown

Princess Of China with Rihanna

Strawberry Swing with The British Paraorchestra

We Found Love with Rihanna

Viva La Vida

Run This Town with Jay-Z and Rihanna

Paradise remix with Jay-Z

The Scientist

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

September 12, 2012 - submitted by Meky, Austria

 

Q. Hello,

Me and some friends will go to the concert tonight in Munich. Unfortunately some security guys told us that if it's raining, the show could be cancelled because the whole stage is not roofed.

 

Is that true??

 

We're really worried now....

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

We have played so many wet shows over the "summer". Not a single one of them was cancelled despite torrential downpour. There is always a risk of rain and if you're not bothered about getting wet - neither are we!

Wear sensible clothes though.

I would say try not to put umbrellas up during the show as you may ruin it for the people behind - it's only water ;-)

September 13, 2012 - submitted by Andrew, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I was wondering how Coldplay came up with the setlist at the Paralympics. The order of the songs that were performed were in a different order as usual, especially Us Against the World being first. Did Coldplay have the people in charge of the Paralympics pick out the songs they wanted and then have them choose the order since everyone in the Paralympics was moving to the lyrics of each song? Let me know!

 

Thanks,

 

Andrew

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The band and Kim Gavin, the director of Olympic closing ceremony, worked together on putting the perfect setlist together. It took time and wasn't a decision taken lightly. The audience didn't know the order; only the band and the performers.

September 13, 2012 - submitted by Lucas , Brazil

 

Q. Does the band know when there's something related with Coldplay in the Trending Topics on Twitter?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

They do if Anchorman sees it and tells them, yes. Obviously we can't always watch trending topics but generally word does get back to the band.

September 13, 2012 - submitted by Elizabeth, United States of America

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

I was watching videos on Youtube of the Chicago Concert this year that i attended, I notice when Chris Asks for the wristbands to be turned on he ask for Will to turn them on. Does this mean Will Champion actually controls the wristbands or is somebody else named Will as well?

 

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, Will is multi-talented - as we all know - but rather too busy at the shows to be able to activate the Xylobands at all the right moments.

It's Jason who turns them on. Chris is saying Will's name as he comes in next with drums.

She/ he hasn't answered Myne yet?

She/ he hasn't answered Myne yet?

 

The oracle gets 1000s of questions every week, it's never guaranteed that she will pick your question. You just have to keep asking and hope that one day she will answer it :)

I ain't got all day m8 lol

September 14, 2012 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we now have a 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.

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 20th September.

 

I was bored the other day, so I went back and read some old emails I had sent about 2 years ago, read old forum posts I'd written, listened to some music I liked back then... and I realized that 17 year old me and 19 year old me are 2 different people. I changed so much; I barely recognized myself in those songs. I need to ask if this keeps happening as you get older? Because it's absolutely terrifying. I don't want to look back in a couple of years and hate or be embarrassed by myself. Do people keep changing so much or is it to a lesser extent?

Rita, Lebanon.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

September 14, 2012 - submitted by Sofia, Portugal

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #87

I really have a problem. I had a boyfriend and we broke up but he still have feelings for me. And honestly our past it's not the best. We used to have huge fights and really complicated moments. Sometimes I really felt wrong.

And because of it my friends think it's more healthy for me if we never get back together. I used to suffer a lot but we also had great moments.

We had been together for almost 4 years and it's hard for me not having someone by my side for anything and because of it I think I miss him but I don't know if that's love.

Should I move on and change my life and became independent and strong and find someone really good to me or should I go back to him? What should I do to this confused heart ?

Thanks for answering from the bottom of my heart.

Sofia.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's only hard 'now' not to have someone by your side but that doesn't mean it always will be or that he's the right someone. You will get used to it and my advice is - get used to it. If you can be happy on your own you will find that when you meet someone you want to share your life with, it will enhance it rather than complete it.

I'm an old cynic and as much as I do love the romantic notion of "the one" and falling in love, I have come to realize over time the importance of self.

It's natural to miss him after 4 years but as you question, that's not necessarily love. It may have been at one time but love can fade. It could be that your feelings are based on habit, familiarity or feeling safe in what you know.

The relationship didn't sound like a healthy, happy one so I would heed your friends' advice too.

Becoming strong and independent is the way forward and when you achieve that, you will find the rest will fall into place.

Over to you.

 

I am sorry to hear that you've broken up with your boyfriend, and more so to hear that you had been arguing. On one side arguing means that you're comfortable enough with each other to be honest with one another, but then people can also say really hurtful things that they don't mean, especially in the heat of the moment. The extent to which you were arguing however wasn't healthy and it was making both of you unhappy. I can understand why your friends say its better if you didn't get back together with him because things can easily slip into old ways and even if you did address the underlying issues people are a force of habit and change does not come so readily for some. It all comes down to whether you think the relationship is worth salvaging, you said yourself that you don't know whether what you two had was love. I think its an excellent idea for you to gain independence as I expect coming out from a relationship like that leaves you a bit vulnerable. You say you miss having him there all the time; maybe you two just need space from each other, its another thing that causes tension in all kinds of relationships. Whatever you choose to do just be happy and sure of yourself.

Best wishes, Naomi.

 

When it comes to love, first of all, there is never an easy answer. Just realize that all these questions come from the mind.

The heart is the one, who has no questions, for the heart is in the position of knowing. The mind controls no action, it's just the interpreter.

So going back to your boyfriend won't be a decision but an action, again, just because the heart is never confused.

Your heart is the dealer, your mind is the player.

It's a normal thing to keep having feelings for your partner, because you are cherishing the good things you two have had together. The same goes for him.

Moving on with your life and becoming independent is always a good thing to do.

Going back, can be good sometimes, but most of the time, the road lies ahead. Even if, sometime in future, you would completely forget about him, there is still a big chance that he will still remember you.

That's the strange way this thing works, that what we call love. And the hope to find it, is keeping us all going. Rames.

 

I think you should become strong, after four years of being together it is not positive a break. Take time and let your confused heart to be sure again. Paola.

 

In love you will not always be happy. While love is beautiful it is also about giving and taking and within love or any relationship you will encounter fights. But they should not be constantly going on. If your boyfriend made your life stressful and made you upset most of the time it is unhealthy for you to be together. If you are constantly at battle with one another and the happy moments are barely there then you need to take a break at least. It hurts, it really does but in the end this is probably for the best. It seems selfish to walk away if he still has feelings but there is a time where pain and stress are unbearable and you need to put yourself first. Step in and tell your heart you need a break, the stress and sadness will fade eventually. If you two are really meant to be fate will bring you together and you will be happy, but this can only be if you can find a way you can be together without constantly fighting. Love should not enslave you, it should be something that sets you free. I think you should start a new independent life for right now, it will do you good. I hope whatever decision you make works out for you, stay strong.

Sarah, United States.

 

This is definitely a tough situation and I am sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time. I honestly think that you should to find it in yourself to move on, learn from your past and become a stronger person. As the saying goes, "there are plenty of fish in the sea". I'm sure the RIGHT person is out there. One who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated all the time, and not just some of the time. You don't deserve to be in a relationship where you are suffering and feel like you are wrong. And yes there might have been some positive moments, but that is not enough to back to this guy. Keep your head up and go out there and find a guy who will treat you like a princess and make you feel special every day. Stephen.

 

I know what it's like to be in that sort of relationship. It's normal to fight in every relationship but if you feel like the relationship is unhealthy and adds stress to your life its not worth it. These are the types of things that shape our character and makes us stronger. Though your path is unclear at the moment, maybe you should take time to think about what you gained throughout the 4 years you were together. Maybe write some pro's and con's. I hope you find someone that makes you truly content. Have a great week. Alexa.

 

I more then understand your confused feelings. Try to find out for yourself if you'd go back to him 1) because you don't want to be alone or 2) you really love him....

Don't bother yourself with the opinion of your friends. You can take them into account but they can not decide for you. In the end it's important what you feel. It's your life and your decision. If you still love him and you want to go back, remember that every relation suffers "bad times" and everyone can change! Success! Annette.

 

I believe that you broke up for a reason and that it may not be the best thing to return to him and to that relationship. I understand that you might miss him because of the good moments you shared, but based on what you’ve said, I don’t think you miss him as much as you miss the idea of having someone. For that reason, my personal advice would be to try and move on. I am sure there is someone better out there for you. Ultimately, you are the one who’s going to have to live with the choice you make, but my personal advice would be to just put him behind you. Stay happy and positive, take care of yourself and everything else will work out. I wish you all the best. Love, Medina.

 

Life gives us many challenges that we must face; love is one of nature's complications that we still struggle to understand. If the two of you have been together for four years, you must have had a stable enough relationship to get through the obstacles most couples can't endure. That is a relationship to be proud of. On the other hand, if your friends think it best for the two of you to part ways, I wouldn't completely ignore their advice.

If you decide to leave, try to stay friends. He must have been a sweet, likeable guy to have been in a relationship with you in the first place. It sounds like all you need is space for now. If you can keep him as a friend, you won't run into relationship-type problems, but he will still be there for you. If that's not in your best interests, it may be best to move on. We do, after all, fall down so we can learn to pick ourselves up.

And if a break is all you need, and can find happiness with each other once again, all the more to you.

Regardless of your decision, good luck to the both of you. Matthew.

 

The fact that you are asking the question as to if or not you should get back with your boyfriend means you are already considering a life without him. Relationships are not like they are in the movies, by any means, but when you are in a good, healthy relationship it is wonderful and you try your best to make the other person happy. You deserve to be happy and it sounds as though your friends agree that he is not the one for you! You already know what you need to do, ask your friends for their support and start to build a new life for yourself. It won't be easy and you will miss him, but just don't rush back into a relationship with him or the cycle will just continue over and over and life is far too short for that. The good times should definitely out-weigh the bad. Give yourself a chance to be happy on your own and you never know what opportunities will present themselves. You can do it! Start by creating a list of steps to get you to your new life, they can be as simple as arrange a regular night out / in with a good friends. Good luck from Leash, Australia.

 

I used to have a very tumultuous relationship. We would fight and he put me through serious heartache. But, people change, grow, and sometimes you find that you forgive those heartbreaks, become wiser from them, and then you are able to keep loving. You know that you love that person so much for who he/she is that you will try to work through your differences instead of severing your relationship. What is important is that you make sure you both foster mutual respect and love. That guy and I went on to get married, but by the time we did, we were both very different people. Our love was very different too--it was kinder. We knew that the last thing either of us ever wanted was to hurt the other or to make the other feel wrong within his/her person, at his/her core. The things we initially loved about each other were still there, but it’s as if you just teach each other how to be better at loving. There are relationships that start off in love but never find that communication and they break down. I cannot say what you should do either way because only you know if you love each other. But, I can say that you should never stay in a relationship where the other person is continually hurtful and shows no determination to change. Healthy relationships need conscious love, respect, and kindness. Take care, Susannah.

 

Thanks to all those who wrote in with their replies. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's question, and send us your answer.

September 17, 2012 - submitted by Laura, Germany

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

how I can be notified immediately about concert tickets? I'm always too late :(

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The easiest way is probably to sign-up for our messenger. It's our newsletter which automatically puts you on the mailing list as this includes tour dates when announced.

Our website's Live section, twitter feed and facebook page will have the information too of course but I understand if you don't want to be checking them every minute of every day.

I have a couple of alerts on Ticketmaster too so that when a tour of my favourite artists is announced, I'll receive an email telling me.

September 17, 2012 - submitted by Juliana, United States of America

 

Q. I was thinking about breaking up with my boyfriend or 1 1/2 years...since June actually.. Things happened, I waited. Now I want to break up. I was ready last night and mentally prepared myself for this. But then my friend said he told her that he was gonna kiss me that night (first kiss), (keep in mind that I'm 13). Now I'm confused. He didn't kiss me because it was at the school dance and too many teachers were around. Help?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm confused. You were going to break-up but now you've heard he was going to kiss you so you didn't. Are the two related?

If you were going to break-up with him because he hadn't kissed you, 13 is still young and putting that pressure on him to do that when a first kiss is a HUGE thing is telling me that perhaps this isn't the boy you should be having your first kiss with.

What has changed? If you had wanted to split since June then I think you should but before he kisses you.

If you wait until after, you could really destroy his confidence and totally mess with his head which would be unfair.

Let him down gently.

 

If it is the one you want to take that step with, ask yourself what you think may happen after the kiss...

September 17, 2012 - submitted by Susan, Germany

 

Q. So I had an amazing time at the Coldplay concert last night in Munich, and it brought back a question I've had for a while. How do you pronounce Mylo Xyloto?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Chris explained: it's pronounced my-lo zy-letoe (or / 'maɪləʊ 'zaɪlətəʊ / if you speak phonetics).

To break it down one step further:

my lo zy (rhymes with my) le (rhymes with the) toe

September 17, 2012 - submitted by Susan, Germany

 

Q. So I had an amazing time at the Coldplay concert last night in Munich, and it brought back a question I've had for a while. How do you pronounce Mylo Xyloto?

 

Hey Susan, have you been living under a rock?

September 18, 2012 - submitted by Arina, Sweden

 

Q. Dear wise Oracle,

I went to the Prague concert on september 16th and I have to say it was the most beautiful and amazing thing I've ever experienced. Well, the day after the concert I was walking around in Prague with my family when my mom suddenly shouted to me that she saw a man that looked exactly like Chris Martin. I got really excited but I told myself that it wasn't Chris because I've heard that after each show the members of Coldplay go home to their families. Well, my question is, is there any possibility that this person was Chris? Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You're correct; that wasn't Chris as they didn't stay over in Prague.

September 18, 2012 - submitted by Irene, United Kingdom

 

Q. How many times are you allowed to vote for the band to win the EMAs?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

We just checked the official rules, and you're actually allowed to vote up to 100 times per day.

September 19, 2012 - submitted by Ryan, New Zealand

 

Q. Hey Oracle, How do I get in contact with the Tech crew, I'm keen to help them setup the Coldplay Concert in Auckland ? Thanks heaps.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

We have a fully staffed crew - both touring and local - so unfortunately we're not looking for any one further to help.

You don't mention if you are a qualified or trained / experienced tech dude so if not, that would be the first thing you'd have to be before embarking on a tour of this size. If you're not, I suggest trying out with smaller local venues to gain work experience.

September 19, 2012 - submitted by Zoe, United States of America

 

Q. Oh dear Oracle,

Are the symbols for the links (home, news, hypnofeed, etc...) on this website drawn by Chris?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, they're not; they were drawn by one of our web design team.

September 19, 2012 - submitted by Varun, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

During the Paralympics Closing Ceremony, Chris had a piece of paper stuck to the front of his piano. What was this? Was it a script, or some kind of a remembrance for a British Athlete?

 

 

Cheers!

 

~Varun

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I know it wasn't either of the things you listed but I *think* (pretty sure) it was a drawing by his children.

September 19, 2012 - submitted by Safa, France

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

I saw on the official Twitter of the band that they will make an announcement next week about the coldplayfilm. Does it mean that it will be released next week or is it only an info they will give us about it ? Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The announcement will simply be giving more information about the film but it's not finished yet so definitely won't be released this soon - the band are still on tour. Two more European dates to go... What a Summer it's been.