Ask the Oracle on Coldplay.com (Now in session!)

[Tash]

September 20, 2012 - submitted by Jemma, Australia

 

Q. Dear Oracle, in the music video for The Scientist, was Chris recorded walking and talking backwards or was that just special effects?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Has it really been over 3 years since I answered this question?

The video was shot forwards and replayed backwards.

[Tash]

September 20, 2012 - submitted by Liku, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle!

A year ago, I heard that Coldplay performed at UCLA as a promotion of MX. Is there any chance that they will be performing at any universities in the future?

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The show at UCLA wasn't part of the MX tour or promotion; it was a Grammy Foundation benefit gig.

Later that year, they also played a one-off special show at Norwich UEA as part of BBC Radio 1's Student Tour.

They may perform at universities again in the future as part of something particular but it's not very likely they will do a uni tour.

[Tash]

September 21, 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 27th September.

 

I've got a problem. I have an amazing boyfriend whom I love to the ends of the Earth, but he was this awful habit of pushing his bitterness upon me. He is easily angered, and blames it upon huge fact that he "has no life". He'll often become angry at me for things beyond my control, and when I try to soothe him it only makes him more angry. It drives me crazy with worry, anger, and sadness. I want him to be happy but I forgive him again and again and he apologizes again and again but he just doesn't change. How can I help him become happy and fulfilled without him pulling me down as well? Grace. USA.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

[Tash]

September 21, 2012 - submitted by Rita, Lebanon

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #88

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.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Never look back and be embarrassed; it’s part of growing, learning and finding your way.

Maturity develops over time so we’re bound to grow up. I look back and laugh at photos where the fashion and hairstyles are so different. On the other hand, yes, I freely admit I can cringe at my behaviour when I reflect but I also think it must have helped shape who I am today.

Some people remain the same and some people go through changes. I fall into the latter category and I’d hope that for the most part that was for the greater good.

I have to say I had some control of how, what, why made those changes occur as sometimes I had to change but there’s not wrong with change if it means you are developing as a person. It can make you more rounded, more whole and perhaps even a better person if you use the changes wisely. As long as that’s not a bad thing, take the changes in your stride.

In the meantime make decisions that will make you look back and smile.

Over to you.

 

Everyone goes through change, it's not a bad thing! It would be much worse to go through life having not changed at all. There's no need to be embarrassed by your past. You acted on things that interested you, and there's no shame in that because it's what you wanted at that time in your life. This of course depends on the severity of your actions, but something as minute as your musical preference shouldn't get you so worrysome. Instead of looking back at who you were, look forward to the person you want to become. Warm regards, Blake.

 

Of course you can change as you get older – I know I have in some ways. When I look back on some things and what I used to like, I am baffled at how different I was back then. Change can be a good thing though, so don’t worry! Most of the things I remember about my old self, I just laugh at now – so it’s more funny and light memories, and not really painful or tough ones. Your interests and taste in music may have changed, but that doesn’t mean you as a person have. It’s important to have a good and healthy relationship with yourself, so long as you maintain that, I don’t think you’ll have anything to hate or feel embarrassed about in the future. Lots of people like some things growing up and then something completely different later on in life. I believe that it’s totally normal for people to change a bit, so don’t be afraid of that. Just be happy, be positive and be yourself! Best wishes, Medina.

 

You've done something many people are not able to or don't want to: you have looked back in reflexion and critcism of yourselves.That's a skill.

Don't forget the 'healing' aspects of arts, fashion and so on.With things in our surrounding we can create something like a compensation or protection for our soul's state.Especially a teenager has to go through a lot we all know.So when you're through suddenly clothes don't have to be black,walls not blue or music not the same anymore e.g., our complete expression might modify.So don't worry about changing in those things, it's natural. Better observe changes in your evaluation of values, your opinion what is right or wrong. I guess you're on a right way. L.Q.

 

Yes, people keep changing but I prefer to use 'evolving'. You learned new things, you met new people, you experienced new things - you evolved. You are still yourself but enriched. You should not hate or be embarrassed by yourself when you look back - what you did two/ten/twenty years ago has huge impact on who you are now - this is important part of you.

I think more important is if you are feeling good with yourself now and if you are happy. If yes it means that you are in the right place at the right time. Magdalena.

 

Coming from a 17 year old, I can grasp your understanding of personal change. If that two year change was that horrifying, that can only mean that you have significantly grown and matured in such a way that it has benefited you by looking at your past actions—whether good or bad--and recognizing your mistakes. Although I'm not familiar with your culture, in the United States, the ages between 17 and 20 are the "coming of age" where it bridges you to the adult world, taking responsibilities and idealistically, a career. It's the time where you discover your identity in the world. You’re at that stage where you’d notice yourself in the past and wonder why you weren’t a little wiser. Obviously you've gone through a change and chances are it may continue. It may even have been a transformation. But that’s part of life. Of course you’re going to hate your past self but it’s all growth. You’re going to make mistakes but my advice is to have no regrets. I believe that in your case, something this drastic won’t occur sometime soon. Just take a breath and be content for where you are now. We learn and grow everyday so don’t fret, ok?

Just to end with this: A simple plot. But I know one thing. Good things, are coming your way. Best of Luck, Liku.

 

In your life, you will live through many events, and those events will change you, or you will change because of the impact of those events. When I look back on the person I was a few years ago, I was much different than I am now. You shouldn't be embarrassed by the person you used to be, because change can be for the better and you didn't know then what you know now. I think we change more rapidly when we're younger because we're still discovering who we are and trying to find the person we want to be. The important thing is that you like who you are and where you're going and that you don't lose yourself along the way. Bleier, U.S.

 

People change all the time, sometimes for good sometimes for bad. But it’s how you change how it makes a difference. I know very well how my music taste had change as I had, but that’s because I’m young, and so are you. Maybe you are just finding yourself and on the way, you can find different ways to be or think and when you discovered your real personality. There will be one day when you probably regret for something you did but it’s much worst to regret to something you didn’t do so you should live the moment but worry about the future too. What I’m trying to say is that there’s no one in the world that hasn’t change. There is always something that changes our minds about something else and before you can’t tell you think in a complete different way. But that’s ok. I am sure your friends are not who they used to be 3 years ago, but that doesn’t make them bad people. Changing is ok, but in the end, you are the very same person you were at the beginning. Be yourself, Lyssete.

 

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

[Tash]

September 24, 2012 - submitted by Paulo, Portugal

 

Q. Dear Oracle

 

Where is The Laurel Tree - the venue for one and only Starfish gig?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Laurel Tree doesn't exist any longer. It was actually a pub with a room upstairs that bands used to play in. It closed down a few years ago.

It's now called BrewDog (all one word). Its location is the corner of Bayham Street and Greenland Street, Camden, NW1.

[Tash]

September 24, 2012 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle

 

I noticed that during the live photo blogging sessions, no matter where in the world they are the band seem to be sat in the same room when they're warming up and playing Fifa - the one walled with the black curtains, can you explain? I'm guessing it's on the back of a tour lorry or your catering staff dress their venue hangout the same every time

 

Thanks, Jack.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You are indeed correct, Jack. The "rooms" also travel from city to city.

Well before the band reach the venue, areas are prepared for their arrival. Management & production are set-up in offices that can range from real rooms to make-shift ones but the band's dressing room, warm-up room and family & friends room are all the same no matter what the venue or where they are.

They're like pop-up rooms kitted out in black drapes with velcro fastenings to hide the real room or sometimes corridors. Lights, soft furnishings and flowers (as well as refreshments) are added to make them more inviting and comfortable. The band's room also has the games consoles etc. of course.

[Phoebeo]

September 24, 2012 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hi Oracle

 

I noticed that during the live photo blogging sessions, no matter where in the world they are the band seem to be sat in the same room when they're warming up and playing Fifa - the one walled with the black curtains, can you explain? I'm guessing it's on the back of a tour lorry or your catering staff dress their venue hangout the same every time

 

Thanks, Jack.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You are indeed correct, Jack. The "rooms" also travel from city to city.

Well before the band reach the venue, areas are prepared for their arrival. Management & production are set-up in offices that can range from real rooms to make-shift ones but the band's dressing room, warm-up room and family & friends room are all the same no matter what the venue or where they are.

They're like pop-up rooms kitted out in black drapes with velcro fastenings to hide the real room or sometimes corridors. Lights, soft furnishings and flowers (as well as refreshments) are added to make them more inviting and comfortable. The band's room also has the games consoles etc. of course.

 

 

Well.. That's a bit strange..

[Batman]

Well.. That's a bit strange..

yeah :uneasy:

[Texasluvsjonny]

Well.. That's a bit strange..

 

Not really. Most of these places are white brick stark echoy empty places. Adding the drapes and soft lights makes it feel cozier.

[Batman]

Not really. Most of these places are white brick stark echoy empty places. Adding the drapes and soft lights makes it feel cozier.

But

 

 

but

 

 

 

white brick stark echoy empty places are so cool :wacky:

[Coeurli]

September 24, 2012 - submitted by Paulo, Portugal[/color][/b]

 

Q. Dear Oracle

 

Where is The Laurel Tree - the venue for one and only Starfish gig?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Laurel Tree doesn't exist any longer. It was actually a pub with a room upstairs that bands used to play in. It closed down a few years ago.

It's now called BrewDog (all one word). Its location is the corner of Bayham Street and Greenland Street, Camden, NW1.

:surprised: New place of Coldplay pilgrimage! Yay! :awesome:

[coldplayisawesome]

But

 

 

but

 

 

 

white brick stark echoy empty places are so cool :wacky:

 

i'd imagine that when you're trying to get pumped to go perform, white brick stark echoy empty places will probably not be any help :P

[Coeurli]

^Also,you need a small cozy place with a nice sofa to be able to focus on your football game :nod:

[PrincessofChina]

^ and Chris & Jon need a nice cozy place for the pre-show cuddle :blank::lol:

[Coeurli]

^ and Chris & Jon need a nice cozy place for the pre-show cuddle :blank::lol:

Oh, right, I forgot about that ritual! :lol:

[James.]

September 24, 2012 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hi Oracle

 

I noticed that during the live photo blogging sessions, no matter where in the world they are the band seem to be sat in the same room when they're warming up and playing Fifa - the one walled with the black curtains, can you explain? I'm guessing it's on the back of a tour lorry or your catering staff dress their venue hangout the same every time

 

Thanks, Jack.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You are indeed correct, Jack. The "rooms" also travel from city to city.

Well before the band reach the venue, areas are prepared for their arrival. Management & production are set-up in offices that can range from real rooms to make-shift ones but the band's dressing room, warm-up room and family & friends room are all the same no matter what the venue or where they are.

They're like pop-up rooms kitted out in black drapes with velcro fastenings to hide the real room or sometimes corridors. Lights, soft furnishings and flowers (as well as refreshments) are added to make them more inviting and comfortable. The band's room also has the games consoles etc. of course.

 

:surprised: I never knew about that!

[Tash]

September 25, 2012 - submitted by Keish, Australia

 

Q. Do Roadie #42 and the Anchorman take turns to do blogs for the live shows? Or is it usually Anchorman who does the job?

Also, the last blog says that you guys are taking a 6 week break before heading down under. Can we possibly expect a live blog from Melbourne, Australia?

 

Cheers,

Keish

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Anchorman takes the helm for all the live blogs as Roadie #42 is busy being a roadie during that time. #42 writes his retrospective blogs rather than reporting live.

Given the distance etc. I very much doubt there will be a live blog from Australasia but I expect Roadie #42 will recount touring tales.

[Tash]

September 25, 2012 - submitted by Eliza, New Zealand

 

Q. I'm SO excited to be Coldplay's next concert!! I am GA and wanting to know where abouts is the best place to stand as I am quite short but really want to see Chris and the band performing. Thanks Oracle! Also what time do fans normally start lining up??

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Where to stand really is a personal preference. If you're short you may struggle in the middle of the audience so if you end up there, make sure you keep hydrated.

I don't know if there's a golden circle so my advice may not work. The best places (to me) are in front of the stage, sides of runway or at the end of the X Stage to get near. If you struggle in crowds, go further back where you will the the stage as a whole plus the screens and all effects in their glory.

Maybe you could head to the C Stage for the acoustic section and a close-up view of the band.

 

Queue times vary. I know that in Paris one fan was there from 6am and said it was very busy yet in Leipzig fans didn't start arriving 'til 9am and even then, not that many.

[Tash]

September 25, 2012 - submitted by Andres, Mexico

 

Q. Hi Oracle! In Sound Relief in 2009, what does Chris say when he introduces John Farnham? Does he say "the singer of the Australian national anthem"?

 

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It appears it's an Antipodean themed day for Oracle questions...

No, Andres, but close. Chris actually says, "ladies & gentlemen, please welcome to sing the Australian nation anthem, John Farnham".

Chris is obviously joking but

is such a hugely famous song by an Australian* performer and we LOVE it!

*John was actually born in England.

[Tash]

September 26, 2012 - submitted by Keera, United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

I was wondering: What is the difference between the $20.91 live 2012 bundle and the $24.13 one?

Thanks!! :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Both the CD/DVD and the DVD/CD packages contain the same 95 minute film and 15 track live album but the difference is the DVD/CD version has DVD sized pages and its booklet contains an extra 2 pages.

 

In the UK that's the £12.99 and £14.99 versions...

[Tash]

September 26, 2012 - submitted by Brad, United States of America

 

Q. Hey, Oracle. I pre-ordered the live 2012 Blue-Ray today but I have a question. Will the Blue-Rays and dvds we receive in the US be playable in our region or will they be in the European format?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It does actually say on the order page that the DVDs are NTSC Format Region 0 which means they are region free so you'll be fine.

[Tash]

September 26, 2012 - submitted by Paul, Poland

 

Q. On the new 2012 DVD trailer I think I noticed that a part of the video is form the Warsaw concert (00:57 I think) Does it mean that one of the songs will be from that concert!?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

All the details are in the new piece including the director saying: "Live 2012 includes footage from Coldplay’s shows at Paris’s Stade de France, Montreal’s Bell Centre and last year’s triumphant Pyramid Stage headline performance at Glastonbury Festival".

I'd therefore say that no, there won't be footage from the Warsaw gig in the film.

I'm sure the trailer may look like many places but I can't confirm whether Poland features in it, sorry.

[LFDianne]

September 26, 2012 - submitted by Paul, Poland[/color][/b]

 

Q. On the new 2012 DVD trailer I think I noticed that a part of the video is form the Warsaw concert (00:57 I think) Does it mean that one of the songs will be from that concert!?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

All the details are in the new piece including the director saying: "Live 2012 includes footage from Coldplay’s shows at Paris’s Stade de France, Montreal’s Bell Centre and last year’s triumphant Pyramid Stage headline performance at Glastonbury Festival".

I'd therefore say that no, there won't be footage from the Warsaw gig in the film.

I'm sure the trailer may look like many places but I can't confirm whether Poland features in it, sorry.

 

Dear Oracle,

 

This is 100% the Hollywood Bowl.

 

[/img]

 

So I'm sure they've included footage from other shows in the dvd.

 

Sincerely,

Dianne - the ever helpful fan

 

And yes, I know this isn't really going to be seen by the Oracle, but just saying...

[Batman]

^ maybe this footage was only used for trailer :thinking:

[wabbit]

I think those three are the "flagship" locations, but it doesn't mean that no other footage at all was used. The release does say "includes footage from" and not that it is exclusively those three.

 

Would they really not include a single USA venue? I doubt that, dear Oracle.