April 16, 2013 - submitted by Angela, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle ! :)

I would like to know.. There's a colour song in each album:

- Yellow in Parachutes

- Green Eyes in AROBTTH

- White Shadows in X&Y

- Violet Hill in VLVODAAHF

- Charlie Brown in Mylo Xyloto

Did they do this on purpose or it's just a coincidence ?

Thanks !

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Total coincidence. Violet Hill is a place and Charlie Brown is a name so I don't associate either of those songs with their title's colour.

April 16, 2013 - submitted by Wendy, United Kingdom

 

Q. I have not heard one thing about Coldplay in so long. I was listening to my two favorite songs off of MX last night, Hurts Like Heaven, and Don't let it Break Your Heart, and thinking these songs are so special to me and make me feel like crying but in a good way. I hope the band will make more music in the near future. Thanks.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

 

SPECIAL RECORD STORE DAY PICTURE DISC RELEASE

 

We have been updating the news section of the website & tweeting. In fact, today's news (& imminent Coldplay Messenger newsletter) contain info about one of your aforementioned favourite tracks.

 

It's Record Store Day in the UK on Saturday (20th April). There is a special picture disc limited edition release of Hurts Like Heaven and Us Against The World (Live). It will also contain Issue One of the Mylo Xyloto Comic.

 

More information was posted by Anchorman earlier.

April 17, 2013 - submitted by Alanna, United States of America

 

Q. What made you all want to start a band, and was it hard at first getting along and did you think you guys would become so famous?

Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

All the guys played instruments before they met at UCL. Chris claims he only went to University in London to meet Jonny, Guy & Will, that is that he knew it would be a great place to get a band together - and it was!

 

By the way, anyone who joins a band to become famous is doing it for the wrong reasons. Of course musicians want to be able to make a career out of being in a band but fame - that's a by-product of success. In my eyes, success is a far greater achievement.

April 17, 2013 - submitted by margaret, United States of America

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

I found this picture on Google Images, and I can see that the one on the right is Will, but who is the other one? Thank you so much!

 

-Margaret

 

P.S. DO you think Coldplay will ever come to Louisville, KY for a tour? It's the only way I would ever go to a Coldplay concert... :(

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That's Dan Green - their sound engineer.

April 17, 2013 - submitted by Dorothea, Austria

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

First I hope you're doing fine and everything goes well!?

I have a question concerning the Oxfam In My Place film project... sadly I found out today that it was possible for fans to participate by sending a pic or video for the film. Is it totally useless to send one through? I would really love to send one... but I know I missed the deadline *damn*.

And second I wanted to ask if this will be a real music video for the Oxfam version of In My Place with the band in it etc. or is it a PR-video for the Oxfam campaign?

 

Thank you a lot for your reply :)

Have a good day,

greets from Austria

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The deadline was the final date to submit your videos.

The answer to your second question can be seen here as Mat Whitecross has worked hard to turnaround those submissions into a great video.

April 16, 2013 - submitted by Angela, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hi Oracle ! :)

I would like to know.. There's a colour song in each album:

- Yellow in Parachutes

- Green Eyes in AROBTTH

- White Shadows in X&Y

- Violet Hill in VLVODAAHF

- Charlie Brown in Mylo Xyloto

Did they do this on purpose or it's just a coincidence ?

Thanks !

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Total coincidence. Violet Hill is a place and Charlie Brown is a name so I don't associate either of those songs with their title's colour.

 

Still a pretty cool coincidense...especially since it all came after The Blue Room EP.

April 18, 2013 - submitted by Brad, United States of America

 

Q. Hello most wonderful Oracle. What is the band hoping for out of fans in the front few rows? I got brought down by a roadie at the Barclays and didn't realize how nuts I was getting (evidence is on the screen 1:43 into

). I was standing right in front of Guy and don't know if it was good or annoying to him that I was so crazy since he's so chill. Best night of my life, thanks to you and Coldplay for everything you do.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ha! That's brilliant. You're in good company,

is someone else going nuts at a Coldplay show.

You did good, Brad. The whole point of bringing you guys down to the front is for you to have the best time ever and the band love to see that. It's always great looking out and seeing people enjoying themselves.

Don't ever hold back; go for it!

April 18, 2013 - submitted by John, United Kingdom

 

Q. If the band are signed to EMI, how come they were able to release a single on Fierce Panda?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Simon Williams saw the band and offered them a single deal. Brothers & Sisters was released as a one off before the band signed their long-term record deal with Parlophone.

Fierce Panda as an independent label offered great opportunities to new bands and many got their break with that first release.

 

If you want to find out more and see a clip of Will talking about the label, visit their Pledge Music page which is raising funds for a documentary: Fierce Panda: Endangered.

You can be part of the film-making process too if you fancy.

April 19, 2013 - 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 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 25th April.

 

I'm a bit confused right now. I'm 18 years old and studying at university which means I've got to learn and work a lot. Sometimes too much. Sometimes I'm so so so fed up with it and then I start thinking... It feels a bit like I'm spoiling my youth. I'm young and free right now, but I don't have the time to enjoy it. I always got to sit on a chair and learn and learn even more. Then I think, maybe I should just stop with it or study something easier. But then it would feel like I'm destroying my future, and one day - when I will be too old for uni - I'll regret for being too lazy.

At the same time I'm having another dilemma. Studying hard now makes the chance that I won't have exams in the summer bigger, but this means little free time now (while I should be enjoying my "student-time") and (hopefully) three months vacation in the summer. Having fun now with the risk of having exams in the summer. I have no clue what to do!

Oh, I don't even know if I'm making any sense at all, but it would be nice if you - wise Oracle - could help me out of this. Mini, Belgium.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

April 19, 2013 - submitted by Claudia, Puerto Rico

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #116

I feel so confused. What is the real reason we are here earth? I thought it was for us to be happy, but what happens to us afterwards? Where do we go? I wish I knew. My lover, my baby, my one and only, passed away last month in a car accident. He was only 20 years, and so full of life. The most amazing person I've ever known. Where did he go? Is he ok? Will I see him someday?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thank you Coldplay for teaching me lessons and helping me understand myself.

I just hope I get to see him again.

Manolo my love - you belong to me, not swallowed in the sea.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I truly wish I could answer your questions. I have no explanation to make sense of this tragic loss. While there are platitudes I could offer, none will be of much use right now.

I personally haven't got any religious beliefs so I can't even talk about afterlife or what God's plan was for your beloved Manolo. All I know is he will live on in your memories and he will always be with you in your heart.

Life can be so cruel and bad things happen to good people.

Over to you.

 

I'm so sorry. I think that we do not have a specific reason for being here. Life is not easy, remember that everything worthwhile, have to cost. We can be as happy as we can, but not always the case. There are obstacles to be overcome. Unfortunately, I don't know what happens after life, maybe his life and love were prosperous and his mission in the world would have ended. It is only a possibility but I'm sure that wherever he is, he will care of you and never leave you alone. I understand your sadness and confusion and I know it's not easy but you must continue with your life, and you're still alive you have much ahead. I'm sure that nothing was missing in his life and that he is happy, so continue slowly and stay with the best memories that live in your heart, with great smile. The passage of time will make you feel better, of course you can also get support from people around you, they always make you feel better and that will help you get out of it more easily. Nina.

 

Well Sweetheart, first off, I'd like to say that I'm sorry for your loss, and I know how it feels to lose someone like that. But I know that he's up there in heaven, waiting for you to reunite with him. Though it will be tough living without him, if you endure such hardships, it will only make you stronger. God has a plan, and you just need to trust that. Have faith, and he will take care of you. Stay Strong. Sydney.

 

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort that the common thread to all cultural and religious languages of the world have your answer: the Spirit never dies. The Universal Spirit is everywhere, in all of us and everything, and our physical bodies are just the vehicle through which our individual portions of that Spirit expresses itself in this reality. The eternal essence of who are are, the Spirit, the One Love, is the cause of Life and Death, it cannot live forever in our temporary vessels. The body, being subject to the limitations of time and physical reality, must eventually be relinquished and the Spirit eternal is free to rejoin limitless bliss, unhindered by Time and Place, free of any and all frustrations that can manifest here on this physical plane. Free to stay by your side at will and free to experience unlimited peace and joy outside of the physical rational linear mind.

Yes, your loved one is happy and free and always there when you call his name. He is with you when you sense his presence in the day, when a happy memory with him flashes through your mind so vivid you feel you are reliving it, and when he comes to you in dreams at night. May peace be with you. Branwen.

 

Well, may be this answer will look so cliche, but is what I think. When we die, we are supposed to go to the heaven, with our heavenly Father: God. How can we help Manolo to reach the Heaven, in case he didn't reach? We have to pray for him, for the salvation of his soul. Don't think anymore in the body of Manolo, think in him soul being extremely happy and waiting for your soul, to be happy with him and God. Blessings and hugs. Lillie.

 

We don’t know what will happen the next day and we don’t know what will be when our days are gone. It’s a tragedy what you have to experience. I had very similar experiences and think I can feel for you. To believe it is over for those who are dead, they neither feel nor do anything, but we are those who feel pain - this sometimes can help. Though you’re right, we really don’t know anything. So we believe what we need to, in our mind we can create something what we wish for them. Surely he will be in your head, probably your whole life. But the way it works in your head, you can have an influence on it. Accept your memories being there or gone, don’t fight against your sadness and don’t feel guilty for being happy again without him. There’s a time for everything.

Think what would be if you were the one in that car. How should his life go on then? I’m sure you wanted to see him happy again as far as possible one day.

It is your turn to live your life, although it is very hard, you had to learn painfully how precious it is. You could do something he wanted to do, a journey, meeting somebody he wanted to meet e.g., this could make a connection between your memory and your presence. Very best wishes. L.Q.

 

I'm terribly sorry for your loss. He may be gone, but his spirit will never leave. You will see him through all the people he has touched, and all those who love him. God has a plan for all of us, and I believe if we live our lives in proper accordance, He will reward us with heaven. Have faith that you will be reunited, and it will happen. Warm regards, Blake.

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard it is to cope. I can't really answer your questions as no one really knows what happens to us after death. Probably one of the hardest things to do is actually accept what's happened, and with that, the changes in your life. Your life does go on, though, and you can remember the great moments you shared with him. When someone passes away, it feels as if they've been taken away from your life, but you can learn to keep his memory alive. Then, I assure you he will always be a part of it. No one can take away the time you spent with him. No one can take away your memories. Realizing that might help your life feel a bit more stable. You're probably familiar with the song Death and All His Friends where Chris says "those who are dead, are not dead, they're just living in my head", which says it a lot better than I just did. He'll always be in your heart and mind. I'm sure that he wouldn't want you to be sad either, so please take care. Time helps. Many hugs. Love, Darem.

 

How tragic! I am sorry for your loss. I'm sure Manolo is at peace and even though his body has gone, his spirit will remain forever. I wish I knew the meaning of life but there may not be a meaning to it. While you are here make the best of it - in Manolo's memory and honour. Hugs. Britt.

 

I don’t know if my answer will be accepted because it’s got religious ties within it, but I feel like the question asked is one that only religion can answer. I think that our purpose on earth is to live as a part of a greater story, the story that God’s been playing out since the beginning. Early on sin was brought into the world, and the perfect world that God created began to experience brokenness. We see brokenness all around. Whether it’s the tragic death of your love, the bombings this week in Boston, or the sweet woman I know who was recently diagnosed with cancer; we’ve all experienced brokenness. Though it hurts and we can’t understand it, we all hope for something better. We all hope that someday all of creation will be made right again as it was in the beginning and that the brokenness will be gone. I believe that Jesus cheated death in his Resurrection, and that by the power of God, you can hold the same hope for your love. Jesus is still alive, so is your love. We are eternal. Our bodies don’t last but our souls do. It’s my hope that you’ll see your love again when God sets everything right. All my love to you in this time of pain, I’m praying for you Claudia. Bradley.

 

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.

April 22, 2013 - submitted by Sandy, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle,

I was just wondering, do you have any degrees in psychology and have you ever regretted an answer after it's been posted here? Have a super day!

Sincerely,

Sandy

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Oracle section has always been a platform for any question of any kind but I didn't foresee the volume of mail from people wanting advice of a more personal nature. Luckily I have studied counselling (up to level II) and have a diploma in Life Coaching. Team Oracle on a Friday, involves myself and readers answering questions and we don't ask for qualifications over life experience and opinion so hopefully there's a good balance.

I only regret giving incorrect facts but luckily for me, I can actually go back and edit & delete if I want / need to. It hasn't happened all that many times - thankfully.

April 22, 2013 - submitted by Joselinne, Guatemala

 

Q. As I know Coldplay had a 5 album contract with Parlophone, and Mylo Xyloto is their 5th album so my question is, with who signed contract for their next album? Xoxo

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

When a recording contract comes to an end an artist can either re-sign to the label for another period or go elsewhere (or set up their own). The band continue to have a contract with Parlophone. They did after all release a lovely package for Record Store Day (Sat 20th April 2013) via the label.

April 22, 2013 - submitted by Mike, United Kingdom

 

Q. Does Chris have any foto with Billie Joe from Green Day? Thank you Oracle :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I don't think there's a photo just of the two of them - not to my knowledge. I have seen footage from an awards ceremony though - I'm thinking Grammys - where Coldplay & Green Day were sat one row apart. I'm pretty sure there will be an image of this somewhere or perhaps a video. I can't find one but it will exist.

This ties very nicely into one of today's previous questions... I will be able to come back and edit this post when I get photographic evidence.

April 23, 2013 - submitted by Subodh, Nepal

 

Q. I came across a film about Coldplay, I suppose which is titled as Coldplay - New Dimensions A Story Of Musical Genius. I would like to know about this if its official or something else??? I think it is still available in Amazon.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This has nothing to do with the band AT ALL and is an illegal bootleg film.

The main clue (apart from us not announcing it and it not appearing in our official discography), the band would never have such an egotistical title.

April 23, 2013 - submitted by Hasna, Morocco

 

Q. Hello dear Oracle,

Can you please tell me whose is this hand (at 1:40), and what is the meaning of the Bigger Stronger video? http://youtu.be/wZNF56R9NLI

 

Thank you very much dear Oracle, my best wishes and respectful feelings,

Your fan who loves you all, Hasna.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Originally the video was going to be for Spies but they changed their mind so it actually has no relation to anything lyrically or otherwise to Bigger Stronger.

I can't really explain the meaning because of that reason.

Also, as it was filmed just before my time with the band, I have no clue who the hand belongs to. Mat Whitecross directed this video so I asked him: "it was a guy called Balint, who did the props on the day".

A nice nugget of new information!

April 23, 2013 - submitted by Subodh, Nepal

 

Q. I came across a film about Coldplay, I suppose which is titled as Coldplay - New Dimensions A Story Of Musical Genius. I would like to know about this if its official or something else??? I think it is still available in Amazon.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This has nothing to do with the band AT ALL and is an illegal bootleg film.

The main clue (apart from us not announcing it and it not appearing in our official discography), the band would never have such an egotistical title.

 

 

their title would probably be "Coldplay: An OK Band" :P

^hahaha yeah :lol:

"Coldplay: We're OK but we Try Really Hard."

April 24, 2013 - submitted by Vidar, Sweden

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

How did the band find out about Peter Allen in the first place, he is a great artist but not too many people have heard of him. Where did the boys first hear about him?

 

Love, Vidar from Sweden

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

For anyone scratching their heads at this question, Peter Allen (& his writing partner Adrienne Anderson) wrote a song - I Go To Rio - that inspired Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. Its piano riff can be heard clearly which is why the duo appear on the songwriting credits.

Chris was watching the film Biutiful where the song Ritmo de la Noche features in the nightclub scene. Ritmo de la Noche also sampled the piano riff from I Go To Rio. That's the link.

April 24, 2013 - submitted by Boshkash, Egypt

 

Q. Hello dear Oracle

So I was watching The Scientist and a question popped up to my head. Is there any record or video or anything of Chris singing the reversed version of the scientist? I'd be so happy if I could hear that :D

 

Thank you so much , all best wishes from Egypt.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You can watch the video filmed forward with Chris "singing" backwards

. The soundtrack is therefore obviously reversed too - that is, the original version backwards.

April 25, 2013 - submitted by Scott, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle!

 

What airline and bus company did the band use while on tour??

 

Viva La Coldplay!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Chapman Freeborn Airchartering supplied the planes - when not travelling on passenger scheduled flights - on the last tour and Beat The Street provided the crew bussing.

April 25, 2013 - submitted by Sarah, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle!

 

Recently I've found myself wondering about the roadies... if Will's drum tech is Bash and Chris's and Jonny's guitar techs are Hoppy and Matt McGinn (respectively), then is it safe to assume that Guy has a bass tech? And if so, what would this roadie's name or nickname be?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Paul Newman is Guy's bass tech but also a chap called Chris Heitzman on the last tour.

By the way, Neill Lambert is also a backline technician covering keyboard & digital.

Paul Newman ?! :dazzled:

Paul Newman ?! :dazzled:

 

Meet the other Paul Newman (first one on the left):

 

Oh :surprised:

 

That picture is awesome btw!