August 12, 2013 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom

 

Q. Did Chris and Jonny became a school janitor? If yes, is it after college or while studying college? Hoping for your answer!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This was at college. The band were on the verge of a record deal but they decided to finish their time at UCL (all bar Guy that is) before signing to a label.

There is no way they had time to be janitors* post-studies as they literally went straight from college to touring and recording.

 

*Here's a little interesting fact. From 1984-9 there was a band from the North-East of England called The Janitors. Their guitar / keyboards player was Craig Hope - our very own Hoppy!

August 12, 2013 - submitted by Liz, United Kingdom

 

Q. Salutations mighty Oracle!

(First of all, thank you for existing, I read the Oracle posts on a near daily basis.)

My question for you is if Coldplay has ever performed for a college or university.(With hopefully with a discount for students!)

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The last time the band played a proper college gig was in (Alan Partridge's) Norwich back on Thursday, 27 October 2011. It was part of BBC Radio 1's Student Tour. Tickets for the UEA gig were priced £20 for everyone - not just students.

August 13, 2013 - submitted by Julia, Sweden

 

Q. Hello there!

I've heard that your handsome bassplayer does some photography. My question is if he has a page where he uploads the photos? Or could it be seen somewhere else?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes, Guy likes photography but no he doesn't have a public page where he uploads them. Some of his photos appear in Matt McGinn's Roadie book but there were no individual credits so it's not possible to tell you which are Guy's.

August 13, 2013 - submitted by Steve M , United States of America

 

Q. Oh great Oracle,

 

This a two part question. Team iPhone or team android? :) also, can I use Chris as a reference on my job application?

 

I love you almighty Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

We're Apple all the way! And er, no, sorry - you can't ;-)

August 13, 2013 - submitted by Jackeline, Panama

 

Q. Hi Oracle.

Do you know where can I find the complete version of So Sad from 1998 Coldplay's album Live Pre-Parachutes?.

 

I'll thank your quick answer :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If you've read "Live Pre-Parachutes" on any list, it isn't the name of an album; it's referring to a song that isn't on an album & before they recorded their debut.

Though So Sad exists in its entirety, it's not available publicly anywhere.

can I use Chris as a reference on my job application?

 

:wtf:

We're Apple all the way!

 

This really hurts me.

August 14, 2013 - submitted by Alba, Spain

 

Q. Hi, I have a question... Guy, Will, Jonny and Chris never tweet. Why? Coldplayers need their tweets, their photos and know about them. Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

They DO tweet! Chris tweeted the lyrics to new song Atlas only last week. Their initials appear after the tweet so that's how you know who is who, with A being Anchorman.

August 14, 2013 - submitted by Maren, Germany

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I have another question about underground scenes in Video PARADISE. We all know it was recorded at Belsize Park Station but this station has no escelator and in Min 0:40, Elephant Chris is standing between signs Northern Line and Bakerloo Line. As you know Elephant wants to go to Heathrow. Only Piccadilly Line goes there. So he has to change. My question: Was it recorded also in Charing Cross Underground (because of Northern and Bakerloo Line) and he changes at Piccadilly Station to Heathrow?? Sorry for my bad English.

 

Maren

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well, the first thing to tell you is that a video isn't necessarily factually correct. That means that artistic license can be used to create illusion. The elephant appears to make that journey but that doesn't mean he actually did. You are right that Belsize Park Underground station doesn't have an escalator.

If I was going to Heathrow from Belsize Park, I would take the Northern Line to Leicester Square and change for the Piccadilly Line there.

However, it is indeed Charing Cross station that we see our elephant stood between signs for the Northern & Bakerloo line. London has several airports and none of them would require getting off at Charing Cross station. This is where the artistic license comes in.

The video is shot and edited to tell a story but shouldn't be taken as 100% accurate.

Some scenes look better with the benefit of those aesthetic choices (the escalator for sure).

I'd never really paid attention to the details or inaccuracies but you went to a lot of trouble so I hope I made sense of it for you.

August 14, 2013 - submitted by Maren, Germany[/color][/b]

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I have another question about underground scenes in Video PARADISE. We all know it was recorded at Belsize Park Station but this station has no escelator and in Min 0:40, Elephant Chris is standing between signs Northern Line and Bakerloo Line. As you know Elephant wants to go to Heathrow. Only Piccadilly Line goes there. So he has to change. My question: Was it recorded also in Charing Cross Underground (because of Northern and Bakerloo Line) and he changes at Piccadilly Station to Heathrow?? Sorry for my bad English.

 

Maren

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well, the first thing to tell you is that a video isn't necessarily factually correct. That means that artistic license can be used to create illusion. The elephant appears to make that journey but that doesn't mean he actually did. You are right that Belsize Park Underground station doesn't have an escalator.

If I was going to Heathrow from Belsize Park, I would take the Northern Line to Leicester Square and change for the Piccadilly Line there.

However, it is indeed Charing Cross station that we see our elephant stood between signs for the Northern & Bakerloo line. London has several airports and none of them would require getting off at Charing Cross station. This is where the artistic license comes in.

The video is shot and edited to tell a story but shouldn't be taken as 100% accurate.

Some scenes look better with the benefit of those aesthetic choices (the escalator for sure).

I'd never really paid attention to the details or inaccuracies but you went to a lot of trouble so I hope I made sense of it for you.

 

First thing i thought when I read this: She must be a Coldplayer from the forum!

August 12, 2013 - submitted by Liz, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. Salutations mighty Oracle!

(First of all, thank you for existing, I read the Oracle posts on a near daily basis.)

My question for you is if Coldplay has ever performed for a college or university.(With hopefully with a discount for students!)

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The last time the band played a proper college gig was in (Alan Partridge's) Norwich back on Thursday, 27 October 2011. It was part of BBC Radio 1's Student Tour. Tickets for the UEA gig were priced £20 for everyone - not just students.

waaaat :wideeyed:

 

£20 for a Coldplay gig :awesome: lucky, lucky people :awesome:

August 15, 2013 - submitted by Stephanie, Australia

 

Q. Hello Oracle, hope you are well.

I was talking to a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and we were arguing over what makes you a fan. She claimed that you are a true fan if you follow their tweets, and always know where they are and who with. I myself disagree with this, I think that celebrities should have their privacy respected, and that not by doing this you are still a fan. We then continued, and went into detail about what makes a person a real fan. So my question is, what makes a person a real fan. Is it by following everything to do with them, and basing your life around them, only after you have all their records, or been to a concert?

Thank you.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm going to be evasive here as I have seen quite a few people bickering over who is a a bigger/better fan... don't let anyone dictate what being a fan means to you; it's up to YOU!

Fan is short for fanatic and by definition that means something extreme. However, over time the word has come into its own meaning. If you support a football team or whatever, that's being a fan whether you go to matches or not.

 

I think of myself as a fan if I like anything be it an artist's music or a film director. That doesn't mean I have to become a walking encylopedia and know every fact. I don't need to be tested or take a Mastermind type quiz to grade my level of commitment. For example, I may be a fan of a certain band but that doesn't means I know all the members name or their history - I just love the music.

All I will say is fandom should not be a competition so to me owning their records and going to a gig if I can is enough but there's nothing to prove.

I agree with you, Stephanie. I prefer whatever I am an enthusiast of to have their privacy. They don't owe me anything. If anything, it's the other way around for me. Music brings me so much that I am forever indebted to my musical heroes.

August 15, 2013 - submitted by Stefanie, Germany

 

Q. Hello dear Oracle,

I was just asking myself the question whether the guys work in the studio from Monday to Friday and have the weekend off. Or do weekdays play any certain role - I mean creativity isn't fixed to certain times and days.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ooh Stephanie/Stefanie questions today!

 

This isn't the same for everyone but actually creativity CAN be fixed to a timetable. People work in different ways and once ideas have been formed and demos recorded, it's easier to make being in a band very much like a day job with set hours Mon-Fri and weekends off. The band have families and they quite rightly want to spend time with them.

 

Writers, artists, musicians etc. all have a creative flow that as you say can arrive at any moment. Chris has most definitely had moments where ideas strike in the middle of the night as with The Message.

I'm going to be evasive here as I have seen quite a few people bickering over who is a a bigger/better fan... don't let anyone dictate what being a fan means to you; it's up to YOU!

Fan is short for fanatic and by definition that means something extreme. However, over time the word has come into its own meaning. If you support a football team or whatever, that's being a fan whether you go to matches or not.

 

I think of myself as a fan if I like anything be it an artist's music or a film director. That doesn't mean I have to become a walking encylopedia and know every fact. I don't need to be tested or take a Mastermind type quiz to grade my level of commitment. For example, I may be a fan of a certain band but that doesn't means I know all the members name or their history - I just love the music.

All I will say is fandom should not be a competition so to me owning their records and going to a gig if I can is enough but there's nothing to prove.

I agree with you, Stephanie. I prefer whatever I am an enthusiast of to have their privacy. They don't owe me anything. If anything, it's the other way around for me. Music brings me so much that I am forever indebted to my musical heroes.

 

I couldn't agree more.

I couldn't agree more.

 

Nir could I. It hurts me to see fans insultin ir assuming with fans are stupid for not knowing everything about Coldplay. A Frida of mine can play almost all their songs byt probably spells 'Jonny' wrong. That urks me, but it doesn't mean he's stupid or doesn't appreciate Coldplay. I'm glad Someone asked that question.:)

Nir could I. It hurts me to see fans insultin ir assuming with fans are stupid for not knowing everything about Coldplay. A Frida of mine can play almost all their songs byt probably spells 'Jonny' wrong. That urks me, but it doesn't mean he's stupid or doesn't appreciate Coldplay. I'm glad Someone asked that question.:)

 

What I find very annoying is when fans (i.e. people that claim they are really into Coldplay) post things like Cold Play and Johnny.

What I find very annoying is when fans (i.e. people that claim they are really into Coldplay) post things like Cold Play and Johnny.

 

My girlfriend's grandmother calls them Cool Plate but she's not a fan so I let it slide...

Cool Plate?? LOL!

August 16, 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 22nd August.

 

Basically I'm really worried about my 14 years old sister. Her new friends aren't respectable people, they're all older than her, they drink, smoke, take drugs, have sex. I'm scared because she's REALLY an easily influenced person, plus I found out few months ago that she smokes and her boyfriends tried to have sex with her. I'm only 17 but I'm her big sister, it's my duty to protect her but I really don't know how anymore. I tried to talk to my parents and they had a conversation with her, so now they think it's over and they still trust her but they're wrong. So Oracle, please help me because I don't know what to do. I care about, I don't want something bad happens to her.

Thanks for reading, love from France

Emily.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.
The Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

August 16, 2013 - submitted by Teresa, United States of America

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #132

Will I ever be comfortable in my own skin? I'm 27 and I still don't have anything figured out. The amount of self hatred I have is almost overwhelming. I'm afraid I'll look back at my life when I'm 80 and wish that I had just loved myself for who I am. But there are daily reminders - constant - that tell me I'm not good enough and I will never be. Does it ever get any better?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Does it get better? Yes. MAKE IT BETTER! Ah, if only this was as simple as telling you not to worry & that many people don't know which direction to take well into their 30s...

You sound like you're stuck in a hamster's wheel going round perpetually with people telling you negative things that you have now taken as true fact. There may have been reasons for this but I imagine they are all in the past. It doesn't have to be your truth, you can change it.

If you haven't spoken to a counsellor about this, I think it may be well worth doing. I guess this goes a lot deeper and we're not going to solve this problem in 5 minutes.

Life is what you make it. Stop listening to criticism or at least stop taking it. Defend yourself either with words or action. You do not have to put up with this and nor should you. Prove them wrong and yourself by the sounds of it.

Write down the following questions and answer them truthfully:

What am I good at? What am I passionate about? What makes me happy? What lets me down & how can I change that?

Look at your answers and see if you can praise yourself. Note the only potentially negative question had a positive ending to make sure that's what you are focussing on.

Look after your body, soul and mind and hopefully one day you will look at your reflection and tell yourself just like a L'Oreal advert, you're worth it.

Have a daily affirmation or mantra and repeat it to yourself. Make sure it's something positive e.g; Don't worry - be happy.

If you have constantly been told you're not good enough by parents, siblings, teachers, bosses etc. it doesn't mean you can't escape that cycle & turn your life around. YOU need to know your worth and it's for nobody else to tell you.

List all the things that you do that don't involve yourself - animals, environment, family, friends...

If you are a giver, great. If you're not, maybe think of things you can involve yourself in that will make you feel part of a bigger picture. The world may revolve around you but to feel worth something you should probably contribute - whether it's through your job or something personal. Pay it forward or give back - you may be have time or talent you can give to something worthwhile.

Make it count so nobody can say you're not good enough and if they do, you will KNOW different.

Over to you.

 

Greetings. Once I saw your question I couldn't help but think about myself. Although I am very much younger than you, I still do understand what you're going through. It's OK to feel like that, it's not abnormal, but the case shouldn't be like that. I've tried time and time again to get talked through it but I came to realise that happiness and comfortableness came from within me. It's all under your control. If you really want to be happy, you will do anything to make it real. Don't hate yourself, ask yourself "why do I hate me so much?" If you come up with any points, write them down and try to improve yourself. It does get better, trust me. I try to always have something to look up to so that I can dream of a better tomorrow. Make goals for your life, and try to achieve them. Nobody has a perfect life, everybody may face those moments of bad luck, but it will get better. You are good enough and you are worth it, you are amazing in your own ways because God never makes mistakes! There are some things you might need to do to make yourself feel better. If you don't feel comfortable in your skin, force yourself to go out on public, tell yourself "what's the worst thing that could happen?" Make new friends, ones that care for you. If you already have good friends talk to them about how you feel and they might give you advice. Try not to focus on your flaws, but think about what's good about you. Don't keep thinking negatively because they say that part of how you feel depends on what's mostly on your mind. I think you'll feel so much better if you take my advice. If you don't feel better, I suggest you seek professional assistance regarding this matter. I hope you feel better beautiful! Solaf.

 

It sounds like there is much more to your feelings that what is on the surface. You may need to professional counselling to get to the root of those feelings. Loving ourselves is never easy and I am sorry to say is not something common among young people simply because it is something acquired with age and experience in life. I was much the same as you and struggled with this too. Loving yourself is necessary to success in any relationships you may have. You must love yourself in order to love others .This is not to say you are going to go over board but you need to recognize and embrace your self worth. You will reach a point in life where you will realize that there will always be people better than you and, there will always be those that are not , you set the standard , not someone else. You will be the very best you can be and it will be good enough for you , it will be good enough for your true friends and companions. You most certainly don't need to have it 'all figured out' to be happy , many of the most famous people in the world don't and readily admit that . Life is fluid and dynamic, full of change and surprise, one day you will learn to embrace it, that's when you will be comfortable in your own skin. Enjoy the ride!! It is bumpy at times but I can honestly say it does get better!! All my best wishes, Laurie.

 

First of all Teresa, you ARE good enough. ALWAYS remember that. Also, becoming comfortable in one’s own skin takes time and it helps if you try to get to know yourself better. Try an activity that inspires thought, say like biking in the park or painting or cooking. If you become comfortable in your own head, then chances are that you’ll like the entirety of yourself as a person, and therefore will become comfortable in your own skin. Figuring things out takes time as well. It comes easy to some but others may require more thought and meditation to find their direction. Take these steps to start loving yourself today and you’ll live a fulfilling, positive life. You’re still young and full of potential, Teresa. You’re all you’ve got and you’re wonderful just as you are. Believe that and you’ll be capable of anything. I believe in you.

Karina, USA.

 

Yes, it will get better, but like many things it will take some time and work. For me, self hate came from spending too much time with myself and too much time with the same people. If you have too much time to focus on yourself, eventually you'll reach the parts you dislike, and hearing compliments and encouragement from the same people can lose it's meaning after a while. I'd recommend trying something new. Maybe you should try a club or activity with a new group of people, you might obtain a positive new friend or find a hidden interest that way. If not, you could try something as simple as a new hairstyle or way of greeting people. Your self hatred is your mind's way of saying that you want/are ready for something new in your life, and not that you need to change who you are. It may take a while before you find something new to enjoy or before that thing becomes a positive part of who you are, but be patient!

I really hope this helps!! Liz USA.

 

I cant really tell you how to love yourself (I might not know myself). I understand what you're feeling, though. Try focusing on other people, observing, appreciating, or empathizing helps take focus off your life and how unfulfilling it feels. Life is full of tragedy, everyone has their own. But it's crucial to realize that its also full of love and hope. You have to allow yourself to feel more than just pain and shame about who you are. Take walks, travel, introduce yourself to new people and ideas. If you feel that nothing in your life is worth living for, go and find something that is. I think having things 'figured out' just means you've found something that makes you happy. Even that changes as we grow though, and then we go and find another form of happiness to get us through the day. Try not to worry about the future as much and live in the present. You're alive and so are constantly on a journey. We live in a world that tries to set a standard for happiness as being wealthy, married and having conventional beauty. I find it horrifying that if we are or want anything other than that, we are shamed. The truth is that whether it's a song that helps you feel connected to others, or a necklace that makes your eyes sparkle, we're all after pleasure and find it in different ways. You are definitely good enough to be yourself, you have a right to be. Sorry if I've babbled, hope this helps. Love, Darem.

 

Self hatred for what and why, I wonder. Mainly you are what you do. When you can’t do what you want, then change things to get closer to it. You are not complete neither in an age of 18, 27, 50 nor 80. Life is always learning, developing, changing or improving.

Not good enough for what? For being yourself? No one could better know who you want to be than yourself. For being someone people expect you to be? Find out what you really need. Don’t listen too much to those who want you just to be someone they want to see there.

Your self-criticism can be helpful for this, so far it doesn’t bring you down. Some people never doubt about their way of live, and when they do then it is too late. This won’t happen to you. Still you don’t need to worry about too giant distances. We all hope we can grow old and be happy one day, but we don’t know. So sometimes it is enough to deal with the next few years, months, or days and not to be overcharged by expectations for your whole life. There is a long life waiting for you every day. Best wishes. L.Q.

 

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.

August 19, 2013 - submitted by Jerri, United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle! :)

Okay what does LP6 mean? It's been driving me nuts that I haven't figured it out yet!

And I'm a huge fan of Coldplay, since I was 5 (I'm 13 now), and I would DIE if I got a shoutout from Chris Martin or even better, the whole band! This really isn't just your ordinary fangirl type of thing, believe me.

Thanks! :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

LP is short for long player and a long player is an album. When you see LP6, it refers to the 6th album - of which there is no news right now despite any rumours.

August 19, 2013 - submitted by Alejandro, Peru

 

Q. Hello dear Oracle.

I read you once met an old man in Peru who had no idea how old he was. When have you been on Peru and where? I hope you can answer this, I will really like to know, I'm your biggest fan :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I went to Peru in 2004 but that wasn't with the band. I flew into Lima, went to Cuzco and travelled to a few villages (including Ullyantambo) before visiting Machu Picchu and down to Aguas Calientes.

Unfortunately my trip was cut short and I had to get home fast so 2 weeks of travel was cancelled. I did get to see the Nazca Lines en route back to Lima via a 23 hr coach ride.

August 19, 2013 - submitted by Catrina, United States of America

 

Q. I really want to know about this one. I found a video it was a version of Fix You mixed with Kanye West and Eminem, and I wanted to know, was this a real recorded song? Or was it just a remix made by somebody online? I really love it because it's Fix You but has rap verses in it. Is it real? Does Coldplay know about it?

Thanks,

Catrina

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There are countless mash-ups and remixes out there but none are what you call a "real recorded song". A remix just takes parts of other songs that are then (usually) laid over an original foundation.

I wasn't aware of this specific one and it has nothing to do with Coldplay at all. As I say, there are far too many to know of them all therefore the band may or may not have heard it.

August 20, 2013 - submitted by Violet, United States of America

 

Q. Why don't Coldplay put up unreleased songs online anymore like they did in the past. Even if they don't make it on a cd I'd love to hear them and enjoy it like all of their other unreleased songs. Or even demos too like they did for Viva la Vida.

 

With Love from California!

violet

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Unless I am having a severe senior moment (it's possible), I cant think of one unreleased song that Coldplay have ever put online. If you're referring to any demo songs you may have found on sites other than Coldplay.com, they are illegally there without consent.

As far as I am aware, the band have never put unreleased songs online. The only (sort of) exception are the snippets (on this site withing the archived Timeline) of their first Starfish gig on 16 January 1998.

August 20, 2013 - submitted by Steve, United States of America

 

Q. Hey Oracle, my name is Steve from United States. My favorite guitarist in the world is Jonny Buckland, and I always had a question about his rigs...

I know he uses Fender Deville, but wondering if he's using stock speakers or others and what are some of his drive pedals that he uses to get the sound? If you could answer this for me, that will be the most awesome thing that will happen in my whole life...

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Steve from the U.S, you're about to have the most awesome thing in your whole life happen (well, for now).

I asked Matt Mc Ginn to answer this one as this is very much his domain. He's given quite a detailed response:

 

Hope the following helps and isn't too techy! You're right, Jonny uses two 2x12 Hot Rod DeVilles live, hooked up in stereo for exta-silly delay effects. The amps are so loud we have to have one facing backwards, along with an equally earsplitting (ask Bash the drum tech) Marshall 1960BX 4x12 cab driven by a reissue 100w Superlead head. All Marshall pieces are stock but the Fenders are modded - they have Celestion Vintage speakers in, plus the pots have been changed so they effectively only go up to three instead of eleven, twelve, or whatever it is. They're the same vol, but the knobs are easier to use, is all. And a pair of DeVilles is plenty loud enough, even running at two and a half! You might notice more stuff than this piled up behind him on his riser; that's cos we have a spare of everything, plumbed in and ready to go.

 

As for Jonny's tone, it's achieved in a quite old-fashioned way, which is to say we don't use master or gain, we just turn it up a bit. This, coupled with the humbucker pickups he has on most of his guitars, means he never really has a properly clean tone at all. It sorta starts off slightly dirty and just gets muckier, depending how hard he plays and what pedals we decide to switch on.

 

There's all sorts of distortion and gain effects; Power Screamers, Rats, screwy echoes that break up, that sort of thing. Most stuff we punch in is running pretty hot too - if there's a meter on a device you'll be seeing a little red!

You can have a look at the FX setup at their website.