Coldplay 'just getting started'

 

They've sold millions of albums, packed out the world's biggest concert venues, and in Chris Martin they have one of the most recognisable front men in rock. But Coldplay claim they're only just getting started.

 

According to drummer Will Champion - on the phone from his snowed-in London home - Coldplay are about to do something "really spectacular". "We've worked very hard to get where we are, and we feel like there's a great big opportunity to do something really different," he said.

 

It's a bold statement from Champion, who - alongside singer Martin, guitarist Johnny Buckland and bassist Guy Berryman - will perform two shows in Auckland later this month. Coldplay have already released four chart-busting albums - 2000's Parachutes, 2002's A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2005's X&Y and last year's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - packed full of gently hummable, occasionally grunty singles like Yellow, The Scientist and Violet Hill.

 

In the face of declining album sales, Viva La Vida sold a whopping seven million copies last year. In February they won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Rock Album. Yep, Coldplay are a big deal. But, after all that, what else could they possibly hope to achieve?

 

For all his bold talk, Champion doesn't really know. "We're not quite sure what it is but we get the feeling that there's something big we could achieve," he says. "The first three records were fun to record and tour, and the last record, Viva La Vida, is the start of something new. It's definitely a beginning."

 

Whatever it is, Champion said they won't be expanding on their recent single Lost, featuring hip-hop giant Jay-Z. "I think the world might need a little convincing of Coldplay doing hip-hop. We do write songs and beats but where we'll be found out is the rapping side of things. We're not the most accomplished rappers."

 

Coldplay's New Zealand fans have been waiting a long time for another tour. They last performed at the Auckland Showgrounds in 2003, and before that in the afternoon sun at the Big Day Out in 2001. Rumours spread they would visit again after the release of X&Y, but scrapped plans because of the lack of a decent-sized venue in Auckland. That's changed now Vector Arena has opened. Champion apologised for Coldplay not making it here on their last tour. "It was frustrating that we couldn't get to Auckland last time because we have great memories of it and we've always been treated really well there. All the people and fans have been lovely. We were determined to get there this time around."

 

While Champion didn't want to give too much away, he said the band had several tricks that would be "unexpected". He promised the band - which will perform a string of dates in Japan and Australia before coming to New Zealand - would deliver a great show. "We're just trying to do as much as we can to stop these big arenas feeling like big arenas. We try to make them feel intimate and try get as close to the people as possible so that they go away feeling like they've had a good evening, rather that feel like they've just been watching TV."

 

Despite their achievements, Champion said the band didn't take their fans, or their success, for granted. "I wake up (every day) feeling like this is pretty extraordinary," he said. "It's also a source of great inspiration. We don't assume we have a right to be popular or to be making music so every time we go to make music or play a concert we remind ourselves of how lucky we are. It keeps us hungry for more."

 

Any pressure didn't come from record labels or fans - it came from themselves. "The pressure comes from trying to try to improve. We just have to feel like we've done something we're really proud of and is a step forward and that's really all we can do."

 

Champion said the band's chemistry was the most important part of what they do. "It's taken 11 years of being in a band together to feel like we know each other very well, to know where our limits are, to know when someone needs to talk or go and have a drink. If we let our differences separate us then we wouldn't have got this far. We're aware that we're totally at the mercy of our band and so we do everything we can to make sure it works well."

 

As for the future, Champion said another rumoured Coldplay record this year would be "ambitious". But he wants to keep the band going as long as possible. "I don't know what else I'm equipped to do. Whatever happens, I'd still like to be playing music with my three friends."

 

Coldplay

 

March 18: Vector Arena, Auckland

March 19: Vector Arena, Auckland

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/1986916/Coldplay-just-getting-started

Sounds good. Album for 2010 then to ring in the 10th anniversery of Parachutes.

Bring it on!!!! it's always like Christmas with Coldplay!!

"I don't know what else I'm equipped to do. Whatever happens, I'd still like to be playing music with my three friends."

 

That's such a nice thing to say.

That's such a nice thing to say.

 

 

Agreed, hence it's now my new signature :)

everything they do is awesome, so i just can't wait til the new album comes out! i know it won't disappoint!

We're not the most accomplished rappers.

 

Haha, now that's the truth! What was Chris' rap from the video on his birthday? "you've got an empty shelf in the kitchen, the closet... you better run to the shops"? :laugh3: Painful...

Will is so sweet :heart:

^indeed! :nice:

''We try to make them feel intimate and try get as close to the people as possible'' --> :heart:

 

Wow, saying that they're just getting started when they've already accomplished sooo much is something huge!I can't even think of what they're planning for next, this vlv tour is already so awesome!

 

Thanks for the article, Ian! ;)

 

 

Champion said the band's chemistry was the most important part of what they do. "It's taken 11 years of being in a band together to feel like we know each other very well, to know where our limits are, to know when someone needs to talk or go and have a drink. If we let our differences separate us then we wouldn't have got this far. We're aware that we're totally at the mercy of our band and so we do everything we can to make sure it works well."

 

As for the future, Champion said another rumoured Coldplay record this year would be "ambitious". But he wants to keep the band going as long as possible. "I don't know what else I'm equipped to do. Whatever happens, I'd still like to be playing music with my three friends."

 

 

aaaaaawwwww. Will Will Will:smug::smug:

"We're just trying to do as much as we can to stop these big arenas feeling like big arenas. We try to make them feel intimate and try get as close to the people as possible so that they go away feeling like they've had a good evening, rather that feel like they've just been watching TV."

"I don't know what else I'm equipped to do. Whatever happens, I'd still like to be playing music with my three friends."

Awww!

Willie the Pooh, I love you! :blush:

i wonder what amazing thing there going to do next time????:)