LIT 2 = FUCKING AWESOME

Viva string arranger to join Jon for support slot

 

Rossi to join Hopkins at O2 shows

December 8, 2008 12:02 pm

Viva string arranger to join Jon for support slot

 

Good afternoon. We're pleased to announce that Viva La Vida string arranger and violinist Davide Rossi will be joining fellow Viva collaborator Jon Hopkins for the three support slots at the London O2. Click here to check out Davide's MySpace.

 

A reminder of the support acts for the remainder of the tour...

 

9th December: Jon Hopkins / Eugene Francis Jnr and the Juniors

11th December - 23rd December: Jon Hopkins / The High Wire (apart from London dates)

 

London dates to be split as follows:

 

14th December: Jon Hopkins / The Domino State

15th December: Jon Hopkins / Eugene Francis Jnr and the Juniors

16th December: Jon Hopkins / The High Wire

 

Anchorman

awww bash :D

and wow .. mirrors on the ceiling :wink3:

 

LoL! I hadn't noticed that 'til you've spotted it :lol: :sneaky:

awww bash :D

and wow .. mirrors on the ceiling :wink3:

 

Pervy Bash................ :sneaky:

 

:wink3::wink3::wink3:...I want Guy in there

 

now that's a nice thought........... :wacky:

Roadie #42 - Blog #60

December 9, 2008 8:46 am

#42 and the crazy car chase

 

On the ride into Liverpool from John Lennon Airport, there is much talk in our van (which, I hasten to add, included none of the band) about The Beatles - as though this is all that has ever happened in Liverpool. Come showtime, Chris gets part way through In My Place and reminds the crowd that half of the songs they are hearing were written here. Suddenly, it strikes me what he's talking about - and how right he is about the degree to which this city has been a part of the band's history.

 

Parr Street Studios in the centre of Liverpool, is the place where so many songs from the first three records took shape. Those albums were recorded there (and elsewhere) by Ken Nelson and Mark Phythian, two of the most lovely human beings you could ever wish to meet - both natives of this fine city, I believe.

 

The guys get to the end of Sleep Chant and Jonny drops into the riff from Lips Like Sugar - an old tune by Echo and The Bunneymen, more Liverpudlians. The fellas used to play this a lot on the Rush of Blood tour in honour of Ian McCulloch who injected a healthy dose of swagger into the Parr Street sessions for that album.

 

Stretching this point perhaps to breaking, I'm pretty sure that although none of the most recent album was recorded here, co-producer Markus Dravs lives just outside the city. The man's as German as it gets, but his home turf ensures that the chain stayed in some small way unbroken...

 

I've worked for these guys for years now and we were so busy talking about the moptops on the ride in, that I'd forgotten almost completely about their own history here. The arena we played in tonight is new, as was the recent "City of Culture" moniker. I wonder though, if this city will ever be known for anything but the Fab Four? Then again, I wonder if they want to? I guess if you're going to live in the cultural shadow of anything, The Beatles are pretty much unbeatable!

 

 

Moving on, the ride OUT of the gig is a different affair entirely.

 

I only become aware that we're being followed when the van that had been behind us in the convoy draws alongside. Two cars are now behind us driving uncomfortably close. At first I think they're just trying to get past and being impatient. Our two vans are blocking the road after all and are sticking to the speed limit. I also can't see why anyone would be following us, as neither of these vans actually contains any band members.

 

The driver of the first car becomes very erratic and begins weaving side to side and at one point actually seems to be trying to pull in between our two vans. Being as we are side by side on a dual carriageway, with only a couple of feet between us, this is not only clearly impossible but also plainly very bloody dangerous. At this point I'm utterly convinced that it's just someone that wants to get home who is annoyed that we're in the way. Once the dual carriageway ends though and we wait at the junction to take a right, this guy pulls past us and edges past the traffic light in the wrong lane to cut us off. Fair enough, I think. He'll screech off to display his displeasure at being held up and disappear off into the distance.

 

It's only when we turn and see him waiting that I start to worry. We are now going to pull up to the airport with him in front and the other car behind us. I'm concerned. We wait for the gate to lift and allow us onto the airfield and their car doors swing open. To my utter disbelief, they spring forth armed with CD covers and pens. At first they look a little confused and unsure of what to do now they've caught up. Next, they begin peering into the darkened van windows with only one word to say. "Sigggnnnn", "Siiiiiigggggnnnnn". It's like being set upon by some insane breed of eBay zombies. I'm completely stunned. They've driven like complete loonies just to get an autograph? Even if any of the band were here (which they're not) do they think that putting the fear of god into them by driving dangerously, like some bad car-chase movie is going to make them in any way pleased to see them? "Oh here, let me sign that for you, do you want a beer?" "Did you enjoy the show? Man, you are SUPERfans". I'm confused way beyond my normal jetlagged, tour-flu state to a point of sheer disbelief.

 

Whilst I'm in our van considering a slightly aggressive response, Chris's brother (who just happens to be along for the ride today) displays the Martin family "irrepressibly bright outlook" and bounds out of the van behind us. Now, Chris's brother has the appearance of someone who's been dragged through a Rolling Stones tour backwards. He does however, under the shaggy hair and leather jacket, bear a strong resemblance to Chris - and more importantly his speaking voice is (not surprisingly) uncannily similar. They must have thought initially that Chris had undergone a complete transformation into Rock God in the fifteen minute drive. I think at first that he's signing stuff for them, but apparently he's taking the CD covers and promising to 'get it sorted out for them', at which they back off and return to their cars.

 

Amidst all this confusion, the gate has come up and we move onto the airfield. I continue even now, to be utterly baffled by their behaviour. I've talked before of eBayers being the new paps. This is sheer insanity though. I remember some years ago, a high speed paparazzi chase in Paris ending in the death of a very high profile public figure. I climb onto the plane thinking that our potential accident would have been somewhat less of a media event.

I can see the headlines now....

 

"Assorted entourage of well known pop group die in crash after high speed pursuit by blokes with marker pens. Band OK".

:laugh3: @ Chris' brother :lol:

 

That would be so weird to have happen :wreck:

crrrrrrraaaaaazy people!!!

.....The driver of the first car becomes very erratic and begins weaving side to side and at one point actually seems to be trying to pull in between our two vans. Being as we are side by side on a dual carriageway, with only a couple of feet between us, this is not only clearly impossible but also plainly very bloody dangerous.....

Stupid people............ :dozey:

.....They must have thought initially that Chris had undergone a complete transformation into Rock God in the fifteen minute drive.....

:lol:

 

**********************

 

European stadium dates announced

December 9, 2008 9:05 am

2009 dates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland and Germany

Good morning. We're very pleased to announce that Coldplay will be playing some outdoor shows in Europe in August 2009. The confirmed dates are below. Tickets for all shows go on sale on Friday 12th December, apart from the Dutch gig, which is onsale now.

 

Sun 16th Aug - MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark - http://www.billetlugen.dk

 

Wed 19th Aug - Koengen, Bergen, Norway - http://www.billettservice.no

 

Sat 22nd Aug - Olympic Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden - http://www.ticnet.se

 

Tue 25th Aug - Hannover Stadium, Hannover, Germany - http://www.eventim.de

 

Thur 27th Aug - LTU Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany - http://www.eventim.de

 

Sat 29th Aug - Reitstadion Riem, Munich, Germany - http://www.eventim.de

 

Thur 10th Sept - Goffertpark, Nijmegen, Holland - http://www.livenation.nl

 

Anchorman

 

**********************

 

 

Dublin show announced

December 9, 2008 4:00 pm

Band to play Phoenix Park on Sept 14th

Good afternoon. Coldplay have just announced a concert at Dublin’s 40,000-capacity Phoenix Park on 14th September 2009. Tickets priced €76.50 (including booking fee) will go on sale this Monday (Dec 15th) at 8am from the following outlets:

 

In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide

24hr hotlines: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300 ( NI ) 0870 243 4455

Buy online: www.Ticketmaster.ie

 

Tickets are limited to eight per person.

 

Anchorman

Nice pics!

Crazy people :stunned:

 

Al is too nice though, offering to sort the dudes out with stuff. Should have told them to get effed. The Martin family are too nice :P

 

Wow, that's A LOT of stadium gigs! Brave boys :lol:

"Assorted entourage of well known pop group die in crash after high speed pursuit by blokes with marker pens. Band OK".

:laugh3::o

Joe Satriani

December 9, 2008 7:01 pm

 

A statement from the band

With the greatest possible respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations. If there are any similarities between our two pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him. Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write or have any influence upon the song Viva La Vida. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavours. Coldplay.

The High Wire interview

December 11, 2008 1:46 pm

We caught up with Coldplay's latest support act

 

London-based bliss-poppers The High Wire begin their run of support slots with Coldplay in Manchester tonight. We called up their frontman, Tim Crompton, to find out a bit more about them.

 

Hello Tim. Are you all set for your support slots?

Oh goodness, no. Not being all that familiar with arena touring, I have no idea how to be prepared for it. I'm just excited that I won't be at work for a few days.

 

Are you looking forward to it?

Absolutely. Even just sound-checking on a big stage and playing guitar really loud will be great fun.

 

What's the biggest gig The High Wire have played so far?

We've only done small ones really. We went and played at CMJ in New York at the end of October, which was big in the sense of scary and cool to do.

 

How did it go?

Well, as far as I can tell, within the crumbling edifice that is the music business, it went down OK.

 

How long have The High Wire been together?

It's a weird one, because it started off just being me on my own and I never really intended it to become a band. Then gradually people joined and stayed. But in terms of the five-piece we'll be for these shows, we've only been together for about six weeks. We're very, very new. In fact, Manchester will be our fourth ever show together.

 

How would you describe your music?

It often gets described as shoe-gazery, but I think really it's just slightly psychedelic pop music. Basically I love the Beach Boys and Teenage Fanclub, and the result is The High Wire.

 

How did you come to be playing on this tour?

Well, actually, Coldplay got Emily, who sings for us, to sing on a couple of their tracks. One of them is Rainy Day from the Prospekt's March EP. She's also on a really beautiful track called Lukas, but I don't know if it'll ever see the light of day. It's kind of a folky, Parachutes-y type track.

 

So they borrowed your singer and offered you a support slot in return?

No, I just think they were very desperate. I was cornered by Prospekt in a pub and asked if we would play with them and I said, "Not in a million years". I think that slightly upset the rest of our band. But then a few weeks later I was cornered again and asked what I thought I would be doing of an evening that was more interesting than playing at the O2. And I caved in.

 

Do have some history with Coldplay?

I think it's difficult to be around the age I am, in London, in bands, and not have come across them. So, yes, I do know them. And if any of them are ever involved in an air-rage incident and need a character witness, I'll happily explain that they don't usually throw yoghurt.

 

Do you know Eugene Francis, who's opened for the first half of the UK tour?

I do, yeah. I played with him years ago in a different band he was in. I love his new album.

 

Have you had any tips from him about being Coldplay's opening act?

No, I haven't had a chance to hear how it went. In a way I don't want to, in case I hear he went down really well and then we go down terribly.

 

Have you played a gig in a venue this size with previous bands you've been in?

No, never. This is completely mental and out of the blue for me. And perhaps not very sensible. But hopefully that's why it will be fun.

 

What are you hoping to get from it?

Well, I'll be able to say that I did something interesting. Saying that you played the O2 is better than saying you sat at home and watched Home & Away. It's good to do interesting things.

 

Do you think you'll be able to win folks over?

Well, I don't have any expectations really. I'm sure some people will find our music nice and some people might find it annoying. But I suppose the reason I'm doing it is that I'll definitely be up there enjoying myself. If anyone else does too, then that'd be great. Otherwise I'll just be soundtracking people finding their seats.

 

Have you seen Coldplay on this tour?

No, I've heard lots about it, but I haven't seen the full show. I'm really looking forward to it.

 

Finally, what is your favourite Coldplay song?

Can I give two, or is that cheating?

 

No, two is fine.

Thank you. Well, [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dsz-EeNZBkI]See You Soon[/ame] is one of them. I think that's a favourite for a lot of people who've heard it. And then for more sentimental reasons I'd say [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxfi_iAIY30]In My Place[/ame]. That song really encapsulates Coldplay for me.

 

For more information on The High Wire check out their MySpace page here

 

OK I really want to hear that track!

How did you come to be playing on this tour?

Well, actually, Coldplay got Emily, who sings for us, to sing on a couple of their tracks. One of them is Rainy Day from the Prospekt's March EP. She's also on a really beautiful track called Lukas, but I don't know if it'll ever see the light of day. It's kind of a folky, Parachutes-y type track.

 

hmm interesting...

 

but I'm sure there are hundreds of discarded songs that we'll never hear... I'm fine with the ones we have :smug:

 

also random side note, I remember in the rolling stones article, when Chris was talking about Tim, and he said "my best friend tim" I was thinking

how could you betray jonny?!? :laugh3:

Swiss date announced, second Dutch show added

December 11, 2008 9:50 am

More European gigs for next year

Good morning. We're pleased to announce that Coldplay will be playing the Stade de Suisse in Bern, Switzerland on Wed 2nd Sept 2009. Tickets for the show will be available from http://www.ticketcorner.com from Monday (Dec 15th).

 

We can also announce that a second show at Goffertpark in Nijmegen, Holland has been confirmed, after the first one sold out. The second gig will take place on Wed 9th Sept 2009. Tickets go on sale this morning from http://www.livenation.nl.

 

In other news, here's a picture we took in Birmingham last week but never got round to posting...

 

 

Anchorman

So they borrowed your singer and offered you a support slot in return?

No, I just think they were very desperate. I was cornered by Prospekt in a pub and asked if we would play with them and I said, "Not in a million years". I think that slightly upset the rest of our band. But then a few weeks later I was cornered again and asked what I thought I would be doing of an evening that was more interesting than playing at the O2. And I caved in.

 

Shame on you Phil, bullying bands into becoming the support band........ :whip:

Spanish and Italian dates announced

December 12, 2008 10:01 am

Shows in Barcelona and Udine

Good morning. Yes, we have another two big outdoor shows to announce for next summer. On Monday 31st August 2009, Coldplay will be playing at the [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t8FHGo9k6xM]Stadio Friuli[/ame] in Udine, Italy. A few days later, on Friday 4th September, they'll roll into Barcelona, Spain to play at the [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xEaGh9Q79gY]Estadi Olimpic[/ame]. Tickets for the Udine show will be available on Tuesday (Dec 16th) from ticketone.it, while the Barcelona show will be onsale from Wednesday (Dec 17th) from livenation.es.

 

Anchorman

Shame on you Phil, bullying bands into becoming the support band........ :whip:

 

:lol:

Album of the year vote

December 12, 2008 5:26 pm

Coldplay in the running for HMV/getcloser.com gong

 

Good evening. Coldplay are one of the acts in the running in the Album of the Year poll being organised by HMV and getcloser.com. If you'd like to vote, then click here. It only takes a couple of ticks (and you don't need to register). Thank you.

 

Anchorman

 

http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=247

Voted!

Thank God somebody cares!

 

I started a thread about this - Slipknot currently have 48% of the vote!??

vote

 

^ I voted 4 times already....

nothing seems to make that bar move :\

Roadie #42 - Blog #61

December 12, 2008 6:11 pm

#42 and the hometown show

Finally, I spend an entire day off in bed and so see an end to the misery that is "the tour cold". Everyone is suffering. Folks have either had it, just finished it, or are right in the middle of it. It seems poor old Jon Hopkins has been hit harder than most though. He's come down with something a bit heavier than a cold and he's not with us for the Manchester shows. Let's hope he's better for London. I'm really looking forward to seeing him together with Viva co-conspirator Dav at the O2...

 

Manchester is a bit of a strange one, in that I wake up in my own bed and have breakfast at home, then go into the gig. This must be what it feels like having a proper job....

 

Chris comes in to soundcheck in Manchester. He's just running through a few new things on his own which are being recorded for reference back at the Bakery. A lot of songs begin like this. I remember the first time I ever heard Lost!, it was in an empty arena in Chicago, with just piano and voice. I still have the recording I made that day. It's a lot like the version on the EP (Lost?), except with a huge swimmy arena echo backing it. It was impossible to hear it then and not be blown away.

 

 

Similarly today's tunes encapsulate the extremes of both the stripped down intimacy of one man singing on a stage and the vastness of the arena reverb. I wonder how much work will take place twisting, moulding and refining these songs before they blast their way out into an arena full of people who have the CD at home. (If indeed CDs still exist by the time the next release comes along...)

 

As well as new songs bubbling away, things have changed very slightly in the show on this UK leg. Firstly, the fellas now take to the stage carrying sparklers. It's gloriously low tech visual echo of the fizzing crackling synths of the Escapist intro.

 

There's also some old friends returning for Yellow....

 

 

Being as it's a home town show for me, I bail rather swiftly after the show finishes and manage to hail a cab before it makes it into the chaos of the leaving punters. As we get out of town and up towards 42 Towers, another cab pulls up in my street and a couple get out clutching a tour programme and assorted other swag from the show.

 

We've been all over the place with this tour - and by the time it finishes, it'll be a good swing over the planet we've done. It seems strange watching people who live within sight of my own front door coming home from the show. Can't quite explain why. Still, they were grinning broadly, so I guess it must've been a good one!

 

Roadie #42

 

*****************

 

Coincidence that coldplaying and R#42 both call Manchester home??? :P

Roadie 42 lives in Manchester too??? :o :dance:

maybe it's your neighbour :O