How I came to terms with my Coldplay fandom

 

Chris Martin and co have just been unveiled as the Super Bowl half-time show entertainment to the usual groans, but I’m used to the haters by now – and I won’t think twice about belting out Viva la Vida

Coldplay: sitting very comfortably in the middle of the road. Photograph: Brian J Ritchie/Rex Shutterstock

Matthew Cantor

 

For more than a decade now, I have harbored a secret – one that I have shared only with my closest friends and family. I avoid discussing the subject for fear of derision from my colleagues and the complete loss of my peers’ respect. But I’m tired of hiding. With the release of their latest album, I’m finally going to publicly admit it: I love Coldplay.

It all started around the turn of the century, when a girlfriend introduced me to Parachutes, the band’s first album. Sure, there were some cliches in the lyrics, and my mom said the singer sounded like he was getting over a cold. But the melancholy songs and their spare arrangements worked their charms on me. I liked the way Chris Martin’s gravelly, unconventional voice lent a sense of intimacy to the record. This was long before Coldplay songs became stadium anthems; Parachutes was an album best listened to privately on one’s Discman(unless, of course, you were one of the lucky few who already owned an mp3 player).

 

At the time, Coldplay were still small enough to be considered something of an indie outfit, but it was already clear that they weren’t cool – their songs were too easy to enjoy, too uncontroversial, for them to be seen as boundary-pushing artists. Already, I found myself suffering some trepidation when telling friends I’d been listening to the band. But it wasn’t until after their third album, X&Y, was released in 2005 that being a fan really became a liability. It was that year that Jon Pareles offered his “case against Coldplay” in the New York Times, in which he labeled them “the most insufferable band of the decade”. Since then, anti-Coldplay fervor has only grown, with a review of last year’s Ghost Stories in the Quietus dubbing it “one long stagnant f***ing pool of premium grade f***ing cockwash” (asterisks theirs). A commenter noted that the review was too lenient.

Perhaps I’m being paranoid; perhaps the opposition to the band isn’t as strong as it seems to a self-conscious fan (Pitchfork, for instance, was less harsh in its Ghost Stories review, merely accusing the album of having the “visceral impact of a down comforter tumbling down a flight of stairs”). But this critical vitriol seemed to pervade the public consciousness, at least among people who consider themselves to have discerning musical taste. It didn’t help that Coldplay kept getting bigger and bigger; when it comes to music, of course, popularity and coolness are diametrically opposed.

 

Coldplay want to be liked. They write songs people like. That’s why so many people don’t like them.

 

The thing about Coldplay, though, is that they are very aware that they will never be cool; Chris Martin has called his band “the shit Radiohead”. The challenge for them is that they’re not quite silly enough to embrace ironically – like, say, your average boy band – nor do they cultivate an image of being above the fray, of being consummate artists who don’t care what you think. They occupy a space somewhere in between, and that means the hip kids and the critics will never offer them unqualified admiration.

 

Maybe that’s part of why I admire them. I am also not cool, and I also definitely care what people think. Since I spend time with many people who feel strongly about music – people who are perfectly nice, I hasten to add – I have long kept my Coldplay fandom quiet. But when we would discuss our favorite albums, I would feel as though I was living a lie as I avoided mentioning A Rush of Blood to the Head and Mylo Xyloto. In the weeks after a new Coldplay release, the dreaded question “What are you listening to these days?” would send me into a panic. I would rush to think of a cooler band – read: literally any other band – to name-drop. The issue has continued well into my adult life. First date? Don’t mention Coldplay. Moving in with new roommates? Don’t leave your iTunes on shuffle; there is a very real risk of blasting Fix You. And while I plastered posters of most of my favorite musicians on my walls, the Parachutes-era picture of Martin and company staring wistfully into the distance stayed at my parents’ house.

 

Such a crisis might, in other circumstances, require joining online communities where I could share my fandom anonymously, or forming a covert group of listeners who meet secretly to discuss the finer points of Swallowed in the Sea.

 

But fortunately, none of this was necessary: Coldplay fans already have a safe space. Concerts were my refuge, my sanctuary, the place where I could belt out the “oh-oh-ohs” of Viva la Vida with no fear of social calamity. (At the last show I attended, we fans really pushed our luck, continuing to sing the refrain en masse between the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal station. Miraculously, no one beat us up.) A Coldplay show forges an alliance of the uncool. Given the adversity we face as Coldplay fans in the outside world, it’s all the more moving to join voices; it’s practically all we can do to keep from joining hands and bawling together at the sheer beauty of it all.

 

Some disdain the band’s highly singable choruses, their emphasis on strong melody, the clear effort to write songs for a stadium crowd. But when you’re in the stands, those songs offer an impressive demonstration of how tunefulness can build community. If that sounds saccharine to you, fair enough. You’re probably not a Coldplay fan.

 

Coldplay want to be liked. They write songs people like. That’s why so many people don’t like them. If you are genuinely offended by the inoffensiveness of their music, I can accept that. But I’ll be buying the new album, even if the record store clerk judges me for it.

 

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Finally someone else who had to come to grips with them xD I had to stiffle my love for them at first but now I don't care anymore :) Once I heard Clocks and Strawberry Swing I was hooked. They just rock as a band and people always hate when something is too happy, sad or sincere. People just like to go with the status quo. And their constant self depreciation, likability and name are easy to ridicule. To be honest we fans are a source of derision too. But none of that matters because they are great and write wonderful music :D

Some disdain the band’s highly singable choruses, their emphasis on strong melody, the clear effort to write songs for a stadium crowd. But when you’re in the stands, those songs offer an impressive demonstration of how tunefulness can build community. If that sounds saccharine to you, fair enough. You’re probably not a Coldplay fan.

 

Coldplay want to be liked. They write songs people like. That’s why so many people don’t like them. If you are genuinely offended by the inoffensiveness of their music, I can accept that. But I’ll be buying the new album, even if the record store clerk judges me for it.

 

This is EXACTLY WHY I love this band to death... I'm glad they're coming to terms with it, and almost "coming out" (in a sense) - they are finally getting to a place where they are not afraid to show who they are any more... I love that they are not afraid to be uncool, I love that they still try to be somewhat cool / want to be loved and accepted and still try to do so, I love that they appreciate the people who do love them, and I love that try to do their best at what they think they are good at, even if they misjudge it sometimes. And I love that they are finally shedding their labels, particularly about what they sound like and what they should be... I always knew the band (and especially CM) had diverse musical influences, and wondered how they would sound like if they allowed themselves to do other genres of music - I am not disappointed! And boy, do I love that they reward their fans in concert... It's one of the best experiences on earth that you can have with your fellow human beings - thank you Coldplay for building that, and making it your aim to make that experience as joyful as possible!

Considering what else has been around in the world of music in the last 15 years and what is perceived as "cool", it always annoys me to see all that hate for Coldplay. They may not have been one of the most original/frontier-pushing bands ever but for over a decade they have made great songs with great instrumentation and the most beautiful melodies. I wouldn't listen to something that sounds artsy or cool but has a dull melody just because it is artsy or cool. Coldplay is beautiful.

Wow this is perfectly said.

I don't get this article at all, I have no problem professing my love for Coldplay. When I was a teenager you might have gotten the "Oh you must be gay" comment a bit, but still even then people had respect for Coldplay as real musicians who made real music. They might have never been cool, but they were sincere. Sure, you might get laughed at by music snobs but it's quite easy to shut them down by saying "Name me an album in the last 10 years that's better than AROBTTH?"

 

Albeit, nowadays I don't really converse about Coldplay (I don't avoid the topic if someone brings up musical tastes) or try to introduce people to them because frankly everyone knows who Coldplay are. Everyone has made up their mind about them now and you can't really change that opinion.

"Name me an album in the last 10 years that's better than AROBTTH?"

*adds to list of comebacks*

I don't get this article at all, I have no problem professing my love for Coldplay. When I was a teenager you might have gotten the "Oh you must be gay" comment a bit, but still even then people had respect for Coldplay as real musicians who made real music. They might have never been cool, but they were sincere. Sure, you might get laughed at by music snobs but it's quite easy to shut them down by saying "Name me an album in the last 10 years that's better than AROBTTH?"

 

Albeit, nowadays I don't go really converse about Coldplay (I avoid the topic if someone brings up musical tastes) or try to introduce people to them because frankly everyone knows who Coldplay are. Everyone has made up their mind about them now and you can't really change that opinion.

 

This is where there is a divide between the Newplayers, Oldplayers, Allplayers/Goldplayers... I think much as we try to say that all fans are the same, we are not... We each have different histories and different reasons why this band resonated with us and why we like(d) their music...

When did you first associate yourself with Coldplay / start thinking they were a good band worth listening to? I find a lot of 'Oldplayers' who really miss the classic Oldplay sound were actually introduced after AROBTTH was released... Usually between AROBTTH to VLV or even MX eras. I on the other hand started before the critical acclaim of AROBTTH became established... I needed them at that stage of my life, and am forever grateful that they were there at the time. I really had no choice in deciding whether they made cool / original music or not... At the time, it was just music that really spoke and connected with me. I identified myself as a fan, back before they were widely critically accepted / even recognized to make "good", "solid" music... All those early comments about being 'trash' and 'bed wetter' music weren't just out of jealousy or more benign emotions, the people who said it actually meant it that they felt their music had no place in rock and was not worth listening to - one of the reasons a lot of older fans try to avoid being too negative is that we actually still remember the early days when they really were not cool... Back I the early 2000's, being gay was still a pretty big issue, and the people trash-talking the band actually were taken seriously and that view was still credible.

 

I am not pointing this out to invalidate your fandom, none of us can help when we first got to know / became exposed to the band... But just pointing out that for a portion of their fandom, it has never been easy being their fan / identifying as a fan... Just ask anyone over 30 who is still actively following music to any serious extent ;) For us, their recognition and reputation is hard-won and I think we are always acutely aware how close this band came to being consigned as insignificant (we know how easily they can become 'uncool' again), and yet here they are 17 years and 7 albums later, one of the biggest bands in the world, and critically acclaimed to boot! They really have persevered and beaten the odds... This is the reason why with this album I have decided to just leave the negative points at the door, and just try my best to appreciate this achievement and take a moment to celebrate with them... They have truly earned this!

This is where there is a divide between the Newplayers, Oldplayers, Allplayers/Goldplayers... I think much as we try to say that all fans are the same, we are not... We each have different histories and different reasons why this band resonated with us and why we like(d) their music...

When did you first associate yourself with Coldplay / start thinking they were a good band worth listening to? I find a lot of 'Oldplayers' who really miss the classic Oldplay sound were actually introduced after AROBTTH was released...

I was introduced to Coldplay during the X&Y era.

EDIT: In my original post you quoted I accidentally said I avoid the topic of Coldplay when conversing music, I meant to say I DON'T avoid the topic. Changing now.

Simply put Coldplay writes music for the masses yet everyone has a soft spot for certain songs, albums and eras. It all depends on your own self, the state you're in, your music tastes and what you identify with from their output. This is why we fans each will defend our eras, albums etc. to the point of being blue in the face. I happen to be an Allplayer, favorite album X&Y, era Mylo Xyloto, favorite song X&Y and 42 ;) and first heard them during late Viva La Vida era. But that's the thing I had to get really get into them and that took till Mylo. I think my eclectic taste and non heavy preferance to any one period comes from me having to accept that I loved their work. Some here knew it instantly some not. It all is based around situation and perspective after all.

Albeit, nowadays I don't really converse about Coldplay

 

I usually avoid it nowadays too, because when I say I like Coldplay people seem to think hat equals Newplay. Once I said I don't like pop music, and in the next sentence that I like Coldplay.

Next I was told "Oh, but Coldplay are totally pop !"

That's why I avoid it. Or I have to begin saying things like "BUT, I only like their first three/four albums"...

On the topic of avoidance of speaking about them. People percive them as "gay" or "weak" musically and that is bs. More people should open up to their music. I read a quote from Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters saying "I love the Coldplay guys I know heavy metalheads who listen to them" :) See the universal appeal is there but some would rather stick with the lies and not find out for themselves. There is no changing that. But I personally used to avoid it around friends in fear of being perceived as feminine and emotional. And now I dont really care what they think xD

I find a lot of 'Oldplayers' who really miss the classic Oldplay sound were actually introduced after AROBTTH was released... Usually between AROBTTH to VLV or even MX eras

 

As a matter of fact, I got to know them during the MX Era :)

On the topic of avoidance of speaking about them. People percive them as "gay" or "weak" musically and that is bs. More people should open up to their music. I read a quote from Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters saying "I love the Coldplay guys I know heavy metalheads who listen to them" :) See the universal appeal is there but some would rather stick with the lies and not find out for themselves. There is no changing that. But I personally used to avoid it around friends in fear of being perceived as feminine and emotional. And now I dont really care what they think xD

 

This stupid "bedwetter" image is not the reason why I avoid it. I am happy with people knowing I love the music from their "bedwetter" Eras. I just don't want people thinking I'm all into the MX/GS/AHFOD stuff.

That makes sense but I was avoiding discussion of them when I was a teen. Now that I'm 22 I don't care and will discuss at will. Also I happen to enjoy those eras I feel they truly are being themselves now and I can relate :)

"Bedwetter" eras oh wow xD

This stupid "bedwetter" image is not the reason why I avoid it. I am happy with people knowing I love the music from their "bedwetter" Eras. I just don't want people thinking I'm all into the MX/GS/AHFOD stuff.

 

My point about mentioning the bedwetter bit in my earlier post was just to put it across that they really, really were criticised and not considered any good when they first came out, way back before AROBTTH / X&Y became recognised as classics... It's interesting how history changes according to the passage of time... I remember the period between 2002-2005 - it was still very widely debated among critics whether this group were even worth listening to or not, never mind whether they were anywhere near as brilliant as Oasis / Radiohead (a lot of critics just dismissed them as light weight fluff who would fade and disappear with time eg in the same fashion as Keane, Travis, for example)... However once Viva came out, their earlier output (ie AROBTTH etc) then became "classics", and the band started to become noticed and recognised begrudgingly by the critics as having some degree of artistic merit.

 

So yeah, no one takes the "bedwetter" comment seriously anymore, but back in in the early 2000's, that was a valid comment to make... the same way being gay now is ok and no one bats an eyelid but 15 years ago you had to be more careful...

Ah I get you and understand. They really are classics now rightfully so! Sorry if I came off as rude or anything :) But for me I know people who dismiss Parachutes and AROBTTH as utter garbage but love MX and GS. Like I said it all goes hand in hand with perspective. Anyway I just found the term interesting. And I know the feeling but they used "whiny bullshit" for me xD

Warning Sign still gives me massive feels and used to be my favorite song. Now its like a old friend I visit every once and awhile. And when I told my friends that I loved that song or sang along to it. Back then Id get that dismissal.

"Bedwetter" eras oh wow xD

 

I was referring to the term in an ironic way. Trust me, I'd be the last person to call them that !!!

I have replied to this already xD And I get you its so negative!

My point about mentioning the bedwetter bit in my earlier post was just to put it across that they really, really were criticised and not considered any good when they first came out, way back before AROBTTH / X&Y became recognised as classics... It's interesting how history changes according to the passage of time... I remember the period between 2002-2005 - it was still very widely debated among critics whether this group were even worth listening to or not, never mind whether they were anywhere near as brilliant as Oasis / Radiohead (a lot of critics just dismissed them as light weight fluff who would fade and disappear with time eg in the same fashion as Keane, Travis, for example)... However once Viva came out, their earlier output (ie AROBTTH etc) then became "classics", and the band started to become noticed and recognised begrudgingly by the critics as having some degree of artistic merit.

 

So yeah, no one takes the "bedwetter" comment seriously anymore, but back in in the early 2000's, that was a valid comment to make... the same way being gay now is ok and no one bats an eyelid but 15 years ago you had to be more careful...

 

I know Coldplay fans were confronted with it back then. How wrong this criticism was. Actually I really hate the fact that they were ridiculed so much in their early years because it put them under pressure to change their sound and was surely partially responsible for the fact that the band dislike X&Y so much and have changed their style to what it is today...

I know Coldplay fans were confronted with it back then. How wrong this criticism was. Actually I really hate the fact that they were ridiculed so much in their early years because it put them under pressure to change their sound and was surely partially responsible for the fact that the band dislike X&Y so much and have changed their style to what it is today...

 

I think you have a good point there... the band would probably be less adventurous and more content with their older sound if they had more acceptance early on... Unfortunately, we can't change what has happened. And worse than being a fan, imagine how hard it would have been for the band... pouring your heart and soul into a project, and then being told it was not worth listening to...

I think you have a good point there... the band would probably be less adventurous and more content with their older sound if they had more acceptance early on... Unfortunately, we can't change what has happened. And worse than being a fan, imagine how hard it would have been for the band... pouring your heart and soul into a project, and then being told it was not worth listening to...

 

So true its an absolute shame X&Y is considered bad by them. I mean yes it is flawed but the pressure cooker that is the record industry and public opinion can do that to you. But it still has its moments and areas of beauty. But because of the above it is not at all cohesive. The fact they wrote 60 something different songs and wrote 2 other versions of the album testifies to this. I wish they had more time but who knows what would have been the result. Let alone if that was even possible. Or what would have become of them. I think with that album it broke them. And from then on they are really trying to make up for it. With mixed results to that end. What If is really the most descriptive of that era if you think about it.