The Oracle discusses Coldplay's smallest gig, Nightswimming, Atlas font and more...

More questions answered by The Oracle... (circa. 4700! questions now answered - submit yours now!)

September 26, 2013 - submitted by Alex M, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle! I was curious to see what the smallest-scale concert that Coldplay has ever done and how small would they go? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Obviously when the band started they were playing pubs & clubs with very small capacities. The last time they played anywhere as small was December 2011 when they went back to perform at Dingwalls (Camden, London) which has a capacity of less than 500. It's not a case of how small would they go, but can they go and for what reason. Dingwalls was a special radio event and obviously their production had to be reduced heavily for such a tiny venue. I have to say, watching Chris on that stage being restricted, unable to do his usual running around, was like watching a caged tiger!

September 26, 2013 - submitted by Qwert, United Kingdom

Q. A beautiful band that you may or may not know about and I know they want to keep it that way. Long division is a start.

The Oracle replies:

If you have any bands you'd like to share with us - and the world - please don't send them via the Oracle Q system. We have the hypnofeed for such things. Feel free to submit the link (that I have edited out) there. I assume you're joking about them wanting to stay a secret.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Alejo, Peru

Q. Dear Oracle. Do you know how Chris felt during and before playing this beautiful cover of Nightswimming with Michael Stipe himself? I mean, he was playing with musical icon, did he feel nervous, anxious? It would good to know some advices from him. Greetings from Peru, your loyal fan Alejo :)

The Oracle replies:

They have performed this together more than once. The first time was at a Coldplay show in Atlanta back in 2005. Before the show they rehearsed backstage to make sure they got it right. The band are good friends with Michael so any initial nerves dissipate once they're onstage. The last time Chris & Michael duetted was 2012 at the Sandy benefit concert.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Zeynep, Turkey

Q. Hello Oracle..I have got a question, did Coldplay's logo change? From what I hear it changed... To be honest, last logo was beautiful, please don't change! :)

The Oracle replies:

The font and therefore logo have changed since Parachutes. Mylo Xyloto was a marked departure from previous albums. Atlas is a standalone track & the MX font wouldn't have fit at all. That said, I don't know if the Atlas font will remain for album 6 - only time will tell - but the MX font will not.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Nicklaus , United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Today I found myself watching the music video for Shiver and couldn't help but wonder... Is there any place I can buy Guy's Space Invaders t-shirt? I love it.

The Oracle replies:

I've no idea where you can get an exact t-shirt from almost 15 years ago but Space Invaders tees are very easy to find. Whether online, specialist vintage shops or any stockists of retro clothing. You may even get lucky at a thrift shop. FYI: Will is also wearing a Space Invaders t-shirt in the Shiver video.

September 25, 2013 - submitted by Denisse, Mexico

Q. Hello Oracle!! You previously confirmed that @OracleColdplay Twitter account is official. However, today I found out that you had no tweets at all and had only 5 followers (including me). Is this normal? Is there any other account I'm missing? Thanks a lot!

The Oracle replies:

That's not right, Denisse. I'm here.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Bella, United Kingdom

Q. Who made the Atlas video? Love it!

The Oracle replies:

You can find out more about the creative team behind the video here.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Josh, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, In what accent should I read your answers?

The Oracle replies:

A rich, deep RP (Received Pronunciation) vocal tone should do the trick.

September 24, 2013 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom

Q. Is it true that Coldplay played over 100 gigs in 1998, before getting signed?

The Oracle replies:

No, more like 10. They signed their record & publishing deals in 1999 but there were only a few gigs in 1998/9 before that point.

September 23, 2013 - submitted by Caro, Argentina

Q. When fans ask you about Coldplay-related topics, do you first check it out with the band or you directly answer whatever you think is closest to your perception? I really want to know the answer to this.

The Oracle replies:

I have occasionally double-checked a fact out with someone else inside Team CP - Phil, crew & Anchorman and definitely get the experts to help answer the more technical questions but generally my memory (& knowledge) means I'm pretty much good to go with bona fide answers. I think it's more interesting for you guys to every so often get other people involved such as Miller, Hoppy, Bash, Matt, Mat...

September 23, 2013 - submitted by Hayley, United Arab Emirates

Q. Dear Oracle, I'm into this boy from my university but he is British and I'm just an Indian. I can't stop thinking about him but I know I have no future with him because he would never consider me. Do you have any advice for me ?

The Oracle replies:

My advice is to work on your self esteem and negative self-image issues. What's all this '"just" an Indian" nonsense? You don't "know" you have no future with him or that he would "never" consider you! Get to know him. If he's not into you, it doesn't mean it's for any of the reasons you think. Just be yourself and talk to him. Find shared interests and maybe suggest hanging out outside of University. You have nothing to lose - especially as you already think it's impossible. Go for it, he may surprise you.

September 23, 2013 - submitted by SG, United Kingdom

Q. Thanks for your excellent work Oracle I wonder if you could clarify has Chris relocated to LA for a while?

How will this affect recording the next album? Will the other guys move out there too or will he commute back to London?

The Oracle replies:

As you may know, I'm not keen on commenting on any personal aspects but the work part is something you need not worry about. As far as I know Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol lives (at times) in the U.S. and that works for both his bands. It doesn't really matter to be honest. When a band tours, they're all in the same place at the same time. Writing & recording can be done in various ways - here, there, anywhere. It's all good.