Coldplay's Oracle discusses unofficial merchandise and after-show parties

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

March 8, 2010 - submitted by Vianihuini, Mexico

Q. The concert was really awesome! I'm deeply moved for this life experience! Love u guys!!! My question: it was something crazy to see loads of people selling illegally thing about Coldplay, so what do you think about the informal sale outside the concert?

The Oracle replies:

The band saw that last time they were here in Mexico but everyone else was absolutely blown away by the huge Coldplay market as I called it. So many stalls selling bootleg merchandise and there was even one stall totally dedicated to Roadie #42! We all understand the trade of illegal items in such places and it happens for every touring band. There are funny stories of the 'swag'... I saw one t-shirt that had lyrics printed on the front that made no sense whatsoever; last time the tour stopped in Mexico, Bash - drum tech - bought a lighter with a Coldplay sticker on the front. When he peeled it off there was an AC/DC one underneath! Finally, the band's favourite example of inaccurate merch was when there was a t-shirt that said 'Coldplay' on the front but had a picture of Travis!

March 8, 2010 - submitted by Juli, Columbia

Q. I knew the night after the concert in Bogota attended a bar called My Little Darling how they felt? Enjoyed the place? Took some Colombian liquor? I charm the concert was an experience never to forget. I am sure I will tell my grandchildren in 40 years that I was on 4 March to the more imposing looking band in my city Bogota, best band, the most dear, the most expected, the most simple and noble, I love them! And come back soon guys at the next opportunity I'm sure we'll be more than 68mil souls Woooahhhohh singing! Thousand blessings, best wishes, good health and prosperity! We hopefully soon back we are waiting for you with open arms! Thanks for coming!!

The Oracle replies:

Thanks for having us! Yes, a few of us (Chris, Will plus Bat For Lashes and some other family & friends) went to that bar after the show in Bogota. We didn't drink any Comombian liquor actually; there were a few mojitos round the table though. Will was most amused (and still is) by the fact that the actual name of the bar is Mai Lirol Darlin aka My Little Darling.

March 6, 2010 - submitted by Lousa, Mexico

Q. Hi, Oracle I'm so exited because today is your concert I been waiting for 5 months. But I have a question: What do you do before the concert begins? A LOT OF KISSES UR THE BEST. LOUSA

The Oracle replies:

A typical show day will consist of training in the gym, eating breakfast and chilling out before lobby call. Once they get to the venue they will play on the Playstation or table tennis as well as promo work, dinner and a meet & greet before they warm up for the performance. Chris will also pop to watch some of Bat for Lashes when he can.

March 6, 2010 - submitted by Fabio, Columbia

Q. Our Oracle!! I'm very excited the show in Bogota was amazing, I love you so much. The question is: I wanna know if the band eats something of the Colombian kitchen and n if this like the band. pls answer me n sorry for my English. pd: come back pls. pd2: I don't know where r the puppets in the photo in Colombia..... thnx

The Oracle replies:

We weren't in Colombia for too long but the first night we arrived in time for dinner. Some people stayed in and had room service and some went out locally; there were no complaints about the lovely food!The catering at the venue was really tasty too. I have to say the weirdest thing that I tried was in a very small cafe in the centre of the city. A few of us had hot chocolate and it came with cheese on the side. I was the only one who put the cheese into the chocolate, drank it and then used the spoon to eat the cheese! Weird but actually quite nice! The puppets were photographed in a gazebo at the Parque where the concert took place. The backdrop of the mountains with the sun setting was just the perfect photo opportunity.