There's no doubt that Erin Howard from Pickerington, Ohio, is the envy of all her friends.

On the AT&T blue room, Erin won an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience with one of the world's biggest rock bands, Coldplay. She and her boyfriend, Evan, won a trip to San Diego, California, where they attended a private Sound Check Party with Coldplay prior to the band's show at the Coors Amphitheatre on August 26, 2005. From the front row of the empty venue, Erin and Evan watched as Chris Martin and company serenaded them with six of their most popular songs. During the party, Chris climbed down to the front row and mingled with the small group of attendees, cracking jokes and "warming up the crowd."

After the private party, Erin was whisked backstage where she met the band and mingled with them some more. But the night didn't end there. Erin and Evan experienced Coldplay in all their glory as they watched the evening's concert under the stars of Southern California.

Thanks to the AT&T blue room and Capitol Records, Erin Howard spent three beautiful days in San Diego and received the VIP, rock-star treatment from the hottest band of the moment, Coldplay.

Source: http://blueroom.att.com

Phoenix FM ran a number of top 20 shows in 2005 and broadcast the most popular ones on the internet. They are running more polls this year, with the most popular ones having another show on the station in the coming months.

As last year, some of the most popular polls will be counted down in a special radio broadcast, streamed live, by Phoenix FM in the summer of 2006. The Coldplay poll promises to be the biggest poll undertaken yet.

To select your 10 Coldplay songs, visit http://www.redpenguin.net/top10/coldplay.php

How to vote: Click the link above and scroll down the page and you'll see the voting form. We need you to choose your TOP TEN songs in order. The votes will then be added up (1st=10pts, 2nd=9pts etc) and a full chart will be shown on this page after the show - on which PhoenixFM be playing the top 20 as voted by YOU.

The poll closes on 14 June 2006.

Video your granny for MAX and win Coldplay tickets!

It's a physical challenge for both the entrant and the performer. But it could get you in the door to see Coldplay! If you can get your grandparent to dance, on camera, and email the mpeg video (less than 5meg please!), we will take all entries very seriously. We don’t think they’re bringing the 84-year-old dancer from their latest music video, but if you have some elderly people who can dance, you may be there to find out!

If you couldn't be bothered, enter by answering a question in the normal way. Each method wins double passes in each state. To enter visit the following links:

http://maxtv.com.au/Max/Article.aspx?ID=117

http://maxtv.com.au/Max/CompColdplay.aspx1.Entry into the MAX “Coldplay” competition (the “Competition”) is open to all residents of Australia. The Promoter is XYZnetworks Pty Limited (ABN: 71 066 812 119) of Level 1, 5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113 (the “Promoter”).

2.The officers, management and employees (or immediate family of an officer, manager or employee) of the Promoter, the agencies associated with this Competition, FOXTEL, AUSTAR, Optus TV and their related bodies corporate are not eligible to enter.

3.Competition begins at 2:00pm (AEST) on Monday 22nd May 2006 and closes at 11:59pm (AEST) on Monday 12th June 2006 (the “Competition Period”).

PRIZE

4.There are 20 prizes. Each prize is a double pass to attend a Coldplay concert, valued at $240 on one of the following dates below (the “Prize”). All dates and locations are correct at the time of publication. The Promoter is not liable for any variations to these dates or locations for any cancellations. The contents of the Prize will be at the Promoter’s sole discretion and cannot be exchanged.

23rd June, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

24th June, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

26th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

27th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

28th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

1st July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

2nd July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

3rd July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

5th July, Adelaide Entertainment Centre

7th July, Burswood Dome, Perth

5.The total maximum Prize pool value is $4800 (20 x Prizes valued at $240). The Prize values are the recommended retail values as provided by the suppliers and are correct at the time of printing. The Promoter is neither responsible nor liable for any change in the value of the Prize occurring between publishing date and date the Prize is claimed. The Prize value is in Australian dollars.

JUDGING AND AWARD OF PRIZE

6.To enter the Competition and be eligible to win, entrants must either:

(a)Send a video clip of their grandparent dancing (like in the Coldplay video clip for the song “The Hardest Part”) via email to info@maxtv.com.au. Video clips must be in mpeg format and be no greater than 5 mega bytes for entries to be eligible; or

(b)Send an email to info@maxtv.com.au with a response to the following question “What special skill would you like to have when you are eighty four, and why?”

7.One double pass for each performance date (as listed in Clause 4) will be awarded to the best entries in Clause 6 (a) and 6 (b).

8.To be eligible, entrants must nominate the concert in the preferred venue that they would like to attend.

9.All entries must include the entrant’s name, address, postcode, daytime phone number (including area code), mobile number (if any), email address and date of birth to be eligible for entry. Incomplete entries or those with defamatory or offensive content will not be eligible to win. It is the entrants’ responsibility to inform the Promoter if their residential address, email address or phone number changes during the Competition Period.

10.The Competition will be judged on the basis of creativity at MAX, Level 1, 5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113 at 9:30am (AEST) on Tuesday 13th June 2006. Chance plays no part in the selection of the Prize winners. The Prize winners will be notified via phone on Tuesday 13th June 2006 and their names published on the MAX website from Tuesday 13th June 2006. The Prizes must be claimed within 7 days of the publication of the Prize winners.

11.The Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. The Prizes or any element of the Prizes cannot be exchanged for any other prize.

12.Only one Prize per person will be awarded.

GENERAL

13.All entrants agree to provide the Promoter or the Promoter’s authorised agent with proof of identity, residency, age and/or proof of entry validity if selected as the Prize winner/s or if reasonably requested by the Promoteror the Promoter’s authorised agent. Proof of age, identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the sole discretion of the Promoter. In the event that the Prize winner cannot provide suitable proof, the Prize winner will forfeit the Prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.

14.It is a condition of entry that Prize winners and their guests must be available to travel to their preferred concert on the date specified by the Promoter.

15.The Prize is only valid for the concerts at the Venues listed in Clause 4. Entrants from locations outside Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are eligible to enter the Competition. However, all costs incurred in taking and using the Prize (including but not limited to transport, spending money and accommodation costs) are the sole responsibility of the Prize winners and their guests.

16.No responsibility will be taken by the Promoter, Channel [V], FOXTEL, AUSTAR or Optus TV for any changes in dates, times or cancellations or other arrangements that may prevent the Prize winner from winning the Prize.

17.The Promoter reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, at any time before the awarding of the Prizes to cancel the competition or to vary, postpone or cancel the award of the Prizes including without limitation, circumstances where, in the Promoter’s opinion (which it shall form in its absolute discretion):

(a) a Prize winner does not satisfy the Competition entry requirements; or

(b) the Promoter cannot conduct the Competition for any reason beyond its control.

18.In the event that the Promoter cancels the Competition, postpones, varies or withdraws the Prizes it shall not:

(a)be liable to any person for any loss or damage (including loss or damage caused by any negligence) arising out of, or in connection with, such cancellation, postponement, variation or withdrawal; and

(b)be required to conduct the Competition at any other time.

19.No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for late, lost or misdirected entries and all entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt of the entry into the Promoter’s database and NOT time of transmission by the entrant. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for outdated or incorrect contact details or contact details by which the entrant cannot be contacted during business hours on the relevant dates. If a Prize winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the Prize by the stipulated date, then the Prize will be forfeited and a substitute prize will not be offered in lieu of the Prize.

20.A decision of the Promoter in relation to the conduct of the Competition is binding and conclusive and no correspondence willbe entered into.

21. Entrants enter the Competition at their sole risk. With the exception of liability which cannot be excluded by law, the Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury suffered or sustained as a result of taking the Prize or entering the Competition. Subject to the foregoing, if the Promoter is liable for any claim by any Prize winner or an entrant including a claim arising from the Promoter’s negligence, the Promoter’s liability for any such claim shall not exceed $1,000.

22.All entries become the property of the Promoter and may be broadcast by the Promoter or used for promotional purposes, subject to the Promoter’s privacy policy which is available at www.maxtv.com.au. By entering the Competition, the Prize winner agrees to the use of their name, image, audio-visual recording and photograph/s, without compensation, and agrees that the Promoter will own copyright in any such images, audio-visual recordings and photograph/s and in all material incorporating the photograph/s.

If you require any further entry details please write to XYZnetworks Pty Limited (ABN: 71 066 812 119) at GPO Box 2692 Sydney NSW 2001.

[Thanks Luke]

Singapore - The inaugural MTV Centrestage Singapore, a celebration of live music, is set to rock the nation on July 10 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium with music icons Coldplay.

Staged by Live Nation and MTV Centrestage, Coldplay Twisted Logic Tour 2006 will be presented by Nokia Nseries and supported by Singapore Tourism Board.

Coldplay, one of the most awarded bands in the world with four Grammies, four Brit Awards, nine MTV Awards and countless others under their belt, will be performing at this one-night only concert, the only Southeast Asia stop on their 2006 tour.The vanguard of new wave British rock, Coldplay -- Guy Berryman (bass), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Will Champion (drums), and Chris Martin (vocals, guitar, keyboards) -- stands as one of the biggest bands in the world. Formed in London in 1998, the band signed to Parlophone the following year. Coldplay’s first two albums, Parachutes (2000) and A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002), have sold over 16 million copies worldwide. X&Y, their most recent album released last year, was recorded in the U.K. and was produced by Danton Supple (Morrissey, Elbow), Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Kings Of Convenience) and the band.

"At MTV, we always believe in creating exciting content and showcases for our audience and MTV Centrestage, a celebration of live music, is a testament to that commitment," said Mishal Varma, Senior Vice-President of Programming and Talent Artist Relations, MTV Networks International Creative (Asia-Pac). "Together with Live Nation, we are very excited to bring Coldplay to Singapore and give their fans access to this one-night only concert."

Said Oliver Chong, Director, Cluster Development (Events & Entertainment), Singapore Tourism Board, "Singapore has always been a must-stop destination for many of the world’s best acts in the performing arts and music scene. Coldplay is certainly internationally acclaimed and enjoys a vast following worldwide as well as in the region. We look forward to receiving the band as well as many of their fans whom we hope will descend on Singapore to lend their support this July."

"Since the initial announcement of the four-year MTV Networks Asia-STB strategic alliance in February this year, there has been much media and public anticipation of the series of 17 events slated for Singapore between 2006 and 2009. Hence, we are very pleased to welcome the annual MTV Centrestage to its permanent home here in Singapore. MTV's top-rate events will enhance Singapore's position as a vibrant lifestyle destination that offers world-class entertainment and an exciting schedule of international events, thereby boosting our efforts to become the Entertainment Capital of Asia," continued Mr Chong.

Nokia lends its support to MTV Centrestage as the Presenting Sponsor in Singapore, having previously collaborated with MTV and STB for MTV Fashionably Loud in March this year. "Nokia delights in bringing people together through music -- it is a natural extension to our vision of Connecting People," said Chris Carr, General Manager of Nokia Singapore. "Nokia has blazed a trail for music on mobiles - from personalized ringing tones to integrated FM radios and MP3 support. We are particularly excited about the newly launched full-featured, music-optimized Nokia N91 mobile jukebox, which features 4GB of music storage."

"As the world's largest manufacturer of digital music players, Nokia is leading the charge to make mobile music widely accessible to consumers worldwide," Carr added.

Tickets for this showcase are on sale at all SISTIC outlets from 19 May 2006. Ticket prices are at SGD$168, SGD$148, SGD$118 and SGD$68. For more information on ticket sales, please visit www.sistic.com.sg .

As part of the lead up to the July 10th concert, MTV channels throughout Asia will offer their viewers unique opportunities to experience MTV Centrestage including:

One viewer each from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand will also have a chance to catch Coldplay live in Singapore at MTV Centrestage. An online contest where viewers prove that they are the biggest Coldplay fan will be run on www.mtvasia.com from May 26 to June 30, 2006. A trip to MTV Centrestage Singapore including VIP seats at the concert and a new Nokia N91 mobile jukebox phone awaits the winner from each country.

MTV will air three exclusive Coldplay programming specials across its channels in Asia prior to the showcase in Singapore. All Eyes on Coldplay -- a half hour special where leading artists ask the band about their albums and tours; MTV Live – Coldplay -- an intimate concert taped at a church in East London which premiered exclusively across MTV channels worldwide the night before the launch of X&Y last year; and a 30-minute music special showcasing Coldplay’s hits.

Coldplay has been a part of many recent MTV events including the 2005 Europe Music Awards in Lisbon and the 2005 Video Music Awards in Miami. For more information on Coldplay, please visit www.coldplay.com.

[Thanks sal_m]

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall scooped the prize for best song on Thursday at the 51st Ivor Novello music awards for British composers.

Tunstall's song "Suddenly I See", taken from her best-selling album "Eye To The Telescope", took the award for best song musically and lyrically, pipping fellow nominees Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys. Earlier this year Tunstall was declared best female artist at the recording industry's Brits award.

James Blunt picked up two Novello honours, for most performed song and international hit of the year for his "You're Beautiful".

The award for best album went to "Employment" from The Kaiser Chiefs. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett of cartoon band Gorillaz were named songwriters of the year. The Ivor Novello Awards take their name from the Welsh actor, composer and playwright who was one of Britain's biggest stage and screen stars in the early part of the last century.

Read the full story here [thanks Ondes Martenot]

Coldplay headed the list of nominations on Monday for the respected Ivor Novello music awards after being selected in three categories.

Soldier-turned-singer James Blunt also featured highly after being shortlisted for two awards, which honour the best British songwriters and composers. For best song, Coldplay's "Fix You" goes up against "Suddenly I see" by Scottish singer KT Tunstall and "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" by Sheffield rockers the Arctic Monkeys, who stormed to prominence earlier this year.

"Speed of Sound", which won Coldplay a best single at February's Brit awards, is nominated in both the most performed work and international hit of the year categories, with Blunt's "You're Beautiful" also nominated for both gongs. The Gorillaz, Kaiser Chiefs and Athlete were nominated for best contemporary song, while Robbie Williams (international hit of the year) and Natalie Imbruglia (most performed work) were also shortlisted.

David Ferguson, head of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, said it was important to acknowledge performers' talents when more music was being stolen and becoming "increasingly ubiquitous in modern life. It is critical to honour and reward the people who write and initiate the music we all enjoy," he said.

The winners of the 51st Ivor Novello awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on May 25.

More on this here

There is one minute on the clock and the spotlight is on Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. As the clock steadily ticks down, the words gracefully flow from his mouth as he begins to sing “Square One,” the opening song on Coldplay’s new CD “X&Y.”

He asks the audience, “You’re in control, is there anywhere you want to go?” but the sold-out Freedom Hall crowd is already exactly where they want to be. Senior David Rojas described the experience as “pure bliss. I was completely entranced.” Of the people I talked to, I could not find a single person who was not blown away by the concert.

Both Kevin Golden and Ryan Schuler described it as amazing, Chris Sims said it was awesome, and James Zukowski said, “it was the greatest concert I’ve ever seen.”

Read the full review here

Video your granny for MAX and win Coldplay tickets!

It's a physical challenge for both the entrant and the performer. But it could get you in the door to see Coldplay! If you can get your grandparent to dance, on camera, and email the mpeg video (less than 5meg please!), we will take all entries very seriously. We don’t think they’re bringing the 84-year-old dancer from their latest music video, but if you have some elderly people who can dance, you may be there to find out!

If you couldn't be bothered, enter by answering a question in the normal way. Each method wins double passes in each state. To enter visit the following links:

http://maxtv.com.au/Max/Article.aspx?ID=117

http://maxtv.com.au/Max/CompColdplay.aspx1.Entry into the MAX “Coldplay” competition (the “Competition”) is open to all residents of Australia. The Promoter is XYZnetworks Pty Limited (ABN: 71 066 812 119) of Level 1, 5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113 (the “Promoter”).

2.The officers, management and employees (or immediate family of an officer, manager or employee) of the Promoter, the agencies associated with this Competition, FOXTEL, AUSTAR, Optus TV and their related bodies corporate are not eligible to enter.

3.Competition begins at 2:00pm (AEST) on Monday 22nd May 2006 and closes at 11:59pm (AEST) on Monday 12th June 2006 (the “Competition Period”).

PRIZE

4.There are 20 prizes. Each prize is a double pass to attend a Coldplay concert, valued at $240 on one of the following dates below (the “Prize”). All dates and locations are correct at the time of publication. The Promoter is not liable for any variations to these dates or locations for any cancellations. The contents of the Prize will be at the Promoter’s sole discretion and cannot be exchanged.

23rd June, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

24th June, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

26th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

27th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

28th June, Sydney Entertainment Centre

1st July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

2nd July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

3rd July, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

5th July, Adelaide Entertainment Centre

7th July, Burswood Dome, Perth

5.The total maximum Prize pool value is $4800 (20 x Prizes valued at $240). The Prize values are the recommended retail values as provided by the suppliers and are correct at the time of printing. The Promoter is neither responsible nor liable for any change in the value of the Prize occurring between publishing date and date the Prize is claimed. The Prize value is in Australian dollars.

JUDGING AND AWARD OF PRIZE

6.To enter the Competition and be eligible to win, entrants must either:

(a)Send a video clip of their grandparent dancing (like in the Coldplay video clip for the song “The Hardest Part”) via email to info@maxtv.com.au. Video clips must be in mpeg format and be no greater than 5 mega bytes for entries to be eligible; or

(b)Send an email to info@maxtv.com.au with a response to the following question “What special skill would you like to have when you are eighty four, and why?”

7.One double pass for each performance date (as listed in Clause 4) will be awarded to the best entries in Clause 6 (a) and 6 (b).

8.To be eligible, entrants must nominate the concert in the preferred venue that they would like to attend.

9.All entries must include the entrant’s name, address, postcode, daytime phone number (including area code), mobile number (if any), email address and date of birth to be eligible for entry. Incomplete entries or those with defamatory or offensive content will not be eligible to win. It is the entrants’ responsibility to inform the Promoter if their residential address, email address or phone number changes during the Competition Period.

10.The Competition will be judged on the basis of creativity at MAX, Level 1, 5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113 at 9:30am (AEST) on Tuesday 13th June 2006. Chance plays no part in the selection of the Prize winners. The Prize winners will be notified via phone on Tuesday 13th June 2006 and their names published on the MAX website from Tuesday 13th June 2006. The Prizes must be claimed within 7 days of the publication of the Prize winners.

11.The Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. The Prizes or any element of the Prizes cannot be exchanged for any other prize.

12.Only one Prize per person will be awarded.

GENERAL

13.All entrants agree to provide the Promoter or the Promoter’s authorised agent with proof of identity, residency, age and/or proof of entry validity if selected as the Prize winner/s or if reasonably requested by the Promoteror the Promoter’s authorised agent. Proof of age, identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the sole discretion of the Promoter. In the event that the Prize winner cannot provide suitable proof, the Prize winner will forfeit the Prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.

14.It is a condition of entry that Prize winners and their guests must be available to travel to their preferred concert on the date specified by the Promoter.

15.The Prize is only valid for the concerts at the Venues listed in Clause 4. Entrants from locations outside Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are eligible to enter the Competition. However, all costs incurred in taking and using the Prize (including but not limited to transport, spending money and accommodation costs) are the sole responsibility of the Prize winners and their guests.

16.No responsibility will be taken by the Promoter, Channel [V], FOXTEL, AUSTAR or Optus TV for any changes in dates, times or cancellations or other arrangements that may prevent the Prize winner from winning the Prize.

17.The Promoter reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, at any time before the awarding of the Prizes to cancel the competition or to vary, postpone or cancel the award of the Prizes including without limitation, circumstances where, in the Promoter’s opinion (which it shall form in its absolute discretion):

(a) a Prize winner does not satisfy the Competition entry requirements; or

(b) the Promoter cannot conduct the Competition for any reason beyond its control.

18.In the event that the Promoter cancels the Competition, postpones, varies or withdraws the Prizes it shall not:

(a)be liable to any person for any loss or damage (including loss or damage caused by any negligence) arising out of, or in connection with, such cancellation, postponement, variation or withdrawal; and

(b)be required to conduct the Competition at any other time.

19.No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for late, lost or misdirected entries and all entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt of the entry into the Promoter’s database and NOT time of transmission by the entrant. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for outdated or incorrect contact details or contact details by which the entrant cannot be contacted during business hours on the relevant dates. If a Prize winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the Prize by the stipulated date, then the Prize will be forfeited and a substitute prize will not be offered in lieu of the Prize.

20.A decision of the Promoter in relation to the conduct of the Competition is binding and conclusive and no correspondence willbe entered into.

21. Entrants enter the Competition at their sole risk. With the exception of liability which cannot be excluded by law, the Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury suffered or sustained as a result of taking the Prize or entering the Competition. Subject to the foregoing, if the Promoter is liable for any claim by any Prize winner or an entrant including a claim arising from the Promoter’s negligence, the Promoter’s liability for any such claim shall not exceed $1,000.

22.All entries become the property of the Promoter and may be broadcast by the Promoter or used for promotional purposes, subject to the Promoter’s privacy policy which is available at www.maxtv.com.au. By entering the Competition, the Prize winner agrees to the use of their name, image, audio-visual recording and photograph/s, without compensation, and agrees that the Promoter will own copyright in any such images, audio-visual recordings and photograph/s and in all material incorporating the photograph/s.

If you require any further entry details please write to XYZnetworks Pty Limited (ABN: 71 066 812 119) at GPO Box 2692 Sydney NSW 2001.

[Thanks Luke]

The inaugural MTV Centrestage Singapore, a celebration of live music, is set to rock Singapore on 10th of July at the Singapore Indoor Stadium with music icons Coldplay.

Staged by Live Nation and MTV Centrestage, Coldplay Twisted Logic Tour 2006 will be presented by Nokia Nseries and supported by Singapore Tourism Board. Coldplay, one of the most awarded bands in the world with 4 Grammies, 4 Brits, 9 MTV Awards and countless others under their belt, will be performing at this one-night only concert, the only Southeast Asia stop in their 2006 tour.

“At MTV, we always believe in creating exciting content and showcases for our audience and MTV Centrestage, a celebration of live music, is a testament to that commitment,” said Mishal Varma, Senior Vice-President of Programming and Talent Artist Relations, MTV Networks International Creative (Asia-Pac). “Together with Live Nation, we are very excited to bring Coldplay to Singapore and give their fans access to this one-night only concert.”The vanguard of new wave British rock, Coldplay stands as one of the five biggest bands in the world. Coldplay are Guy Berryman (bass), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Will Champion (drums), and Chris Martin (vocals, guitar, keyboards). Formed in London in 1998, the band signed to Parlophone the following year. Coldplay’s first two albums, Parachutes (2000) and A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002), have sold over 16 million copies worldwide. X&Y, their most recent album released last year, was recorded in the UK and was produced by Danton Supple (Morrissey, Elbow), Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Kings of Convenience) and the band.

Said Oliver Chong, Director, Cluster Development (Events & Entertainment), Singapore Tourism Board, “Singapore has always been a must-stop destination for many of the world’s best acts in the performing arts and music scene. Coldplay is certainly internationally acclaimed and enjoys a vast following worldwide as well as in the region. We look forward to receiving the band as well as many of their fans whom we hope will descend on Singapore to lend their support this July.”

“Since the initial announcement of the four-year MTV Networks Asia-STB strategic alliance in February this year, there has been much media and public anticipation of the series of 17 events slated for Singapore between 2006 and 2009. Hence, we are very pleased to welcome the annual MTV Centrestage to its permanent home here in Singapore. MTV’s top-rate events will enhance Singapore’s position as a vibrant lifestyle destination that offers world-class entertainment and an exciting schedule of international events, thereby boosting our efforts to become the Entertainment Capital of Asia,” continued Mr Chong.

Tickets for this showcase are on sale at all SISTIC outlets from 19 May 2006. Ticket prices are at Sin$168, Sin$148, Sin$118 and Sin$68.

As part of the lead up to the July 10th concert, MTV channels throughout Asia will offer their viewers unique opportunities to experience MTV Centrestage including:

- One viewer each from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand will also have a chance to catch Coldplay live in Singapore at MTV Centrestage. An online contest where viewers prove that they are the biggest Coldplay fan will be run on www.mtvasia.com from 26 May to 30 June 2006. A trip to MTV Centrestage Singapore including VIP seats at the concert and a new Nokia N91 mobile jukebox phone awaits the winner from each country.

- MTV will air three exclusive Coldplay programming specials across its channels in Asia prior to the showcase in Singapore. All Eyes on Coldplay – a half hour special where leading artists ask the band about their albums and tours; MTV Live – Coldplay – an intimate concert taped at a church in East London which premiered exclusively across MTV channels worldwide the night before the launch of X&Y last year; and a 30-minute music special showcasing Coldplay’s hits.

Coldplay has been a part of many recent MTV events including the 2005 Europe Music Awards in Lisbon and the 2005 Video Music Awards in Miami.

Source: asiatraveltips.com

As previously reported, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland performed the name of charity.

On May 20th, they performed live at "A Taste of Napa," to raise funds for UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation. The annual event took place May 20th at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California.

You can see pictures from the performance and evening here [thanks Nettie]

According to a survey by IGN Entertainment's GamerMetrics and Research Solutions titled "Anatomy of a Gamer," the video game-playing population is switching to smaller digital formats for entertainment and replacing realistic TV and movies with animated and comic-based entertainment. The survey was conducted in March, 2006 through IGN.com.

The "IGN Research: Anatomy of a Gamer" approached the fan's life outside of gaming in four distinct categories: Music, Movies, TV and Consumer Brands. The Music category documented a sweeping majority of this young male demographic have moved to the MP3 format, many use iPods. The research also showed that global pop sensations Gorillaz, U2 and Eminem top their playlists. Even though gamers prefer watching DVDs to the box office, FOX's 'X-Men: The Last Stand' was the most anticipated upcoming big screen release, while Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' followed close behind. On the small screen FOX's two rowdy animated families "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons" led with Comedy Central's "South Park". Survey-takers also voted for Google, Apple and Coca Cola as their top brands.

-- 46% of gamers enjoy listening to Gorillaz

-- 39% enjoy Eminem

-- 33% enjoy U2

-- 32% enjoy Kanye West

-- 30% enjoy Coldplay

More on this here [thanks Ondes Martenot]

Coldplay were voted the world’s most popular group earlier this year. They’re also possibly the most uninteresting. Despite that, a New York literary agency, David Vigliano Associates, is currently masterminding the sale of their memoirs. I hope there’s some dirt on the coffee-table goody-goodies (Gwyneth Paltrow’s husband, Chris Martin, neither smokes nor drinks). Yet with the former Take That star Gary Barlow’s memoirs having been flogged recently for £1m to Bloomsbury, Coldplay’s will probably sell for zillions. And be bought by as many unquestioning fans.

Join the discussion

Chris Martin to Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation fundraiser.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is going solo this month in the name of charity. On May 20th, Martin will perform live at "A Taste of Napa," to raise funds for UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation. The annual event takes place May 20th at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California.

Along with Chris Martin's performance, another highlight includes the presentation of the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award to Alex Wallau, President of ABC Network Operations and Administration. The award honors Wallau for his continued efforts to make research a priority for the cure of cancer.

For further information on UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation and the 2006 fundraiser "A Taste of Napa," visit jccf.mednet.ucla.edu/napaevent.htm

A parent paid £5,000 for Coldplay's Chris Martin to go to his home and play piano in his living room.

The father outbid dozens of others at a charity auction presided over by Tory MP and Islington resident Boris Johnson in aid of a new resource and IT centre at Canonbury primary school. The starting price for an intimate musical performance by Coldplay's frontman started at £400. Within minutes, as the bidding became tense, it rose to £4,000 and then £5,000 as parents formed small syndicates.

Martin had agreed to donate his time because Coldplay's business manager, Paul Makin, is a parent at the school. The final price was considered a bargain as, according to head teacher Jay Henderson, stars can charge anything from £60,000 for a picnic to £120,000 for lunch.

More on this story here

Singaporeans seem to have all the luck. This year has seen the arrival of Oasis, the Kings of Convenience and Franz Ferdinand.

Now two major acts, Coldplay and Mogwai, have confirmed visits to the island republic. Coldplay requires little or no introduction. One of the world’s biggest bands, if not the biggest, Coldplay is three albums into a career of making heartfelt, painfully earnest melodic rock. Its last album X&Y may have been more of a self-important set of canoodlings rather than the masterpiece it aimed for, but the album has still got a solid first half where a lustrous simplicity manages to come through the slightly bloated arrangements.

Thankfully, a Coldplay gig means that stuff will be played from the earlier and far better albums, Parachutes and A Rush Of Blood To The Head.The Twisted Logic world tour takes the band to the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 10, with tickets ranging from S$68 (RM156) to a hefty S$168 (RM385). Tickets will be available for booking today on www.sistic.com.sg.

On Aug 1, the Esplanade will play host to Scottish post-rock quintet Mogwai. Formed in 1996 with the aim of producing “serious guitar music” — with nary a lyric, verse or chorus across its five-album career, it has certainly achieved that and more. Mogwai is widely acknowledged to be making some of today’s most exciting music, soaring, hard-edged instrumental tracks that inspire, stir and terrify in equal measure.

Mogwai’s music is more a collection of aural monoliths, but this doesn’t prevent it from being one of the world’s most highly-regarded “live” acts too. With close to a decade of experience and a new album, Mr. Beast, that’s been a hit with the critics, its live show is likely to be scintillating stuff.

Tickets are priced at S$78 and S$98, with an early bird S$10 discount for anyone who books before June 19, and a limited concession rate of S$48 for students. Tickets go on sale from June 6, and details are available at www.esplanade.com.

Source: nst.com.my

Chris Martin and his Coldplay bandmates are having a creche installed inside their tour bus to cope with their growing number of new babies.

They fear they will miss out on quality time with their new offspring and would love to take their kids with them on tour. A spokesman for the band says, "The guys are over the moon with all the baby stuff." Martin became a dad for the second time last month (April 2006) when wife Gwyneth Paltrow gave birth to their son Moses, while drummer Will Champion [pictured] and his wife Marianne had baby girl Ava two weeks ago.

Bassist Guy Berryman and wife Jo are expecting their first baby in the autumn.

More on this here

The 17th Annual MuchMusic Video Awards

Sunday June 18th, 2006

LIVE on MuchMusic, Star!, Citytv, CitytvHD & 104.5 CHUM FM

MuchMusic unveils the People's Choice Nominations for The 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards.

Now it's time for fans nationwide to decide which artists deserve a nod by casting votes for their favourites in four crucial categories. Viewers can weigh in via text messaging and online. Results will be revealed Sunday June 18th during the MMVA frenzy.

Favourite International Group:

Coldplay / "Speed of Sound"

Fall Out Boy / "Dance, Dance"

Green Day / "Wake Me Up When September Ends"

Pussycat Dolls f. Busta Rhymes / "Don't Cha"

The Black Eyed Peas / "My Humps"

Full details on this and how you, the fans, can vote here [thanks Ondes Martenot]

Wallace and Gromit have topped a poll to find the most inspirational figures in the creative arts world. The cartoon creations were the surprise choice in a survey of 16-25-year-olds.

They beat all-comers, including the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and Damien Hirst. The adventures of Wallace and Gromit have scooped three Oscars for creator Nick Park and their latest caper, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, was a box office hit. Park said of the poll result: "This is great news. We've never made the Wallace and Gromit films for a specific audience, so it's extremely rewarding to all of us at Aardman that the films inspire this particular age group."

The survey was commissioned by organisers of the Noise arts and media festival in association with MSN Spaces. They asked 4,500 16-25-year-olds who or what inspired them in the creative arts. Britain's Arctic Monkeys came second, followed by cartoon band Gorillaz. In fourth place was "society" as a whole. JK Rowling's schoolboy wizard Harry Potter was fifth, ahead of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall and Oscar-nominated actress Keira Knightley. Big Brother and David Beckham made up the top 10.The top 25 included Brit artist Damien Hirst, former Mercury Prize winner Dizzee Rascal, supermodel Kate Moss and her on-off boyfriend, drug-addled singer Pete Doherty. Big Brother lovebirds Chantelle and Preston also made an appearance - chosen ahead of Tony Blair and Stella McCartney. Denise Proctor, executive producer of the Noise festival, said: "The result is not what we were expecting. This is a truly striking results because it shows that British youth have a strongly defined idea of what creativity is. They admire this abiding creative British brand which is recognised internationally."

The research also found that young people in the North West of England consider themselves to be the most creative - while those living in Yorkshire are the least creative. Top 25:

1 Wallace and Gromit

2 Arctic Monkeys

3 Gorillaz

4 Society

5 Harry Potter

6 Chris Martin

7 KT Tunstall

8 Keira Knightley

9 Big Brother

10 David Beckham

11 Damien Hirst

12 Kate Moss

= 13 Chantelle Houghton

= 13 Preston

15 Dizzee Rascal

16 Mario Testino

17 Tony Blair

18 Pete Doherty

19 The Royal Family

20 Stella McCartney

21 Alexander McQueen

22 Jude Law

23 Tracey Emin

24 John Galliano

25 June Sarpong

source: online.ie

[thanks Ondes Martenot]

Coldplay singer auctions private gig for school

Chris Martin has put his services up for sale to the highest bidder. The Coldplay frontman has offered to play a private gig for whoever wins an auction being held in aid of his local school. Martin will play one song for Cannonbury Primary School's Auction Of Promises, which takes place tomorrow (May 18).

The Coldplay frontman will "perform one of the band's songs in your own front room", however there is a stipulation - "a piano must be provided... and max of 10 people in audience".

The gig has to take place within six months. For more information and tickets to the auction go to canonburyprimaryschool.co.uk for more information.

More on this story here [thanks Ivanneth]

Eric Clapton disapproves of bands like U2 and Coldplay as they seem to put their fame before their music.

The 61-year-old guitar legend told The Times: "Right now, the power of music sits with Simon Cowell and Coldplay and U2, who are really people who just attend awards shows. "From just listening I can't tell the difference between Coldplay and U2. The one in Coldplay even dances like Bono."

Clapton said that he's also worried that modern bands are forgetting where rock and roll has come from. He said: "I think what it shows is how incredibly detached all the current stuff is from its roots. What worries me about what's going on now is that people don't know where it's all come from, and I don't suppose they're that interested."

More on this here [thanks Ondes Martenot]

Phoenix FM ran a number of top 20 shows in 2005 and broadcast the most popular ones on the internet. They are running more polls this year, with the most popular ones having another show on the station in the coming months.

As last year, some of the most popular polls will be counted down in a special radio broadcast, streamed live, by Phoenix FM in the summer of 2006. The Coldplay poll promises to be the biggest poll undertaken yet.

To select your 10 Coldplay songs, visit http://www.redpenguin.net/top10/coldplay.php

How to vote: Click the link above and scroll down the page and you'll see the voting form. We need you to choose your TOP TEN songs in order. The votes will then be added up (1st=10pts, 2nd=9pts etc) and a full chart will be shown on this page after the show - on which PhoenixFM be playing the top 20 as voted by YOU.

The poll closes on 14 June 2006.

Sydney, AU (EMI MUSIC AUSTRALIA) - 'The Hardest Part' is the fourth single to be taken from 'X&Y' and will be released on June 17th along with a special tour edition version of the album.

A hilarious new video has been filmed to accompany the single release and is best described in the words of the director Mary Wigmore below...

"The actual Spencer and Barbara performance was filmed in Miami on the daytime talk show 'Attitudes' in 1990. I first encountered the footage a few years back. My friend Maya, who is a comedian, showed it to me because she couldn't believe her eyes and wanted to share the wealth. Needless to say, I was floored by what I saw. After watching it many times, I realised it would be an excellent core element for a music video.Chris Martin had seen a documentary and two short films I made over the last couple years so when I mentioned the idea, he was enthusiastic and asked for a treatment. Coldplay got right into the idea from the beginning and when we actually shot, they were pitch perfect - balancing the deadpan humour and sweetness I so much wanted for the video.

I liked the potential to open up new meanings through the disjunctive relationship of the found footage and the song, "The Hardest Part"... and how in the end, the archival footage, the song and Coldplay's performance fit together in surprising ways.

Although the concept of integrating the band into the 'Attitudes' footage was very simple, its execution was actually very complex. We matched the set, lighting, wardrobe and camera moves to emulate the late 80's daytime TV aesthetic. But the Mill, a London based special effects company, was the essential element that seamlessly connected the two worlds and made my idea come to life."

Coldplay bring their Twisted Logic tour to Australia on the following dates -

TWISTED LOGIC TOUR

June

Fri 23 Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Qld

Sat 24 Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Qld

Mon 26 Sydney Entertainment Centre, NSW

Tues 27 Sydney Entertainment Centre, NSW

Wed 28 Sydney Entertainment Centre, NSW

July

Sat 1 Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, Vic

Sun 2 Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, Vic

Mon 3 Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, Vic

Wed 5 Entertainment Centre, Adelaide SA

Fri 7 Burswood Dome, Perth WA

The new Australian only 'X&Y (Tour Edition)` features 6 B-sides and 4 video clips from the `X&Y` singles; all on 1 DVD. The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Things I Don't Understand

2. Proof

3. The World Turned Upside Down

4. Pour Me (Live At the Hollywood Bowl)

5. Sleeping Sun

6. Gravity

7. Speed of Sound (Video)

8. Fix You (Video)

9. Talk (Video)

10. The Hardest Part (Video)

'The Hardest Part' single instore June 10. 'X&Y (Tour Edition)' album instore May 27.

Source: http://top40-charts.com

Coldplay star Chris Martin is planning to hit the studio to duet with pop pal Embrace frontman Danny McNamara.

Chris Martin has already written plenty of songs with McNamara, so it is simply a case of turning on the mics and letting rip. McNamara [pictured] says, "We have loads of material we've written together over the years. Chris is in the States at the moment with Gwyneth and their kids. But when he comes back we'll definitely get to work on some stuff we can actually release."

More on this here [thanks Ondes Martenot]

We know what 'The Scientist' sounded like in reverse. Now try 'A Message'.

Listen to it the wrong way round here [thanks fudge]

Festivals and phones; two of life’s pleasurable pleasures! How pleasant it is then that VH1 giving away festival tickets and an amazing phone...

This year’s Nokia Isle Of Wight festival takes place on June 9–11, headlined by the likes of Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Goldfrapp, Lou Reed, The Prodigy, Primal Scream, Richard Ashcroft and The Rakes. VH1 are giving one lucky winner not just one pair, but two pairs of tickets for IOW festival, plus a seriously cool phone. We’re talking the Nokia N91 phone which has a top of the range music player that holds up to 3000 tracks. Sounds cool huh? To enter, just answer the following question:

Which of the following is NOT performing at Isle Of Wight festival?

Coldplay | Goldfrapp | Coldfrapp