Coldplay released their long awaited fifth album 'Mylo Xyloto' around the world (October 24th) and were celebrating just hours after stores opened, having been crowned The Best Act In The World Today by monthly music publication Q Magazine at their awards ceremony in London. (Full discussion on Coldplay winning at the Q Awards is at the Coldplay forum now.) [thanks everyone who contributed!]

Coldplay have been well decorated at the annual Q Awards in the past, dating right back to 2000 when they won the 'Best Album' award for their breakthrough debut album 'Parachutes'. They followed that up in 2002 with second album 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', in fact, the band have even won the 'Best Act' award twice before, taking the title in both 2005 and 2008. It's perhaps no surprise then that the group won it for a third time, fending off stiff competition from Muse, U2 and The Arcade Fire among others. U2 wouldn't have been too disconsolate however, as they were chosen by the magazine's readers as Top Artist of The Past 25 Years.

Reception and reviews for Mylo Xyloto has been mixed ahead of release, which is perhaps understandable given that Coldplay front man Chris Martin told MTV that it was 'a schizophrenic album'. However, professional reviews have been cited as "generally positive". Read on for the MTV article posted today...

It may be their best, biggest and boldest album yet, but Coldplay's Chris Martin knows which adjective he would use to describe the band's brand-new Mylo Xyloto: "It's definitely a schizophrenic album ... it keeps changing sounds," he said. "That's why we called it such a strange thing, Mylo Xyloto. Because we felt like so many people have already made up their minds about us, both good and bad, that we can sort of start again from scratch and try and reflect all the music we listen to and we love."

That sentiment is readily apparent throughout Xyloto, an album full of walloping electronics, soaring choruses and quiet, tender ballads. In a lot of ways, it plays very much like the band's personal iPod, packing anthems like current single "Paradise" alongside artfully minimal instrumentals and hushed acoustic numbers like "U.F.O." Even Rihanna shows up, lending her vocals to the track "Princess of China." And that shuffling schizophrenia is due as much to the band's taste as it is the ethos of frequent collaborator Brian Eno, a man who practically lives to break down boundaries.

"Working with Brian, he was very much of the opinion that you should just be free to follow whatever you feel sounds best," Martin said, "without worrying about having to talk about it in interviews and everything and explain it."

And, given all that, it's somewhat fitting that Mylo Xyloto actually began life as a far different animal: a quiet, acoustic-based album. But as their songs began to grow, Coldplay quickly realized that their self-imposed parameters couldn't contain their ambitions, so they scrapped them and started from scratch. And, not surprisingly, the end result is a record that defies convention — and, of course, definition too.

"Very early on in the process of recording this record, we were playing a lot of acoustic instruments and we had it in our mind that we might try to record a small-sounding, intimate, reflective record," drummer Will Champion explained. "And [a song like 'Paradise'] came about, and it dawned on us that we couldn't play it in that acoustic style. So we thought, 'OK, we'll finish this one and then we'll do another record,' and the realization came very quickly that we can't really focus on more than one thing at once.

"So we decided to put everything in one basket, and some of those songs from the acoustic thing survived — the song 'Charlie Brown' was originally in that format and 'Us Against the World,' " he continued. "And I think putting all our eggs in one basket allowed us to kind of free everything up and allow the songs to dictate where they want to go."

New photos of Coldplay at the Q Awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London (24th October 2011):

NEW YORK -- Thousands of Coldplay fans wrapped around a dark Rockefeller Plaza on Friday morning (October 21) waiting to get into the group's "Today" show performance, writes MTV News in a review of Coldplay's performance for NBC's TODAY Show. While most woke up before sunrise, some even camped out overnight to catch the seven-time Grammy-winning band perform. Coldplay satisfied their fans' hunger, performing past hits like "Fix You" and "Viva la Vida" along with new singles "Paradise" and "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall." (Full discussion on this performance is at the Coldplay forum now [reviews start around page 16] - and all downloads of the performance and interviews is at the Multimedia forum.) [thanks iriden, moza & Mojo Pin]

Two early birds from Long Island missed part of their school day to catch the free show. "We woke up at 4 a.m., missed the train, took another train," Rebecca Monachelli, 17, said. When asked if her parents were aware, the teen laughed, "My mom was the one who suggested to come here today!" A spray-painted set, in the identical colors of Coldplay's new album cover, lit up the plaza as dawn approached. When "Today" co-anchor Matt Lauer asked about the set, frontman Chris Martin admitted, "It's just random and fun. It's just us throwing caution to the wind, we know it looks kind of amateur, but it comes from the heart."

The band's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, due Tuesday, is said to be the band's most electronic album yet. MTV News took to the plaza to talk with fans and test their ability to pronounce the album title. Most fans laughed as they stumbled over the words Mylo Xyloto, while others confidently let it out. When the band was asked about the meaning behind the title, Martin said, "It doesn't really mean anything. It just means a group of four English people who are trying to come up with something that had no other association ... one day hopefully it'll mean something."

Lauer quoted the band from a New York Times article, in which Martin had been quoted, "We came up with the idea of, what if you had musical digits, like xylo toes?" Martin smiled before responding, "I said that, but now I don't mean that anymore. We're still trying to figure out what to say. We should have figured it out before we came on national TV."

Coldplayer reviews from The TODAY Show at Rockefeller Plaza (21st October 2011):

HEY EVERYONE!!!! I'm typing this review on my iPhone because my Internet won't work, so excuse any typos. So the past 24 hours have been INCREDIBLE!!! Marisa and Amy and I arrived in New York and they went straight to queue. I met them at about 11 and we all settled into line. Sleeping out on the street was so much fun- a huge hello to everyone I met in line, you guys were all amazing. We were about 15th in line, so we were close enough that we hung around the Plaza a lot to watch them setting up. Awesomely, we snuck around back at about 3AM and got to see all of the boys' equipment being unloaded by the roadies, and saw some of Chris' notes and the lyrics to War Is Over taped to the lid of one trunk so that was really cool. We met Chelsea at 4:30, which was SO EXCITING!!!! And she made us spraypaint MX shirts because she's the best and we met Christa and Steph too. Things finally started to get going at about 6AM (I think, it's all a bit fuzzy!), and they started letting VIP/Fan Pass people in. Even though we knew it would happen, it was pretty disheartening to see people who'd arrived at 6 get to walk straight to the front row, while those of us who had camped out all night were forced to watch and get less desirable spots. But that's how the world works, unfortunately. At least we knew a couple deserving Coldplayers were in front! Oh, and they gave us all really awesome (nice quality!) posters of the album cover! So, they started letting a few of us at a time in with the Fan Pass people, so we ended up behind where the control panels were all the way to the right. We could see the boys when we stood on our toes, but the controls blocked our view of Chris' piano. But who cares, it was Coldplay time!!!!

We waited around for a bit, and then suddenly Will, Jonny and Guy just walked onstage. I was FREAKING OUT, as it was my first time seeing them since 09!!!! There's nothing like seeing them in person. However, Chris was missing, so we got a KARAOKE COLDPLAY CONCERT WOOO that was incrediblly surreal and weird- we just listened to the three of them play Viva la Vida, Charlie Brown, and ETIAW without Chris... Marisa and I filled in all the lyrics at the top of our lungs, which was so fun. Coolest karaoke ever

So then they left, and then the worst part, waiting for the actual concert. However I managed to get to the front of the barrier and talk to the roadie there, who was SUPER NICE, promised me his set list, and told me all about all the shows last week, and the plans for a stadium tour! So thanks Steve, you're awesome. Then IT WAS TIME!!!! Suddenly they all walked out, and it was so incredible and I completely lost it. There they were. And then Chris said hello and they started Yellow!!!! I couldn't believe they were back and I was hearing Yellow for the 6th time, and the first time in 2 1/2 years. They sounded incredible and completely on form. Then there was a couple minute break between songs and Chris was like "we want to keep you entertained during the commercial break- which he did by starting to play The Scientist!!!! But after the first verse they were back on air so he ended up going "ohtakemebacktothestartohSHIT" then they played the song I was desperate to hear- CHARLIE BROWN!!!! Oh my god is it amazing live. I was jumping like mad and screaming, I can't believe how great it is live. Then they played Viva, and Paradise, which sounded SO much. Errrr in person than I could have imagined. ETIAW was such a thrill live, it's amazing to scream out those lyrics with Chris, and Will hammers on the drums. There was an interview in there somewhere but I don't remember where, and then they finished with Fix You which made me cry as usual. Then it was over but we got to meet up with and hang out with some awesome Coldplayers for a little while!!!! And we ate at a horrible diner together. All in all, well worth the camping out and it still feels like it didn't even happen. You forget just how incredible they sound in person. Chris' voice was spot-on, they played everything perfectly, and it's just such an overwhelming experience. Amazing. Will post my pictures later when I have Internet- I can't wait to watch the today show videos, I've been told that I can be seen in them. Edit: oh god, watched Fix You, Charlie Brown, and Paradise, and you can see me it's so embarrassing!! *hides* [thanks notlost92]

In short, I was able to get a VIP fan pass from Steph (StephBerryman), which is why I didn’t need to camp out on the street like so many did. I was exceedingly grateful for this, as anyone would be, but I also felt bad because not everyone I was going with had these passes, and we would all end up separated and with drastically different views, and those of us waiting the longest in the cold would have the worst places to watch from. I also got passes in 2008 when Coldplay played the Today Show, but that was run very differently (and I think more fairly) than it was this time. Despite the fact that I didn’t need to camp out on the street, though, I still needed to get to Manhattan by about 4:30AM to ensure I got a good place. So this meant waking up at about 1:30-2AM to get ready and drive there. In 2008, my mom and brother and I took the earliest train and got to Rockefeller Plaza right at 6AM when it was starting, so I knew that wouldn’t be good enough this time. We got 5 rows or so back, but I figured I have the means of getting there earlier and have driven in Manhattan several times before, so I was going to get there as early as I could to ensure the best positioning. I left my house in my car at 3AM, which is just kind of a weird feeling. I wasn’t that tired, even though I hadn’t slept at all due to excitement (and serious nerves about being forced to rely on other people, something I’m not good at), but it’s weird to be like the only car on the road, and to set out for a journey at that time of day. It has this odd, ominous feeling to it, it’s hard to describe. But the first song I listened to when I started driving was “Major Minus,” and that seemed to fit the mood perfectly.

Conveniently and somewhat by chance, I parked in the garage directly next to the VIP fan line, needing to walk about ten feet from the door of the garage to my place in queue. It was 4:30, but being in the city that never sleeps, it felt more like 8PM. Marisa (In A Telescope Lens) and Zoe (NotLost92) came to visit me from their line, which was really great because we’d never met in person before, and I gave them the shirts I made them for ditching them, and we talked for awhile. I think the people around us realized we were more than just fans by eavesdropping on our conversations. The line at that point was maybe 20 people long, some people with blankets and chairs, but there was also a “VIP” line. Turns out what I had was called a “fan pass” (in 2008 it was called VIP) and there were like 15 people with status higher than that that got to go into the stage area first. And even higher than VIP status was “Christa status.” Christa, who worked so hard to get me my fan pass, has an NBC connection and was allowed to watch the whole thing basically from the sound booth on the side of the stage, and took Angie with her, because it was Angie’s birthday. I don’t know, I’m not really a jealous person, so I was just happy for them, not envious. Besides, it was kind of really fun to have Chris jumping in my face and being able to see the whole stage in one glance (well, not Guy so much, but I was in front of him in 2008, so I felt that was a good tradeoff). And I was mostly in this for the fun of it all—it’s not a full concert or anything, it’s just a few songs. Of course, I would have been really upset if something went wrong and I couldn’t have gotten in at all, especially after all that work getting there and trying to orchestrate things between people, but I was just so happy for what I had, because I never expected to be VIP this time. Even if I wasn’t VIP, it still would have been a great time and I still would have done it for fun.

The VIP/fan pass people got brought into the Plaza at 6AM. It was still pitch dark out because it’s October, and maybe about 43 degrees. I wasn’t cold until we got into the Plaza, which I think had a bit of a windtunnel effect going on, but even then, I just really like being cold. Our little fan pass group (me, Steph, Erica, and Mike) got to be right at the end of the ramp that Chris would dance down, which was GREAT, if you asked me, because you could see straight up it to the stage and I had a great view of Will and Jonny as well, albeit from like ten feet away, and I think we were all pretty happy with that. But a lot of the people around us, who had won passes via radio stations or something and weren’t mega Coldplay fans but knew the hits, were really whiney that they weren’t closer to the stage. I was really tired of their negativity after about three minutes in: there seemed to be nothing that they couldn’t complain about, such as the cold, or the distance from the stage, or the time it was taking them to come out. There were two women in front of me (so I was technically like second row from the ramp, but kind of between them) who were maybe in their late 30s and just having the absolute time of their lives, though. They got a kick out of every text they got from their friends saying they saw them on TV, they obviously really liked the band, even if they weren’t mega-fan status, and were just so in awe of being able to be that close for a show for free. I just really liked them, I don’t know, they made me happy. I’m not someone that’s done this sort of thing so many times for this band that all the excitement’s worn off, because then I probably wouldn’t bother to keep doing it, but it’s just kind of cute to see these people doing it for the first time, either seeing them for the first time at all or getting to be in a “special” show and see them up close, and get such a kick out of it. I get a kick out of it every time too, but not in that way, in that “I will never be luckier than this” way.

Around 6:30 (still dark), Will, Jonny, and Guy came onstage and soundchecked the instrumentals to “ETIAW,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Viva la Vida.” I figured they’d soundcheck again with Chris in a bit, but that was really it and Chris didn’t show his face til they were due to start. In 2008, the whole thing was basically a big long soundcheck with the guys hanging out onstage the whole time, talking to the audience and each other and playing each song about ten times over to perfect it…this time it was just the three of them doing one run-through of each song, giving a wave, and going back inside. So that was disappointing, but only in comparison to what happened in 2008—this was a complain-free day for me. The only thing that was even slightly annoying was that the crane camera was RIGHT in front of my face, so every time they did a sweeping crowd shot, it started and/or ended with me. I think over the course of the whole show, I was on screen about fifteen times. This marks the third time I’ve been on TV making a fool of myself for this band.

The show starts at 7, but you wouldn’t really know the difference standing out there. There are a few TVs inside the actual NBC building that we could see, but it was very hard to hear any of the broadcast itself, so it was just a lot of waiting around. NBC interns came out and passed huge-ass cardboard signs and markers out to everyone they could, which I just think is so stupid because holding up a sign ensures everyone behind you can’t see shit. There were also free sunglasses and free gloves to be had, but I never got any of either. You kind of needed the sunglasses—the TV lights and the LED colored lights onstage were absolutely blinding. I brought my SLR camera, and I had to mess with the settings every twenty minutes, which is why I have to edit a lot of the photos before I post them. When Chris was back on the proper part of the stage, I needed one light setting, but when he came down the ramp and was in our faces, I needed a completely different one, and it was hard to switch between the two in my excitement.

Anyway, during the downtime they’d do lots of sweeping shots of the crowd and stuff, which was pretty big, but nowhere NEAR as big as it was in 2008, but it was summer then—I think that was the difference. In 2008, people were lining the streets for blocks, and they had helicopters doing aerial shots of how huge the turnout was. This year, people filled the Plaza and maybe a bit down 48th Street, that’s about it. What do you want, on a weekday in late October. I got texted and tweeted from friends who said they saw me…sigh, it was Christmas Day all over again, when I was on the BBC singing my heart out to Coldplay. Al Roker and Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie did a little talky thing at the end of the ramp for the cameras like they do, so I had all their butts in my face during that, but we got to talk to them while they were in commercials and setting up shots and stuff, and they’re all very nice. One of the people kind of next to me was a couple maybe five or six years older than me with a baby that was like one and a half, and all the hosts (and Chris, actually) got such a kick out of that. She was very well behaved, and adorable.

I think the guys finally came out at like 8:30—I didn’t expect them til 9, but everyone around us was so damn whiney, like this wasn’t a scheduled show with a defined order of things and the band was taking their sweet time getting out there, so it was good that they came out when they did. Chris came down to the end of the ramp to say hi to us all in that area, and I shook his hand again. It’s kind of weird that he’s a “normal person” to me now. Like obviously not a NORMAL PERSON, but as much as I still idolize him and have pictures of him on my wall and talk about him, it’s very much like “oh hey, Chris” rather than “SKDJGKFSHKDFOKSDJG, CHRIS MARTIN AHHH.” I can even look him in the eye now, whereas the first time I met him they were a bit too astonishing in person to do that.

Anyway, they did “Yellow” first, making one of the cute women in front of me absolutely melt. Before the next song, during a commercial, Chris did half of “The Scientist” off-air before he was told he had 30 seconds to live and then did a cute fade-out of the song. “Paradise” was next, which is obligatory, but not unenjoyable, and it was my first time seeing it live. And then it was “Charlie Brown,” what a fantastic song that is live. I felt like the only one singing along to the new ones at all—the VIP section is not the sort of crowd that rips live bootlegs from summer shows and downloads album leaks the second they’re available, they’re people who like the band in a casual-fan way that got lucky. The people who really cared the most were at the back, like Marisa and Zoe (even though they got MUCH closer than I expected they would, really not too much worse than I had in 2008), and that’s what sucks about this kind of stuff. It’s about who you know and luck, not about how much you love the band, or even how much money you’re willing/able to shell out.

I think “Viva” was next, and Chris spent a lot of time at the end of the ramp, about 6 inches away. My camera lens was in his face far more than was polite, and I felt bad AND looked like a knob on a TV, but at least photos last longer. It was about 45 degrees and he was covered in sweat. Every time he’d spin and jump some would fly off, so it was a bit like getting a shower in the perspiration of your idol, which…well, it sounds like it would be nice in a fangirl sense, but it’s just kind of icky when you think about it, and it’s like the fifth time it’s happened so the novelty of having Chris Martin DNA on me has kind of dulled. Yes, I still love “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” so I loved that live again. Chris spent most of that song again at the bottom of the ramp, dancing like a maniac, of course—he moved too fast for my camera settings, which would have taken too much time to change, so my photos of him up-close have a lot of motion-blur going on. And the last song was “Fix You,” sigh. I certainly don’t dislike that song, but it’s just not one of my personal favorites and would have gladly traded it for another new one because I’m so hyped up on that these days, but the crowd loved it. I also just think it’s a weird choice for a morning show—not enough energy, at least until the end. One of the two cute women in front of me just burst into tears when it was over, saying how happy she was for the whole experience, and that made me feel all nice and fuzzy. I still probably would have paid them to play “Hurts Like Heaven,” though.

And then it was over. It felt impossibly short, and of course it was, but that’s the nature of things like this. But my entire day, or the reason for my day, was over by 9AM…which is a weird feeling when you’ve been up for hours. We walked around the block to the other part of the Plaza and met up with the others we got separated from and reviewed our separate stories and pictures and expressed our tiredness. I only just got out of a cast two weeks ago after breaking my foot in four places, so I was kind of worse for wear even though I didn’t sleep out on the street or anything. We were all starving and just starting to become zombies, so we went on the hunt for food. We wanted a diner, so we walked to Broadway and found one, but unfortunately it was a SINGING diner, where all the failed Broadway actors and actresses work and put on ridiculous shows while everyone’s eating, but we were so hungry and so tired that we didn’t want to find anywhere else and just ate our breakfasts screaming to each other over the horrible showtune renditions. And then we all had to go our separate ways. But honestly, a huge, huge part of the reason I do things like this, maybe even more than 50%, is to see the wonderful people I’ve met through this band, not JUST to see the band themselves. That’s why I would have slept outside for this if I didn’t get a pass—because events like this are the only times I can see people in person that I’ve gotten to know so well through a shared passion. That’s why I love queuing, too, and being miserable outside for things like this for hours on end: because we’re doing it together for the same reason, and we all understand that reason and don’t have to explain it or make excuses for it. These are the only people that get me in that way, who I don’t have to censor anything for, and to be able to spend time with them in any capacity is just as important as seeing the band itself to me. [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

I went with my daughter and we got there around 5am. We ended up in the back by the stage & lift that Al Roker would go up and down on. We couldn't see a darn thing but they sounded great!! After it was over we went and watched the guys break down the stage. I talked to Hoppy and he gave me a guitar pick! It is cool, has MX on one side and Coldplay on the other in that MX font. My daughter really wanted her own so she got the nerve up to ask Hoppy herself and he asked her if she played guitar. She said no, she plays piano and he gave her 3 more!! We said hi to Matt & Bash as well. We saw Frank. It was neat to see them at work. We also saw some guy that I did not recognize carrying the elephant suit in clear plastic bag!! I am not sure what they were doing with the elephant suit there. I took some cool pics of the stage & equipment. I will upload and post them soon. Also on a side note.....we went to the Nintendo World after watching the stage break down and some guy in there was with his son. He told us that his wife just saw Apple at the Lego store 5 min ago so I guess they were doing some shopping while they were there. [thanks jasmynebirch]

Ok so here how it went down, so Mike, Angie and I get there at 5 am, met up with Chels, Erica and Steph and got everyone in their appropriate vip lines, always the mom coordinating! so there were 3 diff vip lines, and Ang & I were at a a diff one, the 30 Rock peeps line, so we walk in and the security lady was like " you are very early, you will be escorted around 5:30 to the VIP section so we werent sure which one but anywho, I guess I had the Coldplay karma cause we were brought right next to Jonny side front pit where all the techy sound boardy mechanics were and all the roadies wereto gather. Miller walks out and I'm like holy crap, standing right next to me and angie. of course he says hello to Angie, As did most of the roadies, techies, mangagers etc. Angie introduced me to a few of them, and I could hardly keep my mouth from dropping. We were in the Cat bird seat and I was in Friggin Fangirl Heaven. I contained my composure and everyone was very sweet and I managed to handshake with a firm grip like my dad taught me (and not a wet fangirl fish kind) and smile and speak.... all at the same time! ha! I could not believe where we were, feet from the stage and the only thing seprating us from the soundboard, computers etc was the barrier!! Franksy came out and came right up to Angie and said hello, it was such tight quarters we were basically on top of each. other. Took some pics of set list which was inches from me and there low and behold was the Will CAM!! Matt came out and he and Angie chatted for a bit, the guys were so nice and those accents just kill meeeeee!! Oh we looked for Sweet Cheeks Phil, but I don't think he was there.....damn!

Then it was all down to business, its a small stage even with the ramp, everyone was busy getting their jobs done. I was watching them in awe, how they all were in sync, almost reading each others minds, one look and they knew what each other was thinking, nodding and getting the task accomplished. Obviously they have done this a thousand times before and it was a much smaller venue but I feel so lucky to be able to watch the most amazing band in the world and their most fabulous crew, getting everything down perfect so they can do what they do best. perform. It takes so many people to create a show and I truly have a new appreciation for all the roadies, managers, make up, assistants. I have been in the pit before but this was different, I know they all work hard but it was wonderful to see it in action. Checking and double checking all the instruments, wires, cords, lights, etc. It was a wonderment to watch how it all comes together. I was in heaven and the show had not even started!! So now comes the sound check, it was cold, so cold . Will, Jonny and Guy came out but Chris did not. sound checked CB, VIVA etc. Guy was wearing what I call his Mr. Rogers cardigan and Will and Jonny had on jackets. oh and it was dark, really dark, the sun did not rise until 7ish so it was like night time dark but everyone was a bit groggy and tired.

so we look at the ever changing set list and it finally says 8:15 start. The today show gets started around 7 and Al Roker finally comes out to chat and the crowd goes crazy, he gets on the Cherry Picker and does his shtick, love Al. So now for the show, The boys come out and everyone of course freaks out, we were right by door, but there was so much technical stuff, coldplay and the today show cameras lights it was hard to take pics of them coming out. trust me, I'm not complaining! I got one of Guy. The boys look amazing and ready to roll. The stage is not so big so Chrissy cant run around too much but i can tell he is psyched to get out on that ramp! hold on BRB. So Yellow comes on and we are sooo pumped, Jonny of course is amazing standing feet from us, Chris looks like he is going to burst with all his energy guy is smiling (yeah!) and will looks fabu. the set and lights were awesome. The set list I think was posted so Im just remebering bits and pieces, Chris started playing at little bit of the The Scientist and my heart melted a bit, the piano was totally facing us, see my siggy pic below so were were able to get some good shots with him sitting down, i think i only tried to get some of him moving around, which is virtually impossible, frickin like a jack rabbit jumping around so much. we had fab view of him there. Then did some Amy Winehouse love with a shmidgen of Rehab.

When Charlie B comes on i go into total jump mode could not contain myself, wanted so badly to take vid and it totally sucks but i couldnt stop dancing!! I absolutely love that song and my heart was soaring to hear it live again. They moved the big drums to the front when Viva came on and Our Man Will was front and Center! got a few shots of him there. Got to show the Will love, really wanted o hear UATW so all the Today show tv fans could hear "The Voice of an Angel" sing. Oh will had the cutest red heart either on the bottom of his shirt or on his pants (see pic) With Viva Jonny does his key board and Guitar right in front of us so got lots of good shots. Para comes on and Chris's voice is gorgeous. Fix You ends the show and got a good vid (cause the british jumping bean man is sitting some of the time) Got to see my fav Light bulb swing when Chris took off his jacket and starts winging it round and round and the crowd freaks, hes running round doing his thing on the ramp. tumbling, bobbing,rolling swaying, it was so fanfuckingtastic I could not contain my joy, held back a tear and thanked God that i got to share this amazing experience with my wonderful coldplayer friends and The Birthday Girl, Miss Angie. Sorry this is so long ..... so after the show angie got two set lists and we got some Picks, We didnt want to leave but we were starving...... Oooops should have not mentioned the whole food thing..... but thats another story. [thanks Christa42]

I left my house in new jersey at 9am thursday morning, to head for nyc. I arrived in nyc around noon. I then had time to kill, so I walked around the city and visited ground zero. It was a nice windy day, so I walked around everywhere. I got lunch at a pizza place, and browsed the stores around times square. Then I thought I would get on the train and head for 49th and Rockefeller plaza, where the show was being held. I arrived there and it was filled with tourists. There were gates lined up along the street in stacks. I had no idea where the stage was gonna be or where I should line up. I asked a security guard, and he walked me over to where the stage was gonna be. He was very nice and cool. Probably the coolest security guard I have ever met. He told me that people were gonna line up along the citi bank building on 48th street. I was on the phone with a coldplayer, giving him directions and such.

I had been in contact the whole day with a bunch of coldplayers off here. We were all coordinating how we were gonna meet and when. I was the first one to arrive. The next coldplayer wouldn't arrive till 7pm, and I arrived at 5pm. I wanted to see if there was any line started along the citi bank building. So I walked over and turned the corner, and found 1 person sitting down. It was this girl sitting on a towel while reading a book. She had a coldplay sticker on her, so I immediately knew why she was sitting there. She was the first there, and the only one there. We started talking and I sat down with her, making myself 2nd in line. She had been there the day before in the pouring rain and had slept in penn station, cause she thought there would already be people there. I was amazed at how dedicated she was as a coldplay fan. I sat with her for a few hours and the next coldplayer arrived. I put on my viva jacket so everyone could find me; the guy who coordinated everything sent a text out to everyone to look for me if they didn't know where it was. Around 7:30 pm, more people started arriving and sitting down. As the line grew, people walking by started asking why we were sitting around. As the sun fell, it got really cold. The line kept growing and growing. At 9pm, they put the gates up next to us and lined them up all the way down the street (to separate us from people walking on the sidewalk). Since my spot was saved and my stuff was there, I would go for little walks to kill time and stay warm.

They started setting up the stage and everything around 9:30pm. I was sitting with my group and chatting. The girls were making posters. Then people in my group started to say that they were hungry, so I walked over to the pizza place and got an extra large cheese pizza. I brought it back and everyone was so greatful and happy. One guy tried giving me some money but i said that it was my treat. Everyone was happy then and full of spirit. We all were discussing our favorite coldplay songs and other coldplay stuff. I then met a guy from england there, so I immediately started hanging with him, cause I am from the uk, so it was nice to have someone there that was from the same place I was. This random guy came up to the girl who was first in line, and bribed her with 60 dollars if he could sit with us. To my amazement she took it, and the dude sat down next to her. I was furious. But at the same time, she sorta earned it cause she was there for 2 days before in the pouring rain, and she had no money, so I guess it was ok. It was very, very, very cold! I think around 48 degrees. I didn't bring anything except for a hoodie, so I was freezing. So around 2am, I went for a walk and got on the subway, so I could stay warm and kill time. I came back an hour later and everything was still the same. Some people were sleeping, and some were awake like me. I sat down and tried to shut my eyes, but just couldn't fall asleep. So I stood up, and walked down the line of people with my uk buddy to keep warm. I had bought a throwover blanket for 5 bucks, so i was wearing it as a scarf. Then someone discovered that there was heat coming up from a vent on the sidewalk. Sure enough, the 6 of us were huddled around enjoying the heat. No more then 5 minutes later, a really rude security guard told us to get off the sidewalk, cause we were "blocking traffic". What bullshit! It was 3 in the morning there was no damn traffic!

Around 5:30 am, when I was on the other side of 49th street with my friends getting a closer look at the stage, people in line stood up and started moving. We freaked out and ran as fast as we could back to the front, cause we had no idea what was going on, and we thought they were letting people in. We got to the front, and it just turned out that one of the security guards told everyone to line up. We were all standing and waiting then. Staff started handing out double sided mylo xyloto posters to everyone, so we were very happy. They opened the gates for the vip people, then around 5:56am, a guy grabbed me and told me to come with him. He then opened the gate for me and let me in! I was wearing my viva jacket so that's probably why. I got up to the stage area, and I was near the front of the stage, but there was like 15 people in front of me. People from my group then joined behind me, then the crowd formed. It was 6am at that time. Around 6:45 Will, Guy, and johnny walked out on the stage for the soundcheck. Chris was nowhere to be found. So the boys soundchecked Viva La Vida and charlie brown. They then walked off and went back into the building. Around 7am, the today show started, and the announcers came out on stage and did a part for the show. Al Roker was one of them. My feet were in so much pain, I could barely stand, but there was nothing I could do. Finally, at 8:17am, the band walked out and started the show. The setlist in order was:

Yellow

The scientist (during commercial break)

Charlie Brown

Rehab cover (chris on piano singing it very quietly and quickly during commercial)

Paradise

Viva la vida

ETIAW

and Fix you as the last song.

The performance was great, chris almost went off the stage a few times, due to his running around and dancing. There was a tall dude in front of me and a guy behind me that kept whistling really loud, so that sucked. Chris kept asking if everyone was ok, which is no surprise. During the intro of fix you chris said "this is the longest intro ever, but I am waiting for the news people to tell me when to start". So that made me laugh. The show finished with a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Everyone then started making their way out, my feet were in so much pain I could barely walk. The group I was with had all gone their separate ways, without even saying goodbye, probably cause they were all exhausted.

I walked down the street still wearing my viva jacket and carrying my huge poster with a smile on my face even though I was just standing in one spot for 3 hours straight. I got home and checked the recording of the show, and sure enough I could see myself in the crowd multiple times. I had been awake for 38 hours before I finally went to bed. The poster is hung on my wall, and I had a great time. I hope to do this again soon. [thanks joecortazzo]

New photos of Coldplay on the TODAY Show at Rockefeller Plaza {21st October 2011):

All photos courtesy of halokiti

Vietnamese pop singer Tran Thu Ha or Ha Tran, currently living in the U.S., is working with her lawyer to explore the possibility of a plagiarism lawsuit against Rihanna and Coldplay. The possible lawsuit came after Coldplay's Princess Of China was first heard on October 17th and has been found to bear striking resemblance to her 2008 'Ra ngo tung kinh.', that is according to Vietnam's Tuoitre News website - where you can hear the two songs in comparison. (Full discussion on this news story is at the Coldplay forum now - let us know your thoughts!) [thanks coldplaymix & Mimixxx]

They continue: Ha told Tien Phong newspaper: “If I sue them for plagiarism, it is like an ant fighting against an elephant. However, from my lawyer’s opinion, even if the resemblance is just a coincidence, we still have a case in court if analyses turn up considerable similarity between the two songs.”

According to Ha, the two songs have a similar mood, beats, and musical arrangement in the introduction piece. Ha said it’s unbelievable that Coldplay have listened to her song. She ventured a hypothesis that the English band could have come across and listened to it on the Internet without really knowing who wrote it. “I need to be careful if I want to sue someone. They will accuse me of seeking profit if I couldn’t give enough evidence,” she said.

There have also been comments on the resemblance between the vocal background style in her song “Ra ngo tung kinh” and that of African indigenous people’s music. However, Ha Tran explained that she came up with the vocal style to use in the background music of the song “Ra ngo tung kinh,” which was arranged by local musician Thanh Phuong. American music website ATRL was the first one to mention the resemblance. One member shared a post called “Coldplay & Rihanna plagiarizing Vietnam music?” with the two music clips to compare, which has attracted five pages of comments.

Disputable copyright is not new to Coldplay, as the English band was sued by singer Joe Satriani for using a part of his “If I could fly” song for their Grammy-winning “Viva La Vida” in 2009. In September the same year, they went to court in Los Angeles in the US again when their new music video “Straberry Swing” was claimed to be a copy of the MV “Something Else” released one year earlier by singer Andy J. Gallagher. [Article ends]

Vietnamese pop singer Tran Thu Ha

October 2011: Your One-Stop-Shop for Coldplay Info! [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland are visiting Absolute Radio for an interview with Christian O'Connell, which will air on Wednesday 26 October between 6am and 10am. Absolute will have space for a very, very limited number of fans to attend this interview too - and you may be given the chance to put your question to Coldplay. Just submit your question [bY THIS SUNDAY!] including why you're a fan deserving of a ticket! Please note that you must be available to attend Absolute Radio during the day-time of Tuesday 25 October. More details and discussion on this event is at the Coldplay forum now - let us know if you've entered - and subsequently hear back from the station!

Coldplay have broken a pre-order record that was previously held by Adele according to Digital Spy today - the band have become the most pre-ordered act of 2011 with their upcoming album Mylo Xyloto on Amazon UK. The record is the most pre-ordered disc this year so far and knocked Adele's multi-million-selling LP 21 off the top spot. "Despite a gap of three years since their last album, Coldplay are back with a bang," said Paul Firth, head of music buying at Amazon UK. "2011 has been Adele's year, but pre-orders of Mylo Xyloto have pushed Chris Martin's band to the top of Amazon.co.uk's music chart even before release, keeping recent releases from Noel Gallagher and Matt Cardle off the top spot." [thanks Mimixxx]

Noel Gallagher's legendary world-beating days (the ones where he claimed to be a superhero and said bands like Coldplay were akin to "bland, faceless fucking trainee police officers"), are in the past. In fact, he likes Coldplay, Pitchfork write in their online interview with Noel. Noel said to them: "Those were euphoric times for me-- getting divorced is always a f***ing cause for celebration. And I had just met my current wife, who was then my girlfriend. We loved Parachutes, and I still think it's a great album. Liam f***ing hates Coldplay, which made me love them a little bit more. I could appreciate the songwriting. When I heard "Yellow" for the first time, I immediately picked up the guitar and went, "F***ing bastards, why didn't I write that?" I feel that way about a lot of their songs. And, secretly, [Chris Martin] thinks that about a lot of mine, but he never says it in public." [thanks blankshore]

Billboard have updated us on the rebound back up the Hot 100 of Coldplay's latest single following a surge of digital sales: "After "Paradise" soared in at No. 16 four weeks ago, the song dropped to Nos. 33, 58 and 68 in its next three frames. This week, the second single from "Mylo Xyloto," due Monday (Oct. 24), rebounds 30 spots to No. 38. A surge in download sales is largely responsible for the chart jump, as the track flies 53-18 on Hot Digital Songs (55,000, up 104%, according to Nielsen SoundScan). Airplay also contributes to the vault, as "Paradise" spends a third week at No 1 on Triple A and lifts 8-7 on Rock Songs. Further airplay advances, the premiere of its video yesterday (Oct. 19), and the album's arrival could help sustain the song's renewed Hot 100 momentum."

Coldplay and fans at the Today Show performance, Rockefeller Plaza, New York (21st October 2011):

(Photos by natalie-as-in-rose @ Flickr)

(Photos by Official Capitol Street Team @ Flickr)

As you will know by now, Coldplay's Paradise music video was released yesterday and its scenes feature Cape Town trademarks and local spots specifically requested by lead singer Chris Martin - including Woodstock Cycle Works - and shopowner Nils Hansen said he was shocked that they wanted to film at his store. Hansen initially turned away the location scout and cameraman, writes the Cape Times today. [Don't forget you can watch and rate the video in the 'elephant poll' thread at the Paradise sub-forum now - please leave your comments if you haven't already done so, in that thread!]

"They told me they were shooting a 'low-budget film'," Hansen said. "If I’d known it was Coldplay, I would’ve jumped onboard right away!" The video shows Martin interacting with a Woodstock Cycle Works employee. Hansen said: "Chris Martin was very down to earth. He kept apologising for wasting my time. Which is funny, because it was this memorable event for all of us."

Already, the video is bringing queries and business to the store. "People have been calling, and just today a group came in a few hours after the video was released, asking if this was the place," Hansen said. "I still can’t believe it."

In addition to the bike shop scene, Chris requested a scene filmed on a bakkie, said Cape Film Commission CEO Denis Lillie. Chris also aimed to feature Table Mountain. Lillie was impressed with the quick turnaround for the video – it was filmed less than two weeks ago and released yesterday. "The production and logistics went very smoothly. From an industry perspective, the band was pleased and impressed," said Lillie. "It goes both ways – we’re impressed that they got the video out so quickly."

Coldplay was anything but cold towards Cape Town, Lillie said. "They were overwhelmed by the reaction at the concert and the natural beauty of this city." He said that the Cape Film Commission expects the music video to be a big ticket and a free tourism campaign for Cape Town. "When you watch the iconic Table Mountain in the video it’s hard not to want to come see it."

Coldplay spontaneously flew the video crew to Cape Town after their concert on October 5th. The video was directed by Mat Whitecross, the director of films The Road to Guantanamo and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. "The whole crew was great to work with," said Lillie. "We all responded positively to each other’s suggestions."

Screenshots of the Paradise video featuring the cycle shop owned by Nils Hansen:

Chris Martin takes a unicycle trek through South Africa — dressed as an — in giddy new clip, MTV writes today, in an article reviewing the new Coldplay video for Paradise. Don't forget you can rate the video in the 'elephant poll' at the Paradise sub-forum now - please leave your comments if you haven't already done so, in that thread! Read on for the MTV review, and our poll results so far...

You can add another line to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin's rather lengthy list of accomplishments: The man can ride a unicycle. This is the takeaway from Coldplay's brand-new video for "Paradise" — a standout track on their upcoming Mylo Xyloto album — which premiered Wednesday (October 19) on the band's site and features Martin, dressed in a plushy elephant costume, embarking on a unicycle trip in South Africa. Among other things, of course. The clip opens with sun-drenched shots of the South African plains, wildebeest silhouetted against the setting sun. We then cut to Martin (as an elephant) jailed against his will in a London zoo but planning an escape...

When he finally busts out, he hops on the Tube, makes a beeline for Heathrow Airport and sneaks aboard a plane bound for Johannesburg, his home. After procuring a unicycle (some interpretive dance is involved), he rides through the countryside — at one point removing his elephant head to prove that, yes, it's him aboard the unicycle — until he discovers his bandmates, who, of course, are also dressed as elephants. We then cut to some actual performance footage from the band's South African concerts, where they bop and leap (while still wearing those elephant heads), much to the thrill of the audience. The video ends with a gleeful, slo-mo shot of the band sprinting across the plains, in full elephant regalia.

And yes, it's plenty silly. But such is the appeal of Coldplay, certainly one of the biggest bands on the planet and, yet, one unafraid to have a little fun from time to time. And, in a way, it plays perfectly into the "Paradise" lyrics, which are very much about a girl dreaming of escaping her dire situation and disappearing to her own personal heaven. Not to mention the fact that, much like the song's blissed-out chorus, there is genuine joy in watching the band leaping about in plushy suits while the South African sun beats down upon them.

Leave it to Coldplay to make a rather profound point — that we are all caged in some way, and we all long for escape — while still having a laugh too. And leave it to Chris Martin to prove that, even though he's married to a movie star, has two children, does humanitarian work and fronts one of planet Earth's hugest rock acts, he still found time to learn how to ride a unicycle. The man is truly capable of anything, it would seem.

Some more of your comments on the new Paradise video (released 19th October 2011):

I was a bit puzzled by the elephant news over the past weeks but I find this video so, so sweet! the only thing I didn't like was Chris taking the head off but maybe it was done to show it was really him?i think it breaks the story line a bit but definitely, the video is so cute and much better than the song! [thanks yuls]

It's brilliant. Probably the best video they have ever done, maybe second to the one for The Scientist. Still don't like the song though, but it fits the video well and it's enjoyable. Note: I gave it a 9 because I hardly ever give 10s. Could have been worth a 10 though, but now it's too late. [thanks Tryptophan]

Adorable. Humble. Fantastic. Mat Whitecross should direct every Coldplay video. Everyone he's done has been phenomenal. He is a great talent. For certain one of their best ever videos! [thanks howyousawtheworld]

I don't like the quick edits Mat's so fond of, and the spell was broken a little bit when Chris took the head off... otherwise I absolutely loved it, it made my day, and has transformed Paradise from a song I really really like to one I adore. Fantastic!! I also think it's brilliant that (we think) we know Chris did the whole thing without seeing his face, the love this band have for every little thing connected with their music is extraordinary. [thanks Tonsu]

Ummm, I actually really like it. I was a bit worried seeing pictures during the past week of them in the elephant costumes, but now I'm glad they scrapped the other video for this! I think the ending (at the concert) was really out of place though, so overall I gave it an 8. The beginning of the video is a bit ironic considering the timing of what just happened in Ohio though. [thanks NumbersGirl]

I can't stop giggling it's the CUTEST video EVER! I've always loved elephants and felt protective of them after seeing Dumbo as a child and knowing how much they suffer from ivory trafficking so it made my heart melt I love how they party when they meet in the desert after he escapes from the zoo and it's true real elephants party that way too when they meet their friends and they stomp on the ground and dance too I saw it in documentaries LMAO . And the colors are so beautiful and the images of the desert and the concert it's looks so cute and real and I LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks for making my heart smile and laugh and I love South Africa so it's very special to me. God bless Coldplay! [thanks Malaika]

I gave it a 7/10. It was....strange, to say the least, but oddly I liked it. So did my 3 year old. I was listening to it through headphones and watching and he ran up and screamed, "elephants! Elephants, mommy! Looka'em!" So, he would give it a 10/10, I'm sure. Maybe Hype Williams and the model were a red herring?? Or perhaps they saw Hype's final product and didn't like it. I would honestly rather see a video with elephants then some emo model girl pretending she's unhappy and finding paradise. If that is indeed the concept Mr. Williams was going for, then it was absolutely the right choice to do this concept instead. It fits Coldplay better. [thanks neonhorn22]

Honestly, what a brilliant video. the first time i watched it i wasnt really following the story, just watched it in a daze a bit, but the second time i watched it i followed the story, and it really is special. anyone who says its crap is just a moron who either doesnt understand it, or has never really known true friendship, because this video is a great story about friendship and being reunited and achieving "paradise" [thanks lutzno]

Oh I absolutely love it! It's cute, hilarious and beautifully shot. I really need to go to South Africa one day. The video also shows you can take the song anyway you want, if you want it to be about someone who's lost, or about escaping something, or going to a gorgeous place, it's all there. And if you think the song is ridiculous, well that's in there too! Oh, and a Bob Dylan reference with the lyrics on cardboard? [thanks Blue Nails]

Considered internationally as one of the most inspired bands of both the rock and pop genre, Coldplay transforms the sounds of many genres with their note-defying, expansive instrumentation, and bittersweet lyrical storytelling, KROQ Radio writes today, in a review of their performance and Q&A session at the 'Red Bull Sound Space' on 18th October in Los Angeles. Coldplay brought their iconic and intimate sound to the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ, playing Yellow, Paradise, Viva La Vida, Charlie Brown, Fix You, and Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. Read on for the rest of their review and some pictures, a full set of which you can see at Flickr now. (Full discussion on this appearance is at the Coldplay forum and also at WikiColdplay now.)

Despite the early hour, lead singer Chris Martin met Kevin & Bean‘s quips with cheeky, self-deprecating humor and adeptly answered questions about their age and the longevity of their songs, whether they are going to “get fat like Axl Rose,” the quirky name of their upcoming album, how their original name Starfish first came about, and how a certain Coldplay song may or may not have inspired an impotent horse.

“I think it was one of our biggest blessings…We’d never have gotten to meet U2 without it,” jokes Chris Martin, the ofttimes tongue-in-cheek lead singer of Coldplay. “Anytime we have anything that’s even moderately successful we’re surprised because we’re English.”

Martin is speaking of Coldplay’s song “Yellow,” a song that is considered by many to be the breakout hit that made them internationally successful–despite the popularity of other singles from their début album Parachutes like “Trouble” and “Shiver.” A song over a decade old and with a plethora of other songs in Coldplay’s catalog, “Yellow” is still both one of the most requested and most memorable songs written by the band. Drummer Will Champion, considered by Martin to be the voice of “sonic reckoning” in the band, told Kevin & Bean that regardless of the age of “Yellow,” the song “still means the same thing…Like Chris said, it helped us immensely when we first started out.”

Just as they ostensibly started their career with the song “Yellow,” Coldplay also started their set at the Red Bull Sound Space with the same song. A song about unrequited love, “Yellow” still sonically swells with an innocent hope, perhaps an entreaty of acceptance to their then-new audience. Even though they started out as appealingly naïve and girl-crazy young lads at university, these days the members of Coldplay seem more accomplished as both artists and adults. Age has served them well as artists and the band jokingly said that they plan to live it up while they can. “We’re all between thirty-two and thirty-four now, so we only have a limited time with our bass player being so handsome,” quips Martin. “We can go painting and rock climbing when we’re a lot older.”

Known for his light-hearted sarcasm on stage, Martin is charming albeit a bit nebulous when talking about the meaning behind the title of Coldplay’s upcoming album Mylo Xyloto. Martin apologized for the confusing name, but not without a wink. “It’s a strange title. I agree and I’m sorry for that…But it had to be called that. Maybe it’s because it couldn’t be called anything else…Like Dr. Pepper, or Coca-Cola or Google.”

In fact, Martin recently gave another equally vague answer to the New York Times, saying: “Music comes from a place we don’t know…It sort of comes through the fingers and toes. So we came up with the idea of, what if you had musical digits, like xylo toes.” And according to the same article, Mylo is “just a great name for anything.”

Regardless of the name of Coldplay’s fifth studio album, the cohesive, almost cinematic album full of what Bean described as musical “vignettes” is also heavy with single potential–like their second single from the album, “Paradise.” “We are really trying to make albums like we’re putting together movies,” explained Martin. “We try to make it like journey and a story from start to finish…not just a collection of singles in a row.”

“Paradise” creates a sort of musical portamento with their first single “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” even containing a tie-in lyric with “the wheel breaks the butterfly, every tear a waterfall.” For their second song of the morning, Coldplay performed “Paradise,” an anthemic Coldplay ballad with viscid strings, expansive guitars, and fluid piano.

Despite what Kevin & Bean insinuated as their British penchant for “self-deprecating” humor and tongue-in-cheek humility, Martin said that although many consider them to be the “biggest band in the world” that “it really doesn’t feel like that when you’re in the middle of it.” “Like this room feels very similar to the first room we’ve ever played in.”

Life is still very much the same for the band who still gets a “rush” when they hear people singing along to their songs; still gets “tingly” when they hear their songs (even if someone else is singing them); and still loves hearing heart-warming stories about their fans such as the pair of Coldplay fans that met at a Coldplay gig, walked down the aisle to a Coldplay song, and named their baby “Chris Martin.” Martin said sincerely: “We’re just so happy to have our job at this point. If somebody doesn’t like us, we don’t care. We only care about the people that do.”

And the self-deprecating humor is not an act, more like a way to turn unfortunate life circumstances into more agreeable ones. “I think we’re interested in turning negatives into positives. Every kid is trying to do that at school…if we talked about it, it’s only to say that when people are really mean to you…don’t let that distract you from your vision,” Martin explains. “In life, it’s good to learn how to take negative stuff like that and turn it into positives. Every time something happens like that, we just flip it around. Have you seen Kung Fu Panda 2? Po learns how to turn that force around and send it back twice as strong.”

Which is essentially the message behind the next song Coldplay played this morning, the Frida Kahlo-inspired “Viva La Vida.” One of Coldplay’s most extensive storytelling songs, “Viva La Vida” jumps from grandiose instrumentation to gossamer vocals. Mylo Xyloto was also sparked by artistic sentiments. Bassist Guy Berryman explained that the album is “very much inspired by street art and graffiti in ’70s and ’80s New York….to find these kind of splashes and color and expression in these otherwise kind of grey areas was very fulfilling to us.”

Coldplay’s fourth song of the morning, “Charlie Brown,” alluded to that shimmer of color and light in the dark moments of existence, like the expressive street art of New York. A fiery, uptempo dance-jam with hints of ’80s pop, “Charlie Brown” brandishes evocative lyrics like “all innocent and wild, we’ll be glowing in the dark.” When the band was “innocent” and, perhaps wild, their first name was Starfish, a name that barely lasted and which Martin joked was the product of his dad’s encouragement over breakfast sausages at a “railroad worker” café. A joke, of course. In fact, what one might not ascertain from listening to a Coldplay song is that Martin’s comedic timing is almost equal to his lively stage presence. When an audience member asked him what the “best story” he had heard from a fan that affected him was, Kevin & Bean were afraid he’d get too “gooey and emotional.”

Martin blithely retaliated with “we heard that there was a guy who couldn’t get his horse to breed probably and he played ‘Fix You’ and low and behold sexual intercourse took place and now he has the most expensive stud farm in Britain. It’s not true of course. “

What is true is that the fifth song of their set, “Fix You,” has touched many of their fans around the world. So many of them that they are able to see past their personal differences in an effort to continue vivifying their audience and regardless of an early tendency to tiff. Guitarist Jonny Buckland explained: “We’re quite nice to each other. I think that helps. We have good lawyers…We had quite a lot of fights early on but learned to get over them…We’re not the best musicians…but we have the chemistry of each other.”

Competition within the band seems to have quelled and friendly competition with other artists like Kings of Leon, U2, Arcade Fire, and Adele keeps Coldplay on their toes, although the band cites artists like Lana Del Rey and Aloe Blacc as some of their favorite new artists. They would also love to see what Kevin & Bean described as a “fat Axl Rose” perform with the original Guns ‘N Roses again. Martin explained: “I think one of our dream things if we could ever make it happen is if we could get the original Guns ‘N Roses line-up to get back together. How can we do it?”

That prospect certainly seems unlikely, but with performances like Coldplay’s sixth song of the set, “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” music fans will have plenty to keep them entertained. They will just have to live with “Paradise” instead of “Paradise City.” Will Coldplay be performing while in their older years as they wish Guns ‘N Roses would? “It all depends on our hips,” jests Martin. “Whether they can withstand the pressure.”

Photos courtesy of KROQ Radio @ Flickr

Coldplay has released the video for Paradise this morning on

In the end, Coldplay, recently on tour in South Africa, said they were so taken by the beauty of the land, the cities and especially the sunshine, they decided to shoot a video there, starting in Cape Town. Today's release is the culmination of that as well as filming in London's underground system and also the recent Johannesburg concert where Chris asked the audience to participate, and the last segment of the video is taken live from the show at FNB Stadium on October 8, 2011.

Let us know at the Paradise sub-forum what you thought of the video and don't forget to add your 1-10 sliding scale rating in the latest poll! You can also download the video from multimedia here [thanks Vincent664, chrisnz & iriden]

Some of your early comments on the new Paradise video (released 19th October 2011):

I love it! I'm so glad they don't take themselves too seriously, it's a really fun video. I'm also a little biased because I just loved seeing parts of SA and re-living the Joburg concert (also analysing every second of the concert footage in an attempt to spot myself). [thanks Fairycat101]

Not sure what I think of it yet. Certainly more interesting than most Coldplay videos (Life in Technicolor ii and Strawberry Swing are obvious exceptions), but I don't really like that concert scene at the end. The camera-work isn't nearly as smooth and, dare I say it, artistic as the rest of the video, and as a result it seems kind of jarring. The elephant group hug is kind of endearing though. [thanks Hartroc]

Dear Santa, I want a Williphant for christmas! I don't care for the song, but the video is downright precious gold! [thanks kjones31]

ELEPHANTASTIC. I loved it and got goosebumps. When it was finished I looked up at - not the stars - but at the open VH1 Denmark - and it was Coldplay with VIVA LA VIDA. So a wonderful start of Tuesday here in Denmark (it is now 6:18 and it is still dark). But very nice and touching with the homecoming of the elephant. Happy tears. [thanks nancyk58]

Hahahahaha! I LOVED it! I think it's awesome. So glad it isn't some depressing video about a girl. Too obvious for a video idea. This is so much better. Love that it's so random and silly and have nothing to do with the song. Just like the The Hardest Part video. [thanks shred]

BEST VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN. it has those sulky lyrics about running away in her sleep, and then BAM. ELEPHANTS. ON UNICYCLES. hahahahaha. I literally had tears running down my face from laughing so hard. I think it shows that they don't take Paradise as a song too seriously either, which is fantastic they could have had some serious video with some lonely girl walking the streets or some shit, but instead they have Chris as an elephant. on a unicycle. and doing the moonwalk. so amazing. Favorite parts: the Chris-elephant street dancing montage; the part on the airplane with the trunk sneaking food; Jonny-elephant's hat and Guy-elephant's "cool" face; Chris on a unicycle. this video has made my day, and it's only 1AM[thanks notlost92]

hahhahaha. Oh my god, That video is sooooo silly. I love the fact taht coldplay does whatever the hell they want too, My favorite part was when Chris was riding the unicycle and he thumbed for a ride, and then just dropped his arms like...wtf mate? and the train scene. Everyone's just sitting around like.....wtf? Theres an elephant on my train... [thanks cackyy]

Actually enjoyed the video - man, matt whitcross really does a good job with coldplay material given what the band probably wanted to do - still am interested what the hype williams version looked like esp w/ the girl actually being the centerpiece of the song. Still glad to see the band enjoying themselves, though - they really have a good camraderie and chemistry - Can u imagine if Jonny or Guy were as dominant as Chris was - hopefully this band stays together for a long time. They've got the magic, that's for sure. [thanks bdevil89]

I thought it was weird when I heard about it... But seriously? I am so confused what sort of even slight relevance it has. And also, if that is the elephants family-- it's in an all male herd which rarely/never happens. /realisticsciencenerd. I really do enjoy it though. It's brought a smile to my face and I really can't stop laughing at it. A mediocre song saved by a slightly quirky video. [thanks Nattatouille]

I love this video. Strange, because I've hated every other Coldplay video (except The Scientist). I think it does a really good job of showing what the song is about in a new, fun and innovative way. I love how it preserves the somber meaning of the song but makes it humorous and positive, so it transforms the song's meaning whatever you want it to be. Outstanding. I would give it 11 out of 10 elephants if I could, haha. [thanks Baw8cc]

October 2011: Your One-Stop-Shop for Coldplay Info! [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

Coldplay's collaboration with Rihanna on 'Princess Of China' was leaked onto the internet this morning by an unknown source, so it's probably no surprise that the rest of Mylo Xyloto soon followed from someone in the world calling themselves "BriBerY".

As soon as it did, along came the expected wave of Coldplayer reviews - some good, some bad, some indifferent. Whatever your thoughts - please remember to pre-order it ahead of next week's worldwide release! Read on for some of your first impressions of the new album - and if you feel you are ready and able to - we'd love you to rate it on our sliding scale poll to the right of your screen and also here in the first impressions thread. (Please note there are no download links to the album on Coldplaying - so don't ask!) You can read and join in with more discussion on the new album at the Mylo Xyloto forum now, and if you refuse to listen to MX and you're waiting for the release date then here is the place to go! [uPDATE: We've smashed the most users online messageboard record! Thanks everyone for visiting!]

After one complete listen the tracks which stood out for me were 'Charlie Brown', 'Princess of China', 'Up in Flames' and 'Don't let it break your heart'. I've (obviously) heard 'Us against the world' and 'Major Minus' before, but in the context of the album they seem different somehow, and I think they'll grow on me. The only track (of the "proper" ones anyway) that i'm slightly indifferent to at the moment is "U.F.O", but it may improve with repeat listens. The only disappointment for me is "Hurts like Heaven". The vocals at the start are wimpy and "thin" sounding, yes, it does build up slightly, but it lacks the immediate "punch" the live version seems to have. But apart from that, I think it's a pretty brilliant album. [thanks xyloto]

But I have to say, I find MX to be really disappointing on my first two listens. I just don't like the pacing of the songs (the random acoustic tracks that don't really add to the album, and clash with the overall musical style). The production is overdone and compressed. And well, I just don't find most of the songs to be all that impressive from a writing point of view. I really hate being negative. I'm one of those people that loved Viva La Vida, and have praised the band for continuing to grow and evolve. But this feels like a misstep. Then again, I need to listen more. So that's why I'm holding off on scoring. [thanks Letterbomb]

So, now I listened also. And all I have to say: MIND-BLOWING! I would't have any problem to say that it is a shit album but I can clearly say that this is a masterpiece. Its up there with Viva and AROBTTH maybe also a bit better but its too soon to consider it. Mastepiece! I love it! Thanks Coldplay, thanks Brian Eno (for the lovely vocal effects which are always in the right order and fitting the topic well). [thanks Major_Love]

I've listened to it twice so far... It was better than I expected after everything we've been put through (I was expecting it to be a waste of megabites tbh). But it's not Coldplay's best work at all. Everyone that has termed this a masterpiece are probably the same type of person that would term 'The Resistance' as Muses' best album or something (oh I'm stereotyping, get me). I'd say that it is their worst album to date; but it's still significantly better than what a lot of artists are putting out these days. It's the final four tracks that actually make this album for me. I love every single one of them, they're beautiful and sublime. And they're more to what I had expected from this album. Despite the repetitive chorus in 'Up In Flames' I find it really endearing and I can see it being one of those 'let's have a moment to all get our phones out and Coldwave again'. I reckon it will be beautiful live. Overall if I could judge the album on the last segment I'd give it a 9/10 (maybe even a 10/10 because it's that stunning). But because you can't and there's more to the album than those tracks, the shine has been taken off... I'd say it was a 6.5/10. Solid, nice enough album... But not the masterpiece people have been calling it and there have been far better albums this year. [thanks Nattatouille]

After downloading the leak I'm considering not buying the album and even deleting most of this. Its boring, its overproduced, and there are only a few standout songs. Other than those its actually too much. I don't mind electronics or a bit of fancy tech but with PoC its just so layered on that you can barely hear the song, and Rhianna is freaking pointless and sounds so out of place that you feel bad for her. She's like the hot girl who lost a bet and now is uncomfortable at the dance with the dorky kid in danger of being a perpetual virgin. I'm just frustrated with Coldplay right now. After 2 amazing albums and 2 good albums they should be able to deliver still, but now they're in the 'hit and miss' stage of writing and that freaks me out because that means their relevance is on the way out. Sorry boys, this may be the last album I listen to from you. [thanks a_scientist]

Love it!!! full review to come - but man - it really is an amazing album, they truly are a blessing and a gift from nature/god/etc. - viva la Coldplay! Love MX/HLH (like it live though more than studio at present, mix off for some reason), Paradise, CB (wow!!), UATW (so glorious/grand), MMIX into ETIAW (what beauty), MM, UFO (parachutes homage), POC (amazing!), UIF (one of my new favorites, didn't like initially), AHT (beautiful interlude), i'll be honest DLIBY hasn't caught me fully yet (feel like it's x&y esque and trying to be a bit like the 2nd half of Death and all his friends for some reason), UATB (interesting, still digesting it, but like it). But overall - amazing album, love the evolution of coldplay. [thanks bdevil89]

Charlie Brown <3 DLIBYH <3 Had the album on repeat for the past few hours and I have to say I like it a lot! Am agreeing about PoC, Rihanna has too much lines in it. If the 'couldve been a princess' would be sung by Chris it would be a lot better I think. A Hopeful Transmission mesmerizes me for some reason and it fits perfectly with DLIBYH. HLH is slightly disappointing, thanks to the production. This album is in my opinion a better cohesive album then VLV, although I loved that album as well. For now I ain't able to say that I don't like any of the songs. It scores a 9/10 to me =) [thanks LoversInJapan]

There are pros and cons for me. This is a solid album with some truly beautiful songs but too much electronic going on, we dont hear Chris's voice enough.. They should have sticked to an acoustic album, not over produced songs.. And last but not least: Moving To Mars SHOULD HAVE been on that album. Period. [thanks vitaamine]

I just listened to it. It's a solid album, but I consider it their worst album. There's WAY too much production put into some of the songs, like "Hurts Like Heaven" (which was my favorite live track from the album besides "Charlie Brown"). "Princess of China" did impress me, but I still consider it decent (not enough Chris and not enough actual Coldplay with their instruments). Despite all this, however, I was really digging "U.F.O" and the last 4 tracks on the album, especially "Don't Let It Break Your Heart". For the people who say that it's a masterpiece though, I just want to ask you why? What makes this better than "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head", which are considered their masterpiece albums and put up with some of the greatest albums of all time (AROBTTH was ranked in the Top 100)? I'm not attacking your opinions of MX, I just want to know what makes you think it's so "groundbreaking". [thanks ImNotChrisMartin]

I have just listened the album and I have to say it's amazing! The new songs are great and even Paradise and ETIAW, on which I had my comments, sure do fit in the album as a whole. I really liked the songs Up In Flames and up With The Birds. Coldplay still has that magic in them to perfectly deliver these beautiful songs. A great album, not as great as AROBTTH but it still met up to my expectations, maybe even above that. My grade: 8.5/10. [thanks Sebazz1994]

Let me first say that my expectations for this album were lowered a lot this morning after I heard 'Princess of China',and really did not like it (I know that I'm one of the very few). But I must say I'd give the album about an 8.5/10, I think most of the tracks are great. Favourites so far are 'Hurts Like Heaven' and 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart'. [thanks Fairycat101]

I'm not a huge Coldplay fan. I love VLV and some songs of their previous albums and, although I own all them, I haven't listened a lot of their first stuff. So my opinion parts from VLV sound, which I really love. Well... talking about Mylo Xyloto, I think there's not a 10/10 song on it because it is overproduced. That doesn't mean it's a bad album - the opposite, it's really good. I really like Paradise (and I did since the first moment), Charlie Brown, UATW (the best one), ETIAW, UFO, DTIBYH and UWB. I don't like PoC, I think it's a cool song but I don't like the fact Rihanna is in it. Ok, it was ment to be a duet, blablabla, but I can't avoid it... f*ck Rihanna and her false recorded voice (100% autotune...). I would have preferred Mylo Xyloto to be a fresher album. If it was rawer, it would have been better. Anyway I still have to discover the songs, their sounds, understand them... So this opinion can change. [thanks Kristalain]

Not a masterpiece no. The inclusion of Para and ETIAW ensures that for me. But there were moments that gave me goosebumps and moments the evoked emotion and I was petrified I wouldn't get that from this album. Not their best, but a solid album. The final three songs are sublime. [thanks Mimixxx]

You know what? This album kind of reminds me of the Prospekt's March EP and Christmas Lights with what style they were teasing on those respective releases. DLIBYH is like a cross between a song off X&Y (maybe a b-side like Thing's I Don't Understand but more cheery), Glass of Water and a louder version of The Escapist. [thanks ChadBC]

I just listened to the whole album and I got to say it's amazing even in comparison to the other CP records. It's just so different so full of energy. Great, great album ! Stand outs .. for me Hurts Like Heaven, Charlie Brown, ETIAW ( yeah you read that right ), Up in Flames and Us Against the World ... those are my favourites so far. But rest is very good too. One of their best albums definitely if not the best. THANK YOU COLDPLAY !! [thanks Ravenor]

I enjoy the cohesiveness of albums. Viva was a welcome and major improvement to X&Y for which I'm grateful but it lacked a common thread throughout the record. MX definitely has a common sound and a story woven throughout the songs so I'm very excited. I think this could be their best since A Rush of Blood. Of course, ROB and Parachutes are very dear to me but I think we tend to romanticize the past and perhaps that's why they mean so much and why we yearn for that sound again. I'm excited for new and different material and from what I've heard they've done a fantastic job this time around. [thanks SamH]

I feel that this may tie my favorite album (Viva). The issue I had with Viva was that it wasnt a comprehensive album...which is something I really like. Viva had some of the best overall quality music, but the record could have been arranged a little better. Although MX may not have the best tracks (they are still really good in my opinion) they are supposedly ordered into a comprehensive album which is meant to be heard from start to finish. I love to throw a CD in the car and drive while listening to a whole album. I do not like an album that is a collection of songs that are really not related. I will always keep classic Coldplay close to my heart because that is what I fell in love with originally, but their new music is something special. The beats (PoC), the catchiness (HLH) the depth (CB). I feel that MX might be Coldplay's best overall album effort...and that is why I am stoked for this album. [thanks TheSkittz]

I’ve only listened twice, but everything sounds so much better in context. Which I figured would happen, and which is what I was hoping for. I still don’t think this is their best work in my personal opinion, just because it’s not “my style” so much, but leave it to Coldplay to make something completely different to what I usually listen to and hope for and still impress me. Right now, I’m thinking 6.5 or 7/10, even though I hate ranking things out of ten. As a whole piece of work, it’s great. There are several things and moments I would have done differently, but Eno and I don’t really see eye-to-eye on lots of things, so that’s OK. I always go on the low side when I first hear albums I’m greatly anticipating, though, because I have a fear of being too overly generous at first in excitement (which I’ve done before). I think this will end up being firmly between a 7 and an 8 for me, which is…astonishing, given what I expected. And the fact that there are still only two dud songs (which sound much better on the album than as singles) is a great thing, for any band, any album. [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

The ride was a good ride, but the ride was too fast. Way too fast for me to understand and appreciate it as a concept album. The production made it feel rushed and I do not remember a single moment of genuine intimacy, that Coldplay are so famous for providing. I was very disappointed as to how 'Mylo Xyloto', 'M.M.I.X', 'A Hopeful Transmission' and even 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart' to some extent, were limited to repeating the same motif. 'DLIBYH' was hardly the original, anthemic masterpiece I was expecting; I would describe it as a heavily reverberated Glass of Water. And the rest; with such interesting titles, it was the wrong decision to make them sound the same. Although the festival songs were great, the unfortunate repetition with the rest of the album led me to believe that the album suffered from not exploring enough musical ideas. I was misled when I thought the creativity in the festival songs, indicated the creativity of the album as a whole. The unknown section of the album simply wasn't enough. Take out the festival songs, and Mylo Xyloto is rubbish. [thanks birdman987]

I listened through MX now... and I felt like I was in another world for 44 minutes. In my opinion its a brilliant concept album and its exactly what Coldplay wanted to do. Those things some of you call "overproduced" just fit in perfectly and its just what MX is or wants to be. Are there fans out there who think the same? Im in a hype right now, but I think its as brilliant as all other albums... just better as a full album because it fits in so perfectly...every song...everything. wow. [thanks GTskilled]

More Coldplayer reviews to follow...!

October 2011: Your One-Stop-Shop for Coldplay Info! [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

Coldplay and Rihanna's studio hookup "Princess of China" has been made available for listening pleasure thanks to an early stream of the song via iTunes. If you can't get iTunes then there are various streams available via YouTube and Soundcloud already. Princess of China is already trending on Twitter just hours after its first listen. What did you think of the song? Let us know in the Princess Of China - sub-forum now - don't forget to vote in the 1-10 sliding poll when you've heard the song! (the best comments will be published here on the main site).

During the song, Chris Martin and Rihanna take turns in narrating a tale of two broken hearts while the Jonny, Will and Guy band provide the backsound in a form of synth beat. Chris sings: "Once upon a time we fell apart/ You were holding in your hands the two halves of my heart." Rihanna then sings: "Once upon a time we were burning bright/ Now all we ever seem to do is fight. You could have been the princess, I'd be a king/ Could have had a castle and wore a ring/ But, no-oooh, you let me go-oooh."

Chris explained that Rihanna had lent her vocals to Princess Of China for the band's forthcoming record, which comes out on October 24th. "She has such an amazing voice and it's so different to mine," Martin told The Sun recently. "When the vocal happened I thought 'Wow, you sound different' but I think that's also because she was singing a different song to what we are used to hearing from her and it is written by a bloke from Devon."

Chris also recalled the moment when he asked the Bajan singer whether she would be up for the collaboration, admitting that he was initially nervous about approaching the star. "The album is designed as a whole piece. It has boy and girl lead characters and top of our list for the girl part was Rihanna... but it took a while to pluck up the courage to ask her," he said. "We did a show in Las Vegas and I met her and said, 'Do you think there's any chance?' I was very Hugh Grant-like and spluttering about it."

Lyrics to Princess of China:

Ooooooohh...

Once upon a time somebody ran

Somebody ran away singing as fast as they can:

"I've got to go...I've got to go"

Once upon a time we fell apart

You're holding in your hands the two halves of my heart

Oh whoa-oh, oh whoa-oh

Once upon a time, we're burning bright

Then all we ever seem to do is fight

On and on...

And on and on and on...

Once upon a time on the same side

Once upon a time on the same side, in the same game

And why’d you have to go have to go and throw out all of my flame

I could’ve been a Princess, You'd be a King

Could’ve had a castle, and worn a ring

But noooooo, you let me gooooooo

I could’ve been a Princess, You'd be a king

Could’ve had a castle, and worn a ring

But noooooo, you let me gooooooo

And stole my star

la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

You stole my star la, lalala la laaaaaaaaaaa

[instrumental]

Oooooooh-oh oh oooooooh oh oh oh ohhhhhhhhh

Oooooooh-oh oh oooooooh oh oh oh ohhhhhhhhh

Cause you really hurt me

you really hurt me

Cause you really hurt me

you really hurt me

Cause you really hurt me

Ooooooooh you really hurt me

Cause you really hurt me

Ooooooooh you really hurt me

The recent The Sun article which confirmed Rihanna as a collaborator on Mylo Xyloto:

Chris Martin is the frontman for one of the biggest bands on the planet and is married to Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow, so you'd have thought he could play it cool in front of anyone. But in an exclusive interview, the Coldplay legend explained how global pop queen Rihanna reduced him to a bumbling, Hugh Grant-style rom-com mess. After revealing to The Sun that the band had pulled off the coup of persuading the sexy Bajan to appear as a guest vocalist on track Princess Of China, on new album Mylo Xyloto, Chris, 34, said: "The album is designed as a whole piece. It has boy and girl lead characters and top of our list for the girl part was Rihanna... but it took a while to pluck up the courage to ask her.

"We did a show in Las Vegas and I met her and said, 'Do you think there's any chance?' I was very Hugh Grant-like and spluttering about it. She has such an amazing voice and it's so different to mine. When the vocal happened I thought 'Wow, you sound different' but I think that's also because she was singing a different song to what we are used to hearing from her and it is written by a bloke from Devon."

Chris and bandmate Jonny Buckland, 33, were talking ahead of the launch of their eagerly anticipated fifth album — and it soon became apparent it is not only Rihanna the lads are huge fans of. After racking up worldwide record sales of 50million, you would think they had earned the right to call themselves Britain's biggest band. But in a startlingly honest admission, modest Chris reckons the lads will never be able to rival the success of Take That. Chris said: "We're never going to be as good as Take That but that's OK. We're too old to worry about that now."

And using a footballing analogy, Chris lavished praise on the manband's Gary Barlow. He said: "Gary's like the captain of music — the John Terry of English music. It's different for us. We're like one of those players that signs for a club in Italy — we're not necessarily as popular at home as we are elsewhere. But Gary's definitely the number one."

Despite Coldplay's array of awards, including seven Grammies and six Brits, they are not ashamed to admit they are huge supporters of the manband. Take That crop up several times in our chat, whether it's praising Robbie Williams doing Let Me Entertain You at Wembley as one of the greatest ever live performances, or talking about touring and admitting: "Unless you're Take That, you can't be assured anyone will want to come."

Chris is even looking forward to Saturday nights settled down in front of his telly watching Gary on The X Factor — but not until the painful audition stages are over. He said: "We love The X Factor like everybody else. I can't watch this phase when they're telling people they're bad, but once it gets to the live bits I enjoy it. For all the slagging off it gets, every week they're singing really great songs and introducing old music, so it's great. I didn't think it would work without Simon Cowell but it really does. That's because Gary's the man."

But don't expect Chris, Jonny and bandmates Guy Berryman and Will Champion to appear on the ITV1 show anytime soon, even though Paul McCartney has performed as a guest. He explained: "Paul was in The Beatles — he's different. I think we love watching it, but anything after that, I don't know."

Coldplay's intriguingly named album Mylo Xyloto is released on October 24. It is pronounced My-low Zy-letoe... and even the lads admit the title doesn't mean anything. Chris says: "At the moment it seems a bit ridiculous and I accept that.

"Something about it feels quite fresh. The title doesn't have any other meaning. I think we're a band with a lot of history now so it's nice to come up with something that doesn't have any history at all. We've had that title for about two years on a board and any other potential titles had to be written next to it. Other ones made more sense but we just liked this one, that's all we can defend it with."

Guitarist Jonny jokes that the process of finding a title was "like naming a child". And Chris — dad to daughter Apple, seven, and son Moses, five — admits he has received a fair bit of banter about his name choices. He says: "I've had trouble with that too. I don't regret that either. It's just a feeling of a fresh start."

If Chris Martin went to school with The Inbetweeners, the chances are he would have been kicking around with Will, Simon, Neil and Jay. And he definitely felt like a bit of a bumder when the band were knocked back by James Buckley, who plays Jay, when they asked him to be in a video. Chris said: "I love it. The Inbetweeners is amazing. When we did the single Christmas Lights we asked the guy who plays Jay if he could be in it. He couldn't so we changed the idea. We were very much turned down and, having seen the movie, they were right to stick to that. I'm glad it's doing great."

Despite their enormous global success, the Coldplay boys clearly feel there is a lot resting on this album. Speaking of the passion invested in Mylo Xyloto, Jonny said: "We want to do everything to the absolute maximum, whether it's playing live or recording. This could be our final chance. There's no such thing as 'established', you're still fragile. One s*** record and you're finished."

Chris added: "We're getting to the age where you've got to deliver or quit. Just because we were popular then, doesn't mean we are now. It would be great to not have it in the bargain bins by the Thursday of the week of release. Anyone who buys the album will really like it, except if they really don't want to like it. Then they'll have to wait a year and then admit they like it. The thing you have to accept in return for having very loyal fans is you have a lot of other fans that want to kill you. And that's OK. It's hard to accept at first but after a while you have to be comfortable with it."

One woman who had her fair share of criticism, though more for her personal life than her art, was Amy Winehouse. Chris says her tragic death earlier this year is a huge loss to music. He said: "With a voice as special as Amy's, you could sing about baked beans and I'd still want to listen. That just cements her greatness but it's sad that it has to be that way. She was always going to be a legend because voices like that don't come around that often. But it's just sad because we all miss out — and where might she have gone? It was the same with Jeff Buckley. We're all just going to miss her in a musical way."

For all of their pre-album jitters, Coldplay will definitely be around for a long time yet. Jonny says he can't see a time they would ever want to split. And for all his love of Take That, Chris insists none of them plan to "do a Robbie" and go solo. He said: "We're all on the same side and we're lucky because not every band has that. But our main focus is making our band as good as it can be. "We love what we do and we're grateful we're allowed to do it. If we didn't have each other we wouldn't be able to do it. We've seen so many bands where they have changed a person or someone's thought they wanted to do something different and it just f***s the whole thing up. We really don't want that."

With the lads going from strength to strength, that is definitely good to hear.

October 2011: Your One-Stop-Shop for Coldplay Info! [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

All the Coldplay fans who patiently waited for hours for tickets to the band’s intimate Norwich gig have now been rewarded for their efforts after the tickets went on sale this morning. Hundreds of dedicated fans started to queue for tickets for the concert on October 27th, almost 48 hours before they went on sale. [Full discussion on this tour date is at the Coldplay Live forum now.]

And while most headed home after being allocated a raffle ticket, guaranteeing them their place in the line, scores stayed overnight and enjoyed pizzas supplied by the band themselves. According to a few folk on Twitter, they enjoyed the pizza while they waited in line. ;@amystaniforth wrote: "Got bought pizza tonight by @Coldplay. Well that definitely doesn't happen every night!" and ;@yurikameliani said:"coldplay bought pizza for their fans who queued n waited to get the concert tix at norwich uea, UK. how thoughtful!! n fantastic. n awesome."

Tickets then went on sale at 9am this morning. Phil Deadman, 42, from Thorpe, was the first to queue for the sought-after tickets, claiming his spot at 12.30pm on Thursday. He said he was 'really pleased' when he got his two tickets. Mr Deadman, who is self-employed, said: "I tried to get tickets for the O2 but they sold out. My girlfriend is a big Coldplay fan, as am I, and I wanted to get her tickets to see her face when she found out. It’s paid off. It’s fantastic, I didn’t believe it. When I first drove down there I thought I would be at the end of the queue but I wasn’t, I started the queue. I stayed overnight Thursday and Friday, one night in the cold and then the other inside at the union. There were a lot of people there last night and there was a really good atmosphere. I’m now going home for a shower and some sleep."

Richard Nelson, 23, who also started to camp outside the union building at 12.30pm yesterday with his girlfriend Jessica Van Tromp, said: "It’s not very often we get to see Coldplay come to Norwich, last time was back in 2000. It’s an intimate gig and for a Coldplay fan it’s going to be such an experience to see them."

Only 1,200 tickets were available. Officials from the Union of UEA Students handed out the raffle tickets to people in the queue at about 10am on Friday morning when the queue started to get too big.

The gig, which will be held at the University of East Anglia, is part of the second year of BBC Radio 1’s student tour, which will see DJs Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe broadcasting their weekday shows between Monday October 24 and Thursday, October 27, live from four university towns and cities - Aberdeen, Leicester, Norwich and Hatfield.

Photos from the University of East Anglia over the past 48 hours (14-15 October 2011):

Sirius XM Radio have announced today that Coldplay will sit down for a rare Q&A session with a select group of SiriusXM listeners at the SiriusXM studios in New York City. For more on this event and how you can win the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak live and in person with all band members, head over to the Coldplay forum for all the information you need [thanks Ifdianne]

'SiriusXM's Town Hall with Coldplay', the two-hour broadcast event, will air live on The Spectrum, channel 28, on Wednesday, November 9th at 12:00pm ET. The special is part of SiriusXM's 'Town Hall' series, an intimate gathering with an iconic musician and a studio audience of SiriusXM listeners. Previous 'SiriusXM Town Hall' specials have featured Bruce Springsteen, the surviving members of Nirvana and Tom Petty.

Also, on Friday, October 21, SiriusXM will launch 'Coldplay Radio', a limited-run channel hosted by the members of Coldplay. The channel will feature music from Mylo Xyloto, the band's latest album, scheduled to be released on October 24, as well as songs spanning the band's career and music by artists selected by Coldplay. Coldplay Radio will also include a classic Coldplay performance, recorded in 2000, which will be broadcast as part of SiriusXM's "Live from the BBC Vault" concert series. Coldplay Radio will air through Sunday, October 23.

Also announced today is the latest list of performers who will descend upon Belfast for the 2011 MTV EMAs. Coldplay will perform hot off the release of their latest album Mylo Xyloto. Gracing the EMA stage for the first time ever will be British phenom Jessie J, who has racked up #1’s in 18 markets worldwide in the past year, while Los Angeles-based duo LMFAO, whose ubiquitous “Party Rock Anthem” has dominated the #1 spot on iTunes charts in 19 countries, will also make their EMA debut.

A reminder that amongst the categories Coldplay have been named in are Best Live Act, where they will go head-to-head with rock heavyweights Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Best UK/Ireland Act, where they will face stiff competition from chart sensation Adele, who herself has been nominated for numerous EMAs this year. Don't forget to vote for Coldplay in their categories! You can discuss this awards ceremony at the Coldplay forum now. This year’s ceremony will be broadcast live on MTV from 9pm (BST). [thanks coldpatrix]

Finally for today (we think - unless something else crops up in the next few hours - like Mylo Xyloto for example), CBS RADIO stations across the US will feature three day’s worth of exclusive programming and content in conjunction with the release of Coldplay’s forthcoming album Mylo Xyloto, which debuts worldwide on Monday, October 24th. For a full round-up of the events and discussion please visit the messageboard now. [thanks harrisonrules]

These special events, which will include over the air and streaming webcast concerts, fan questions and answers from the band, as well as hosting a national radio program, follow the band’s appearance last month on CBS Interactive Music Group’s flagship concert webcast series, Live on Letterman, where they played a nearly hour long set.

On Tuesday, October 18th, the World Famous KROQ’s Kevin & Bean (weekdays, 5:00-10:00AM/PT) will host a live Coldplay webcast from the all-new KROQ Red Bull Sound Space at 7:30AM/PT as a part of the ongoing “Kevin & Bean’s Breakfast With” series. The band will perform and answer questions from lucky fans, who can only win their way into the show through the station. The intimate show will be streamed live for fans nationwide at www.KROQ.com and can be heard on-air, online and through the Radio.com app for a variety of mobile devices.

On Sunday, October 23rd, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland will host Acoustic Sunrise, a three hour program featuring acoustic renditions of popular Hot AC tunes, which is carried on a number of CBS RADIO stations nationwide. This is the first time in the history of the program that there will be guest hosts. Throughout the show, Chris and Jonny will play some of their favorite Coldplay tracks, as well as songs from their favorite bands. (Check local listings)

On Monday, October 24 – the same day as the album’s worldwide release, CBS RADIO will go international and host Coldplay Firstplay: Live From London, a live radio special on the band’s home turf, hosted by KROQ’s Stryker. Fans will be able to connect with the band and ask them questions via Twitter, which they will answer live on-air. (Check local listings)

If you thought the Paradise video was a wrap in Johannesburg last Saturday night, think again. Chris Martin was spotted at Charing Cross station earlier today with a camera crew and wearing that elephant costume again. Here's what Coldplayer dansmasta has just reported back to us in the Paradise sub-forum:

Hello, I dont really post that much but today I got off the Tube at Charing Cross station to be met by Chris Martin in an elephant costume right by the escalators! CRAZY! It's the first time I have met him! He was wearing the full costume head to toe. He was in front of the camera holding up a ripped cardboard with the lyris "When she was just a girl..." written by hand on it. This was today at about lunch time (tuesday). In total it was about 3 people behind the camera fixing stuff, one bodyguard & Chris in an elephant suit! I went up to shake his hand saying I loved his music and he said "How do you know it's me!?". As they couldn't see his face people thought he was some type of busker or perfomer, little did they know they were shaking the hand of the lead singer of Coldplay!

Also on Twitter, @shaunweston also saw the 'event' and wrote: "I rode a Charing Cross escalator with Chris Martin today. He was dressed as an elephant. Anyone else see him, or was I dreaming? #coldplay".

In other news, it is rumoured that Coldplay will appear on CBS Sunday Morning, according to several Coldplayers. IfDianne wrote on the messageboard: "I heard from two separate people who watch the Sunday Morning show on CBS that Coldplay is supposed to be on the show October 16, 2011. I have been searching for any news of that but haven't been able to find anything. But my 2 friends were watching the show last Sunday, and both told me they saw the promo piece for it. Just giving a head's up to those of you who can watch, or set your dvr's. Here is the website, in case you want to keep checking for any more info." In addition Coldplaying,com received an email earlier which said: "Hi...I really enjoy the website but have never posted (I'm older and haven't tsken time to figure it out.) So I wanted to let you know that there will be a Coldplay interview on CBS Sunday Morning next week."

Also uncovered today is news that a Coldplay special on Belgian TV's Canvas will air this Thursday 13th October at 11.25pm (Belgian time). You can discuss more on this at the Coldplay forum now. In the preview video which you can also watch at that link, Chris and Jonny said: "It's [Mylo Xyloto] is our most Belgian-friendly album. It's nice not to sound like one thing all the time. We wanted to make an album that everyone wanted to listen to, and we drew on as many influences as possible. I think we were more influenced by the internet!" [thanks Blue Nails]

One confirmed event has been announced today however; Coldplay will perform on the Ellen DeGeneres Show next week. Full discussion on this latest confirmed event is at the Coldplay Live forum now. This from Anchorman earlier: "On 17 October, Coldplay will tape their first ever US daytime television appearance, for The Ellen DeGeneres Show (with the performance airing on 27 October). If you'd like to attend the recording - which will be in the afternoon - in Burbank, CA, then click here to enter for the chance to win one of the 20 pairs we have to give away, before 5pm PST on 12 October. NB: You must be over 14 to enter, and the prize consists just of tickets (not travel or accommodation). Winners will watch Coldplay's performance, but not the taping of the rest of the show." [thanks _Tash]

UPDATE: In addition to all of the above it has also just been reported that Coldplay will appear on The Colbert Report on October 19th. The latest discussion on this as-yet-unconfirmed event at the messageboard now. For those who don't know what that is - it's an American satirical late night television program that airs Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central. It stars political humorist Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. [thanks LVI56]

More previously unpublished photos of Coldplay promo photos at iHeartRadio Music Festival, MGM Grand, Las Vegas (23rd September 2011):

In addition to the earlier announced Radio 1 Student Tour gig, Coldplay have also today confirmed that they will play a live show for KROQ, a Los Angeles radio station, on 18th October - in just 8 days time! Full discussion on this latest tour date is at the Coldplay Live forum now. Here's Anchorman with all the info:

It's just been announced that Coldplay will launch KROQ's new Red Bull Sound Space with a live performance for the LA radio station on Tuesday, 18 October. The show will be webcast worldwide via USTREAM. Southern California fans can listen live on 106.7FM KROQ, while the rest of us can view the globally streamed webcast via www.kroq.com/soundspace and www.redbullusa.com/soundspace. It begins at 7:30am PDT/10:30am EDT/3.30pm UK time (click to find out what time that is where you are).

AND: You can win tickets over at kroq.radio.com and here's how: listen to each song clip at that link. Then, after correctly identifying each song in their Coldplay quiz and you’ll be entered to win those ultra exclusive tickets! (hint: it's easy). Here's some more of their blurb...

For years we’ve often wondered, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we kicked out the sales department and turned the giant open room into a night club, complete with a stage, studio lighting and amazing sound?” Well, thanks to our friends at Red Bull, we’ve accomplished the unthinkable. After convincing our sales team to move into another facility, we removed the cubicles, ripped up the carpet, painted the room black, welded trussing, hung sound and lighting and made ourselves a club rivaling any in LA. Welcome to the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ. After months of prep, it’s finally come time to break in our space with a little band known as Coldplay. Tuesday, October 18th, it’s Kevin & Bean’s Breakfast with Coldplay, and we’re giving you the opportunity to join us for this inaugural event inside the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ. For those of you out of state, or who are unable to enter the contest, you’ll be excited to learn that we’ll webcast the entire breakfast live!

[KROQ-FM (106.7 FM) — branded 106.7 KROQ — is a commercial modern rock radio station licensed to Pasadena, California serving the Greater Los Angeles. The call sign is pronounced "kay rock."]

The brand new KROQ Red Bull Sound Space stage is waiting for Coldplay!

Coldplay have today announced plans to play a one-off university show later this month. The official site has confirmed that they will take part in this year's BBC Radio 1 Student Tour, which kicks off on October 24, and conclude with Coldplay's headline performance on October 27 at the University of East Anglia. However, tickets will have to be bought in person from the university and will reinforce an identity and wristband system to prevent ticket touting. Full discussion on this latest tour date is at the Coldplay Live forum now. Here's the official announcement via Anchorman:

Good morning. It's just been announced that Coldplay will play a special show in Norwich on Thursday, 27 October, as part of BBC Radio 1's Student Tour. The gig will take place at the city's University of East Anglia venue, and will broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 (listen live on your radio in the UK, or online anywhere in the world). Tickets, priced £20, will go on sale at 9am on Saturday, 15 October from the Box Office, Union House, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7NJ. Tickets are available to all members of the general public. They can only be purchased in person and please be aware we expect high demand for these tickets so a queue is expected to form early...

Tickets are limited to two per customer. To avoid these tickets being resold at vastly inflated prices entry for these shows will be via wristband only. On 15 October a ticket voucher will be issued clearly showing your name and address. On the show day 27 October wristbanding will open at midday at the venue. Ticket holders will need to return with their ticket voucher, photo ID matching the name on the ticket voucher and if they have purchased two tickets their guest must be in attendance with them. Each customer will be wristbanded and can then return to the venue in the evening for the concert. Doors open at 6.30 pm and the show starts promptly at 7.00 p.m. so please arrive early. Please note that any wristbands that have been obviously tampered with will be refused entry.

The first stop of the tour, which will be hosted by Zane Lowe, will be Aberdeen on October 24, where Noah and the Whale will headline with support from Ben Howard. Example will play the University of Hertfordshire on October 25, with an opening performance from Flux Pavilion. Kasabian will play new material from their recent chart-topping album Velociraptor! at the University of Leicester on October 26. Fearne Cotton will present her 10am morning show from each university's student bar in the build-up to the evening's performance. Tickets for the shows will be priced at £20 and will go on sale on October 15.

Previously unpublished photos of Coldplay promo photos at iHeartRadio Music Festival, MGM Grand, Las Vegas (23rd September 2011):

Coldplay played the second of their two stadium concerts in South Africa as they played the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg last night (8th October 2011). They now home to the UK before heading back to the US for the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on 21st October - and then the release of their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto on 24th October (except in Japan, of course!)

Chris told the Johannesburg crowd that Will Champion had suggested shooting a music video in South Africa, saying: "It's so much sunnier and warmer than where we come from." He then asked the crowd: "Would you like to be in the video?" The band then proceeded to place huge elephant masks over their heads. "When you're not as attractive as Beyoncé you got to do what you can ... please don't put this on YouTube," he joked. The stadium exploded into cheers and screams. Chris explained a minute-long clip would be shot for the end of their video for their new song Paradise.

It was another fantastically received concert by the majority of Twitter reviewers, however some still had cause for concern over sound problems. according to some on Twitter, with most complaints coming from the back of the stadium. @Jaimesmix wrote: ";@BigConcerts cant imagine the effort behind any bigconcert, pity 1000's of @coldplay fans in the stands were let down last nite by poor sound," and this by deedotjee: "Pathetic sound at @BigConcerts Coldplay tonight. Did anyone even bother to check the sound for the seated tickets before the show? #Coldplay"

We're not sure yet about the setlist as there are no reports of any changes except the possibility of the return of The Hardest Part. The setlist below is that of Cape Town so far. More live discussion on this show is at the Coldplay Live forum (reviews start around page 6 onwards). Thanks to everyone who has contributed on the forums, Youtube and twitters. We'll have more on this show over the next few hours/days!

Setlist (updated): [thanks fairycat101]

Mylo Xyloto

Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

The Scientist

Major Minus

Lost!

Shiver

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Paradise

Paradise (music video shoot)

The Hardest Part (acoustic)

(Mexican phone wave)

'Til Kingdom Come (acoustic)

Politik

Viva La Vida

Charlie Brown

Life Is For Living

---------

Clocks

(Amy Winehouse - Rehab cover intro)

Fix You

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

A blaze of fireworks kicked off British rock band Coldplay's Johannesburg concert at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday night. Frontman Chris Martin and his band opened the concert with a song from their upcoming fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto, which would be released later this month. The audience didn't have to wait long to hear some of their old favourites, with Coldplay launching straight into its first top 10 hit single Yellow. In keeping with the theme, the stadium lit up with yellow lights, lasers, large balloons and beach balls, as the crowd sang along. About 62 000 people packed into the stands and field to witness the band's first tour in South Africa. On Tuesday, Coldplay wowed Cape Town fans. Martin told the Johannesburg crowd that the band's drummer Will Champion had suggested shooting a music video in South Africa, saying: "It's so much sunnier and warmer than where we come from." He then asked the crowd: "Would you like to be in the video?"

The stadium exploded into cheers and screams. Martin explained a minute-long clip would be shot for the end of their new song Paradise. The band then proceeded to place huge elephant masks over their heads. "When you're not as attractive as Beyoncé you got to do what you can ... please don't put this on YouTube," he joked. The mood remained upbeat through the set with a Mexican wave of cellphone lights around the calabash stadium. In keeping with the sporty spirit of the weekend, Martin replaced lyrics of God Put a Smile Upon Your Face with: "and maybe give the Springboks the World Cup", to the delight of the crowd. Coldplay ended the concert with a spectacular three song encore with Clocks, Fix You with the intro to the late Amy Winehouse's Rehab, the new hit Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and an amazing fireworks display. [via mg.co.za]

a bunch of my mates just spent time with chris at a club in joburg called latinova. one friend of mine came down for the cape town concert too, he says cape town was far better, but he asked chris what he thought and he said joburg, maybe cos of the bigger stadium who knows? [thanks lutzno]

Sorry but I can't accept that there are sound problems tonight too. The people paid so much money to spend some time with the band (not so long with regard to the tiny setlist) and they deserve at least good sound. They should definitely care about the problems and take them serious! [thanks Major_Love]

It's not the organisers. They have almost nothing to do with the sound setup. It's a sports stadium. It may not be Coldplay directly, but it's their team and they should apologise if it was bad enough to spoil the show for anyone who paid a great deal of time and money to see them, especially since this is the second time running. [thanks Mimixxx]

I don't disagree that they should apologise if there were still sound issues. But I believe it's the organisers responsibility to make sure the venue has the tools to accommodate the bands they invite. I know South Africa is the most developed of all African Nations but it is still a 1/3 world country (and before anyone jumps on me for saying so, I'm African by origins, and I've lived in those conditions). You have to ask yourself why there were no sound issues in Japan, Australia, USA, Brazil, etc. [thanks coldplaymom]

Coldplayer reviews to follow...

New photos of Coldplay @ FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Johannesburg, South Africa (8th October 2011): (via Twitter)

According to the ITV Press Centre, Coldplay will appear on the Jonathan Ross show (ITV, UK) on 15th October where they will also be performing their latest single, Paradise. Last Saturday Wossy's guests included The Red Chilli Peppers but only interviewed Anthony and Chad (lead singer and drummer) and then the whole band performed. It's possible that only Chris Martin will be interviewed, before the whole band perform. More on this is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks cleeson7 & Skuze23]

And according to Italian online news source Repubblica.it, Coldplay will play at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan (originally and more commonly known as the San Siro - home to AC Milan and Inter Milan football clubs) on or around June 26th or 27th, 2012, although the stadium is likely to be booked between 19th to 30th June for staging. Although this date remains unconfirmed - it does spark interest further afield as well because if this date is true then a full summer stadium tour across Europe in 2012 may well be on the cards... [thanks coldpatrix]

Since Guy tweeted the following on Friday 7th October: "Driving through Cape Town, heading to desert for a video shoot... Guy" coldplayers have been wondering what the shoot is all about. So far the theories have been for a simple short promo, a video for Princess Of China (popular) or continuation of the Paradise video or even Hurts Like Heaven (less popular). Below are some of your comments from the messageboard... what do you think the desert shoot was for? Let us know here now! [thanks mayurshikotra]

I don't think they're still making the video for Paradise. Probably the video is already made and is going to be released in the next few days. And I don't imagine Paradise video with a desert. I think is more like a video of the band playing in the woods at night, under the rain and with fireflies and red, orange and yellow lights flashing through the trees. Probably the girl is running through them and is she finds paradise when the PARA-PARA-PARADISE part starts. Just saying... Oh! And another crazy idea: You can picture an U.F.O. in the desert. Think about New Mexico, the Area 51, the Roswell stuff... An U.F.O. flying through the desert at night, makes sense. It could be a single, the song is under the 3 minutes, why not? It can't be also a promo video of the new album, with some alien stuff... [thanks JosephRengifo]

I'm picturing a desert shoot being for POC... but I'm not really sure why hah. Maybe it's for one of the songs we haven't heard like DLIBYH, UwTB's or U.F.O. I just can't picture any of the new songs having some sort of sound that relates to a desert. Excited to find out more though. Look... all i'm sayin' is if Rhianna wants to strip down and roll around in some sand while the guys play behind her, I'm down with that .. I'm actually convinced that it's now for the Paradise video, given that the desert and the sweltering heat could and would be interpreted as 'Paradise'. Couple that with the fact that the performance parts of the video wrapped weeks ago according to their twitter and we still haven't seen or heard anything since, I'd say they're filming a different section which obviously could have been greenscreened or CGI'd but that wouldn't have done it any justice. Personally, I still don't like Paradise as a single, love the song but it's flying the flag for MX at the moment and I don't think a big budget desert shoot is necessary for a song that isn't ever going to be 'THAT big'. Music videos have a very fast turnover. plus the fact that the song has been out for two weeks and we still don't have a video is kind of hard to understand, normally the video comes before or at the same time as the initial release with music. I'd find unusual but not totally unbelievable that they would be shooting a third video when when the second isn't even released. We await the announcement. [thanks Bonus_mosher]

Paradise is DONE. They filmed it on Sept. 12 and one month is actually a normal waiting time. Usually music videos are released between 3 and 5 weeks after the shooting. In the US, music videos usually come out after the single. ETIAW was released on June 3rd and the video came out on June 28th. [thanks Macky]

Hmm . . . I know Cape Town is dry and all, but is really in the middle of a desert? Anywho, I'm kind of skeptical about this being a shoot for Paradise--seeing as how the guys supposedly have already wrapped it up--but I don't really see a desert setting fitting with any other song... I don't see it being a promo shoot either. [thanks ColdplayingfromKansas]

I guess the full on in your face promotion of Paradise + Mylo Xyloto will start as soon as the video is released, hence why it is only released to certain radio stations in America within the next week or two. [thanks 42rock89]

Pre-show photos of Coldplay @ FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Johannesburg, South Africa (8th October 2011):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 2000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 6, 2011 - submitted by Colleen, France

Q. Hello oracle, I just happened to see the ETIAW video on a French TV music channel and the composing was credited to "Berryman" ... I thought it was a strange way to put it, without the first name ! And was it only written by Guy ?? Thank you :)

The Oracle replies:

Song credits are usually listen by surname in alphabetical order (or full name in surname alphabetical order) which means Guy would be the first writer to be credited followed by Jonny, Will & Chris. I'm not sure why they only listed Guy but assume it's because he is first in the credit roll but it should actually read Berryman, Buckland, Champion, Martin.

October 6, 2011 - submitted by Kawrem, Australia

Q. What is Coldplay deciding to do in regards to a live setting for their duet songs (Lhuna and Princess Of China)? I understand that they are waiting to play Princess of China until Rhianna's voice can be heard on it, but does this mean that they'll only ever play it if Rhianna is on the stage with them? These are two of my favorite Coldplay songs ever, so I am wondering if we (the fans) are going to get to hear either of these songs played live regularly, if at all? Cheers from Australia!

The Oracle replies:

Lhuna is not likely to be played live now. It wasn't actually on a Coldplay release and don't think it ever has been performed live. PoC may get an airing again once the album is out. Chris has shown he can tackle both vocal parts live so there's no reason not to. I'm hoping it makes an appearance again after 24th October as I personally loved listening to that played live at the start of the festival dates.

October 6, 2011 - submitted by Julia, South Africa

Q. Coldplay in Cape Town was just beyond amazing! Thank you! A question for Chris Martin - is it true that you spent time in Zimbabwe!? I grew up there... Strawberry Swing is loosely based upon the musical vibes there...So proud of you!

The Oracle replies:

Yes that's true and as far as I know, his Aunty still lives there. Glad you enjoyed the show.

October 5, 2011 - submitted by John, Argentina

Q. Hey Oracle! Just a silly question. Is there any way to get a Viva Jacket? It's incredible and it would be nice to have it. Thank you very much!

The Oracle replies:

The jackets were bespoke so they're not available anywhere commercially. We did auction some of them back at the end of 2009 for charity. I have seen so many people at shows wearing their own home-made versions (I recall a photo in my Latin America tour photo album) so if you're handy with a needle and thread you could easily cutomize a jacket. If you're not, I'm sure you could get someone else to do it.

October 5, 2011 - submitted by Thandeka, South Africa

Q. IM SOOOO EXCITED TO SEE COLDPLAY IN CAPE TOWN TONIGHT. I WROTE THIS ON MY BUCKET LIST A FEW YEARS AGO AND I CAN'T BELIEVE ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!!

The Oracle replies:

Oooh have a great time, I am very jealous! Ah and that reminds me, I have a bucket list to write don't I?

October 5, 2011 - submitted by Lee, United Kingdom

Q. Hey Oracle, I love Coldplay's ever changing style, but I was just wondering why they seem to have strayed away from the old acoustic stuff from Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, that made them so popular in the first place?

The Oracle replies:

They haven't strayed; they've evolved, grown and developed. I am not sure why any artist would want to continue on the same path by album 5. Without discussing the new album in detail, there are glimpses of the past and of course that's also to be expected - and welcomed. I'm not biased (not much) but I love all their styles and get excited about the future every time I see a new direction.

More new photos of Coldplay and the crowd @ Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa (5th October 2011):

More photos available via Big Concerts @ Facebook now.

After all the toing and froing by the Spanish media about whether to promote Coldplay's gig in Madrid on 26th October or not, it has finally been officially confirmed that the gig will go ahead - and apparently despite ticket presales only starting on Friday - some fortunistic fans have already got their hands on them. Says one Coldplayer on Thursday: "ServiCaixa put tickets for sale this afternoon, by mistake I suppose, while they were doing some tests for tomorrow presale, and some of us wasted no time buying them."

The concert will be streamed live on YouTube (click to watch a preview with Coldplay) from the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas on Oct. 26 (4pm ET, 9pm BST). The concert, part of the ongoing online series “American Express Unstaged,” takes place two days after Coldplay releases “Mylo Xyloto.” All the details on the concert can be found at the official site now. Meanwhile, a few articles have popped up discussing the gig and Anton Corbijn's (the director of the filming) relationship with the band...

This from Washington Post: The Coldplay concert will be directed by Anton Corbijn, the photographer, music-video maker and filmmaker of “Control” and “The American.” Corbijn is known for black-and-white and color-drained images in his work with Joy Division, Depeche Mode and R.E.M. He’s directed several Coldplay videos but has one quibble with the planned concert. “I don’t particularly like lasers,” says Corbijn, speaking from London. “At the moment, I’ve given into two songs.”

Says Chris Martin: “He’ll win, of course. He’s much better at the visual stuff.”

Corbijn says it’s challenging doing a concert like this without designing the whole show, and without the band being on tour ahead of it. Coldplay is currently playing a handful of festivals. But Las Ventas, a famed bullfighting ring, is a unique location. “Even if you just look through one camera, it’s going to look great,” says Corbijn. “The arena is so beautiful.”

It’s the first international concert for “Unstaged,” which is eager to benefit from a global audience. It will be streamed via music video service VEVO and also will be available through YouTube and VEVO apps on some smartphones and tablets. Rich Lehrfeld, vice president of global sponsorship, access and experimental marketing for American Express, says the series has been a success and will continue. Lehrfeld declined to say how many people have watched the five previous “Unstaged” performances, but American Express says there have been more than 40 million streams altogether.

Coldplay is planning a wristband experiment for the Madrid crowd. Corbijn will shoot a pre-show segment of banter among himself and members of the band. The concert comes as a welcome distraction for Chris Martin. “When we’re in countries which don’t speak English, it’s harder for us to understand bad reviews,” says Chris. “The week an album comes out is a tense week. So if you go and play in a place where the audiences are very loud and very passionate and even if they’re swearing at you it sounds melodic — that’s a nice way to distract you.”

Martin and Corbijn, though, don’t consider themselves bullfighting fans. Says Corbijn: “I’m a Taurus myself, so I feel sorry for the bulls.”

A ticket for the Madrid gig has already been photographed online

Billboards are now commonplace across Madrid

After the phenomenal concert in the Cape Town stadium, Will Champion joined Ryan O'Connor on KFM Breakfast. They chatted about the concert and what Joburg can expect on Saturday. Will also spoke about Coldplay's itinery for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012 - including reference to the US (probably the Today Show on 21st October). Listen via Soundcloud to what he had to say - the best bits of the interview are transcripted below...

Will Champion on last night's concert in Cape Town: "It's such a pleasure to be here [in South Africa]. It's good to hear [the feedback on the concert has been great]. Sometimes you can never tell, but I think last night I could tell that it was a good show so thankyou to everyone who came and we're so privileged to come to this beautiful city and hopefull we'll be here again soon.

On the city of Cape Town, Will continued: "We saw a fair bit of the city; we went up Table Mountain the day before yesterday (Tuesday) which was just beautiful, to see the site from up there. It's just such a stunning place, and we've never been to Africa before as a band and I don't think we could've had a better welcome or a better feel for the place than coming to Cape Town. Just such a beautiful place."

What people can expect when they see Coldplay in Joburg on Saturday: "Obviously because we have a new album coming out there's quite a lot of new material so we want to get the balance right between playing old songs and new songs and I would say that the stadium we played in last night was beautiful and it's been a while since we played anywhere like that - the last time we played a stadium was in London (Wembley) in September 2009. But we feel very at home in a big stadium. As long as the crowd are as warm and receptive as they were last night - hopefull Joburg will be a great show as well."

On how Mylo Xyloto is different from Parachutes: "It's stratospherically different to Parachutes. With every album, we try and take a step in a different direction. It's colourful. This time we really wanted to focus on the visual side of the abum, which we touched upon a little bit with the last record, Viva la Vida. This time there is a very strong visual identity behind the record - very colourful, very bright - a burst of colour onto a background of sorts. So that's the key - colour and energy - those are my two watch words."

On what next for Coldplay, 2011-2012: "Although it feels like we've been on tour a long time already, the album [Mylo Xyloto] isn't even out yet. So we're kind of at the foothills just about to scale Table Mountain. We're right at the bottom and we've got a long way to go. We get home [after Joburg], have a few days at home and then we go back to the States and do some more work there, and basically from now until the end of the year we're pretty full on and then we start again in the second month of 2012. So we've still got a long way to go."

More new photos of Coldplay @ Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa (5th October 2011):

More photos available via Big Concerts @ Facebook now.

Coldplay played their first ever concert in South Africa last night as they rocked the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town (5th October 2011). They now head to Johannesburg for the second South Africa concert this Saturday (8th October) before heading home to the release of their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto.

It was a brilliant show by the majority of Twitter reviewers, however some still had cause for concern over sound problems according to some on Twitter, with most complaints coming from the back of the stadium, where some of the seats were empty. On Twitter, @RayaRossi saying: "Loved #coldplay but was a little disappointed with the sound quality last night :( It became too distorted in the stands!" and "Coldplay were cool. Sound was crap. At least, from my not-very-cheap seats. Irritated." was written by @COSMOcathy. Up in the stands was @ClaireLecila: "Hello Chris Martin. The sound is so shit I didn't even hear you start." Blackdelilah was more scathing, who commented: "Please hang the sound engineer and the idiot who okayed the soundcheck #coldplay".

There were two additions to the setlist - Shiver was brought back and also 'Til Kingdom Come. Other than those, the setlist was generally the same as the recent festival performances. Some excellent photos from the concert are already available at Facebook courtesy of Big Concerts and also from Laura Baasch. There are also some via outlet http://iol.co.za. More live discussion on this show is at the Coldplay Live forum (reviews start around page 11 onwards). Thanks to everyone who has contributed on the forums, Youtube and twitters. We'll have more on this show over the next few hours/days!

Setlist (confirmed): [thanks shunmander]

Mylo Xyloto

Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Major Minus

Paradise

Lost!

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

The Scientist

Us Against The World

Shiver

(Mexican phone wave)

'Til Kingdom Come

Us Against The World

Politik

Viva La Vida

Charlie Brown

Life Is For Living

---------

Clocks

(Amy Winehouse - Rehab cover intro)

Fix You

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Photo courtesy of Big Concerts @ Facebook

Well, first off. I heard Coldplay doing there sound check in Cape Town stadium, because I waited in the golden circle line since 9am. To be honest, they didn't really do much of a sound check. In the beginning, they played pre-recorded live versions of each song on the set list and I don't think it had anything to do with Coldplay, probably the organizers. I think it had to do with the organizers or sound techs, because the U2 concert in February at the same stadium also had pathetic sound at the back from where I was sitting. BUT. I also heard Coldplay doing their own proper souncheck, and they didn't really do too much. Just a little silly sounds and stuff. I don't know. I just know that Chris got very cross at the CPT concert during shiver, he asked "what the fuck is that sound???" to some techi who was fiddling around (in front of the whole stadium). So I donno. [thanks playingcolder]

Cape Town turned yellow last night as English superstars Coldplay rocked the city’s stadium, delighting tens of thousands of fans. The city’s crowds may have a reputation for being laid back, but Coldplay warmed them up last night with an almost two-hour set of hit songs, fireworks and balloons. “We’re so happy to be here finally, after 12 years. It took us that long to get a visa, we apologise,” said lead singer Chris Martin as an introduction and an obvious clue he’d read yesterday’s local headlines. They started their set with a song from Xylo Myloto, their soon-to-be released album, but Martin then launched into Yellow, from debut album Parachutes, which brought them to the world’s attention...

ok im finally ready to give my post-mortem from last night. ill keep this as simple as possible as its hard to properly describe such an experience that id been waiting for for over 10 years, it all seemed very surreal and still does. The Good: Coldplay! The band were flawless and completely up for it, they looked as it they were absolutely loving it, even guy who shows little emotion was smiling and really into it. The setlist was brilliant although shorter than a proper touring show. the whole acoustic set at the end of the catwalk was beautiful and i was very happily surprised to hear til kingdom come, so brilliant. The set up was awesome. The stage with catwalk was better than a b/c stage for me, and the fireworks from the stadium roof were very special. There were also the big balls and lots of beach balls, one of which i managed to take home with me. Chris had a smile at the sign which i help up during violet hill which read, if you love me, wont you let me know, he acknowledged my bit of the crowd quite a lot and was very vocal and had a good few lyric changes. (come up to cape town, tell you im sorry, etc)... The Bad: The crowd was the major disappointment for me. I managed to get pretty much front row, and it was quite lively there, but even there i struggled to get a viva chant going, and most people didnt know lyrics of even big songs. half way through the show i moved further back to the end of the catwalk to get a better view of the whole stage and fireworks which werent visible from front row, and the crowd were actually embarassing. no one knew lyrics, and many people just standing with folded arms. ive got to say though, for the big songs such as viva, scientist, yellow and a few others, the crowd were really good. The security guards were really pedantic, they wouldnt let me hang a banner over the railings because it was a "security hazard" which is a load of rubbish. The organisation was pretty poor. the admission process as well as transport arrangements which were terrible. From what i hear, some parts of the stadium got really bad sound, although it was perfect throughout for me. I got the attention of miller and hoppy, and asked them both for setlists, but they both said that theres absolutely nothing to give out, which i find hard to believe. Im sure theres so many things ive left out, but if theres anything anyone is interested in, then just ask and ill respond. Overall it was an incredible experience which i was privileged to attend. i can finally cross off the most important item on my bucket list, now i need to cross off the second most important item, seeing coldplay again. [thanks lutzno]

“When the cold wind starts to blow in Cape Town,” was how he started The Scientist. The crowd started to sing along and he had them eating out of his hand. South African band Parlotones had opened the stadium two hours earlier as the 50 000-strong crowd streamed in steadily and while the crowd response was polite it was non-committal because they were there to see the world’s biggest touring rock act. People may not take lighters along to concerts any more, but they do take their cellphones and Martin got the 28 000 fans on the stands to start a Mexican light wave. Fireworks, lasers and balloons abounded, but it was the music the crowd wanted.

The fans at the back of Cape Town Stadium had the best sound, while those in the coveted Golden Circle got close enough to almost touch Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland. They couldn’t leave without an encore, which included Martin’s take on Amy Winehouse’s Rehab and, of course, the beautiful ballad Fix You. A new hit, Every Tear is a Waterfall, ended the set. Earlier, the popular Fan Walk from the CBD to the stadium was filled with excited fans – many wearing yellow in honour of the hit song. Restaurants and bars along the Fan Walk were filled with the sound of people singing Coldplay hits.

Andrea Collins, 28, of Goodwood, was with five friends, all wearing T-shirts that read “Diehard Coldplay Fans”. She said seeing the band live was on her “bucket list” of things to do before she died. UCT students Susan Tissiman, 22, and Catherine Edward, 21, were wearing T-shirts they had painted themselves. Isaline Goemaere said she had been given concert tickets as a 21st birthday present from her friend, Taliah Abrams. “As a birthday present it was perfect. They stir emotion and are nostalgic. “We listened to them when they just came out… like every band a 13-year-old needs in a teenage crisis, they spoke to us.”

It wasn’t all plain sailing, though – some frustrated fans complained about traffic volumes and that the sound quality wasn’t up to scratch. But when Martin bent down and kissed the stage after Every Tear is a Waterfall, signalling an end to the concert, gripes were forgotten and elated fans streamed out of the stadium, talking about one of the biggest musical nights of the year. [via iol.co.za]

More Coldplayer reviews to follow...

New photos of Coldplay @ Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa (5th October 2011):

More photos available via Big Concerts @ Flickr now.

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 2000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 4, 2011 - submitted by Micaela, Argentina

Q. Hey Oracle. I wanted to know if Coldplay is coming or wants to come to Buenos Aires, Argentina again. And if it is, do I have to wait four years? I know it's not a very interesting or bizarre question, but it would mean a lot to me if you could answer that. My respects to every person (or Oracle) who gets this.

The Oracle replies:

Would you believe they were there the day after Rock in Rio this weekend? A great place to chill out before leaving for South Africa. There are no steadfast tour plans other than what we have announced. I wouldn't like to say yes or no but if there's a world tour coming, I'd be surprised if they didn't visit you again sometime.

October 3, 2011 - submitted by Rik, United States of America

Q. I've been wondering this for a long while now as I'm sure many others have, it was on Chris' shirt, the home page background. What does Car Kids mean? Is it a lyric or a song on the new album? Thanks Oracle!!

The Oracle replies:

Yeah, as far as I know it was a song pencilled in for inclusion on Mylo Xyloto but didn't make it on to the final tracklisting. We may hear it one day, who knows?

October 4, 2011 - submitted by Logan, United States of America

Q. I'm really pumped for the new album and I was wondering why the band hasn't played Princess of China in concert since Rock im Park?

The Oracle replies:

There wasn't really much point people hearing it all summer not knowing that it is actually a duet. After trying it out live twice it felt right to leave it out of the set.

October 3, 2011 - submitted by Julian, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Why doesn't Coldplay do a version of the song Hallelujah as sung by K.D. Lang? It would sound very beautiful. Especially with Chris Martin's voice.

The Oracle replies:

I'm sure it would sound very beautiful but there are definitely enough covers of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah around. Two other notable versions are by

September 30, 2011 - submitted by Simon, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle. I heard a rumour that the new album was going to be a soundtrack to a Yellow Submarine style film, but this was decided against because of it would've took 5 years to make. Is there any truth in this?

The Oracle replies:

It's not a rumour; it has been documented in recent press interviews

September 29, 2011 - submitted by Martin Johannessen, Norway

Q. Dear Oracle! How many people work with Coldplay in the studio and in the dailylife?

The Oracle replies:

Well on any given day in the studio there are probably anything from 6 to the more common these days 13. On tour there is a much larger crew which I would hate to account for (in terms of numbers, I mean).

September 29, 2011 - submitted by Matt, United States of America

Q. Ok so I was just watching the 60 Minutes feature on Coldplay in which Chris points out the band's explicitly written rule number 1- an album may be no long than 42 minutes, or 9 tracks, long. The track listing for Mylo Xloto was just released, and it was revealed that the new album will contain 14 songs. What's with the sudden change?

The Oracle replies:

As with most things, there may have been an element of truth at the time it was said but everything is subject to change. Out of all their albums, Parachutes is, in fact, the nearest to 42 minutes with its length of 41'48. That said, Mylo Xyloto is actually only a shade over 44 minutes long.

September 28, 2011 - submitted by Steve, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle! Right now I reading some news of Coldplay and there is a picture of Coldplay photoshoot.I was wondering where this picture was taken? Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

It was taken while they were in Japan back in July.

September 28, 2011 - submitted by Anna, United States of America

Q. A few years ago, my friends and I decided to upload videos of ourselves dancing on Youtube. Along with the silly dancing videos, my friend decided to upload one of just me. In the video I'm rolling around and laughing and acting really weird, and I'm just wearing tight dance clothing. I've since looked back at the video and found really hateful comments and more views than I would want. Also, as most people feel when they look back at their own stupidity, I cringe when I see the video. So, I decided to ask my friend to take the video down, or give me the password to the account. I thought she would understand, but she keeps ignoring me whenever I ask, and telling me that she has to check her home computer where all of her passwords on. How do I really get the point across to her, without completely annoying her to the point where she doesn't ever let me remove the embarrassing video? I'm just tired of people having access to my cringe worthy moments...

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm well we all do things we're not proud of and sometimes those moments are captured on photo, audio or video. We can later regret those things or we just cringe and laugh at our younger selves. Sadly we live in an age where faceless nameless morons (sorry) feel fit to comment and for whatever reason leave venom regardless of people's feelings. You can rise above them and ignore their spite as they're not important to you. As far as your friend goes, keep asking her. Do not stop asking her and maybe start by explaining it's not the video as much as the words left. Ask her to try and see it from your point of view and ask how she would feel if it was happening to her. Assure her that you would respect her wishes if it was the other way around. It's horrible when we hear bad things said of course but if your friend doesn't remove the video, all you can do is stop looking at it yourself so you don't have to see the comments.

September 27, 2011 - submitted by Emmanuel, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Is it true that Chris has a Boyz II Men tattoo? If so, where is it located?

The Oracle replies:

Ha, ha! Who on earth told you that? Gosh, that's pretty funny. I can assure you that Chris does not have a Boyz II Men tattoo but thank whoever told you for the laugh it gave me.

September 27, 2011 - submitted by Patrick, United States of America

Q. Okay this has been eating at for a long time, but in Major Minus, are the lyrics "I hear those clocks and dials ticking around the world" or is it "I hear those crocodiles ticking around the world"?

The Oracle replies:

It's crocodiles; I always think of Captain Hook from Peter Pan when I hear that line.

September 26, 2011 - submitted by Milan, Serbia and Montenegro

Q. Hey O, quick - top 3 male and female vocals ever, in your opinion? :) Hello from Serbia ;)

The Oracle replies:

Quick? I'm not sure that's something I can answer quickly. I change my mind a lot on this but ok, off the top of my head I'll go for these 6 all based only on live performances I have witnessed rather than recordings. I shall leave Chris out so I'm not accused of bias: John Grant; George Michael (well he was faultless); Tom Chaplin. Tori Amos; Amy Winehouse; Annie Lennox.

September 26, 2011 - submitted by Catalina, Mexico

Q. Q.Hi Oracle! The other day I saw the Movie The Bucket List. (In my opinion is a good movie) and I ask you if you have one?

The Oracle replies:

I am a simple soul with great ambition but I don't actually have a Bucket List (things to do before you kick the bucket). I love that film too but it never occurred to me to start a list. I have always wanted to go to the top of the Statue of Liberty as for one reason or another haven't managed to do that. It seems a rather pathetic one to start with, though. I may contemplate a bucket list in the coming weeks...

As announced on the official site today, on 31 October, Coldplay are performing a special, intimate gig at la Cigale in Paris for Orange/NRJ. For those of you in France, there is a contest to win tickets at coldplay.orange.fr - NRJ will also be giving away tickets on air from 10 October. You can read more discussion on this new event at the Coldplay Live forum now.

In addition there were four short videos to watch when the news was announced. You can download the lot at the Multimedia forum now. In them, Coldplay again talked about working with Brian Eno, their influences during the making of the fifth album, and who or what Mylo Xyloto was... read on for the best transcripted parts... [thanks _Tash & zzz]

Chris on Mylo Xyloto: "At the moment that title, 'Mylo Xyloto' seems ridiculous and strange. We wanted, when you typed it into Google to get no other hits about anything except that album."

Will on the recording process: "Sometimes a song will just arrive. Chris will come in and ask 'what do you think?' So we play it and within three days its finished. Quick and easy. Other times it takes forever, we start over-analysing it, and start to get too involved it it, changing the tempo by tiny amounts, changing the structure or write a new verse. The song Charlie Brown has been around for about 3 years...

[Right: looks like nearly 32% of you were right - Mylo Xyloto is a 'Who' according to Guy Berryman]

Guy on Mylo Xyloto: "It means everything and it means nothing to everybody and nobody. Decipher that one! The name Mylo Xyloto came from a phase of the album during which we were creating the music which was intended to be a soundtrack. We were going to make an animated film which had a narrative, it had characters. Mylo Xyloto was sort of the main character. "

Guy on Brian Eno: "Brian's role was slightly different on this album than it was on Viva la Vida in the sense in that he wasn't there that much, but when he did come in he would be involved in the beginning of a song. He was really writing with us and playing instruments and giving us ideas and suggestions as to how we can try and make a song different from what we've done before."

Chris on Brian Eno: "It becomes very strange atmospherically. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad. Then free painting. Sometimes bits of that get put into songs. But he always loves to stand and play in the room together like an old fashioned group. He never makes a song worse, he always improves the song by adding a little part of changing the structure or something. He's got a magic touch, and we're very grateful to be able to work with him."

Jonny on Brian Eno: "I doubt he'd want to join our band, but maybe we'd be grateful if he'd come and hang out once every year or something."

Guy on musical influences: "We've made four albums now, and making the fifth album (or making any album) we don't really want to repeat any ideas that we have had on previous albums so we're looking at hip-hop ideas, dance music and lots of other different kinds of music to get ideas from."

Jonny on musical influences: "We go from listening to Hungarian throat-singers to some kind of nose-flute. We were just totally free to play each other music. Brian would come in an play lots of old barber shop records - he's really into the 50's barber shop thing."

Chris on musical influences: "We're fans of all types of good music. The great thing about the internet is that you can listen to anything and there's no 'tribes' any more. You don't have to be just a goth or just into Jazz or Mozart. You can listen to goth-jazz-Mozart. Any time. And so we felt like it was okay to show all of our influences in the way we are working now. So if there's a bit of hip-hop that means we like some hip-hop! We just feel that we have nothing to lose as a band so it was nice to just feel free, and I don't know if it's [Mylo Xyloto] commercial or if it's good, or anything, but it's full of love and passion."

New photos of Coldplay @ Rock In Rio festival, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (1st October 2011):

More photos available via Rock In Rio @ Flickr now.

Coldplay played their final festival of their huge summer tour last night at Rock In Rio festival, Rio De Janeiro (1st October 2011). They now head to South Africa to play two huge concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg, starting on 5th October, before heading home to the release of their fifth album, Mylo Xyloto.

Coldplay took over Twitter once again as all of the following at some point trended worldwide during the concert: The Scientist, Us Against The World, Violet Hill, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, Chris Martin, Charlie Brown, In My Place (plus more, depending on your country/location - including Lovers In Japan, Speed Of Sound which weren't even played tonight!). Chris did some artwork to the stage with cans of spraypaint during the show (pictured, below right). The show was streamed on YouTube at the Rock In Rio channel but apparently it won't be repeated on that channel so we await to see what quality recordings we get uploaded in the next 24-48 hours. Keep an eye on the Multimedia forum at the messageboard. Some excellent photos from the concert are already available courtesy of Rock In Rio @ Flickr and also from riotur @ Flickr.

More live discussion on this show is at the Coldplay Live forum (reviews start around page 42 onwards). Thanks to everyone who has contributed on the forums, Youtube and twitters. We'll have more on this show over the next few hours/days!

Setlist (confirmed):

Mylo Xyloto

Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Major Minus

Paradise

Lost!

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

The Scientist

Us Against The World

Politik

Viva La Vida

Charlie Brown

Life Is For Living

---------

Clocks

Fix You (Amy Winehouse - Rehab cover intro)

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Photo courtesy of Rock In Rio @ Flickr

It's funny, because I wasn't even planning on watching tonight. I was over at my Dad's and happened to be on YouTube, and was like, "Oh yeah! Coldplay's about to be on!". We actually watched everything up until Lost! together. What a freaking fantastic concert Rock in Rio was. Chris, along with everyone else in the band and the crowd, was bouncing off the walls with energy, and it showed. This is quite possibly the best concert has done in recent memory. Good job, Coldplay! You truly rocked Rio. [thanks DundahMifflin]

I woke up at 6:30 am on Sunday morning..and it worthed! they were amazing : Chris' voice was perfect as the first summer concert in Germany's Rock am Ring, Will's drums was perfect as in Glastonbury, Jonny was perfect as usual and Guy was perfect as in Scotland. I mean, this concert was the sum up of all summer concerts. ah, and of course the crowd! I watched lots of Coldplay concerts and I've never seen an audience like that.. They were even singing along with the new single PARADISE. Now i can understand why musicians love Brazil or South America.!! they rocked not onyl Rio but also all the internet world!!! [thanks jeremyy]

My goodness... what a crowd! You could tell Chris was loving every minute of it. This was definitely the most excited I've seen him so far during this festival run. Since this is the last show for this run that we'll get to see broadcast, it's only fitting that it was so epic! That's amazingly awesome about Twitter... Coldplay still, as they once said, rules the world. I forgot to mention the spraypainting during In My Place... I loved it! Hopefully this is a sign of things to come on the tour. [thanks heelsrule1988]

OMG! amazing concert!!!! i was so excited to hear all those portuguese words!!! and btw, someone was asking about the people who where in a zip in front of the stage, it's a slide. it's not for vip, you just have a really long line until it's your turn they had it too at rock in rio in lisbon. [thanks lili_portugal]

I didn't expect so many Coldplay songs as worldwide TT!!! however I've never seen such an amazing crowd, I mean they knew all the songs, even Paradise! I understand why Chris was so thrilled during the whole concert!!! I wish I was there. [thanks Valentina]

I feel like I have to post a tiny review, because this was one of the best gigs they've done... It felt really special, I'm so happy I woke up for this! I watched from my comfy bed. Maybe it was because I'd only slept for four hours, but I cried a lot during the show. (Then again, I am a real crybaby.) Saw a few tears in the audience as well. I went back to sleep afterwards, and my dreams were filled with Coldplay. The crowd ROCKED, it was the best I've ever seen, thank you Brazilian people! You could tell the band were enjoying every second. The Dutch can learn a lot from you guys. I kinda want to hug everyone who was there. I am so jealous. I think Chris started a little messy, but the second half (Violet Hill!) he sounded amazing. Fix You hasn't been one of my favourites lately, but today it blew me away like it used to. Paradise is stunning live. UATW had the most perfect harmony. Charlie Brown was awesome, can't wait for the studio version. And Politik... sigh. [thanks Blue Nails]

Me and my girlfriend watched the concert together last night. We do live in Brazil, but it's far from Rio and also I'm physically unable to stay among such a crowd. Nevertheless it was absolutely magical. We were downright amazed throughout the whole time. I'm so proud everybody at the crowd could sing Paradise, I hope the band was happy. My favorite moment was when Chris spraypainted "Rio" on the wall. A very nice touch. [thanks Pierri]

More Coldplayer reviews to follow...

New photos of Coldplay @ Rock In Rio festival, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (1st October 2011):

More photos available via Rock In Rio @ Flickr now.

It was a good night for Coldplay online presence at the BT Digital Music Awards 2011 at the Roundhouse in London as Coldplaying.com and Coldplay.com were both winners in the Best Fansite and Best Official site respectively. It's the third consecutive BTDMA that Coldplaying has made the final 6 shortlist in the Fansite category but the first time we have won the award - and its a big thanks to everyone who took the time out to vote for us each day over the last few weeks - this award belongs to you as well! Join us at the Coldplay forum to celebrate now!

Special mention goes to the other fansites shortlisted in the best Fansite category: Muselive, Keaneshine, Mission Mcfly, Matchbox 20 Fans and MonkeyKingsFacts. Well done to all excellent sites.

You can see some of the pictures from the awards after the jump. Big thanks to Mich and Anna for representing Coldplaying at the awards. Anchorman was also there representing Coldplay.com and came over to congratulate us around the same time they tweeted us. Parlophone also tweeted the news of both Coldplay sites. Thanks to everyone who has congratulated us on Twitter (including Coldplay!) - we'll try and shout out as many of you as we can tomorrow!

The BT Digital Music Awards (DMA) were created in the UK in 2001 and are held annually. Music industry professionals can nominate artists, venues and hardware into the Judge's Choice award categories. The rest of the awards are made up of People's Choice Awards, voted for by the public. The 2011 BT Digital Music Awards, now in its eleventh year, was held at the Camden Roundhouse on 29 September.

Coldplaying's award trophy (image 1)

Coldplaying's award trophy (image 2)

Champers for Anna and Mich in celebration

Best Fansite For An Artist shortlist in the official programme

During the awards ceremony dinner

Outside before the ceremony started

You'll need these to get in