Who does Gwyneth Paltrow have to bang to get to hear Coldplay's new album, Mylo Xyloto? Well nobody anymore, because according to The Sun, she's already heard it. Gwyneth confessed via Twitter back at the end of July that she has yet to listen to the new album. "Who do I have to bang to get an advance copy of the new @coldplay album? I mean, really," Paltrow said online.

Gwyneth also has to put on Coldplay albums when her husband Chris Martin is not at home because he has banned her from listening to his music, report Contact Music in a spin off of an article in The Sun. Here is their article:

She said: "I listen to Coldplay around the house when my husband's not there. I've heard the new album, it's incredible. It's different and it's amazing. It's exciting. I'm excited for him."

Although Gwyneth and Chris have been happily married for almost eight years, the actress admits "life is complicated" and never compares her relationships to other people's. In an interview with The Sun newspaper, she said: "I am a great romantic - but I also think you can be a romantic and a realist. Life is complicated and long and I know people that I respect and admire and look up to who have had extra-marital affairs. "It's like we're flawed - we're human beings and sometimes you make choices that other people are going to judge. That's their problem but I really think that the more I live my life the more I learn not to judge people for what they do. I think we're all trying our best but life is complicated. I'm lucky, I have a wonderful, blessed life. I have two fantastically delightful children and a very nice husband so ... knock on wood."

You can discuss this story in the Gwyneth thread at the messageboard now. [thanks the_escapist]

Gwyneth Paltrow couldn't get hold of a copy of the new Coldplay album, but she's managed to address that problem now, it seems

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

September 1, 2011 - submitted by john, United States of America

Q. Hey Oracle, did Charlie Brown leak? I heard an instrumental in this football thing and a fuller version with vocals in this trailer for some tv show. Was it leased legally?

The Oracle replies:

It wasn't "leaked". Charlie Brown is being used as a sound bed on tv at the moment but that can't be done without having the full approved version and license to use it.

September 1, 2011 - submitted by Colin, United States of America

Q. Where was the music video for Speed of Sound filmed? It has to be one of the best sets of all of Coldplay's music videos.

The Oracle replies:

There is an accurate paragraph about the video here.

September 1, 2011 - submitted by Lauren, United Kingdom

Q. I saw a track listing for Mylo Xyloto on someone's Facebook wall. It looked very legitimate. Is it possibly the real thing?

The Oracle replies:

I've seen it myself doing the rounds but it's not official so it's best to just ignore it.

August 31, 2011 - submitted by Kristin, United States of America

Q. Hey, Mr. Oracle. How's your summer been? I was just wondering if the MX on the newpaper, was a hint to the name of the album, when Coldplay changed their look for the website? Did they know that was what they were going to call it from the start? Lots of love, Kristin.

The Oracle replies:

There are no coincidences with how the website design looked/looks/will look; every single thing is planned to fit in with themes, ideas and titles. From the fluorescent colour to the MX on the newspaper it was all designed with the new album in mind. So, to answer your question, yes, they did know from the start and a whole lot longer than that.

August 31, 2011 - submitted by Heide, United States of America

Q. I'm finally about to get a dog and I want to name it after something Coldplay related. What do you think about naming my dog Mylo? If not, do you have any other suggestions?

The Oracle replies:

I think Mylo is a great name for a dog. Actually it's a pretty good name for any pet which is quite a rare thing I find...

August 30, 2011 - submitted by Christina, Cyprus

Q. Dear Oracle, Was the Rock am Ring performance the only one that include Princess of China?

The Oracle replies:

Coldplay actually performed Princess of China live at Rock im Park, not Rock am Ring. Its live debut was at the family & friends show back in May at London's Forum so it's only had two outings.

August 30, 2011 - submitted by Rudy, Slovakia

Q. Dear Oracle, from last Friday no update! :) so I checked if you in UK have a bank holiday today as you are not working today and yes, you have! :) I was just wondering why last Monday of August is a bank holiday - I'm too lazy to search for this on the Internet, so please if you don't have more interesting questions - explain :) Greeting from Slovakia, Rudy

The Oracle replies:

It used to be the first Monday in August but was changed to the last. Bank holidays were named after banks closed for a day's trade. The reasons we have them differ from religious reasons to others. The August one apparently started when banks closed so that staff could attend cricket matches. They moved it and it now pretty much signifies the end of the summer* holidays. *Summer, what's that?

Coldplay will play a special show for MuchMusic in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday 21st September, and the show will be streamed live in Canada on muchmusic.com. More discussion on this new date is at the messageboard now. [thanks _Tash & secretspy]

For information on how to win tickets, those of you based in Canada should head over to muchmusic.com/coldplay now - or read on for their blog entry with further details...

Holy amazeballs! We have literally (I mean it, literally) been bursting at the seams wanting to share this most epic of epic news with all of you and now the day has arrived! One of the greatest bands of all time, Coldplay, are coming to MuchMusic to rock our parking lot like it’s never been rocked and even better – you can be there! Find out how to be a part of Rogers Presents Coldplay Live In The Lot on September 21 below... there are two ways to enter for your chance to see Rogers Presents Coldplay Live In The Lot in person! Let’s count these ways down, shall we...?

Numero Uno: You and five of your besties can win tickets and a trip to Toronto, including round trip airfare, swanky accommodations, spending money, and an all-access pass for you and your entourage of five. You can enter here starting Monday, September 12 at 11 am ET until Tuesday, September 13 at 11 am ET.

Numero Deuce: ATTENTION ROGERS CUSTOMERS! Your lucky day of rocking red is hurre. Rogers Wireless is giving Coldplay fans first access to Rogers Presents Coldplay Live In The Lot. The first 400 Rogers customers to enter will win tickets to the show! On Monday, September 12 at 11 am ET a PIN code will be released at muchmusic.com/coldplay. Enter the PIN code at the Rogers Wireless Box Office and cross your fingers for a chance to see Rogers Presents Coldplay Live In The Lot.

[Pictures] Chris Martin & Jonny Buckland visit Much Music, Toronto (31 July 2008):

More from their 2008 appearance at Much Music in Toronto is here. All the pictures are in the Coldplaying gallery here [thanks mimixxx & fakeplastic1988]

Coldplay will perform as part of the Live On Letterman webcast series, presented by AT&T, in a live concert from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 8pm Eastern Time, the official site and CBS have confirmed today. You can catch up on all the latest discussion on this new event at the messageboard now [thanks the_escapist]

The webcast will be shown live and/or on-demand across the world at http://cbs.com/late_night/liveonletterman. It will also be broadcast on select CBS RADIO stations, viewable live on CBS's JumboTron in Times Square, as well as via a live audio stream on Radio.com's mobile applications. The webcasts will also be offered through VEVO. The webcast will follow the recording of the band's performance on the Late Show with David Letterman, which will broadcast later that evening on the CBS Television Network.

Here is the press release from CBS: We are proud to announce that iconic British band Coldplay will perform an exclusive Live on Letterman concert direct from the legendary stage of New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The entire concert will stream live on Tuesday, September 20 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT, and you can watch it right here or on CBS.com. Started in 1996 while lead singer Chris Martin and lead guitarist Johnny Buckland were still at university, Coldplay has spent the last 15 years breaking through musical boundaries, penning inspirational songs that have moved diverse audiences, and essentially recreating the definition of adult alternative music.

Coldplay’s songs have dominated radio, television, the Internet, movie soundtracks, and even commercials. Quite frankly, they’re everywhere. To help you remember how Coldplay grew to this level of success, jolt your memory with this musical retrospective of some of Coldplay’s biggest singles from the last decade.

More on this to follow...

A reminder for U.S. Coldplayers that there is just over a week left to enter Bower & Wilkins' Sound Sessions to win an exclusive VIP trip for two to Austin, TX to meet Coldplay AND be one of the first to listen to the new forthcoming album Mylo Xyloto due for release on 24th October. Not only that, the winner will see their headline performance live at Austin City Limits on September 16th, 2011. Entry is via Facebook. Have you entered? Let us know at the Coldplay forum now! [thanks 86Timewarp]

Three winners will each receive the following: two domestic roundtrip airline tickets to Austin, Texas; two Nights hotel at the Austin Hilton in Austin, Texas; two winners to attend the playback sesssion; two VIP access passes to meet Coldplay; two tickets to watch Coldplay Headline at the Austin City Limits Sept. 16; two Pairs of Bowers & Wilkins P5 Headphones.

Some (but not all) of the small print: Registration is free. Complete and submit the registration including your name, code a valid home address including zip code, phone number, and email address. P.O. boxes are not permitted. You will automatically receive one (1) entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Each eligible participant may submit only one entry per day, and only one entry per eligible participant shall be accepted per day into the Grand Prize Drawing. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $1,500.00, depending on exact itinerary. Travel must be booked through Sponsor’s travel provider. Travel must be roundtrip. Sponsor will determine airline and flight itinerary in its sole discretion. No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any flight. Travel and accommodations are subject to availability.

The studio version of Charlie Brown has been doing the rounds on various programs on Sky in the UK - if you are yet to hear it click here for the Sky One drama advert which features clips of the the song in the background. Below are some of your recent comments on the clip. [thanks coldplaykb]

And you know what else? That piano outro IS that new intro for Life Is For Living they've been doing live. Intro to a hidden track, or gapless into the next song? Or just a little outro like Cemeteries Of London? It's definitely the same. And I saw a post on here somewhere where they were saying that piano outro was just part of LIFL, not the outro to Charlie Brown...!! [thanks AmbroseCadwell]

Oh my. that is a lot better than i thought it would be. and i thought it would be fucking awesome! if they include the whole piano outro at the end i will be hurting like heaven! im just in awe. hard to describe in words what im hearing. [thanks poeincompany]

His [Chris] voice sounds like how it did during the Parachutes era when he says, "We'll be glowing in the dark." I love it. That's funny how we just always assumed that little piano melody was just an intro for Life is For Living until recently. I really can't wait now. IT HAS TO LEAK. These blokes have it, the sports people have it, GIVE IT TO US GUYS. [thanks Sleep]

That was stunning, amazing.... Whatever you wanna call it! I think all along the piano bit wasn't the intro to Life is for Living life but the outro to Charlie Brown, it was one of my highlights of the live shows so far that beautiful piano part so for it to be at the end of Charlie Brown....wow. I've never been so hyped up for an album before and still about 2 months left! [thanks 42rock89]

About the piano part at the end - it sounded like an improv opening to Life is for living, but it definitely adds a nice a little piano outro which is vintage Coldplay - Sounds good, wasn't too high on Charlie Brown being the next single, but I think based on this recording it may do well as the 3rd or 4th single from the album. Definitely AC crowd for sure will like this. I really like the enoxification of these songs which i'm assuming is the beginning part of the song with child like voices or ? whatever you want to call it. [thanks bdevil89]

Okay, that video has me convinced that there's a studio version of Charlie Brown out there somewhere--the 'all the boys, all the girls' part definitely sounds different from the live versions. Also, I'm loving the piano outro I bet it leads into another track. [thanks ColdplayingfromKansas]

Great to hear it and I think it sounds awesome, but I feel a bit disappointed that this is the way we hear it first. Why make it available to Sky at this stage? Who allowed this to happen...it's just a bit naff to hear a great song like this for the first time played on a meaningless advert. The band have plenty of time to make money from the album/tracks in the coming years, I just don't get how they could make such a booboo. [thanks nathey42]

There's absolutely no way Sky would have used a bootlegged version otherwise EMI would whack a whopping great lawsuit on them. Coldplay/EMI have obviously struck a deal with Sky for its use. [thanks Mimixxx]

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

August 25, 2011 - submitted by Jory, United States of America

Q. Great Oracle! Here is my question, have you got the chance to hear Coldplay's unreleased single Paradise? What is your opinion about the song.

Cheers!

The Oracle replies:

I LOVE it. Eduardo from Mexico was a little concerned that Charlie Brown was being ditched in favour of Paradise but he needn't be. The Billboard interview mentions that Charlie Brown was always planned to follow ETIAW as a single but perhaps too obvious a choice. It goes on to say that Paradise is more representative of what's to come on the album as a whole.

August 25, 2011 - submitted by Roberto, Italy

Q. Hey my dear Oracle! Just two questions about this photo: 1) Where and when was this concert held? 2) What kind of shoes is Chris wearing? (Hope to get an answer ahahah). Thanks alot! Greetings from Italy

The Oracle replies:

The show was at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, 2009. Chris played at the Keep A Child Alive's 6th Annual Black Ball. The fundraiser was hosted by Alicia Keys and Padma Lakshmi. Chris played Clocks, Viva La Vida and If I Ain't Got You (with Alicia Keys). Chris is wearing Adidas trainers.

August 24, 2011 - submitted by Paz, Colombia

Q. Dearest Oracle, Back in March 2010 in Coldplay's concert in Bogota (best day of my life BTW, thank you). Chris said " This one is for Natasha" before playing Yellow. I have been wondering who is this lucky girl ever since. Thanks in advance, lots of love and congrats on the new album

The Oracle replies:

Natasha Khan is

August 24, 2011 - submitted by Miguel, Portugal

Q. Mr. Oracle, is Bon Iver's second album called "Bon Iver" or "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"? I really can't find out and it's bugging the crap out of me. Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

The album is called Bon Iver. The artist is, of course, Bon Iver. Coldplay, Parachutes is the artist/album just as Bon Iver, Bon Iver is.

August 23, 2011 - submitted by Jon, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle, I was wondering if the song played before Hurts Like Heaven during the festival circuit is actually called Mylo Xyloto and was just shortened to MX to avoid spoiling the title of LP5 before the title was officially announced. Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Ta-da! I wondered when someone would pick up on that after what I had said about it in a couple of answers. MX did indeed mean Mylo Xyloto but at the festivals, as I did mention, it wasn't a full song, just a prelude/introduction to Hurts Like Heaven.

August 23, 2011 - submitted by Arthur, Netherlands

Q. "Do you know, I honestly can't remember if the tracklisting of ANY album was announced before a release or if it just appeared on the day of..." You're wrong! On Thursday the 10th of April, Prospekt released a tracklisting. So... I hope we'll get to see a tracklisting soon!

The Oracle replies:

I'm not "wrong", I said I can't remember not that it didn't happen. What can I say, I'm old, my memory is fading fast. As we established on the last question, I do not know everything. Yes, I know... fraudulent misrepresentation. I will endeavour to find out if/when there will be a tracklisting announcement.

August 23, 2011 - submitted by Karim, United Kingdom

Q. In the Glastonbury headlining what was the word that Chris whispered before the band ended their Lost! performance?

The Oracle replies:

It's official, the Oracle does not know everything. I do not know what Chris whispered. Anyone?

August 23, 2011 - submitted by Sourjyo, India

Q. I am going to perform a piano cover of Clocks in an event in my school. I don't have any formal training in vocals or the piano(self-trained). Any suggestions to make it sound good on stage?:-)

The Oracle replies:

The only advice I will give you is prepare well for it. Don't be afraid to experiment. If you feel more comfortable slowing the pace for your performance, do. I don't know what the sound system is like at school but make sure you do before hand. The sound levels could make all the difference. You don't want your vocals to be drowned out but also you don't want to shout to overcompensate. As long as you have practised and know the song well enough, you should be fine. Good luck.

August 22, 2011 - submitted by Nick, United Kingdom

Q. How much longer do we have to wait for the track listing? I'm getting impatient. Also, I own the first ever copy of the official Coldplay fanzine. Do you thing it's worth anything?

The Oracle replies:

Do you know, I honestly can't remember if the tracklisting of ANY album was announced before a release or if it just appeared on the day of... The first Coldplaying fanzine won't fetch a lot of money. Even though it was an official entity, it's not a very sought after collectible. It wasn't a glossy fan club periodical and the band didn't have much input. They didn't really contribute as they left it in the capable hands of a group of fans that did a sterling job of producing it.

August 22, 2011 - submitted by John, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, The other day I met some people claiming to be Coldplay on Call of Duty. Everything seemed to check out, but I need to know: Do the guys play xbox in their spare time?

The Oracle replies:

Even if any of the band members played Call of Duty, they're really not likely to discuss "who" they are, I mean WHO does that?? I don't know what information the player/s gave you that checked out but it's not difficult for people to make stuff up and find information on the Internet. Yes they do play games in their spare time but I suspect someone is having you on*. *putting you on if you live in America.

August 22, 2011 - submitted by Eurydice, United Kingdom

Q. Dearest Oracle, what does the term 'new-ground' mean in music? What genre does it define precisely? I am asking because I heard Alex Turner define the new Arctic Monkeys' album by this term. And in fact, I could not use any word to describe it, 'indie' does not even suit for it! Thank you. (P.S.: Of course I LOVE Coldplay, I would not be here otherwise) xxx

The Oracle replies:

It's not a term necessarily relating to music but if someone said that music was breaking new ground, it would imply that it is very original and not derivative of what else is out there. The term can be reversed to mean the same thing; innovative ideas are said to be groundbreaking. I might have described Arctic Monkey's first album that way but I confess it's not a word I'd use on the current one. Not a big criticism given they broke new ground with the first one anyway, so I only mean it's just more of the same - no bad thing.

August 18, 2011 - submitted by Federica, Italy

Q. Hello Oracle, I know you won't publish my question but I'll write it down the same. Is there any connection between MYLO XYLOTO and the street artist XYLO (whose name is MYLO)? There are lots of coincidences and not just in the name...

The Oracle replies:

Nope, no connection at all. The band have never heard of him. I checked him out and it's purely a coincidence that his name is Mylo (there are plenty around) as is the fact he's into graffiti.

August 18, 2011 - submitted by Ashley, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, There's this ridiculous rumor that 'Mylo' is an Egyptian derivative of the name Miley and 'Xyloto' comes from the Greek term for Tombs of the Kings which is located on the island of Cyprus. When you combine both of them it'll say "Miley Cyprus." In other words, "Miley Cyrus." And according to this article, the album was dedicated to her. So, please Oracle, can you tell all the Coldplayers out there that this is not true? Thanks in advance!

The Oracle replies:

I most certainly can tell you all that this is not true - once I have stopped laughing hysterically that is! I have no idea who dreams this stuff up but by golly, they really should find more interesting ways to spend their time. Ha, ha, ha!

August 18, 2011 - submitted by Valentina, Denmark

Q. Dear Oracle, On the album official announcement written by Chris, there is a little drawing with two words just after the phonetic spelling of Mylo Xyloto. What does the drawing represent and what does it say?? I can't make it out...

The Oracle replies:

It says under 1 roof and it's written under, er, a roof!

August 17, 2011 - submitted by Bianca, Peru

Q. Dear Oracle, is it true that the first name of the band was KEANE, and then Chris gave this name to Tom Chaplin?

The Oracle replies:

You're getting your Toms and Tims muddled up. Keane were known as Cherry Keane before they dropped the Cherry. Coldplay used to be called Starfish before they took the name The Coldplay before they dropped the The.

To find out more about Tim, not Tom, read my previous answer to this question.

August 17, 2011 - submitted by Mitchell, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, In

The Oracle replies:

Er, in a word, no. I have no idea what he's saying but it's nowt to do with the album title.

August 17, 2011 - submitted by Sana, United States of America

Q. Could you please clear the air and say that Guy Berryman doesn't have a personal twitter. There is a fake one and lots of people are starting to follow it. Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Stop following him people! As I have said before the band do not have personal twitter accounts. Here I am clearing the air, "Guy Berryman doesn't have a personal twitter".

Noel Gallagher has admitted that he thought Coldplay's set at this year's Glastonbury festival was 'pretty spectacular'. In an interview with 6 Music, Gallagher hailed Coldplay's headline set on the Pyramid Stage earlier this summer. "I got halfway through it and said to the missus, 'They are having the gig of their lives here. It was pretty spectacular and the way they lit up the pyramid on the Pyramid Stage, that means no-one else can ever do it now,'' Gallagher said.

Despite criticising the festivals crowd in 2008, the former Oasis member said that Glastonbury stands out as the best festival in the UK. "Glastonbury is a one-off. The rest of the festivals, with all the best will in the world, are just big gigs in fields," Noel added. "Glastonbury is a festival in the truest sense, the music is secondary to your festival experience; you could go there for three days and not see one single band and have a great time."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Absolute Radio's Christian O'Connell, Noel Gallagher confessed to being a fan of Coldplay's new material when asked of what he's enjoyed from fellow acts this year. He also stated his fondness for Arctic Monkey's new album and Kasabian's up and coming LP Velociraptor. Noel gave further details of his first solo album High Flying Birds which is to be released one week before Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto. "I like the Arctic Monkeys album, I’ve got to say, it seems like they’re back. The new Kasabian record which is coming is pretty good. What else? Contemporary new records? Yeah, I don’t think I’ve heard one for a while to be honest, but the new… oh, some of the new Coldplay stuff is good, I’ve got to say. I’ve always been a fan of Coldplay, I’ve liked them since I heard that track, Yellow. I do like them, the new stuff’s good I think."

The Drums frontman Jonny Pierce, however, was less accommodating, saying he hates bands like U2 and Coldplay because they dabble with politics, according to Gigwise. In an interview with Q, Pierce said he was not very political and that he had no plans to impose his opinions on the band's fans. "It's really boring to me. I hate U2 and Coldplay, bands that can't be bands for the life of them. They can't just write great songs, they have to be doing other stuff, a statement all the time," he said. "I don't mind certain statements, but U2 haven't released a good record in ten years, why don't they just run for office? [laughs] Just write me a great love song, that's all I want!"

He obviously has yet to hear Coldplay tracks such as The Scientist, A Message or Fix You, then. Coldplay back catalogue for Mr Pierce, please!

Atif Aslam wants to collaborate with Coldplay, according to KoolMusicZone today, although he might want to ask them first. "We are planning to collaborate with John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page (the founder of Led Zeppelin), but nothing is finalised yet," tells Atif Aslam in an interview with Hindustan Times. Aslam also have plans to take U2 on board soon. "I’m keeping my fingers crossed because, after all, they are busy people," says Atif Aslam.

Finally, Coldplay are putting up the cash for a new British film shot on the Isle of Man, BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat have confirmed. We first reported on this news back in March. Ashes is being directed by Mat Whitecross, who was also behind Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll. Jim Sturgess, who appears in One Day, will star alongside Ray Winstone in the movie. Coldplay's Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion will act as executive producers on the new project. Jim Sturgess said Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin didn't pop down to the set. "They were away being Coldplay," he revealed. "We were filming on the Isle of Man so he had other things to do. It was amazing those guys helped us out with that film. I'm really proud of the film."

Last week Billboard scored a coup by publishing the only official media article from Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto era so far. Rolling Stone meanwhile had to make do with the scraps, publishing a small article, entitled "Coldplay's new cuts: Weirder, Groovier" reviewing the live versions of the new songs heard from the festivals to date.

This included Princess Of China, which hasn't even been heard or seen in decent quality yet. How Rolling Stone can possibly review Princess Of China professionally when all they've got to go on is a grainy YouTube video is anyone's guess, but to this end they gave the song 3/5. Charlie Brown, which has countless high quality versions floating around the internet only got 2.5/5. Go figure. Anyway, below is their review article, you can read more feedback on this at the Coldplay forum now [thanks Baw8cc]

These new songs - all debuted live in recent months but not yet released in studio versions - suggest Coldplay's forthcoming album may be more gritty, fun, strange and (yes) danceable than any so far: a Zooropa to the Unforgettable Fire of 2008's Viva la Vida. "Hurts Like Heaven" opened their Lollapalooza set with a word rush that occasionally recalled LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends", plus some outstanding guitar asides...

Broadcast on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, "Charlie Brown" (not the Coasters ' 1959 hit, alas) triangulates Springsteen, U2 and Arcade FIre in a hood-rat oratorio that roars even if Chris Martin's delivery feels too genteel. "Us Against The World" (debuted at the Rock am Ring festival in Germany) is an anthemic ballad with sweet harmony vocals from drummer/secret weapon Will Champion. Most interesting may be "Princess Of China" with a dubby drum track so huge, it apparently blew out all the bootleggers' mics in Nuremburg.

Singer-songwriter and member of Take That, Gary Barlow, said he was perfectly happy working behind the scenes until he listened to Coldplay's hit debut Parachutes, according to The Sun. He said: "I spent years telling everyone around that I didn't want to be an artist again. I didn't sing for six or seven years. I seldom sang on demos and if I could get someone else to sing them I would, right until I heard the first Coldplay album... I thought for the first time, "I could see myself doing that again".'

Barlow recently completed Take That's record-breaking Progress tour with Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen. Robbie Williams who rejoined the band to hit the road said recently his ego stopped him from returning to Take That full-time. He said: 'The gigs have been absolutely amazing - the best period of my career so far with those boys. Sharing it with somebody is much better than doing it by yourself, but then ego, want, need and a whole heap of other things kick in. And you start preparing for your own tour... and the other boys are going away for a bit and I don't really know what's on the cards with them. But we have to ride again, we have to - it's too much fun.'

Meanwhile, Jay-Z and Kanye West's collaboration album 'Watch The Throne' has broken the record set by Coldplay for the most iTunes downloads of an album in its first week of release. The album, which was released last Monday (August 8), has been downloaded over 290,000 times, which passes the record set by the British stadium band for their fourth album 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends'. That album was downloaded 282,000 times in its first week on sale. 'Watch The Throne' is expected to have sold out over 500,000 when its first formal US sales figures are released.

Despite this record breaking start, the album failed to knock Amy Winehouse's 'Back To Black' off the top of the UK albums chart on Sunday (August 14). 'Watch The Throne' charted at a respectable number three, behind Winehouse's second album and the continuing success story that is Adele's '21'. More on this news is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks Briggins]

Finally, after all the Viva la Vida plagiarism claims in 2009, how ironic it is that Coldplay release a new song expected on Mylo Xyloto, entitled Up In Flames, which happens to be the title of a song already recorded by Joe Satriani. This is according to the ASCAP database. Of course, the two songs will be completely different, but this has sparked a number of comments on the messageboard, a few of which you can read below... [thanks coldpatrix]

The first thing that came out of my mouth when i saw this thread was: ...are you f***ing me? I can't stand this guyy. Coldplay can't do anything without getting compared with him one way or another. I mean I don't mind it when they're compared to artists who actually HAVE a lot of talent like U2 or Radiohead. But this is ridiculous. He's a no-name cry-baby with an ego the size of the globe and has to attack Coldplay instead of letting the merits of his work get him recognized. When with this ever end? [thanks Fix42YellowClocks]

Now, now. Let's not turn this joke into a "flame" war dead horse. But yeah, I wouldn't get to rilled up about this. It's just a coincidence. Both artists have talent, and to rip about either of them is kind of silly. [thanks Infogatherer]

If the Coldplay Up In Flames has any resemblence to Satriani's one I'm sure he'll try and sue. I don't blame the guy, he's got to earn money somehow considering his music is incredibly boring and nobody buys it. [thanks Cleggy]

I totally get the anamosity towards Satriani and the ill will directed at him but really people!? Satriani is regarded as one of the elite guitarists in the world and while he doesn't have the following that a band as successful as Coldplay has, he certainly holds his own in the market he targets. I mean Victor Wooten isn't the most common name in the world and doesn't have the Coldplay, Rolling Stones, or Led Zeppelin name to go with his own but he also is regarded as one of the best if not the best bass player in the world! I hope that Coldplay named 'Up In Flames' to get under Satriani's skin but that doesn't mean he is terrible. He is currently in a rather successful rock band, Chickenfoot, which I'm not particularly fond of but A LOT of people are. Their first record is Gold certified. Let's slow this hate-train down a bit. The guy is F'ing great at guitar and successful in his own right. I choose Coldplay over Satriani anyday, and most do as well. But he is still pretty damn good. His career certainly isn't "Up In Flames"... [thanks Xanderp15]

More photos of Coldplay - Samsung AT&T Summer Krush Concert Series, Los Angeles (3rd August, 2011):

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

August 16, 2011 - submitted by Matthew, United Kingdom

Q. I know you can't talk about it, but this concerns Hurts Like Heaven. With the album being announced and the billboard story, there's a massive thing going around that HLH won't make it to the album. Why?! It seems to be THE song for the album, and ties in with everything that has been promoted so far (running man, graffiti, opening song to the concerts!, etc). It's my (and a lot of others) favorite song so far, and I guess that all I want is for Coldplay to know what a great song they have here, and that it deserves to be on Mylo Xyloto. I know you know nothing of final track listing, and you can't say anything to us; but is there the chance that you can let the boys know that this song deserves everything it can get for the album? Thanks from a lot of fans.

The Oracle replies:

I have to say I think it's great that you - and others - are worried that it won't be on the album because you've heard it and love it but trust me, whether it does or doesn't won't matter when the album comes out. You're right I can't say but I will tell you a story. Just before X&Y was finished I heard that Talk was going to be left off. I felt I had to step in so texted Chris. The next thing I knew, it was being mixed and included on the album. Hand on heart I don't know the tracklisting right now but if I did and Hurts Like Heaven wasn't on, I wouldn't text about it. I absolutely LOVE the song but I have faith that this is the album the band wanted to make and want to release so that's good enough for me.

August 16, 2011 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom

Q. Hey Oracle! In the beginning of Coldplay's performance at the iTunes Festival and Lollapalooza, there's an orchestra recording playing that sounds like something from Disney. Is that Coldplay's doing or the festival's way of introducing them?

Thanks!! :)

The Oracle replies:

It's actually the Back To The Future Theme Song. I don't know if you've seen the film or not but it was made back in 1985 and is a modern day classic worth checking out.

August 15, 2011 - submitted by Bella, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, What does Mylo Xyloto mean?

The Oracle replies:

This could win the prize for the most asked question in the shortest space of time! All I will say is that if the band are asked it as many times as I have been asked, an answer will appear soon enough! I'd rather not be the revealer on this occasion. I will dispel a couple of suggestions I received though. It's not been randomly made up with no meaning at all nor is it a foreign language. Everyone has been so patient so far with all the teasing that has been going on during the past 3 months so I'm sure we can hang on a little longer...

August 15, 2011 - submitted by Cerenna, United Kingdom

Q. So Phil tweeted recently the band is relieved to have announced the name of the album and it's release date. He also said this : 'Paradise, Up in Flames, Princess of China...let's get 'em out there!' Can you confirm these songs are definitely going to be released, no matter if on an album or as an EP? Because many fans, like me, fret we won't get to hear them (at least not PoC and Up in Flames) despite the tweet. And you could actually respond to a question related to the new album once in a year. Thanks much.

The Oracle replies:

If Phil tweeted them at this stage, they will be on the album / released. He wouldn't tweet song titles before a tracklisting had been settled on. It occurred to me that I haven't heard Up in Flames yet, so I better get in on the action!

August 15, 2011 - submitted by Sam, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, I read on the Daily Mirror and NME that Chris Martin is saying that Mylo Xyloto may be the last album for the band and this time he means it. Why is this so? As a big fan of Coldplay I am very sad about this. Since you know Chris and the rest of the boys, do you think that it is likely that the band splits up at this point of its career? I wish that you could pick up my question and reply to it!! Thanks! Sam

The Oracle replies:

I haven't read the article but I would draw your attention to the word "may". What Chris said or meant - whether taken out of context or not - is familiar to many. Anyone who has been a fan for a very long time will know that this kind of quote is not uncommon when an album is completed. Chris has said this kind of thing before, ooh at least 3 times I'd say. Even if a band intend to be together forever, not one single person in the world could possibly know when or if an album is the last one until song ideas are conceived, written, recorded and deemed good enough. That's not to say that Mylo Xyloto* will be their last album but at this moment in time it is the only album that we're all thinking about. Let's not rush the future or try to see into it, let's enjoy the present - after all, it is a gift. * You have no idea how great it is to finally be able to say the name of the album!

Tapings continue for Austin City Limits' inaugural season at the new ACL Live at The Moody Theater venue in downtown Austin, and it has been announced by the Austin City Limits blog that Coldplay will be taping on September 15th, a day before their headline appearance at the ACL festival. More on this is at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Coldplay to Austin City Limits and announce such a great surprise addition to our fall schedule – and to our new home, The Moody Theater, at that. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since their first appearance, which was a game-changer and true milestone in so many ways,” said Terry Lickona, Executive Producer of Austin City Limits. “The band has truly become a legendary rock group and we’re eager to share the upcoming performance with fans nationwide.”

The upcoming taping is Coldplay's first performance at The Moody Theater but marks the band's return to the Austin City Limits stage after several years. Fans interested in attending the taping should read more about ticket availability and public giveaways on the ACL blog approximately one week before the taping.

In addition to Coldplay, episodes featuring Joanna Newsom, Arcade Fire, The Decemberists and more will all air as part of Austin City Limits' 37th season premiering this fall on PBS on October 1, 2011 (check local listings). For more information on tapings, the new season of Austin City Limits, and more, follow them on Twitter, Facebook and visit www.austincitylimits.org.

About Austin City Limits:

Austin City Limits (ACL) is a public television series that records and broadcasts original musical performances from exciting new talent and legendary artists of all genres. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. The show continues to air weekly on PBS stations nationwide and episodes are made available online. ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by AMD, Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department and its newest supporter, Dell. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at www.austincitylimits.org.

Multi-platinum selling band Simple Plan recorded their version in Canada. On the other side of the world, young 11 year old guitar prodigy Yuto Miyazawa laid down his guitar solo in Tokyo, Japan. In Ireland, the lead singer from the critically acclaimed band Sweet Jane recorded her vocals at a Dublin studio. And somewhere in between—at Singapore's Ocean Butterflies Studio—over 40 artists from all over the globe did their part by recording an Asian themed version of Coldplay's "Fix You" to benefit the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that shook the lives of so many on March 11, 2011, report the Mi2n Music Industry News Network today.

The sale proceeds of the this track will go towards the Japanese Red Cross Society and Peace Boat, a Tokyo based charity which is helping with the country's rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts. "We would like to thank [everyone] for the outpouring of support we have received from the international music community. All of your support has mattered significantly to us in Japan," says Haji Taniguchi, Chairman of Music Publishers Association of Japan.

The unprecedented event took place over a period of just 36 hours during the recently concluded Music Mattersconference and Music Matters Live with HP music festival, which was held in Singapore from May 26th-28th. "The net result, in my opinion, is a sonic masterpiece of loving art, born from the hearts and souls of all the participants, for the sole purpose of helping to relieve the suffering of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami of 2011," said veteran Los Angeles based producer Joseph Curiale, who not only oversaw and mixed the final version, but had a personal attachment to the outcome since he was actually in Japan when the earthquake struck.

The concept for the single was conceived by Branded, the organizer of both the conference and music festival andUniversal Music Group. The Coldplay track was contributed by Universal Music, who will also be intimately involved in promoting and marketing the track. Festival sponsors HP were also a core company involved right from the start of the project and who seeded a number of the bands with HP products whilst on their way to Singapore.

"As the world's second largest music market and number one in the Asia-Pacific, Japan has always been an important territory for us, so it's important for us to address the aftermath of the tragedy. The global music industry has always been integral in international disaster relief efforts and this is our chance to contribute something to help our friends in Japan," said Jasper Donat, President of Music Matters.

Now in its sixth year, Music Matters is a four-day, five-night entertainment industry gathering held in Singapore (www.musicmatters.asia) a global outlook that offers a business gateway to Asia-Pacific, the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami tragedies were close to home and mind as the conference took shape. "Universal Music is committed to the Asian region and is pleased to be part of continued relief efforts for the Japanese people. We will contribute all our receipts associated with this project and are working closely with markets in the region to distribute the track for the benefit of the appointed charities and for Japan," said Sandy Monteiro, President, Universal Music Group (SEA).

For Music Matters' sponsors HP, it was especially important that the charity single move forward smoothly so that relief efforts can continue for Japan's earthquake victims. "Our thoughts continue to be with the people who are rebuilding their lives in Japan. Through this collaboration, music and technology is cutting across borders to unite everyone who wants to lend a helping hand in rebuilding Japan. We would like to thank the artistes for coming together to record this and hope the song will be a source of inspiration for everyone," said Robin Seow, Vice President, Marketing, Asia Pacific and Japan, Personal Systems Group, Hewlett-Packard.

All the performers gave their time willingly and for free in aid of this cause and those who could not be there physically sent in their sections digitally to the producer, Joseph Curiale, who then added them to the mix. Ocean Butterflies offered free use of their recording studios. The American-born Japan-based producer, composer and artist Curiale volunteered his time to produce and arrange the track. He was helped by co-producer Zennon Goh, associate producers Jeff Miyahara in Tokyo and Simple Plan's Sebastien Lefevbre who recorded Simple Plan lead singer Pierre Bouvier in Montreal Canada. The video was produced by Ed Bean and Scott Murphy at Siren Films. "This experience has been so extremely rewarding," said Simple Plan's lead-singer Pierre Bouvier. "Its great to see that by bringing together a small group of people we can actually make a difference. We're looking forward to seeing how this song inspires others to get involved in the rebuilding of Japan."

The track incorporates Japanese instruments like the Koto (national instrument of Japan) and Shakuhachi (Japanese end-blown flute) and features everyone from emerging Asian artists like Singapore music ensemble 53A and Sixx, to music prodigy and guitar whiz Yuto Miyazawa, regional sensations Car Sick Cars (China) and Pentagram (India), as well as established international superstars Simple Plan and Canadian sensations These Kids Wear Crowns andSaidah Baba Talibah. "There were significant logistical challenges in producing this new recording of ‘Fix You'. It required many vocals being sent from a variety of countries in advance, and our having to create an international music mosaic from a distance," said Joseph Curiale.

For 11 year old guitarist Yuto Miyazawa, the track also had special meaning. "I am honored to take part in this wonderful project and very thankful for all of the help and support given to Japan. Ganbarou Nippon! (Stay strong Japan!)", he said.

For one of the charity recipients, "Fix You" will inject a much-needed impetus to the disaster relief efforts. Said Peace Boat Director, Yoshioka Tatsuya: "Peace Boat has been working in Ishinomaki, one of the worst-hit cities, since March 16. It's now three months since the earthquake and tsunami yet many are still living in shelters or are living in their ruined homes without access to hot food. Japan's hot summer is approaching and the affected areas are still strewn with mud and rotting fish and health hazards are increasing. There's so much work to be done and it is too big for Japan to handle alone. We're so appreciative of the support, solidarity and love that have been shown to the people of Japan from all over the world."

"Fix You" was released to a limited audience on Friday 27 May 2011 at the Music Matters conference via the Music Matters App.

The track is now available worldwide and the sale proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society and Peace Boat in Japan. "The devastation in Japan is something I can only imagine to comprehend but I have lost people close to my heart too. Singing those lines in Fix You came from that place of loss and hope. And the belief that we must protect the human spirit especially at its time of need. I can't think of a better song than Fix You to do that," said Aarika from the Singaporean band Sixx.

Latest photos of Coldplay at the Beehive (end-July 2011): [thanks linkmestre]

The Billboard magazine edition featuring Coldplay (20th August 2011) is emerging online and with it, a small unseen article on the thoughts behind the choice of the next Coldplay single, and how it figures in the grand scheme of 'Mylo Xyloto' [pictured]. Below is the article, entitled "Singles vs. Sequencing - an album act in an a la carte business" which delves into the decision making of 'Paradise' over 'Charlie Brown' as the next Coldplay track to be released. After the jump are also some of the pages featuring images and visuals - the rest of the article is the same as was posted yesterday. [thanks svenky]

"We just can't compete in a single world," Chris Martin says. "We're not good enough at singles to do that. So we play to our strength. We have some good singles, sure, but we can't compete with [Lady] Gaga or Beyonce or Justin [Timberlake] if he would only fucking make a record. It's good news for all of us that he isn't, because it gives everyone else a chance, but it's a great loss to music that he doesn't do it."

Coldplay views itself as an "album act," and considers that a badge of honour. "I always say to them, 'You're blessed that you're on that very short list of artists that are measured by their albums, not by singles,"' manager Dave Holmes says. "If you look at Coldplay's history, at our album and ticket sales and then our radio performance, it just doesn't make sense. They're in this unique lane, where we've never had a massive success at radio - I would say moderate success at radio - but then they've had these massive album sales and ticket sales. I'd take that any day of the week. I don't want to be like half the bands on the modern rock charts that, if they're not having hits, they're not selling albums. Coldplay fans, for the most part, want to hear the whole album."

"Consumers have gone to a very a la carte world," EMI executive VP of marketing and promotion Greg Thompson says. "And Coldplay is an album band that makes great bodies of work. The consumption pattern has shifted. You have to go out there and really work it so people understand not to cherry-pick a couple of songs but buy the whole tree."

Holmes says it's simply a matter of dealing with reality. "Any kid growing up today, their experience is an on-demand experience," he says. "It's not like us, where if we wanted to watch 'Happy Days we had to tune in Thursday night at 8 o'clock. Kids today can't even get their heads around that concept. They get their media when they want it, where they want it and how they want it."

The onus is on the artist, Holmes says. "It's up to them to make better art," he says. "If you want people to buy your albums, make better albums. We all know what it was like in the 90s, when their manager at the label was, 'As long as we have one single, we are fine," and bench just ship the fucking thing out. You can't do that any more."

Even so, Coldplay puts a lot of thought into which songs should be singles; most recently the debate was whether to follow up summer track "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" with the catchy "Charlie Brown", heard all over the world this summer at festivals, or the big, bold narrative that's "Paradise", a key plot advancer in the entire concept of Mylo Xyloto. "There was a debate between Charlie Brown and Paradise as to which to go with next and for the longest time we were thinking Charlie Brown," Holmes says. "But then just recently we thought, 'You know what? That's probably exactly what people expect to hear as the next Coldplay song. Lets go with Paradise.'"

An obsession of the LP generation, sequencing, for the iPod generation, is a dying art form. Not for Coldplay. "We're going to spend the next four weeks arguing about it. You can ruin a song by putting it in the wrong place," Jonny Buckland says. "But if people want to listen to our songs in whatever order they want, we're just grateful that they are listening."

As Coldplay finishes the new album Mylo Xyloto, a candid and detailed conversation with Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and manager Dave Holmes about harvesting the best songs, executing a bold global plan-and choosing to create without fear, writes Billboard, in one of the longest and best Coldplay articles we have seen for quite some time. The following article follows on from Chris Martin's Q&A interview seen earlier. [thanks to Katie at Billboard for permission to use the following article]

He offers a Perrier. In his dressing room, prior to a gig at UCLA's Los Angeles Tennis Center, Coldplay's Chris Martin is polite and engaging, showing no signs that he and his bandmates are neck-deep and under the gun in the painstaking process of completing the next Coldplay album.

Titled "Mylo Xyloto" and due Oct. 24 worldwide (except for North America, where it will debut Oct. 25) on Capitol Records, the album will be Coldplay's fifth, and comes at a critical juncture for a band entering its second decade. This will be its first record in three years, and not only does the band's loyal fans crave new music, but the industry at large is looking for more evidence that Coldplay is indeed still on an upward trajectory as an international mega-band with decades of staying power...

"Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" (2008) debuted at No. 1 and has sold 2.8 million units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the tour in support of it grossed more than $126 million and moved more than 1.7 million tickets to 94 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore.

Embarking on a new cycle, spirits, like expectations, are high. "We've been together long enough that I know how everyone else is feeling, and it makes me excited when I feel the others are excited," Martin says. "They seem pretty fired up. I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it." This is global go-time for Martin and Jonny Buckland (guitar), Guy Berryman (bass) and Will Champion (drums), as the band and its team transition from showcasing choice songs at festivals to teeing up the launch of the record in earnest. Of course, they have to finish it first.

This gorgeous evening in Los Angeles, the members of Coldplay are completely immersed in this still-evolving project-to the point of mixing the romantic ballad "Us Against the World" that very day. That one is "a keeper," Martin says. But the fate of other songs that the band has written and recorded since "Viva la Vida," including the eight heard by Billboard prior to the show, is very much in play.

"Because we haven't sequenced it yet, the goal is to leave it in a peaceful place when we finish it," Martin says. "The hope is for the record to be free from any musical kind of box. It very much comes from the Brian Eno professorship of, 'Go anywhere. As long as it's you guys, you can go anywhere.'"

It's an album destined to be filled with emotive, ambitious soundscapes that while true to the band's sound also furiously pushes limits and strives to convey big themes-all this in a marketplace dominated by singles. "Mylo Xyloto" is a concept album at its core. "A story... loosely a kind of romance in an oppressive environment," Martin explains, adding that (as of now) the "love story" will have a happy ending-depending on sequencing.

What this record will ultimately be is a fluid thing today, but Buckland, reclining in a stadium seat shortly after sound check, believes-"hopes" might be a better word-that the record is 90% done. How will he know it's finished? "We stop worrying," Buckland says. "I'm still worrying about what songs are going to get on. We're not worrying about whether we've got enough-more that we've got slightly too many, and which ones we should put on."

The band has already narrowed the field of songs in contention, or versions of those songs. "These are the edits of edits of edits," Buckland says of the album's current status. "It's a brutal process of writing lots of songs, recording lots of songs, and all of those songs having different ideas on them. That's why it takes us so long. We write 70 songs to get 10."

Some songs are already familiar to fans from festival appearances and aural previews, including the relentlessly effervescent first track, "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall"; the shimmering, syncopated "Charlie Brown"; and "Major Minus," an ominous, thundering beast of a song with rattling guitars, potent (and rare) Buckland solos and restless, shifting musical patterns. Those three songs, along with others like the bold anthem "Paradise" (the first "proper" single from the record, due Sept. 12); the broad, bass-heavy "Up in Flames"; and the textured romance of "Us Against the World" seem destined to appear on Mylo Xyloto. But another uptempo track, "Hurts Like Heaven," and particularly the "Major Tom"-meets-Sinatra exercise of "Moving to Mars" could potentially (tragically?) end up on the scrap heap.

Of "Mars," Buckland says, "I like it," before quickly adding, "It probably won't make it. It was just one of those ones. There was a period where it all worked, then it sat for a bit, we threw [out] lots of ideas, brought them together, pulled them apart, put them back on. We always like the beginning... that intimate sound. And we thought, 'Where can we take it? What can we do?'"

Such is the Coldplay way, where the life expectancy of sonic gems is tenuous at best. "It's a process of throwing as many ideas as we can at things until you finally get one or maybe two that you like-and even then it's a process of editing," Buckland says. "You keep trying new things until you get to the one that lasts. We're more thorough with it now than we've ever been, more brutal with each other's ideas."

So "Mars," a B-side on "Every Teardrop," will likely be collateral damage. "At the moment, there's about four different incarnations in the track listing," Martin says. "I'm a little bit lost today on what to leave off."

"Major Minus," on the other hand, seems solid as an integral part of the album's concept. "I don't think we'll leave that one off, because it's supposed to be a sort of villainous, dark piece," Martin says. "The baddie. The Bond villain, an Orwellian thing. It came from reading 'The Road' from Cormac McCarthy."

Longtime band manager Dave Holmes says there's a lot of "internal discussions" these days on what to include on the record, complicated by the fact that "they don't want to have long albums. After "X&Y" [in 2005], which I think they felt was probably, in retrospect, a few songs too many, they're adamant about keeping the albums short," Holmes says, adding that the record will probably include 10 songs. "That presents a problem for us in the inner circle, because we all have our favorites." All agree the record will clock in at less than 50 minutes, and Martin says they'll finish 13 songs.

Expectations are huge. "This album could be career defining," says Holmes, a man not given to hyperbole. "Laurels have not been rested upon. They took it up a notch, they challenged themselves, and the music I've heard has been nothing short of spectacular and next-level. They've made a record they're proud of. This band is never cocky. But there is a quiet confidence."

Then Buckland adds: "We're as good as we've ever been, at least."

The fact that the band has road-tested many of these songs-a strategic move by Holmes that's supported by the label-seems to be aiding the creation process. In fact, in addition to "Every Teardrop," and an EP, 'Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,' that added "Major Minus" and "Mars," several songs have trickled out through live performances at major festivals like Glastonbury in the United Kingdom, Fuji Rocks in Japan, Splendor in the Grass in Australia and Lollapalooza in the United States.

"I watch a lot of other records and how they're being set up," Holmes says, "particularly rock records, and I keep seeing people do the same thing: one single six weeks before the album, then launch the album. That model's dead. For rock albums in particular, you have to take a longer approach, invite people to the party, bring them in. Because media is so fragmented, and there are so many places you have to touch people. Historically you only had a few outlets."

The setup for "Mylo Xyloto" began in June for an October release. Very unusual. "It's riskier when you go out with one song and throw all your chips down on that one song," Holmes says. He likens the current plan to a Japanese music model. "You have three singles, and then the album is almost the end of the campaign. You work up to the album." Holmes sees that trend happening in the West, particularly in hip-hop, "Kanye [West] being the best example last year with his record. There were three or four songs out leading into that album. That builds the excitement level up... there's this anticipation."

The "launch of the launch" began at the Rock Im Park festival in Nuremberg, Germany, in early June: Coldplay played six new songs. "That was something the band didn't really want to do at first," Holmes says. "But I said, 'The worst thing we could do is go out and play the hits. Let's do a global festival run, and look at them as giant buzz gigs. Let's just go out and make a great performance... let the music do the talking, play new songs and get people talking about the fact you're playing new music. Even if it's polarizing.'"

The band has played new music this summer, including two songs this night, at a benefit for the Grammy in the Schools program, that were beamed out Aug. 3 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," but the members haven't talked about it-until now. "We're literally only talking about the album now, and it's August," Holmes says. "We haven't been talking about the street date, what kind of album it is. And it's doing exactly what my hope was. There's a tremendous buzz. The full-court press is really going to start happening now, with this event and [billboard's] cover."

The rather quiet release of songs, paired with the band's "aggressive, almost promotional touring," as EMI executive VP of marketing and promotion Greg Thompson puts it, was intentional. But rather than simply release these songs into the ether, "you maximize that impact by calling attention to the availability of that music, by really taking advantage of it virally around the world," Thompson says.

Though it seems a risky business, as the new songs are prolific on YouTube and elsewhere, the payoff is global. "There are pros and cons to things in life, and one of the pros of the world we live in with the Internet is it has become a very small world, so if the band chooses to play a new song on a stage in Japan or Germany, it can go around the world very fast," Thompson says.

"The band has a great following and loyal fan base, and feeding that fan base through viral opportunities, as well as traditional partners like radio and video channels, the press, and creating a couple of videos to bring these songs to life, all of that adds up to giving people a lot of exposure to a band who could easily take [its audience] for granted. But they've chosen to go the other direction and make sure they over-serve their core with lots of music-so they know what they're getting."

Miles Leonard, president of Coldplay's London-based label home Parlophone (he was instrumental in signing Coldplay in 1999 as the label's then-head of A&R), thinks the approach suits the band. "Some artists or labels shy away from allowing their artists to play unreleased music live... we saw it as a brilliant way of building excitement," Leonard says. "It will be to our advantage come October that [fans are] familiar with the songs because they've been at the shows or listened to them online. We're excited about people hearing more than just one single before they have to want to purchase an album."

One wild card: Are the band members ready to play these songs in front of millions? Leonard believes, and videos from the shows confirm, they are. "Even though we're still mixing some of those songs... they've rehearsed them up and obviously they've been recording them," he says. "They wanted to say, 'Look, here's what we've been up to... we hope you like it.' You have to embrace these situations, not shy away from them."

In the end, the band seems to have benefited. "That's been brilliant; the best thing we could have done," Buckland says. "In this age of YouTube and instantaneous availability, it's kind of terrifying, because... whatever mistakes you make or whatever bad ideas you have are stuck. But it's... also made us make decisions, and made us feel different about certain songs." So, in a way, fan response, along with a song's viability onstage, have affected the very course of the record: "How we mix it," Buckland says, "how we feel about what tracks should go where and which tracks should be on the record."

Working without a net, though, does have its challenges, as at the band's monumental performance at Glastonbury when a first run at "Us Against the World" faltered in front of the Glasto masses and millions more through BBC and VH1 TV watchers. The group good-naturedly gave it another go, making for a special moment in a performance full of them. "We have a rule," Martin says, laughing and shaking his head, "that one fuck-up is charming, but any more than that is unprofessional."

BIG PLANS

If the ultimate makeup of "Mylo Xyloto" is in flux at the moment, the plan is solid at the macro level. "This is my favorite part," Holmes says. "The setup and looking at opportunities, gauging which ones we'll do, and how we should do them, and when."

"Paradise" will be the Sept. 12 iTunes preorder "instant grat" track. The Oct. 24 release date will be followed by tickets for a world tour tentatively set to begin next April (the band will first play a brief U.K./Euro arena run in December) to go on sale shortly thereafter.

"Historically, I would have the tour start roughly four weeks after the album," Holmes says. "This time it's more of a promo-based campaign... this whole fall is dedicated to television and promotion. It's a different approach for us." A broad range of TV appearances are in the works, many first-timers for Coldplay that'll not only surprise longtime fans but also likely create new ones.

Putting tickets on sale around the album release is a tactic Holmes has employed successfully. "It's a risk I took early on because... we're not one of those bands that has to have two singles out before we put the tour up," he says. "The guy who bought the record is probably going to buy the ticket, so make it all happen in roughly the same time frame." Holmes adds that he has "never taken great risks" on the touring side, tending to be conservative on the size of venues and ticket prices, particularly the latter. "If other people were potentially representing [Coldplay], they would have pushed this band into much higher ticket prices," Holmes says. "We've never crossed $100. The highest ticket price is usually around $90 for the P1s. Our average ticket price is about $65."

Coldplay won't top the $100 mark this time, either. "We could easily go $125 a ticket and I don't think our fans would be too offended by it," Holmes says. "But there's something that happens when you go into that place. You become one of 'those acts.' And I won't. It's not about the money, it's about [wanting] to be around in 20 years still doing this."

As such, though he'll likely work with them, Holmes won't be accepting a global tour offer from Live Nation or AEG Live. "I've never felt the need to do a deal with a touring company, because I'm not looking for the big check," he says. "I'm not going to them and saying, 'I want $200 million to make it work,' because... the ticket prices are going to be in the stratosphere... that's how you make it work."

If all goes as planned, global touring will take place from next spring until late summer 2013. The band will jump back and forth between North American and European legs first and play Latin America and Australia later. New for the band will be a deeper run into Eastern Europe, playing new markets like Finland and Russia. Two October 2011 stadium shows in Johannesburg are already sold out.

In 2012, Coldplay will play arenas, festivals and stadiums, and will venture into stadium waters in North America more than ever in the past, according to Holmes. The manager is playing it close to the vest now in terms of promoters. "I've done a lot of work with Live Nation, and I like AEG, and Simon Moran [sJM] will always be our guy in the U.K.," he says. "Simon is someone who I consider a partner for me in the U.K. with Coldplay. I trust his instincts. He's much more than a promoter to us."

FROM COLDPLAY TO THE WORLD

The launch of "Mylo Xyloto" is reflective of both the band's global popularity and today's marketplace. "We live in a world where people are going to want the new Coldplay record the same moment anybody else in the world has is it," EMI's Thompson says. "There's that 'immediate gratification' factor. You've got to serve everybody at the same time."

But the rollout has its challenges; the biggest of which is, "You can't physically be everywhere on street date, so that's why this advance promotion is so key in igniting the fan base," Thompson says. "[Coldplay have] chosen to do that work upfront."

The album will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats. The 25,000 vinyl editions will include a 12-inch-by-36-inch poster. A limited-edition pop-up version will also be available-in that: a book with graffiti pop-up art designed by David A. Carter, vinyl and CD, as well as photographs and journals.

With nearly three months until street dates, Thompson says retail aspects are still being locked in. "I can't talk about it except to say we're trying to create a great partnership with every vendor we do business with," he says. "We did the iTunes Festival in London as part of our whole buildup to street date with iTunes and the iTunes customer. You'll see similar things done with physical retailers around the world in different ways."

Thompson says the album will be issued in one physical and one digital format for all partners, and there are discussions on some sort of deluxe edition. At this point, no retail exclusives confirmed. "We're trying to avoid that," Thompson says. "Because this is a global band and that's sort of a Pandora's box." When Coldplay played the iTunes Festival in July, the band was placed prominently on the iTunes storefronts around the globe. That led to significant increases for the single and EP at iTunes, the latest win in what has been a fruitful partnership for both.

"When the new-media departments started at the labels back in the early 2000s and the new-media guy was the geek in the corner that no one really listened to in the marketing meetings, I got to know that guy really well, and I started to build my relationships with companies like iTunes," Holmes says. "I knew this was where it was going. I got the band in early with iTunes. We've built a truly unique partnership with the retailer, and I'd say we have the same type of relationships with Walmart, Starbucks and Amazon as well. With iTunes in particular, because we've been so successful for them . . . they tend to go above and beyond."

Emphasis track "Every Teardrop" is making noise at formats including triple A, modern rock and adult top 40. "There has been some great support on the top 40 side, and this track is already on big radio stations in the top 40 world like [WHTZ] Z100 in New York and [KIIS] Kiss-FM in L.A.," Thompson says. "That's a huge testament to the mass-appeal nature of the song and the band and the event that radio feels about a Coldplay release."

While the ultimate shape of the album is still being determined, "there is a cohesiveness to it," Holmes says. "People will find it all makes sense, but it goes all over the place, as they always do."

The artful, graffiti-themed video for "Every Teardrop" tips how the visual aspects of "Mylo Xyloto" will take shape. "For Coldplay, it's as indie-looking as they'll probably ever be at this stage," Holmes says. "It wasn't a big-budget . . . video; it suited the song and where we're at in the campaign. And you'll see the graffiti in that as a tease to what's about to come with the artwork and everything."

Unlike many managers, Holmes does have input on the artistic side. "I don't want to get involved at the demo stage or the preproduction stage; where I weigh in is when we're closer to mixing... that's when they want my feedback as well," he says. "That's when I'll say, 'That lyric, I don't know, Chris.' We have that kind of relationship... I know I can be brutally honest. He knows I'm not a manager that's living in fear of getting fired if I say the wrong thing. I'm just going to tell him."

The album was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson, with Eno providing "enoxification" (the band's term for his role in the studio) and additional composition. It was recorded at the band's London studios the Beehive and the Bakery. If conceptually Mylo is about romance in a post-apocalyptic society, in terms of sonics, "I suppose the theme would be letting loose musically," Buckland says. "Louder drums, louder guitars, more contrast. Then we wanted to go down to the most intimate moments, then back to the biggest we've ever been."

Martin believes the album is a representation of the band as a whole, not just the singer. "I feel like the limelight is very split, balanced out more than ever, which is a nice thing," he says. "Five albums in, everyone who likes Coldplay, or doesn't like Coldplay, is kind of used to the singer, so the challenge is to try and keep it interesting for the listener. When someone's on the first album, everyone is just excited by the sound of their voice, whether it's Amy Winehouse or Adele or Bono or whoever it is, when it's a fresh voice. When it's the fifth album, everyone takes that bit for granted."

The genesis of the record began with two separate musical visions, according to Buckland. "We had one idea that we'd make an intimate, acoustic record and then we'll make an electric, wild record," he says. "But we all just kind of wanted to make the electric, wild record. And then some of the acoustic things kind of bled in somehow. We still wanted those moments, where you can hear someone plucking the string, you can hear the breathing, you can hear the piano pedal being pressed."

The process of recording "Mylo Xyloto" was different from previous studio projects "only in that we've tried not to be scared," Martin says. "We accept now that anything we do will invite a certain degree of negativity, so instead of letting that constrain us, this time out, it's, 'Well, fuck it. We'll just go for it.'"

Martin points out that Coldplay's ascension occurred at the same time as that of the Internet, where opinions, often negative, proliferate. "At first it was like, 'What the hell is this? Thousands of people who hate you,'" he says. "But then you forget about the people who really like what you do. So the combination of getting over that worry, and working with Brian Eno and Markus Dravs, familiar people, made us feel like we'll just run with it this time and worry about what everyone says later."

Though not a "guitar record" by any stretch, the new album does feature Buckland in unique ways and his presence is felt on "Mylo Xyloto" probably more than any album. "He's a very shy person," Martin says of Buckland. "It makes me giggle to see how many moments he has [on the new record]. We've deliberately kept all of them."

Martin says when the band finished 'Viva la Vida,' "we were all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves when it was like No. 1 or whatever." But he says a letter from Eno put things in perspective. "It said, 'Dear Coldplay. I really think we've made a good record here. But I do think we can do a lot better, and I feel we all need to get back to work as soon as possible, because I feel like Jonny especially is on the route to something and he hasn't got there yet.' We're like, 'Ah, fucking hell, man.' This was like a week after the record came out. So we took the challenge and I feel very proud of [buckland]. He's pushed himself a lot."

Buckland is characteristically understated about his fretwork. "I think I've gotten quite a bit more confident," he says. "A few years ago I had tendonitis in my wrist, so I stuck to playing simple things that I could keep going through. I had an operation, and I can play a bit more now."

Asked how he knows a record is done, Martin says, "When it's taken from our grasp, unwillingly. Every time, we think we'll be done in two weeks, and every time it's right up to the last minute. We know we want it to come out in October, so whenever the last moment that's possible, that will be when it has to be. I find it very hard to deliver an album."

That's not an exaggeration, Holmes says. "Our delivery date is Sept. 9, and they will be in the studio until midnight Sept. 8."

THE NEXT PHASE

"They have the ability to surpass the success they've had, and that's taking into consideration the decline in the market," Parlophone's Leonard says. "They've delivered a unique, special record indeed."

Martin will not forecast what the future might hold for Coldplay. "I always feel like each record is our last, but at the moment I'm in the stage where I really mean it," he says. "I just can't imagine how we would do another one, because we've thrown everything [into this one]. When it's finished, which hopefully should be pretty soon-it has to be pretty soon-we won't have been able to put more work into it, which I guess is the only thing we can really do."

Asked if in two years he'll feel like embarking on this entire process again, Martin says, "I don't know. But I never know. I think it would be bad if I was like, 'Yeah, we've got 15 songs up our sleeves.' I don't have anything left. I feel proud of our band at the moment. We're just so grateful, and very driven. How long that will last, I don't know. I don't know how long you can maintain that kind of focus."

And the pressures Martin feels in creating a new record aren't commercial, or even artistic. "The honest answer is, I want anyone who spends money on us to be really pleased with their purchase," he says. "If you want to speak purely? How I really feel is, we don't make it for us. We don't make it to sell millions, we don't make it to answer critics. We make it so that if you're in a store and you buy our record, or a ticket - like a good sandwich - you go, 'That's good!' That's all it is. And I look to my heroes on both record and live and I think that the people I like the most are the people that are really working for their audience. Bruce [springsteen] being the No. 1 example. I don't really like the whole, 'We're just doing this and if you like it, great.' I don't subscribe to that."

The handwritten note from Coldplay announcing the fifth album, Mylo Xyloto

As we were anticipating since late last night, Coldplay have announced today that the fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-lo zy-letoe), will be released on 24th October 2011 (a day later in the US on 25th October) by Capitol Records. Discuss this news at the LP5 sub-forum now. Below is the Billboard article, who alongside the official Coldplay site, have reported first on the news:

Produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson, with "enoxification" and additional composition by Brian Eno, Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay's first release since 2008's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. Last week in Los Angeles, Billboard heard eight songs recorded for the project, some of which are already familiar to fans from international festival appearances including Glastonbury in the U.K. and Lollapalooza in Chicago. Among those are the relentlessly effervescent first track, Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall; the shimmering, syncopated Charlie Brown; and Major Minus, an ominous, thundering beast of a song with rattling guitars, potent (and rare) Buckland solos, and restless, shifting musical patterns.

Those three songs, along with others like the bold anthem Paradise (the first "proper" single from the record, due September 12th); the broad, bass-heavy Up in Flames; and the textured romance of Us Against the World seem destined to appear on the final version of Mylo Xyloto. Others, including the loungey build-up that is Moving to Mars, could potentially not make the record, according to Billboard interviews with Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland and frontman Chris Martin...

The handwritten note from Coldplay announcing the fifth album, Mylo Xyloto

The band's announcement today reveals Mylo Xyloto will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats. The 180-gram vinyl edition will include a 12" x 36" poster. A special limited edition Pop-Up Album version will also be available, which will include a 12" x 12" hardback book containing graffiti pop-up art designed by David A. Carter, vinyl, CD and exclusive content including photographs, excerpts from the studio diary and the band's personal notebooks. The "reversible" cover art was just revealed at COLDPLAY.COM. Half of the CDs will be packaged with the full color artwork as the cover while the other 50% will have the CD booklet flipped, showing the silver initials "M X" via a die-cut sheet placed over the color image.

Coldplay manager Dave Holmes tells Billboard that a brief run of arenas in the UK and Europe is planned for December of this year, but the band will begin to tour globally in earnest in support of the record beginning next spring. Coldplay's tour in support of Viva la Vida grossed more than $126 million and moved more than 1.7 million tickets to 94 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore.

As they embark on a new cycle, the band's spirits are high. "We've been together long enough that I know how everyone else is feeling, and it makes me excited when I feel the others are excited," Martin tells Billboard. "Maybe I speak too soon, but they don't seem unexcited. They seem pretty fired up. I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it."

Speaking about the musical direction of the record, Buckland says, "I suppose the theme would be letting loose musically; louder drums, louder guitars, more contrast. Then we wanted to go down to the most intimate moments, then back to the biggest we've ever been. We wanted to contain as many interesting ideas as we could fit into 42-and-a-half minutes."

Official Coldplay announcement:

Mylo Xyloto was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson with enoxification and additional composition by Brian Eno. The album will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats. A special limited edition Pop-Up Album version will also be available, which will include a 12" x 12" hardback book containing graffiti pop-up art designed by David A. Carter, vinyl, CD and exclusive content including photographs, excerpts from the studio diary and the band's personal notebooks. The next single from the album is called Paradise. It's coming out on September 12. Mylo Xyloto's reversible cover art is shown below:

According to EMI Music Chile on Twitter, today (Friday) is the day we will find out what Coldplay will be calling their fifth album, along with the cover art for the record. EMI Chile make no reference to the release date or tracklisting. The tweet said "Mañana les contaremos como se llamará el nuevo disco de Coldplay y les mostraremos la portada del quinto disco de los ingleses. Atentos!" which roughly translates into: "Tomorrow [Friday] we will tell you the name of the new Coldplay album and we will show you the artwork."

There has been no further tweet since then, but if anyone was in doubt over the validity of the EMI Chile twitter account, it is part of the EMI Worldwide twitter feed which features embedded on the front page of the official EMI Music website, so there is no reason to suggest that there won't be some kind of announcement in the next few hours. According to some, the news will come via coldplay.com around 11.45am (BST).

You can read some of your comments so far on this development after the jump, or go directly to the LP5 sub-forum and read all the threads relating to LP5... we'd love to hear your thoughts on the new information if and when we hear an announcement... [thanks JM-SP2, Lore & the_escapist]

Okay. Now I'm almost sure tomorrow there will be news. First, Coldplay Peru (they have direct contact with EMI) has been teasing about some announcement "soon", so my first guess was that it was something about the community and nothing relevant about LP5. But now, Coldplay Mexico (who also have contact with EMI) is saying that tomorrow "it's gonna be a very special day" and that we have to stay alert. Of course, it could be about a Latin America Tour but that's hardly possible. [thanks JM-SP2]

Looking forward to the moment in 3 hours when this whole stupid "Mylo Xyloto" stuff will be proved wrong and we will have an album name and artwork that sounds and looks decent... Counting down... [thanks Coldplaying Wombat]

I hate to be pessimistic but I think Chris was just guessing in that interview. As much as I'd love an announcement on the new album, I can't see it happening until at least the end of the month. I hope I'm wrong but that's my view on the situation. [thanks squibby92]

I really hope it's an album announcement with a single as well then they would have time to release a third single before the predicted album date, and I reckon single number three might just be Mylo Xyloto, bring on the catchiest Coldplay tune to date, that we have yet to hear. [thanks Jamesfish]

Whoa whoa whoa, so chris said we'd know the title in 6 weeks, and here we are 6 weeks later about to (supposedly hear the title)...so does that mean Chris was actually...right about something important for once? Hmm...I'm having trouble comprehending this... Isn't this a sign of the apocolypse? [thanks JackZ]

Exciting news! Could make sense. With Viva La Vida they announced the album name and artwork at the end of March and revealed the full tracklisting a couple of weeks later! What are the chances we will all be surprised by the name of the album like last time with Viva La Vida...admittedly it sounded a horrible cheesy name, but boy the album did not disappoint! [thanks howyousawtheworld]

Some people are getting a bit carried away. EMI are releasing the Album Artwork and Title. If they were going to release the Tracklisting, they would have said so. I think the final track listing will be released on Coldplay.com by the band themselves or by Phil, when it has finally been decided. I imagine the artwork is going to look like Chris' piano. All album and single releases have had a theme since AROBTTH. think of the AROBTTH album artwork and how similar the single artworks were. same for X&Y - same Baudot code theme. Viva - the old art workings with paint splashed on the front of the singles. Then look at ETiAW - I imagine the artwork not being too dissimilar in terms of the vibrance and also the font. [thanks Bonus_mosher]

I just went on the ColdplayMexico Twitter, and it seems to be directly affiliated to EMI. Time looks valid too, 5:45 AM Mexico time would mean an 11:45 AM London time, perfect for an announcement. Oh, and the announcement ACCORDING to their twitter will be made on the Coldplay.com website. [thanks carlosdanumba24]

I'm skeptical now with everything that's happened and yet it's related to EMI so how can it be fake? I suppose it really can't. But it's all a matter of time. I hope they are telling the truth. I'm just still distrusting from when we got burned by BBC Radio 4 with that 'interview' they had. Alright. I hate to commit metaphorical CPing suicide here but. I can't help but think they're going to name it after a (great) Marilyn Manson song. This is the New SH** Imagine that. I have no idea what the name will be. I'd like to know but it doesn't tell us much unless they explain it. It could sound like an awful title, be explained, and then be amazingly deep or still suck anyway. And. In the spirit of the ETIAW simlie. If the tracklist isn't included there's a chance I might be shedding some waterfalls so I'd get the barrels ready because you'll all be going over. [thanks Fix42YellowClocks]

One part of me may not like the title ( I had a serious WTF moment when learning about LP4's title ) ...cause, really titles in isolation have no deep meaning to me, but I'm still excited we will be finally getting the news (I hope) . [thanks laga]

EMI Chile's tweet, translating roughly into: ""Tomorrow [Friday] we will tell you the name of the new Coldplay album and we will show you the artwork."

Join the 'Coldplaying VII' fantasy league before the new English Barclays Premier League kicks off on 13th August 2011!

Code to join: 145106-47842

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

August 11, 2011 - submitted by Laura, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle: I read somewhere that the release date of Coldplay's new album is going to be 10/10 or October 10th. I'm pretty sure this person just made that up based on the fact that MX in roman numerals is 1010. It does sound probable though. Is there any way this is true? Thanks! much love :)

The Oracle replies:

MX, as you say, means 1,010 in roman numerals but that's not ten ten to me; it's one thousand and ten which is completely different. The album isn't out on 10/10 or any other combination of those numbers. MX has nothing to do with numbers.

August 11, 2011 - submitted by Keith, United States of America

Q. Dear wise Oracle who knows all about Coldplay an other stuff, Do you go to all of Coldplay's concerts? Because I noticed that less questions were answered during Coldplay's performance day at Lollapalooza.

The Oracle replies:

Friday is Team Oracle day so taking the time zone into account for Lollapalooza, we were hurtling towards Saturday and I don't work weekends (apart from one day in Latin America when I forgot what day it was). I don't tour with the band. The only full tour I attended was the aforementioned Latin America tour in 2010. I've done many one - three day shows overseas too but I am not "needed" on the road so it doesn't make sense for me to go.

August 11, 2011 - submitted by Alex, United States of America

Q. In-ear or over-ear headphones? I can never decide...

The Oracle replies:

If I had the money, I'd opt for a high quality over ear. It's not ideal putting things inside your ear...

August 10, 2011 - submitted by Luke, United States of America

Q. In Lollapalooza's video of Fix You, around 19 seconds in, you can see a lady translating for the deaf. Was she with Lollapalooza or does she travel with Coldplay? There's just something incredibly wonderful about seeing a signer at a concert.

The Oracle replies:

There was indeed an American Sign Language interpreter at

August 10, 2011 - submitted by Evan, United States of America

Q. If I theoretically won the lottery and had multi-million dollar winnings, would Coldplay come play in my backyard for 2 million dollars? That's like 3.5 million pounds! Sincerely a day-dreaming Coldplay fan.

The Oracle replies:

No, they wouldn't but theoretically, if you won that much on the lottery you could go to every concert they'd ever play wherever in the world...

August 9, 2011 - submitted by Marielle, Canada

Q. Hello Oracle, I was watching the news and saw that there is a riot in London. Is everything okay over there, what does the band think of it, what do you think of it?

The Oracle replies:

Everything is not ok but thank you for asking. I actually haven't spoken to the band but everyone is shocked and appalled by the rioting that is spreading to other areas of the U.K. Last night I was with a couple of people who work with the band and we'd got together for a catch-up. Before long we became aware of a young girl who was working in floods of tears. Not only were we watching it unfold on the news channel but we witnessed phone calls coming in with updates that the rioting was literally round the corner from us. It felt like we were in a very bad film. It still does feel like that...

August 8, 2011 - submitted by Blair, United States of America

Q. In the Archive videos where Mags joins Chris onstage in Oslo 19.09.08 what song was Chris singing?

The Oracle replies:

They were performing a-ha's classic hit

August 8, 2011 - submitted by Jordan, United States of America

Q. Hey all-knowing Oracle, I was looking for Coldplay videos on YouTube and found one of them doing a cover for Amy Winehouse's Rehab. Is it possible that you'll make that an actual track, or will we have to hope someone gets better sound quality when they record it at a concert?

The Oracle replies:

Coldplay didn't do a cover of Rehab per se, Chris just sang the chorus refrain at the start of Fix You at a couple of recent shows. You can see a clip in the latest 42 blog.

August 4, 2011 - submitted by Emily, Mexico

Q. Q. Hi Oracle! I know that Coldplay has a version of Billie Jean played at iHeartRadio, but at the beginning of the video Chris wrote their initials and above it a drawings like little faces? And what does the guys said at the first. It's something like: Guy: Hi we're Coldplay... And then I don't understand anything. Thanks Oracle!

The Oracle replies:

As the radio station is called iHeartRadio they are saying "I heart" as in I Love* followed by things they love. Shame we don't hear what Guy loves, as he's introducing the band but here's what they say: Guy - Hi, we're Coldplay; Chris - I heart table tennis; Jonny - I heart Sherlock Holmes; Will - I heart radio (technically it's not that Will necessarily loves radio, he's plugging the station!) * That image is a TOTAL co-incidence so please don't read anything into it. I found it rather amusing, that is all...

August 4, 2011 - submitted by Lorenna, Brazil

Q. Dear Oracle, Unfortunately, I didn't get tickets for the Rock in Rio Festival, in Rio de Janeiro, where Coldplay will perform on October 01. But there is a promotion of a brand of gum that can give you tickets to the Rock in Rio if you have a code that comes into their products. I really need to go to this festival and see Coldplay. Do you think I should try and participate in this promotion or it is waste of time? Thank you.

The Oracle replies:

If you like their brand of gum and have the money spare to buy it, sure, why not?

There's saying, "you've got to be in it to win it" and I always add to that, "someone's got to win, why not me?" If everyone thought entering competitions was a waste of time, no-one would win anything. C'mon! Positive mental attitude Lorenna! You never know... it could be you.

August 3, 2011 - submitted by Alex, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle...I come to you frustrated by what I'm very sure is a fraud on Coldplay that people are actually believing. The page Mnemonics and Murals is claiming to be "someone on the inside" dishing out juicy information to hungry fans, when it seems likely to be fake. Would you please clarify to everyone that it's false information and to not get their hopes up, pretty please? Thanks for your time! PS- if it turns out by some chance that it's actually true...I'll eat my hat. Have a lovely day Oracle!

The Oracle replies:

At the moment we have a few hoax websites popping up. The one you mention isn't affiliated to the band in any way and neither is the MX site. Any facebook accounts you may come across are also bogus. The band members do NOT have personal facebook or twitter accounts so any that you see are false. I don't know why people think it's ok to pretend to be someone else. At the expense of others is also cruel not to mention essentially fraudulent.

Lindsay Lohan really does believe her own hype. And by that I mean the hype she must create in her own strange mind, since the rest of us aren't impressed by any of her antics, that is according to the website Handbag, over the weekend. This week she rocked up to the UCLA Coldplay show expecting all the perks her fame should allow her. Sadly, the people in charge of the guestlist had other ideas. Aka, wanting the people backstage to actually have a good time, and not letting her in the VIP area. Here's the jist of The Sun's story, where the original news broke:

Lindsay Lohan reportedly "threw a fit" when she was refused a backstage pass at Coldplay's concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday (3rd August). The 'Mean Girls' star had been given prime seats for the show from Chris Martin but after the gig - which she attended with her sister Ali - she wasn't allowed to hang out with the band.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "When Lindsay was told she wasn't allowed backstage because her pass didn't allow it, she threw a complete fit. She protested to the people running the guest list, hoping they'd change their minds but it was still a firm 'no'. She got even more angry when she found out fellow actress Kate Bosworth was there mingling with Chris' wife Gwyneth Paltrow and the band. In the end she got so fed up, she stormed out."

British actress Kate was at the concert at the UCLA Tennis Center with her new boyfriend Michael Polish, and is said to have been friends with Coldplay - since their early career. Earlier in the evening, Lindsay - who was recent released from house arrest, served in lieu of jail time for taking a necklace from a boutique and violating the terms of probation set for her 2007 conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) - had tweeted to say she was having a great time watching Coldplay. She wrote: "I love Coldplay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! W/my sis :) (sic)."

Maybe if you actually DO SOMETHING for your fame, besides getting arrested, you'll be allowed back into the fold, eh LiLo?

Meanwhile in South America, Avril Lavigne, the Canadian pop singer currently performing on her 'Black Star' tour, was attacked by a fan whilst performing a Coldplay cover during a recent concert in Brazil, according to Contact Music. The singer launched into a rendition of Coldplay's 'Fix You' when an individual leapt onto the stage and ran towards her, reports the New York Daily News.

From the hazy video footage, it is not clear whether the suspect was male or female, but they were tackled by security staff before reaching the singer. The incident drew an audible scream from Avril, who attempted to jump from the piano she was perched on in order to escape. After the attacker had been detained, Lavigne made light of the situation, telling the audience, "Just getting in the moment there. Okay, let's try that again".

No Avril, let's not. Someone's trying to tell you something...

A couple of days ago, we reported the possibility of a European Coldplay tour at the end of December 2011 into the first few months of 2012. We set up a poll to see what you thought of the schedule, headed the MX Tour. In the first few hours we received over 110 votes, and 53% of you think the schedule is real, 47% saying it was fake.

Of course, we won't know until some kind of official announcement is made, but our tour-informant responded again to the furore by saying: "I have just realised that my post has stirred quite a lot of things up. So, this is just to clarify that the tour dates are all absolutely UNCONFIRMED at the moment!!! But it's also not a hoax. Can't say more at the moment. We will have to wait a couple of weeks until the official announcement of the tour."

You can add to the poll with your vote here and also let us know your comments at the Coldplay Live forum now.

Coldplay played the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago last night (5th August 2011) in the final festival appearance before they take a five week break from touring - and hopefully attention now turns to the announcement of their fifth album.

The concert was streamed worldwide live across the internet on Lollapalooza's YouTube channel. The directing was excellent - far better than the previous streamed show at Splendour In The Grass. The setlist returned to the usual festival order with Shiver, Lost! and Violet Hill all returning since the last UCLA show. Once again, Chris Martin performed a cover of the late Amy Winehouse's Rehab immediately before Fix You during the encore. During the show, Violet Hill trended worldwide on Twitter, as it did during Glastonbury. Coldplay appeared to have more guitar troubles - several instruments were swapped mid-song, noteable Chris again threw his guitar away during God Put A Smile Upon Your Face.

Some excellent photos have already been uploaded to Flickr by the LollapaloozaFest account - grab them in original definition now. If you are on YouTube you can rewatch the performance at Lollapalooza's channel via the link above - alternatively if you don't want to wait (we don't have the rebroadcast schedule) You can download, listen and watch again to the streamed recording of the performance via our Multimedia forum where the set has been uploaded in MP3 & MP4 (so far). More live discussion on this show is at the Coldplay Live forum (63 pages and counting - reviews start around page 60 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! [thanks iriden, adrian2425, hadoken_zero, U2ITNOL]

Setlist confirmed):

MX/Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Major Minus

Lost!

The Scientist

Shiver

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Everything's Not Lost

Us Against The World

Politik

Viva la Vida

Charlie Brown

Life Is For Living

-------

Clocks

Rehab (Amy Winehouse tribute)

Fix You

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Photo courtesy of LollapaloozaFest @ Flickr

Just got back to my hotel in chicago. This was my 9th Coldplay show and the most amazing one I have ever seen!i waited at the stage all day to see them(along with alot of other coldplayers, so glad I got to meet alot of you!) The boys were on fire tonight and so happy, the crowd was fantastic. Will post pics and video when I get home next week can't believe I witnessed this amazing show!!! [thanks l0wxo2]

Fantastic show! Wow! What a way to introduce their LP5 stuff to the USA. The crowd were amazing and huge, and full of life. The lighting was possibly the best it's been all season and the boys looked and sounded great. It's hard to believe they aren't seriously jet lagged and tired - but they sure as hell didn't show it! Highlights were Charlie Brown, I loved the fleshed out guitar riff with the keyboard layered over the top. The crowd were amazing during Viva La Vida and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall gave me shivers. Looks like it was a fantastic night for everyone! [thanks Kiame]

They seemed to have a lot of guitar problems right? I feel like Hoppy was crawling around out there a lot and Chris threw his guitar several times... not to look "rock & roll" but because something was wrong with it. [thanks cold_love23]

Wow that was amazing! This was so much better than my show in LA crowd-wise, and also Chris was a bit more interactive that in LA. I would probably have preferred to have been in Lollapalooza. Ah well...I had a fantastic time in my show as well. I liked the part in this show when Chris said "A band of brothers and a crowd like this" I thought the brothers part was sweet. [thanks iduran20]

WOW! It's 4am here and I am still buzzing off ETIAW! They just keep getting better! Hats off to Jonny tonight though...he really stole the show imo! Loved Chris' energy as always..always so bubbly and enthusiastic. His voice sounded great tonight too! LOVE YOU COLDPLAY! Don't ever ever stop making music! [thanks LoversRunnersSoldiers]

Greetings from Melbourne! Just checking in on this one. I watched the entire stream on YouTube - wow. What an improvement over the shocking camera work from Splendour.... The stream was great quality throughout.. near-flawless for me.. the audio mix was very very good, their performance was solid, and energetic. The crowd was great too... Fantastic! [thanks Dagavi]

Jonny ROCKED it tonight. His guitar skills were MIND-BLOWING. Watching this made me have more respect for Jonny as a guitarist than before. The lights were really cool, and the crowd was pretty awesome. They sang along when Chris asked them to and they were full of energy. So were they guys. Chris hit all the notes perfectly tonight and even though he forgot some lyrics during Violet Hill, this performance was awesome. I love Charlie Brown, I think it's going to be a big hit. [thanks ShotsIntheSky]

Great show. One of the best crowds they had so far, Viva and GPASUYF were great with the clapping and singing. Maybe one of Guy's loudest shows , but really good this way. R42, remember that ! And I think the symbols and lines on their shoes are somehow ultra-violet-reflecting, because after one song the stage was dark and you could see their lighting shoes. The only sad thing is that this was their last show in August, so we just wait for the next wonderful-dancy-singing-rocking-epic night only Coldplay can make happen. [thanks dreamorlife]

What an amazing crowd, concert, performance. I almost wish I had dished out the $600 to fly out and attend, but after watching it on youtube, it had the same emotional impact minus the traffic jam and sore feet. =) For shnits and giggles and since this was my 3rd live streamed concert that I've watched, I took my laptop to my piano and played along with the concert from Life is For Living on. I will say, It's kind of cool to be playing along with Chris live and if you've got the chops (I'd like to think I do) and have all the songs memorized then it's quite a bit of fun. Pretty epic Friday night for not leaving the house. [thanks Piano Evan]

I'd rate this concert 8.5/10. I know the boys gave their best tonight and that the set up was extraordinary... but I still missed the crazyness and energy Chris have us (or at least me) used to hear on his singing... something like he did on Splendour In The Grass show, plus there were lots of unexpected problems I believe than on Main Square Festival show, which was really a cause of concern for most of the crowd! Definately a set to have on your iPod! Another Coldplay performance that demonstrates that sounding insane and getting better each time they perform is part of Coldplay virtuosism! Keep up the great work Coldplay and it's team! [thanks Coldplero]

What a difference a day makes. 48 hours ago I was in LA watching what seemed like a different band. Tonight the crowd was amazing, Chris was amped up, Jonny was on fire, and Guy was actually smiling?!? ...... Great energy from the boys tonight....and a very enthusiasts crowd. [thanks kspillers2]

Back into the real world after Lollapalooza. What a show Coldplay turned in on Friday night! But first I must tell you what a wonderful experience it was meeting so many other Coldplayers. Several of us gathered for breakfast and then wandered up to the festival gates, where we were treated to a listen as Coldplay ran through their soundcheck! A few minutes later we were admitted and made the 500-yard dash to the barrier where we set up camp for the rest of the day. Was it worth nine hours in the sun, getting shoved around by some stoners, and minimal bathroom breaks? Absolutely. The guys were on fire and so was the crowd. Chris actually got a little emotional at the end of "Viva La Vida" as we kept the "Woh -oh -ohs" going. Guy was totally relaxed and smiling through most of the gig, and our little group up front made eye contact with him and with Chris at several points during the evening. Jonny completely tore up the guitar solo during GPASUYF - what a master at what he does! (Chris broke a string during that song and threw his guitar off to the side of the stage; Hoppy immediately provided him with another. And there, in the middle of a song, in the middle of singing, Chris said "Thanks" to his roadie.) Unfortunately I couldn't see Will much during the show since the stage was high and he was back a bit. I could only see him as he banged the bell during Viva and during "Us Against The World" which was performed directly in front of us. As one of our group said later, I was proud to be part of this crowd and the guys really appreciated us. "We care about each and every one of you," Chris said, and I believe him. They gave us their all on Friday night and we gave back. It doesn't get better than that. Thanks to all the Coldplayers who shared the day with me on Friday. And thanks to Coldplay, the best band in the whole world. [thanks JillyBlue]

More reviews to follow....!

New photos of Coldplay - Lollapalooza Festival, Chicago, IL (5th August, 2011):

Photos courtesy of LollapaloozaFest @ Flickr

Rumours are spreading that Coldplay will be touring Europe at the end of 2011 and into the early part of 2012, performing in arenas across the continent. According to Coldplayer lerene, the band will be taking in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Portugal and multiple dates in France and Germany. As yet all these dates are unconfirmed and the source is still unknown. Any tour dates, will of course be confirmed via Coldplay.com in due course. If true, you heard it here first!

Websites of the venues are showing the relevant dates as free, with no clashes of other performances/events. The title of the dates appears under the heading, MX Tour 2011/12. There are no dates showing for the British Isles - but as one Coldplayer pointed out there are gaps where dates could be slotted in, as well as additions prior to the first date, and beyond the last. Whether the tour turns out to be true, or just a well-planned and elaborate hoax, it's something else to talk about while we wait for a long-awaited announcement about the fifth album, which according to recent Coldplay interviews, could come at any time. Chris Martin said to Ryan Seacrest at the end of June that in six weeks we would hear something on LP5. Well, those six weeks are *almost* up!

Read on after the jump for a full list of (unconfirmed!) dates, some of your comments so far, and interestingly, what the tour schedule would look like on Google Maps...

European MX Tour 2011/2012 - NOT CONFIRMED YET - STILL A RUMOUR!

18.11.2011 Ericsson Globe, Stockholm, Sweden

19.11.2011 Spektrum, Oslo, Norway

22.11.2011 Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, Denmark

23.11.2011 O2 World, Hamburg, Germany

25.11.2011 Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands

28.11.2011 O2 World, Berlin, Germany

01.12.2011 TUI Arena, Hannover, Germany

03.12.2011 SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany

05.12.2011 Zenith Europe, Strasbourg, France

07.12.2011 Lanxass Arena, Cologne, Germany

09.12.2011 Sportpaleis, Antwerpen, Belgium

13.12.2011 Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy, Paris, France

16.12.2011 Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland

19.12.2011 Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria

21.12.2011 Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany

06.01.2012 O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic

07.01.2012 Budapestarena, Budapest, Hungary

14.01.2012 Mediolanum Forum, Milan, Italy

18.01.2012 Halle Tony Garnier, Lyon, France

20.01.2012 Park&Suites Arena, Montpellier, France

23.01.2012 Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain

26.01.2012 Palacio de Deportes, Madrid, Spain

28.01.2012 Pavilhao Atlantico, Lisbon, Portugal

Your latest comments...

One date in Italy and 2198457673 in Germany, are they freaking kidding me? So much for always be at number one here, even now on iTunes with X&Y in the alternative album charts (and all the other three in the top ten). I really really hope that is fake, cause I would be seriously pissed off otherwise. I'm half believing it and half not (or better don't want to)..we will of course need to wait for any official announcement. The sum of the distances between Mannheim-Strasbourg-Cologne-Antwerpen-Paris is basically the same that there is between Palermo (Sicily) and Milan...what a fair geographical distribution. It's always like this, every band going only to Milan and the rest of the country is always forgotten, it's really depressing, no wonder people living in central-southern Italy prefer to fly to London or other countries, it would cost as much if not less. [thanks iriden]

This one 25.11.2011 Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands: seems available, nothing booked for 25th. There is something planned for the 26th. Nothing else booked for 19th till the 25th, so this one seems to be a possibility. [thanks Kroket]

I had already heard about a concert in SdF Paris on 13th of December but i thought it wasn't true. I'm waiting for tickets to be released if it's true. [thanks FixYougirl]

I hope it's not true cos on the 19th December they have to play a charity gig in a tiny venue somewhere in the UK. It's tradition. Plus as it was just pointed out by Laura on Twitter the schedule makes absolutely no sense. For example: 03.12.2011 SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany; 05.12.2011 Zenith Europe, Strasbourg, France; 07.12.2011 Lanxass Arena, Cologne, Germany; 09.12.2011 Sportpaleis, Antwerpen, Belgium; 13.12.2011 Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy, Paris, France; ... There's no way they'd schedule it like that, they'd do each country in turn. They can fly in and out all they want, but their crew can't, would have to make sense when travelling on the road. I'm calling bullshit. 100%. [thanks Mimixxx]

Well if this turns out to be real, WTF?! I mean what's with the 308908374 dates in Germany?! And it's two dates in Spain and shitload of dates in France and stuff, but just one in Italy?! And I thought they didn't have enough gigs here... [thanks coldplay_are_forever]

Especially for the only one date in Italy... if this "tour" is true, they're are going to add more dates, at least here in Italy (Bologna? Turin? Rome?), it's impossible they've so many gigs in France/Germany... [thanks Marchez94]

There's a lot of free dates in December and January that could be filled by new gigs... we have to wait, anyway for every rumour there's a slight percentage of truth... [thanks coldpatrix]

so far it's not impossible... the venues are not unlikely and the route is not illogical (if you know a bit of geography, it's good to go from Mannheim to Strasbourg first befor heading to Cologne, because Strasbourg is very close to the border, few hundred kilometes from mannheim. it's a trip of very few hours on the road, whereas cologne is a lot further north). [thanks princesanji]

I wouldn't go as far as calling it bullshit. It's not completely unrealistic ... In a logistic manner, it's always best to choose the shortest distance between two spots or schedule a tour by the availability of the venues and then short distances. Mannheim - Strasbourg are around 150 km; Strasbourg - Cologne are 360 km; Cologne - Antwerpen are 225 km; Antwerpen - Paris are 350 km. So not really that far even though they cross different countries. It's just a simple 'north-to-south' schedule, IMO. But of course we still don't know whether these dates are accurate or not so it's just complete speculation. I'm pretty sure they will play Paris Bercy more than once and also the Ahoy in Rotterdam. Plus dates/concerts are most of the time up to the promoter not up to the band. A promoter needs to make sure to be able to sell out the concerts at a certain location (okay, with Coldplay probably not really a big risk ), so they would only choose cities/venues which may apply to that. And I'm pretty sure this tour is going to be continued after Portugal, with more dates. [thanks LittleMissMessy]

On the one hand, it seems weird to tour the same countries again in a few months. There were festivals this summer in a majority of those listed countries... The Viva tour started right after the album was released, but there were not almost 30 gigs right before the release... But on the other hand, why would anyone put so much effort to make a list of dates and venues if it wasn't true... Oh well, we just have to wait and see. [thanks wisna]

The VLV Tour started June 15, 2008 - the album was released 6/11. So 5 days. Now, if the album really gets released on October 24th, as stated by several magazines, and the first concert would be mid-November - then that's more than 3 weeks. And I would call that "slightly longer". I'm not sure whether to believe in those dates. They seem pretty accurate. And why would anyone make up those very possible dates? But still, lerene doesn't make any effort to let us know where he got those dates from... [thanks LocoMH]

After the "festival tour" (let's call it that) :-) finishes in South Africa on October 8, the album comes out end of October. The European Arena tour starts about a month later, i. e. end of November / beginning of December. This will be quite an exhaustive tour, therefore I supppose they will play more cities in countries like France, Germany, Italy etc as well as arena shows in other countries like Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Russia etc. After the European leg ends towards spring 2012 (around March), they will play arenas in the US and Canada. They then will return to Europe for summer stadium shows. I suppose they won't play any festivals in 2012, only their own stadium shows. And then if all goes according to plan, the tour will continue until the end of 2012.... That's the way it will be. The European arena tour will end in the UK in March 2012. And there will be also stadium shows in the UK in the summer (August) 2012. [thanks lerene - from July]

What the tour schedule would look like viewed in chronological order on Google Maps... [thanks iriden]

When Coldplay take the stage this Friday to headline opening night for Lollapalooza 2011 the world will be watching. YouTube will stream Coldplay's headline set beginning at approximately 9.30pm (ET), which is 8.30pm (CDT). Catch all the latest discussion and previews to the concert at the Coldplay Live forum now (includes real-time chatroom embedded into first post!). Here's Anchorman with the details:

On Friday night this week (Aug 5th), Coldplay will headline Lollapalooza festival in Chicago's Grant Park. We're very pleased to report that the show will stream live worldwide on YouTube*. The webcast can be seen at www.youtube.com/lollapalooza at approximately 8:30pm CT / 6:30pm PT / 2.30am UK time (click here to find out what time it is where you are). Highlights of the show will also be available afterwards. *Apart from Germany. Sorry Germany (not our decision).

When VH1 and Palladia presented a telecast of Coldplay's Glastonbury performance earlier this summer, it was the first time in the history of the festival a band's entire set had been televised in the US. Coldplay received high praise from the UK press for the quality of their show - tonight should be no different. "For those of us who can't make it — we have YouTube," said Lolla founder Perry Farrell in a statement to the Associated Press. "Be a voyeur to this year's Lollapalooza. Watch as musicians offer their souls and the crowd devours them. You just may forget that you aren't really there."

The stream begins 1:30pm PT on Friday Aug 5, and runs through Sunday. The sold-out three-day music festival was getting final touches to its set up and kicks off Thursday night with a charity gala. Crews have been busy this week, working into the night to get everything ready. The 20th annual music festival opens to the public Friday. It’s Lolla’s seventh year in Chicago and the biggest event yet.

The sold-out festival is expected to draw about 270,000 people to Grant Park over its three-day run. "I've been to festivals all around the world, the accommodations are not so good, but in this case, it's laid out so nicely. It's a beautiful city and that skyline is very special." Lollapalooza Founder Perry Farrell said. This year's headliners include Eminem, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse and Cee Lo Green. Several streets around Grant Park have been shut down for the weekend. Thursday night, Galapalooza will be a special charity event, and all proceeds will go to Park District programs. Lollapalooza’s arrival this year has not been without some controversy. The mayor's office told WBEZ that the city will review why the music festival has been exempt on paying amusement taxes for seven years. Being tax exempt this year alone is an estimated tax giveaway of more than $1 million.

A report earlier this week revealed Mayor Richard M. Daley's nephew Mark Vanecko helped negotiate the contract, which is renewed annually. Vanecko represente a company called "C3 Presents, which promotes and co-owns Lollapalooza. The other owner is William Morris Endeavor, the talent agency run by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's brother Ari.

Meanwhile, as we tweeted yesterday, there will be no confetti for Coldplay's show, that is according to the Chicago Tribune, who wrote an article on the effects used in Coldplay's show. They said that the city of Chicago will "not allow the mess" that the confetti causes. Read the full article at the Coldplay Live forum now. Here is an exerpt of the article:

One of the company's longest collaborations has been with Coldplay, which headlines Lollapalooza Friday in Grant Park. The guys from Strictly FX will be behind the scenes, per usual, setting off fireworks and lasers for a show they helped design. "All bands want their audiences to walk out saying, 'That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen,'" Grega said. "The first thing people ask is, 'What's the newest thing?' That's all anybody wants." Lasers will play a big role at Friday's show. Fog machines are necessary in order to make the lasers more visible in the air, and during a preview at Strictly FX's offices the fog added to the overall effect: the combination of the laser's flat beam of light and the swirling fog overhead looked like liquid wallpaper. (By law lasers must be kept 9 feet above the floor or ground, to prevent eye injuries.) Sometimes the pressure to create a spectacle can lead to softer, more whimsical moments, such as the "butterfly" confetti that became a trademark of Coldplay's previous tour. It required 30 confetti machines (compared with the standard two or three) in order to completely douse the venue each night. (There will be no confetti at Friday's outdoor show, however; the city of Chicago will not allow the mess.)

Related article: Lollapalooza schedule pits Coldplay vs. Muse on August 5th

Catch all the action on Lollapalooza's live stream, hosted by YouTube

Workers on Thursday hoist a balloon with 8,000 watts of light inside, which will be used at night for Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

You won't be seeing this stuff during Coldplay's set, if you believe the Chicago Tribune

Coldplay played a special one-off show at LA's UCLA Tennis Center venue last night (Wednesday, August 3rd). The net proceeds from the show, which is part of the Samsung AT&T Summer Krush concert series, went to benefit the GRAMMY Foundation's GRAMMY in the Schools music education initiative for high school students. Selected highlights from the concert (namely Charlie Brown and Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall) aired at midnight the same evening on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! show. Both those songs were played twice, once for the show and once in the usual festival setlist. Omitted from the setlist were Violet Hill, Shiver and Lost!

Chris, Guy, Jonny and Will appeared via a satellite link before the show. You can watch the short interview short interview at the Coldplay forum now (also includes the performances of the two featured songs). Host Jimmy Kimmel explained why the band chose to debut the songs in the US on his show. "For those of you who don't know, Coldplay were the very first band to play on our show way back in January 2003." He added, "And they haven't been heard of since.", to which Chris replied, "Will worked for Fedex and the rest of us opened a pet store." The star-studded crowd at the gig included actresses Lindsay Lohan and Kate Bosworth. ETIAW and Charlie Brown are available to download from the Multimedia forum now (also in 720p HD video) [thanks iriden]

More live discussion on this show is at the Coldplay Live forum (65 pages and counting! Reviews start around page 63 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):

MX/Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Charlie Brown (for Jimmy Kimmel Live!)

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (for Jimmy Kimmel Live!)

The Scientist

Major Minus

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Everything's Not Lost

Us Against The World

Politik

Viva la Vida

Charlie Brown (second performance)

Life Is For Living

-------

Clocks

Rehab (Amy Winehouse tribute)

Fix You

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (second performance)

Photo courtesy of Jason-DeBord

Had so much fun at the show. First time hearing Charlie Brown as I didn't seek out any live versions of it. Great song. Love Major Minus! I'll have to check if any of the media I got was any good. Loved every moment of it. Glad I didn't look up the set-list, great surprises along the way. Cheers Coldplay! [thanks y3110w]

Wow...just got home and I must say, that was awesome!! Got a setlist and several pocketfuls of confetti. It was a great concert. I loved that the venue was so small but people weren't really singing out that much, and I was kinda dissapointed that they played Charlie Brown and ETiaW twice and skipped like three other songs, but I don't think it was the band's idea, since they did play Everything's Not Lost and that wasn't on the official setlist. The band sounded really good but Chris didn't do much crazy stuff...there was no laying on the floor and he only asked if everyone was OK once. They were probably pretty jet lagged. Even so it was totally worth it. They are an amazing live band. [thanks CupitorVeritatis]

Very awesome time. My notes: *Super friendly event staff; * The free samsung game prizes were a nice touch; *Kinda dead audience. Sitting or standing, you can at least SWAY or rock back and fourth/stomp; * Saw the guys walk right in front of me from inside the VIP area outside to an adjacent building; * The Winehouse tribute really struck a chord with me, and if you heard the guy scream "AMY", that was me; * On top of the amazing performing of the guys, the lighting and use of color was fun; * ETIAW is a perfect summer concert song. [thanks ACmaster27]

Fun night. The good: Meeting several Coldplayers, Tracey (duh - she stayed with me.) Kelly, Imelda, Julie, Jason, Ro, Heide. Missed finding Erick, but kept in touch by text. Watching two songs soundcheck. Seeing Miller, and other roadies we recognized. Seeing Jimmy Kimmel before he interviewed the band Being in the right place at the right time, and seeing the band walk right past us, on the way to and from the interview. Made eye contact with Will, got a huge smile from Jonny and a wave from Chris. atching my husband come out of the men's room, saying, "Guy was in there." The gorgeous night. The bad: The crowd sucked. A few got into it, but for the most part, people just stood there, sat down or talked or texted. Especially the people behind me, who sat and talked the whole show, standing only for Viva. Chris did very little talking. Didn't seem like he did the usual band shoutouts like he usually does, either. There were a LOT of empty seats. Our $150 seats were horrible. Totally obstructed view. We ended up having a few extra free tickets, and sold them. We kept our bought tickets, thinking the location was good. They were close but our view was totally blocked by the speaker tower and Samsung banner. Great view of Will, but didn't see Guy or Jonny at all. Chris moves around so we got glimpses of him. There was a video screen but the image was reversed, kind of disconcerting to see Jonny playing "left handed." My daughter's seats were next to Kelly's, farther back, but better view, so Tracey squeezed in with them, in the bench seating. Other sections were noted on Ticketmaster as having obstructed views, and the price reflected that, but not Sec 2. So I was very disappointed by that. But it was a fun night. I need to go through my pictures and see if there are any decent ones to share. [thanks lfdianne]

The concert was amazing. It was freaking loud, and UCLA tennis center was such a small venue. Hearing Charlie Brown twice was just awesome. But the crowd was just terrible, I was the only guy jumping and singing all of their songs in section 304 (if you were sitting behind it, you probably saw me jumping like crazy hahahah). Can't wait for the new album, it's gonna be amazing. [thanks Porto]

I just have to repeat it! the crowd sucked!!! i was up the whole time since that Jay-Z was playing. i think i made the people next to me leave. they left after 3 songs and never came back. i was there rocking out and singing the whole time! met another coldplayer. awesome. yellow strawberry i think she was. the show was amazing! Charlie Brown live is GREAT! and getting to hear it twice is even better! same goes for ETIAW! and i met WILL!!!! we got lucky. a bunch of coldplayers were going to meet at Bjs so my friend that goes to UCLA was walking us there and right as we were passing by they were putting barricades up. i convinced my friends to stay. after about an 1 hour, 2 black SUV's rolled up and we freaked out. i'm pretty sure i saw phil too, i yelled for him but he didn't come over. i also saw matt mcginn and yelled for him but he didn't come over. so finally Will comes out. i'm convinced he didn't noticed us standing there. my friend was like "that's fucking Will". i couldn't see him for awhile. then he opened the door to get into his SUV. i knew instantly that it was Will!! so i started yelling "Will! Will! Will!" and he closed the door and came over. everyone said that because of us he came over! he loved my friends jacket "nice jacket, no one ever makes Guy's jacket". to me "nice jacket". we took a pic that i posted and he signed my 2 tickets and i brought my CP Live 2003 which he signed too. nice guy! my only complaint is that most of the people didn't even really know Will or of Will. they were hoping for chris because no one yelled at all until I yelled and everyone yelled. someone was yelling Guy Guy Guy and i was like shut up that is NOT Guy . anyways according to security Chris left really soon after the concert to meet up with Gwyneth. and like i said there were 2 SUV's. as Will was signing for us they got into the other one and left. security said "Will was the distraction". not sure if that true or not. EPIC NIGHT! [thanks gotcheese2768]

Wow what an amazing show!! The crowd like everyone said was lame. I was actually the first person in line for the Priority Access tickets, showed up between 12:30-1. Tickets were handed out in a semi random order. I had amazing seats! It was more luck of the draw because there were people sitting near me that were way back in the line. But no complaints here because it was FREE!! I had originally bought tickets through Ticketmaster and sold them when I got the free pass, and the free ones were many times better than the ones I paid for. The show was amazing, My girlfriend and I were the only ones standing and dancing the whole time in our section. I had my Colplay cherry popped and it was amazing. One of the better concerts I've ever been too. It's been a crazy week for me. Went to LA rising (Rage against the machine, Muse, Rise against) 4 days before too. What a week, Saved the best for last thats for sure. Still buzzing about it! [thanks Aaronkv]

I was so embarrassed by the crowd last night! A majority of them were too snobby (typical LA!) to participate, sing, dance, ANYTHING!! They just stood there recording the concert on their cameras to post on youtube, instead of enjoying it. I couldn't even believe they didn't even know what to do before the encore (CHANT!). I was SO FRUSTRATED and felt like Coldplay deserved a warmer welcome! I'm sorry COLDPLAY!! It didn't stop me from jumping up and down and singing at the top of my lungs from beginning to end! They were phenomenal AS ALWAYS. I hope I'm doing this right, I'm new to this forum! I took my husband, it was his first CP concert and the whole time I was telling him "THIS IS THE SHITTIEST CROWD EVER!" - excluding us true CP fans who actually participated and cheered for them! I was doing the Viva chant too before the encore and the lady next to me was looking at me like I was crazy and I wanted to tell her to take her fake CP fan ass home! If you don't know the encore chant, you are NOT a true CP fan!! [thanks iamcdlac]

I've been to 3 CP shows in LA and I'm ALWAYS embarrassed by the lame crowd! I was in section 13 going crazy the entire time! The guy standing in front of me covered his ears everytime I screamed! Why didn't he just stay home? No encore chant? What is wrong with people?! Right before Viva started I started the Viva chant and people were looking at me like I was crazy! [thanks stephmeye805]

So here's my detailed concert review. First, I was wearing my VLV blue shirt and a fedora hat, so in case anyone saw me. Our seats were Sec. 9, it was a little bit to the right of the stage but nonetheless, smack dab in the middle of the venue. Perfect! I actually was singing out loud and proud to all of the songs. People around me were actually pretty cool enough not to be rude and do stupid stuff during the show. I was standing for most of it, except for the slower songs where I try to sit and maybe rest my voice as well. A good handful of people around me were standing around and was enjoying the concert. However, I noticed that most of the people around the venue were seating down and didn't seem into the songs, especially the non-single ones. Even the ones in the pit didn't seem all that lively. What a shame. Loved that they played Everything's Not Lost. I remember when they pulled out their big drums for VLV, my mom was able to notice it and point it out to me and tell me what they're gonna play. Was actually proud of her for that. Was surprised they didn't play Violet Hill. Still not a big fan of God Put A Smile Upon Your Face. Fix You is still shiver inducing. From my perspective, it was a great concert, maybe minus the crowd but I didn't give much care about them as I wasn't there to see them. [thanks y3110w]

My review?.....exactly what Dianne said! What wasn't cool? Just completely missing many of the coldplayers on the boards here.....Julie!! I was so exhausted from my flight from Chicago. I was catching up with my longtime friend from LA, jabbering like crazy and suddenly it was time to go in and I'd missed meeting/talking to some of the CPers. So Julie, another show for sure!!! What was cool: Coming up on Guy, with security, on the way to the bathrooms hidden in the tunnel. Of course it was so unexpected I could only tell him about being excited for the show. He stopped and acted like he was going to wait for a split second so what do I do? Say "thanks again for the show, we're really looking forward to it" turn and just leave him!!!! So he replies " thanks, we are too" at me as I'm scurrying down the stairs!.... ..am I the BIGGEST idiot around? ( I did have to pee pretty bad). I was afraid Dianne and Tracy would think I was making it up- but her Hubbies subsequent urinal experience trumps them all. Overall, good times on the Coldplaying trail, as always. [thanks kspillers2]

More reviews to follow....!

New photos of Coldplay - Samsung AT&T Summer Krush Concert Series, UCLA, Los Angeles (3rd August, 2011):

Photos courtesy of Jason-DeBord

Guy Berryman gave an interview to Triple J just before their headline set at Splendour In The Grass on Sunday and gave more insight into Coldplay's fifth album. You can listen to the podcast of the interview at the Triple J website, or you can download it via our Multimedia forum now. Thanks for all your comments so far on the interview - if you haven't commented on it yet you can do so at the LP5 sub-forum now. [thanks joshtimo & SueDeNimes]

Guy confirmed that an October 2011 release is still looking good, and they have now worked on the new album for two years. He confirmed that Major Minus would be on the album, but wasn't sure that Moving To Mars would be. He didn't mention Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. This all follows a previous Australian interview in which Chris Martin told us about a new song, Up In Flames. Summarising, after the jump is Triple J's report, alongside some of your comments to the latest updates on LP5, whether they should include songs from the ETIAW EP on the album, and how long the album should be...

Triple J interview with Guy Berryman - a summary:

Coldplay reckon "they're the worst band in the world." At least that's what they tell themselves to make sure they don't rest on their laurels. Bassist Guy Berryman caught up with triple j's Tom & Alex before the UK outfit closed out Splendour 2011 with a massive set in the Amphitheatre. "We always feel like we're the worst band in the world and that's what keeps us going," Berryman admitted to Tom & Alex...

He went on to say the band's upcoming record, their fifth, is still on track for the end of the year. "We were in a studio in Japan the other day trying to finish it all off and we always keep hold of it until someone wrenches it out of our hands. The idea is that it's come out at the end of October which is still looking pretty good. We're just finessing it on the road. We're going to be doing some mixing in Los Angeles when we go there tomorrow and just putting the finishing touches to it. For the most part it's there, it's been quite a long process we've been working on it for about two years but I think it's sounding great though. It's very different but still song based and very melodic. People will hear quite a big change in the sound."

Just some of your comments on the interview, Major Minus, tracklength and EP to LP5 tracklisting:

Well great to hear some confirmed things about lp5 though I would be very dissapointed if MM is on the album. I mean, it's already been released and i would personally feel a little cheated and it would just look like they're trying to filll up the album. Same thing for ETIAW, why put it on the album when it's already been released twice? I really hope that lp5 will have more than 11 songs on it. And for the october release date......well i think i can live with that. [thanks connorb]

Aah, finally some news. And pretty good news as well! A big change in the sound, some very loud stuff and some very quiet stuff. Me likes! I'm absolutely fine with Major Minus making the album, I love both the studio and live version. God I'm getting way too positive here. Let's complain about the release date. Another three months of waiting then... [thanks Blue Nails]

Happy that Major Minus will be on the album, I do hope the album version is slightly different, I don't mean the vocal effects, im happy with that since it should fit into context with the rest of the album but something along the lines of the Osaka Sun mix of Lovers in Japan, few small changes, to make it sound fresher when listening to the album after listening to Major Minus for a few months. [thanks 42rock89]

Yaay, Up in Flames! Made my day And I'm so glad guys prove we can only guess at the final tracklist and never know it for sure. I'm so tired of those predictions, there are like three threads discussing it. [thanks RegulusBlack]

Yeah I agree I hope none of the EP tracks will be included!! If they are saying Major Minus will be included I think that puts ETIAW in a strong position to be kept on the album also. Id be a bit dissapointed if it was!! The album could be anything from 10 - 16 tracks, so say 13 tracks make the album!! Possible list - Hurts Like Heaven,Charlie Brown,Us Against the World,and if Major Minus and ETIAW are both included thats 5 tracks we have heard already!! That leaves 7 unknown tracks + Princess of China (if selected) which is still a good chunk of new unheard material!!But with no EP tracks you could have 10 new tracks which would be awesome!! [thanks SprayCanSoul]

I love Major Minus, so I am delighted that it is on the album, because if it was a B-Side it would rot away and never get played live again. And considering how they have been played all summer, are any of you really suprised that ETIAW and MM are on the album? ETIAW I think will make it. Everyone knows the song already, it has it's own video, so the boys have one less song to promote on the album, because it has been already. It's rather clever really. What if Coldplay DIDN'T want a ETIAW Ep? I think that was EMI money grabbing and trying to get some extra pounds in their pockets. Coldplay want Major Minus on the album, but they may not have wanted it on the ETIAW Ep. EMI may possibly be at fault here. Just a thought I had. [thanks Amsterdam96]

Hope Major Minus will be in a new arrangement, more like the live version, with echoes and stuff. But that's just my humble opinion. I'm believing the EMI money-grabbing theory by the way. And Life Is For Living, yeah, that's an exciting new track! Love the interview with Guy, really funny, also those Australians. And really, the minutes after the interview are really funny as well. Okay, I already accepted late October release. I can wait. And please, stop speculating about the tracklisting. The guys don't know either. They've got 16 possible songs. We'll find out soon enough. [thanks Tryptophan]

I'm not surprised Major Minus is making the album. Its been treated to much like an actual album track (being played everywhere), while MTM has been treated like a true b-side (only been played live once, possibly never seeing the colored light of concert ever again). Anyway, maybe MM will get a new mix, make it a little fresh. Either way, I'm still excited for LP5. [thanks pnapsty]

But finally some concrete news. I like the sound of the new title like a lot of the new Coldplay songs- just the imagery about it seems really cool. SIXTEEN SONGS BEING CONSIDERED?? YES! I know that doesn't mean they'll all make it but it sounds as though we'll get 13-14 songs which is epic. I'm not too down about Major Minus being on the album. It goes so well with what seems to be an album theme of paranoia and control and the news of other things is so good it's just not phasing me. I do hope ETIAW isn't on it though, and I think Major Minus is the best new song in my opinion but I just don't see them using it. Hopefully tracklist soon!!!! [thanks Fix42YellowClocks]

I live in hope that Major Minus will appear in a different mix, ie without the bloody vocal distortion. [thanks The Final Track]

Interesting. Why nobody discuss the "loud and quite songs"-thing? THIS is really important. But I don't know how I'll like that because Viva was different to that. And I love Viva. What do you say about Guys consideration that its a great album in his opinion? A good sign? I'm not sure about MM - I like this song, especially the live version. If its on the new record then hopefully mixed up with the echo and some other details. Now I'm really excited. [thanks Major_Love]

Parachutes showed their true talent in a way that they haven't since that era. Now. For me, for an album to be good, I have to be able to sit down and listen to it in one go. As soon as I need a break to keep from suiciding, it's no good. And no, I don't in fact have to sit through the whole thing at once, but that's how I listen to my music. And 16x4= 64 Do you really want to sit through an album that's over an hour long? I know I don't. [thanks Megalomania]

New photos of Coldplay - Splendour In The Grass festival, Australia (31st July, 2011):

Photos courtesy of Splendour in The Grass (via Flickr)

Coldplay are flying to LA today to finish recording and mixing the as-yet-untitled record, according to various Australian media sources today. This follows a string of promo events down under, over the past 24 hours. While Coldplay performed several songs at Splendour that are expected to make the fifth album, LP5 remains unfinished despite having an anticipated released date of October.

Guy Berryman also spoke to Triple J in which he confirmed the album would be released in October following mixing in Los Angeles, and that Major Minus would be part of the tracklist. You can discuss this promo interview listen back to the podcast at the LP5 sub-forum now [thanks joshtimo]

Meanwhile, according to the Perth Now website, Chris has wrote a new song called Up In Flames last week, which is being rush-recorded to make the tracklisting. "You know when you're finished," Chris said yesterday. "We don't need to write any more songs now. We were feeling like we were missing one, that was it. It's basially quite a schizophrenic record. We're still putting it together. There's some very loud stuff, some very quiet stuff, it's seeing if they can live in harmony together."

The band played a swag of new songs at Splendour which are among the 16 songs that may make the album including Hurts Like Heaven, Us Against the World and Charlie Brown. "It's a baptism of fire in the greatest sense," Martin said of Coldplay's run on the festival circuit this year. "People are obviously on your side because they're coming to watch you. So you know if they don't respond to the new songs they're probably shite. Or if everyone starts yawning. It's fun doing these festivals. It's a nice way of reintroducing yourself to the audiences and reintroducing yourself to the idea of coming back with something new. It's a different pressure to trying to sell out an arena or a stadium on your own. You feel you have the safety net of your peers around you. Even if we're shit at Splendour people got to see Pulp."

Martin also joked about persistent rumours of a solo album. "I'm doing a jazz barbershop record with me, Bono, Beyonce and the Kaiser Chiefs. We're doing all songs by the Living End. Mainly Australian and Austrian folk songs. But it's my solo record, those other people are just bit players. I'm hoping to get George Bush to do the spoken introduction too. I can finally leave these bunch of idiots. I've been carrying them too long." he said.

New photos of Coldplay - Splendour In The Grass festival, Australia (31st July, 2011):

Photos courtesy of Splendour in The Grass (via Flickr)

Gwyneth Paltrow has joked that even she cannot get an advance copy of the new Coldplay album. Despite being married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the Iron Man actress confessed that she has yet to listen to the band's latest material. "Who do I have to bang to get an advance copy of the new @coldplay album? I mean, really," Paltrow tweeted on 29th July. You can actually discuss this tweet in the Gwyneth thread on the messageboard now and see a screenshot of the tweet after the jump [thanks anniea89]

Coldplay's appearance at the Fuji Rock Festival on 29th July passed with very little interest online, we have hardly any decent photos, no reviewers and just a scan of a setlist (which we can't actually confirm was played) so we haven't written a review article of it. According to the setlist both Shiver and Everything's Not Lost were taken out of the running. The only decent video of the performance on YouTube is for Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. However, while the band were in Tokyo they did do a little 13 second video for the people of Japan just before travelling to the festival - you can watch the video here at the Coldplay forum now. Not only that, we managed to get a photo of Coldplay at a photoshoot in Japan - click here to see the full sized image. We'll tweet any Fuji Rock pictures or reviews that come our way. [thanks coldplay12]

Anticipation is building towards the announcement of Coldplay's fifth album, the tracklist and all that goes with it. So much so, that there has been a spate of fake websites and LP5 tracklists hitting the internet recently. One website that was identified as a fake almost straight away was a domain name registered with the name Mylo Xylobrytes which showed a huge MX and a clip of music. Now - it links to a ticketometer for a Coldplay tribute band clearly out to make a bit of cash of the furore. They even went to the trouble of making a Quick Response Code (QR Code) for the domain. You can see that below. The tracklist that was posted on YouTube is also a fake. At least they got ETIAW right...

There is a superb Lego animation video of Viva la Vida now available to view online, after two years in the making.. we urge you to watch it now at the Coldplay forum. One of the best videos we've ever seen made and in extremely high detail. It took lots of late nights to make the video apparently... [thanks jbarry5503 & NXTManiac]

Coldplay photoshoot for a new song called Car Kids?

QR Code for the fake Mylo Xylobrytes website, saying: "Weird picture that fell out of a Colplay (sic) record. any ideas as to what it is?"

Gwyneth Paltrow can't get hold of a copy of the new Coldplay album either, it seems