So far to date Coldplayers have confirmed that cinemas in Florida, California, Texas and Washington DC have been selling tickets for Coldplay's forthcoming Glastonbury 2011 performance next month (25th June), with more shows expected to be available across the US and Canada, including (but not limited to) Ottawa. To check your local listings, Fandango is a good place to start.

Although it is unlikely that it will be screened live in cinemas as it happens in Pilton, UK, the performance is set to be unveiled a few hours later at 10pm (BST-5) on the day of the performance (Saturday) and again on the following Monday, 27th June, depending on location. The screenings have led to strong speculation that the performance will then later be produced onto DVD.

If you are attending the festival, you will be interested to know that a Glastonbury Festival app is now available for download onto for iPhone and Android phones. The new app, released by Orange on May 26, features the festival lineup, event map, news, and other details, and allows users to share their own customized festival schedule with their Facebook friends.

Coldplay recently announced their headline slot of this year's Glastonbury Festival on Saturday June 25th. This will be the Coldplay's first appearance at the legendary festival since 2005. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now.

Glastonbury Festival app now available for download

As well as all the new ColdplayTV content that has been uploaded for our lyrical desires, there have been several rumours that have slipped under the radar in recent days. Here's a round-up of the latest reports hitting the Coldplay grapevine...

An unpopulated Washington Post website page was captured on Google news describing Coldplay's forthcoming Glastonbury 2011 performance as a movie, leading to strong suggestions that the show will be shown (live?) in some US cinemas. Said the website: "Running Time: 2:00; Release Date: Opens 25-Jun-2011; Showtimes are currently unavailable for this movie." Keep a close eye out on changes to their content! [thanks cleeson7]

ColdplayVEVO, the YouTube channel where official videos are uploaded (as and when EMI allow, anyway) has been updated with a private video of 'The Scientist'. Nothing strange, you might think, to upload a video that is already nine years old (!)... unless of course, you're waiting for an official video of the new LP5 single. After all, we've all seen 'The Scientist' before, no need to hide it from us... [thanks Larsvans.]

According to Rochester radio station 100.5 The Drive, they'll have new Coldplay material to play soon. Our insider said: "Hey guys. I was listening to 100.5 The Drive (a radio station in the Rochester area) this morning because I was skimming through the stations and this station happened to be playing Violet Hill. After the song was over, the radio host mentioned that "we should be hearing some new material from Coldplay in about a month or so." I don't know if he has some sort of information that we don't or if he is merely speculating based on the recent occurrences. 100.5 is a reputable station and I could definitely see them possessing some sort of insider information." [thanks blueyechi]

Screenshots of recent upload to ColdplayTV (26/27 May 2011): [thanks SueDeNimes]

Updated: 28th May 2011)

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

May 26, 2011 - submitted by Laurens, Belgium

Q. Dear Oracle, Will the band wear the same Viva jackets and use all the Viva la Vida stuff for the summer festivals or have they come up with something new? TNX

The Oracle replies:

It's all gonna be new. We've all had haircuts and there are new threads to wear too.

May 25, 2011 - submitted by Christian, Colombia

Q. Hello Oracle sometimes you are talking about a photo shoot of the band in your replies and I'm looking for it! by internet with no succes.... Would you mind show me where I can see it, please? Regards, Chris.

The Oracle replies:

Dude it only finished last night. It isn't like photos are taken and then uploaded straight to flickr, photobucket or whatever. When there's a photo to see, we'll post it on this site so there's no need to go searching, just check back here.

May 26, 2011 - submitted by Mel, Germany

Q. Hi Oracle ! For school I have to find a song that treats about the environment in any way. Until now I just found Earth Song from Michael Jackson, do you maybe have any other ideas ? Thanks and sorry, my English is not so good! Mel

The Oracle replies:

Ooh yes, The Beach Boys wrote a song called Don't Go Near the Water which is quite ironic given their earlier songs were mostly about surfing...

May 25, 2011 - submitted by Alexandra, United States of America

Q. Dear All-Knowing Oracle, Is Coldplay working on a new album for 2011/ 2012?

The Oracle replies:

Blimey Alexandra, have you been away into space or anywhere? It's all anyone has been talking about. Especially here. Roadie #42's blogs have all been about the new album too. Yes, there will be an album and it will drop sometime this year...

May 24, 2011 - submitted by Rob, United Kingdom

Q. Dearest Oracle, I read today that at concerts, Coldplay wouldn't perform unless there were 8 "stamped, local postcards" in their dressing room. Is this true? If so, why? Rob

The Oracle replies:

That's not actually true. All bands have riders which is a list of their requirements for backstage. They do have stamped postcards on the rider but they'd still perform if they were missing; it's not a deal breaker! The original idea behind the postcards was touring doesn't necessarily mean you get to see anything of the country you're visiting so it was a way to get a memento and be able to send a card home if they wanted to.

May 24, 2011 - submitted by Imelda, United States of America

Q. How did today's (May 23) photo shoot go?

The Oracle replies:

That was sent in obviously yesterday but it continued today too as it goes and it went well, thanks.

May 23, 2011 - submitted by Tristan, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Can you please tell me what Don Quixote means? Thanks

The Oracle replies:

Don Quixote is is a novel written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. As for the Coldplay song of the same moniker, it's inspired by and named after the book. The track was originally called Spanish Rain and I'm pretty sure Chris was reading it on the Latin American tour last year hence the name change after the first couple of plays. The song does name check La Mancha, which is where Don Quixote was from, and his fictional friend Sancho Panza.

May 23, 2011 - submitted by Kieran, United Kingdom

Q. Hello Oracle! Did you see the Guardian's article on The Pierces today? I had no idea they were as small as they are in the u.s. Good luck to them over here, in any case! When is You & I to be released? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

You & I is out in the UK on May 30th. I didn't see the newspaper piece but I did know that they're relatively small in the U.S. It's a huge market out there so it's great they can be making waves over here.

Coldplay have published three cryptic tweets on their official Twitter account, which may give hints about the title of their new single or album, or even lyrics to a new song. Or maybe they're just messing with our heads with riddles. Who knows.

One tweet links to a moving image that spells out the message: "Maybe the trees are gone". Another spells, "Maybe the streets alight" while a third one reads, "I feel my heart start beating to my favourite song". The first two messages are written in flashing text with the other written in a brightly coloured font. A similar message was posted yesterday which reads: "I turn the music up, I got my records on, I shut the world outside until the lights come on."

No details have been posted as to what the messages mean or if they are an indication of a future announcement - although Coldplayers are speculating that they could point to new LP5 content. What do you think these gifs indicate? Let us know in the Coldplay forum now...

"I feel my heart start beating to my favourite song"

"Maybe the trees are gone"

"Maybe the streets alight"

Previous photoshoot graffiti artwork from 23rd May 2010

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

May 19, 2011 - submitted by Nick, United States of America

Q. Do you think the rapture is going to happen this Saturday? -Nick C.

The Oracle replies:

Nah. I hope not as I'm off to a birthday party and it would be terribly inconvenient. Maybe I don't need to bother buying a gift just in case though...

May 19, 2011 - submitted by Veikko, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, Do you know on which location the Bigger Stronger video was shot?

The Oracle replies:

The video was filmed at such a famous beach called Durdle Door in Dorset.

May 19, 2011 - submitted by Josh, Argentina

Q. Hi O! Recently, you've mentioned Bob Dylan in some of your answers. Now, have you ever listened to his son Jakob? I like what he's doing nowadays as a soloist, but in fact I'm a huge fan of his band, The Wallflowers... They've got really wonderful songs, and the lyrics are magnificent, true poetry (Jakob's the writer of them all). If you haven't listened to them, I strongly advise you (and everybody) to do so!!! Then, you can tell me what you think ;) Saludos desde Argentina! Chau!! PS- Please answer back!!!!

The Oracle replies:

Yeah I used to work for the label that The Wallflowers were on back in the day. I haven't heard his solo stuff to be honest but that band were pretty good as you say.

May 18, 2011 - submitted by Brooke, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Do you have any clue who this drawing is supposed to be of?

The Oracle replies:

It's strange sometimes how questions come in. I don't recall ever getting a question about Michael Brauer and then I receive two in the same day! I'd be tempted to guess that the doodle is actually of Michael and that's why he chose it for his gallery. Chris has a habit of drawing and writing on the nearest thing to him be it a table or an Apple mac! Please don't try this at home.

May 18, 2011 - submitted by Fran, Croatia

Q. I heard that Michael H. Brauner, the man who produced Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends is also producing the new Coldplay album. Is this true?

The Oracle replies:

His name is Brauer, not Brauner and he didn't produce Viva nor is he producing this album. I discussed producers last week. What you've done is mistaken mixing for production; Michael is mixing tracks on the album. Production on Viva was by Brian Eno, Markus Dravs, Rik Simpson and Jon Hopkins.

May 17, 2011 - submitted by Sam, United Kingdom

Q. Hello Oracle, Last year I purchased a copy of LeftRightLeftRightLeft off of Ebay. When I was looking at the CD recently I noticed it says www.takt.eu on the bottom side around the centre. Does this make it a fake? If it is it's a very good one because it's taken me a year to notice it!!! Thanks for your time! Sam

The Oracle replies:

Mine says www.takt.eu on the flip side's centre too and I assure you mine is not a fake so chances are yours isn't either.

May 17, 2011 - submitted by Daniel, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, You mentioned in a recent post that you're not a Bob Dylan fan. I was just wondering why not, musically, and is there a Dylan song that you do enjoy? Sincerely, Dan

The Oracle replies:

He's got soma amazing songs, I can't argue with that but I find his vocal style very irritating and not to my taste. That is all. I may be alone in that but hey, I embrace those difference of opinions.

May 17, 2011 - submitted by Eduardo, Mexico

Q. Hola! I just watched the What We Are video and I can say it is a little pesimist. I know we have big issues in our actual world, and that a lot of people just make those issues bigger, but don't you think that there are a lot more of us who are trying to make a change? The video also talks about us having a Great Potential, but in the end it just says that we are "animals" (I'm not denying that biologicaly talking) who donnot are making anything to change the situation. Well, those are my thoughts, what do you think? Saludos desde Mexico! Lalo

The Oracle replies:

Oh you mean on the Hypnofeed, I was wondering what Coldplay song you were referring to. It's good that the video made you think, that's sort of the point I guess. Either the video maker is very cynical or they may have a point. What I think is that as long as people like you are watching it and disagreeing, there's hope for the future eh?

May 16, 2011 - submitted by Lois, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, I remember seeing a little while ago a question I believe asking if there were any pictures of Coldplay on train tracks. There was a link to a website on it that had some beautiful pictures of the band, but I can no longer find the question or the link. Would you be able to tell me the link? If not, would you be able to suggest some other beautiful pictures of the band perhaps? Thank you :)

The Oracle replies:

Yes, here they are.

May 16, 2011 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. In the intro in the Roadie book, it says that the band is currently working on a biography. Is this true? If so, how is it coming along?

The Oracle replies:

"They're working on it" is news to me. They're not working on it as they're way too busy working on the album. There was almost one in the pipeline a few years ago but it's not even on the back burner; it's way further back than that.

May 12, 2011 - submitted by Alison, New Zealand

Q. Will Coldplay ever come to New Zealand? They're the most amazing band and the only band I've ever been truly passionate about. I'm pretty sure that they've never been to New Zealand before. but they have so many fans out here! It would be a true miracle if they came here!

The Oracle replies:

I can't say if/when they're coming back but they HAVE played New Zealand twice. In fact the last time they played at the

May 12, 2011 - submitted by Samuel, Nigeria

Q. How many Grammies has Coldplay won?

The Oracle replies:

There's actually a list of Grammy nominations & wins showing seven wins.

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Catalina, Mexico

Q. Hi Oracle! Hey I have a pair of questions 2 U. First of all como estas? Second one, does Roadie is going to make a Live Photoblog of the festivals like he did it when the guys went to Liverpool and New Castle? That Would be AMAZING!! Thanks Oracle!! Que tengas un buen dia!!!

The Oracle replies:

Muy bien gracias. Hope you had a great Cinco de Mayo. It's not a Roadie who does the live blogging from certain shows (like Liverpool & Newcastle in December), it's Anchorman. Anchorman has blogged during tour dates not just special events so I am sure there will be more in the future but perhaps not during the impending festival season. Thanks by the way, you have a good day too.

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Nevermind, United Kingdom

Q. Dear q, in your answer to Lilac about Fix You, do you by any chance mean a song from the album Blood on the Tracks by genius Bob Dylan? I know Coldplay know this album, as there were some songs in their Song-inspiration poster (from what ever award show) from the album. Which track do you mean?

The Oracle replies:

Were you reading the answer on a phone that doesn't show hyperlinks perhaps? No, it was not a Bob Dylan song. I am not a fan actually. I know, I know... Click the clickable link when you get a chance to see what amazing track it was.

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Madison, United States of America

Q. Hello Awesome Oracle, I was just wondering, out of curiousity, what your 5 favorite bands are right now? Thanks a million, Madison

The Oracle replies:

Other than Coldplay? I'm going to answer this solely on the albums by bands (as you were specific) I have been listening to most recently: Beastie Boys - their new album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, is amazing. The Temper Trap - Conditions still standing strong in my favourites. Foo Fighters - I like their new album but still listening to Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace regularly to be honest. Radiohead - King of Limbs isn't my favourite (OK Computer is), but it's still nice to have new Radiohead material. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys! is a great successor to their favourite of mine.

Coldplay have today announced yet another festival headline slot of 2011 with the news that they are to play this year's Austin City Limits festival at Zilker Park, Austin, Texas on September 16th. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now [thanks jenflor]

This brings the total number of 2011 festivals that Coldplay will play thus far to TWENTY. The confirmed festivals are spread four continents and seventeen countries (Germany, Italy, Netherlands, England, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, US and Brazil!)

Here's what Anchorman had to say earlier: It's just been announced that Coldplay are one of the headline acts at this year's Austin City Limits festival, which takes place at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The band will top the bill at the first night of the 3-day event, on Friday 16 September. The 3-day passes for ACL sold out before the line-up was announced, but day tickets are still available. They go on sale today (17 May) at 10am Central Time, costing $90. Click here to visit ACL's site for more information and to buy.

Photos of Coldplay's previous appearance at Austin City Limits (25th September 2005):

Cape Town – In scenes that mirrored those seen when U2 tickets went on sale in October last year, Coldplay fans were left cursing ticket retailer Computicket as their systems failed to accommodate the huge demand for tickets of the UK band's tour of South Africa, according to website Channel24 this week.

Promoter Big Concerts announced on Monday that tickets would go on sale at retailers and on Computicket's website at 09:00 on Thursday. But as 09:00 came and went, many fans found that they were either unable to access the website or were stuck in long queues at Shoprite and Checkers stores around the country due to system crashes.

But it was little comfort to fans who continued to wrestle with Computicket's online system, with most reporting that they were either unable to log onto the website or had secured their tickets before the payment system crashed and their booking was lost.

An hour after tickets went on sale, reports came through that all Golden Circle tickets (at R665 each) for the Cape Town and Johannesburg concerts had sold out. As the hours passed, it appeared that the waiting had paid off with some reporting that they had had better luck in the supermarket queues than those who opted to buy via the website.

Ticket prices range from R265 and R565 for seated areas, R415-R440 for general admission and R665 for the coveted Golden Circle area. Coldplay are set to play the Cape Town Stadium on October 5 and the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on October 8.

Big Concerts says South Africans fans have already snapped up 60 percent of the tickets for the Coldplay concerts in Johannesburg and Cape Town in October. A total of 103,000 tickets went on sale on Thursday and more than 30,000 fans have already secured their place at either FNB Stadium or Cape Town Stadium. Big Concerts’ Attie van Wyk confirmed that all golden circle tickets were sold out within the first couple of hours. He said the response has been "phenomenal" adding, "Over many years we’ve done our homework in relation to Coldplay’s popularity. We have been trying for literally 10 years to get them here."

Coldplay will perform two shows on its debut South African tour. The first show is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 October at Cape Town Stadium and the second show for Saturday, 8 October at FNB Stadium Johannesburg.

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

Golden Circle tickets for the Coldplay concerts in South Africa have been sold out just an hour after tickets went on sale on Thursday. Big Concerts said since 9am today more than 50,000 fans bought tickets.

The multi-award winning band has two performances scheduled in October at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and at the Cape Town Stadium. Big Concerts’ John Langford said, "We always expected a big demand for Coldplay and this just underscores that. Clearly they are a band that South Africans want to see and we’re looking forward to them coming in October to filled out stadiums."

Eyewitness News joined fans queuing for tickets at the Waterfront Computicket office in Cape Town. Some people had been waiting at the venue since 1am to ensure they were first in line, should there be any technical glitches. Although there were no technical problems, the snaking lines were slow to move as people bought as much as 20 tickets at a time.

Coldplay will perform two shows on its debut South African tour. The first show is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 October at Cape Town Stadium and the second show for Saturday, 8 October at FNB Stadium Johannesburg.

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

May 10, 2011 - submitted by Ch, United States of America

Q. So from Roadie 42's blogs it sounds like the guys are always changing their songs. You said LP5's been named, so did its name have to change multiple times until one was finally decided on, was it the one that always stood out, did it come earlier or later in the process of making the album...?

The Oracle replies:

There's always speculation about album titles but I've noticed that fans have been referring to the next album as "LP5" for so long that it almost feels like that is the title! In answer to your question, unlike some song titles the name of the album was decided and settled on very early in the process. With the upcoming live dates we've got a lot to look forward to so it hopefully won't feel too long before the album drops and all will be revealed...

May 10, 2011 - submitted by Nao, Netherlands

Q. Goodmorning Oracle, First of all, thanks for answering so many questions. I was wondering what a producer's role is exactly during the recording of an album. Are they in the studio every day and do they eventually decide which songs are going to be on the album? Are they still, in any way, involved when the band starts touring? Thanks a lot! Greetz, Nao

The Oracle replies:

It can vary slightly depending on the band & the producer. For example a new band may (or may not) need more guidance in the studio than a more experienced band. Coldplay have been a hands on band from the start of their career so their relationship with a producer is very collaborative. Producers are involved in all sonic aspects bringing musical suggestions (tempos, arrangements, instrumentation) whilst working closely with the artist and engineer to achieve the perfect sound for the recording. Great producers have such good relationships with their artists that they really bring the best out of the bands they work with pushing them, encouraging new ideas and techniques. Generally speaking a producer would be in the studio every day. If it's a co-producer or executive producer, they're in less but still oversee the whole album making process. They don't solely decide on the album tracks but of course their opinion is valuable and taken into consideration jointly. A producer isn't needed once the album has been recorded and mixed so during the tour there's not much call for one.

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Lilac, United Arab Emirates

Q. Does Fix You move you to tears like it does to me? If not, what song does? (it doesn't have to be a Coldplay song.)

The Oracle replies:

Don't tell anyone but I have actually shed a tear to that song. I can also tell you that out of every Coldplay song in existence, that is the one that I receive most comments alluding to the fact that we are not alone. Fix You followed by The Scientist seem to be the top 2 tear inducing tracks. Ooh just by saying tears and tracks in one sentence reminds me of a non-related brilliant song that doesn't really need any excuse to share.

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Sindy, South Africa

Q. Oracle, please can you confirm if Coldplay is really coming to South Africa. Quite a few people are talking about Coldplay coming to SA but on the website there is no information. We would be super excited if this is really true. We love Coldplay. The Rainbow nation is ready for them, maybe they can meet Mandela who knows!!

The Oracle replies:

How excited are the fans in S.A today? Anchorman announced dates this morning. It's the first time the band have ever played there so it's pretty exciting for us too!

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Junior, Australia

Q. G'day Oracle, I noticed in the song Christmas Lights that some of the lyrics used in the song were also from the unreleased song Wedding Bells. Does this mean we will never see a finished version of Wedding Bells? It would be a shame if it wasn't. Keep up the good work!

The Oracle replies:

I very much doubt it myself but never say never. It isn't uncommon for a song to end up with lyrics from a previously written one as they often lend themselves better. If Wedding Bells ever does make the light of day, I would say there'd be some adjustment to the lyrics.

The Johannesburg leg of Coldplay’s South African tour will fall on Yom Kippur and many Jewish fans have already voiced their dissatisfaction, according to the IOL website today.

Yom Kippur, which is also known as Day of Atonement, is one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. Jews traditionally observe a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, with most of the day spent in synagogue services. Irate fans voiced the unhappiness on social networking sites like Twitter. One of the more prominent tweeters, Mandy Wiener, wrote: “The Joburg #Coldplay concert is on the most religious Jewish holiday of the year, Yom Kippur. So no jews can go. Outrageous. @BigConcerts”

According to the tour publicist, Penny Stein, the dates were set in accordance with the bands international tour schedule and although it is regrettable that it fell on a religious holiday, there is no question of changing the dates. “Unfortunately it's a case of the band coming from one place and moving to another, and the scheduling was unavoidable. With an artist the size of Coldplay, the dates are set in stone months and months in advance from their touring schedule, and there was nothing that could be done to move them.” she is reported to have said.

The first show is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 October at Cape Town Stadium and the second show for Saturday, 8 October at FNB Stadium Johannesburg. The tour is presented by 94.5 KFM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and M-Net. Click on the links above for full discussion and previews of the shows (and reviews and photos after the shows have finished).

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

It has been confirmed this morning by the official Coldplay site and radio sources that Coldplay will perform two shows in South Africa this October. The first show is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 October at Cape Town Stadium and the second show for Saturday, 8 October at FNB Stadium Johannesburg. The tour is presented by 94.5 KFM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and M-Net. Click on the links above for full discussion and previews of the shows (and reviews and photos after the shows have finished).

Here is the online confirmation from Anchorman: Good morning. We're very pleased to report that Coldplay will be heading to South Africa in October to play their first ever shows in the country. Tickets go on sale from Computicket.com and 083 915 8000 at 9am (local time) on Thursday 12th May. The dates are as follows:

5th October - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

8th October - FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

CEO of Big Concerts, Attie Van Wyk commented: "Coldplay is one of the most exciting British bands to ever visit our shores. After 10 years of knocking on the door, we are incredibly excited that they have finally confirmed two stadium shows. Their extraordinary live performances will be a first for audiences in South Africa".

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

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

May 5, 2011 - submitted by Alberto, Mexico

Q. Hello oracle, please answer me. Is this a Coldplay song or is it a cover?

The Oracle replies:

It's a cover. It was at the Isle of Wight festival back in June 2006. If you listen, Chris says about having only just learned it and having to play it because "he" didn't. "He" refers to Lou Reed who had performed earlier missing one of his more famous, popular hits (Perfect Day) off the setlist. I've talked about this before but head over to our timeline and you will see a hand-written account by Guy and there's also an audio clip that starts a few seconds before the video clip you sent. It makes a little more sense.

May 5, 2011 - submitted by Ayesha, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I don't know how to motivate myself anymore. I've been having a really rough 2 weeks, and every time I say I'm just gonna make the best of the bad and make it good, something else happens that just puts me down. I feel like everything I do is pointless, that I try too hard for nothing or I try too hard and end up screwing everything up. I don't know what to do. Ayesha

The Oracle replies:

Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and keep going! This is life testing you and hard as it sounds, try to think it can throw all it wants at you but you're not going down. Or if you're going down, you're getting straight back up again. The key to this is to not feel too negative about it. It's a challenge but try and see that for whatever reason it has happened, it must be leading to a better place eventually. Maybe you're trying too hard at the things that aren't as important as you think? Maybe you need to look again at what IS important to you. Ok so this is turning into a Life Coaching session but try to go along with me here and take smaller steps. You're letting everything overwhelm you so take it a little at a time in more manageable bite size pieces. I find writing lists is really useful. It means I can prioritise and there's a certain satisfaction with ticking things off when you've achieved. Life isn't always plain sailing so weather the storms as best you can until you come out the other side.

May 4, 2011 - submitted by Guada, Argentina

Q. Hi dear Oracle, I wanted to know what song is playing Chris at the end of In My Place live here?

The Oracle replies:

The song is a 1965 classic written by the dynamic partnership Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It has been recorded by many artists, the first of whom was Jackie DeShannon.

May 4, 2011 - submitted by Laurens, Belgium

Q. Dear Oracle, is the album named A**** *A*** ??? I think I'm pretty sure of it! You don't have to tell the title just confirm or decline my question :) TNX

The Oracle replies:

Oh how I love thee Laurens "you don't have to tell the title..." you say. I know you know I won't! Anyway, no it isn't. In fact, I think I know what title you think it is too, but still no.

May 3, 2011 - submitted by Alejo, Peru

Q. Dear Oracle. I hope everything is going good in your life. Well, I've received a YouTube message from another user on my email and this guy (Jimmie Divine from Germany) claim that his first single named Spring has been supported by Chris Martin. Is this true?

The Oracle replies:

Er, no not to my knowledge. Do you mean influenced by? Jimmie's clearly a fan. I can't see any obvious connection other than Coldplay covers he's got on YouTube. Given it's not bad I don't mind him getting a plug.

Coldplay will visit South Africa in October 2011 for two concerts, one in Joburg and one in Cape Town, according to hints from certain local media outlets and DJs overnight. But there is a media embargo on releasing official announcements through the stations until Monday morning - so we've heard. More discussion on the South Africa concert dates is at the Coldplay Live forum now.

That embargo is being maintained by Prime Media’s radio outlets until tomorrow. Only then will an announcement about a visit by "one of England's biggest arena bands who are coming to South Africa for the first time" (as hinted at on one of the stations yesterday afternoon) be made. Earlier today, 94.7/KFM radio jock Mark Pilgrim also made a number of not so subtle hints about the announcement on-air, in between using Viva la Vida exerpts during the jingles.

His 'clues' included a suggestion that the band has 4 members and that they hail from the United Kingdom. The clincher by far though was his suggestion that one of band members has a child named Apple (Chris Martin does with his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow).

With that sort of information around, it’s really not surprising that well connected people (connected in the interwebs sense) are again in a position to beat the official information release. Suspicions are for earlier in the month rather than later as Coldplay are scheduled to appear at the Rock in Rio festival on 1st October, and could hop across to visit South Africa from there.

At least that is what all the rumour and gossip is telling us. You’ve gotta love a good and groovy live concert rumour mill. The promoters and media houses get forced into meeting press release embargoes and the Twitterverse gets to talk all they want. Should the information turn out to be accurate – and there’s no obvious reason why it won’t – then the concerts in South Africa will be the only true Coldplay concerts for 2011. All their other scheduled 2011 live appearances so far are at Music Festivals.

According to the Bla Bla blog, dates being suggested are for Cape Town only at this stage, and the dats they've picked up is the 5th - a Wednesday. Could it be that Joburg will see weekend dates around those? We’ll wait and see what news Monday brings, and will add the official concert dates and ticket information to this as soon as it is confirmed.

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

Coldplay fans Down Under - mark your calendars for May 5, when tickets go on sale for Australia's innovatively green Splendour In The Grass festival at Byron Bay. This non-corporate, small-capacity festival is unfurling its flag July 29-31, featuring Coldplay, Kanye West and 79 other acts on three stages.

In both 2009 and 2010, the event sold out in a few hours, and this year the same is expected, with tickets going on sale May 9 at 9 a.m. EST through Moshtix or by phone on 1300 GET TIX (438 849). Tickets range from AUD$401.50 to AUD$525.60 (around €290 to €380). The event will be held at Woodfordia in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland between July 29-31.

Going? The latest discussion on the 2011 Splendour In The Grass date is at the Coldplay Live forum now (including a taste of the festival from last year's promotional video) [thanks njshaw, Natascha, SueDeNimes, I_saw_sparks_87]

Even by the standards of the southern hemisphere's obsession with music festivals, Splendour in the Grass, now in its 11th year, gets the nod in all the important areas - from line-up, location and atmosphere through to originality and eco-friendliness. Plus the event incorporates big name acts with an arts program, along with a marketplace, workshops, spa treatments, and a global food fair to keep attendees entertained.

The Splendour festival combines a relatively small capacity (only 15,000 tickets every year, in comparison to the notorious Big Day Out with upwards of 50,000) with a collection of headline acts that come for the festival and stay for the weekend.

Coldplay's place on the festival lineup had been a persistent rumour ever since they were announced on the Fuji Rock lineup back in March. Earlier this week Herald Sun music journalist Nui Te Koha also declared on Twitter that “Coldplay [are] coming for splendour in the grass. no side shows” so the rumour certainly seems to be gathering steam. But leading the US contingent will be Kanye West to promote his much-hyped latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Splendour will also be his only Aussie show. On-again, off-again veteran rockers Pulp are on the bill after announcing their reunion in January and will be warming up for Splendour at the Isle of Wight festival in June before heading Down Under.

Speaking of on-again off-again rock veterans, Jane's Addiction will take care of alternative music fans' needs, along with Swedish punk rockers The Hives and Melbourne punk mainstays The Living End. Californian indie rockers Grouplove are also heading over, along with Grammy Award-winning prog rockers The Mars Volta.

There to mellow the mood for her only 2011 show anywhere in the world will be Russian indie-folk angel Regina Spektor. Other Britrock acts making an appearance are indie rock duo The Kills, Gomez, Elbow and The Vaccines. Indie group Glasvegas are coming from Scotland, while Friendly Fires and Cornershop will also be there.

There are plenty of local acts on the bill, including Melbourne pop group Architecture in Helsinki, ARIA award-winning hip hop outfit Bliss n Esso, The Panics, Cloud Control, Gotye, Boy and Bear and The Middle East. Last year's triplej Unearthed winners Jinja Safari will be there, along with this year's winners which will be announced before the event.

Splendour: Coldplay, Kanye West, Pulp and more

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

When Coldplay's 2011 festival appearances in Germany were announced back in November, it was not confirmed which dates Coldplay would be playing at which venue - but now the festival poster has been released by the festival organisers via their website, and shows the exact dates for the stage. [thanks r25d01]

Coldplay will headline the Rock im Park festival on Friday 3rd June (2130-2300h local time) and then the Rock am Ring festival on Saturday 4th June (2250-0020h local time), according to their festival news site. Rock am Ring is based at the Nürburgring racetrack in the west of Germany, while Rock in Park takes place at in Nuremberg, in the south of Germany. Other bands confirmed for the event include Kings Of Leon, System of a Down, Deadmau5, Interpol, The Gaslight Anthem, White Lies and Mando Diao.

For more information on the twin festivals, see rock-am-ring.com rock-am-ring.com and rock-im-park.com (NB: those sites are only available in German). If you don't speak German, the festivals' joint Wikipedia page is a decent place to start.

Festival Poster

An idea of what to expect at the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in Germany later this year...

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

April 28, 2011 - submitted by James, Colombia

Q. So you don't have to do more than give a yes or no answer here, but is the new album named yet? Or are they saving that for last? Also, it was said in the past that they want this new album to be more "acoustic and more intimate" has it all shaped up like that? If you can't or won't tell us that is fine. I was just curious.

The Oracle Replies:

I can't and won't discuss album style or content (of course) and the only affirmative you're getting is that yes, the album does have a name. 'What is it?' I hear you ask... well you know I'm not going to tell you that!!

April 28, 2011 - submitted by Albert, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle. This question is inane and very unlikely but was there, is there, or will there ever be a Life in Technicolor iii? I could have sworn in the studiofeed #1 video I heard a possible snippet. Thanks my almighty friend.

The Oracle Replies:

There wasn't, isn't and never will be a Life in Technicolor iii. Any resemblance in the studiofeed video is pure coincidence.

April 27, 2011 - submitted by Roberto, Italy

Q. Hey Oracle! Can you tell me what Chris Martin said about Jonny in

The Oracle Replies:

That was taken from the Make Trade Fair gig at the Astoria in London back in 2002. Chris said of Jonny "The greatest guitarist since Slash". Hmmm, he's said this before hasn't he? Indeed he has.

April 27, 2011 - submitted by Aimee, United States of America

Q. Are any of you (Coldplay-affiliated people) going to watch some or all of the royal wedding this Friday? And have you, the Oracle, purchased any wedding-related paraphernalia, such as tea cozies, tea towels or tea cups? : )

The Oracle Replies:

Friday is a normal working day at Coldplay HQ so it's not likely they'll be glued to the TV. I will probably have the television on but I'm not that interested in the whole thing if I'm honest. I might send a card to thank them for the day off (even though it's Team Oracle day so I will be doing some work). Suffice it to say that I haven't bought any royal memorabilia either and have no intentions of getting any pre or post wedding.

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

April 26, 2011 - submitted by Fabian, Chile

Q. When it goes to go out the new album of Coldplay? Is it finished? Thanks.

The Oracle Replies:

Not quite but very nearly. As I have mentioned previously, although there is no release date to announce, it's not late and has not been pushed back. Miles Leonard, president of Parlophone, has said the album is to be expected "towards the autumn of this year" and that's as much as I can tell you.

April 26, 2011 - submitted by Garrett, United States of America

Q. Dear greatest Oracle, Please answer my question! PLEASE! I submitted a picture of my girlfriend to the Exhibition Room. What do I have to do to get it on there? Who do I have to pay? I seriously will pay, like, 20 bucks. Nothing more than that, well maybe 30 if it goes to charity. Thanks in advance! PS. Just for the record, it's G-rated. I thought that would be kinda obvious.

The Oracle Replies:

The Curator informs me (quite haughtily I may add) that if you look at the Exhibition Room archives you will notice there is not one photo of anyone who can be identified by it and there never will be... So portrait paintings are ok then are they? Sorry, that was aimed at the C rather than myself the O. Actually I can talk, I remove surnames from my questions so I kinda get it.

Coldplay will headline this year's Lollapalooza festival in Chicago along with Eminem, Muse and Foo Fighters, it's been announced by the festival organisers today. Lollapalooza takes place in Grant Park from August 5-7. More on the Lollapalooza date is at the Coldplay Live forum now [thanks Ebs757, oldmuckers & Lore]

All four headliners will be joined by Arctic Monkeys, Cee Lo Green, Bright Eyes, The Cars, White Lies, Explosions In The Sky and The Kills. Other acts on the bill include Two Door Cinema Club, The Drums, The Black Lips, The Pretty Reckless, The Naked & Famous, and Deadmau5.

This summer will be Lollapalooza’s seventh year in Chicago as a destination festival, yet the three-day music event is celebrating a 20th anniversary.

There haven’t been 20 Lollapaloozas — the tours took a hiatus from 1997 to 2003, and 2004’s was canceled due to low ticket sales before the event was reborn on Chicago’s lakefront the following year. But the website and marketing for the concert package include a “time capsule” with photos and recollections from Lollas past, back to its 1991 founding by Jane’s Addiction leader Perry Farrell as a traveling, multistage festival.

The festival’s daily capacity will remain at 95,000 people, but this year they might have more room to roam. Charlie Jones, a partner in Lollapalooza’s organizers, the Texas-based C3 Presents, told the Sun-Times on Monday that changes to the layout will add several acres to the festival in Chicago’s downtown public park. (The footprint isn’t growing; the festival instead will utilize space it was allocated last year but did not use.) Much of that extra space will be in the softball fields west of Columbus Avenue, which last year was closed to traffic for the festival; Perry’s Stage, a tent for electronic acts curated by Lollapalooza founder and Jane’s Addiction leader Perry Farrell, will move there and double its capacity to about 15,000, Jones said.

“That part is simply responding to the demand,” Jones said. “When we started, Perry’s area was on one of those little tiny shell stages in the north end by the rose gardens. Every year it reaches capacity, and we keep moving it. ... This is going to be the biggest tents you’ve ever seen.”

Other changes will include adjusting the schedule to improve foot traffic in and out of the main stages in Butler Field, which traditionally get jammed in the evenings. Jones said the festival is also adjusting the perimeter and tightening security to avoid a repeat of last year’s rash of fence jumpers.

This will be the second Lollapalooza festival in ’11. In an effort to branch out the brand, C3 Pre­sents launched Lollapalooza Chile early this month, with 57 bands playing a Santiago space much like Grant Park, headlined by the Killers, Kanye West and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

C3 now produces Lollapalooza Chicago, Lollapalooza Chile, the Austin City Limits Festival, and in October they are helping to relaunch the Langerado music festival north of Miami, Fla. The rest of the Lolla Chicago lineup — 123 bands in all — is the usual smorgasbord of acts snatched from various genres to round out a bill attracting a demographically diverse bunch of ticket buyers.

Then again, the lineup isn’t the draw for some fans. “Early bird” three-day passes ($185) went on sale March 29, with only the top three headliners leaked, and sold out within a few hours. Regular three-day passes, available now at lollapalooza.com, are $215; VIP three-day passes go for $850. Single-day tickets are $90 and will be available June 7.

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

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

April 21, 2011 - submitted by Lucas, France

Q. Hi Oracle, hope you're fine. Are the very last notes of Viva la Vida -after the last chorus- played by an accordion?

The Oracle Replies:

No, it's keys - electric piano in fact. You know how Chris gets the organ sound on Fix You? Well, same thing here but I guess it does sound like an accordion.

April 21, 2011 - submitted by Dew, Lithuania

Q. Dear Oracle, I have so many acquaintances, that I don't know which ones are my friends. Could you help me in finding out?

The Oracle Replies:

There are different levels of friendships. Acquaintances are just people we know, be them work colleagues, neighbours, friends of friends or even the people we say hello to on a regular basis. At any one time we can have many acquaintances, lots of friends but I'd wager very few true friends. To answer your question I've looked at my circle of friends which is made up of people I like hanging out with, get on with, who have the same interests and humour as me; time spent with them is fun. My best friends however, I bestow my trust upon and I must trust implicitly. I know that I am very lucky in that if I was in trouble and needed help I have at least 7 people who would drop everything to be there for me. That's the mark of a true friend in my opinion.

April 20, 2011 - submitted by Blake, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle, I'm a bit of a guitar/tech geek. There's a picture of Jonny's pedals on one of the blogs, and it looks like he is using three volume pedals. Why does he use three instead of one? Thank you!

The Oracle Replies:

Luckily for you Blake, Matt McGinn (Jonny's tech and author of Roadie) was on hand to answer this specific question: "One's a volume pedal, the other two are used as expression pedals for altering parameters on two of Jonny's rack units (TC 2290 & Line 6 Echo Pro). Short answer: THEY MAKE IT MORE ECHOEY!!"

April 20, 2011 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. Hi there, do you actually know who the pretty lady was, singing live with Jay-Z at Wembley 19-9-09 the song Empire State of Mind (in place of Alicia K.) ? Cheeeeers

The Oracle Replies:

For those who don't know, Jay-Z supported Coldplay at Wembley on 19th September 2009. The lady in question is Bridget Kelly.

April 19, 2011 - submitted by Kim, United States of America

Q. What is the meaning of Coldplay? I looked it up and it said harsh or heartless play?

The Oracle Replies:

Whoever answered that question online has made it up! Though as it's two words pushed together I can see why they have interpreted it that way. You're probably aware the name was originally taken from a poetry book and then it was two words Cold Play but Coldplay as one word doesn't mean anything.

April 19, 2011 - submitted by Ruan, Brazil

Q. Hey oracle, how are you? I have a simple question, don't know if you are allowed to answer it though. How much it would cost me to have a private Coldplay concert (like Homer did, though I had that idea before)? Thanks

The Oracle Replies:

It's not that I'm not allowed to answer though my answer isn't an amount it costs to have a private concert as they don't do private concerts. There's no hire out fee.

The official Coldplay site have been honoured at this year's Webby Awards for their excellent content for fans. This is not the first time they have been honoured - they were also praised in 2009 during the Viva era. Well done to all at Coldplay.com for this year's selection! Read Anchorman's announcement below:

Good evening. We're very pleased to report that Coldplay.com is an Honoree at this year's Webby Awards (a bit like the Oscars of the internet world). According to the Webbys, to be an Honoree is "an incredible achievement worthy of praise". Given that our website is currently centred around Exhibits that you've uploaded, Hypnofeed videos that you've suggested, Live Transmissions you've submitted and Oracle questions that you've asked, we'd like to thank you very much indeed for helping us to achieve this recognition for the site. We quite literally couldn't have done it without you. Anchorman

According to Wikipedia, a Webby Award is an international award presented annually by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for excellence on the Internet with categories in websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile.

From the official Webby website: With nearly 70 categories, Website entries make up the majority of Webby Awards Winners, Nominees and Honorees. Some are beautiful to look at and interact with. Others are a testament to usability and functionality. And a handful excel across the board. To be selected among the best is an incredible achievement worthy of praise -- and perhaps a little bragging. As a result of the superior quantity and quality of sites entered, the 15th Annual Webby Awards recognized sites and teams that demonstrated a standard of excellence. Of the nearly 10,000 entries submitted to the 15th Annual Webby Awards, fewer than 10% were distinguished as an Official Honoree. This honor signifies an outstanding caliber of work.

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

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

April 18, 2011 - submitted by KK, Australia

Q. Please Coldplay come and do a show in Perth! Don't make Splendour in the Grass your only show in Australia cause then I'll be sad. I heart Coldplay!!

The Oracle Replies:

Splendour in the Grass is, as you know, a festival and as you may have noticed from the current live dates, they're all festivals. There is no tour yet so this will just be a whistle stop visit to Australia.

April 18, 2011 - submitted by Giovanna, Brazil

Q. Oracle, don't you think that the world would be better if there was no racism and everyone followed the example of the panda bear, that is white, black and Asian at the same time? greetings from Brazil ;D p.s.: love the song The Scientist.

The Oracle Replies:

Ha I love that! You brought a smile to my face, thank you. I do think the world would be a better place without racism yes but I'm not sure the panda is setting an example... they're obese and don't do very much. The population would decrease pretty quickly too as they're not into the act of procreation shall we say.

Sorry, I'm joking! Bloomin' cute though too.

April 14, 2011 - submitted by Chris K, United States of America

Q. I teach 4th grade in a Quantum learning classroom, and for some reason the beginning of Yellow from the Live 2003 world tour really calms them down in the morning. Is there a studio version of Yellow from the Live 2003 tour? The beginning of the song really helps them focus! It's been a great opportunity to introduce the class to Coldplay. Oracle... can you help me out here?

The Oracle Replies:

I take it you mean a CD studio recording of the version of Yellow from the Live 2003 DVD. The only recording of that version of Yellow is live. There is a CD as well as the DVD with 12 tracks lifted from the same shows and that does feature Yellow.

April 14, 2011 - submitted by Patrick, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle. I'm at the end of my rope so to speak. I find it kind of funny that im asking for advice from someone whom I will never meet, yet many others have done so already with problems worse than mine so I have been inspired to so as well. My brother was dating a girl for over 6 years and she became like a sister to me. After they had a bad breakup, he started dating this other girl whom is the epitomy of what nobody wants in a girlfriend. She hangs with "the wrong crowd" to put it lightly and partakes in less than likeable activities, and my brother continues to be involved with her despite always seeming empty and depressed. I've lost my role model I've kept all my life and nothing my family or I does changes him. He has chosen her over happiness and I feel as though its going to cause him to continue down a bad road to a point of no return. I've never told him what I truly felt, because if I did it would result in me never feeling right talking to him again because of the loss of respect I've garnered for him. what should I do, if anything?

The Oracle Replies:

Oh Patrick I feel for you, I really do. Your brother has been someone you looked up to and now you feel you can't and that is hard. Role models are strange entities to me as it's a role that comes with extreme amounts of pressure that is sometimes unwittingly thrust upon them. Family members especially are put into this position usually by their age and therefore perceived wisdom and maturity, yet they are still fallible human beings at the end of the day. They have a responsibility to themselves first and foremost but I can totally see why you feel let down. I suppose there's a few things here, the loss of a sister like figure is also affecting you but ultimately you don't like to see your brother's changed behaviour. I'm afraid that you have to accept whatever path your brother chooses for himself and let him get on with it. He may be making a mistake but right now he may feel the need to rebel against his usual behaviour in the wake of the break-up from his long term relationship. It's quite common for guys to get involved with someone soon after but all I can suggest is to be there for him and support him. Try not to judge his decisions but show concern for his welfare by all means. Why can't you ask if he's ok because you think he looks sad? It's ok to be worried about your brother but you can't change him; not back to who he was or who you want him to be. It doesn't mean he's lost forever, this could be a phase.

Try to remain aware that when you get older you may find yourself in a similar position which will make you see that it's part of life so don't be too hard on him.

Finally, I have had people in my life that I put on a pedestal and when they did something to knock them off I was so disappointed. It took a while for me to see that I had no right to put them there in the first place. If you want a role model to look up to, look no further than yourself. There is no reason your older brother can't see you as role model by the way... set an example.

April 13, 2011 - submitted by Ana, United States of America

Q. Hello wise Oracle. I only have one question for you, why is the song in the music video for Spies different than the one featured in Parachutes? I know that they had made the video originally for Spies, but the video's version started faster and had a faster beat. I was wondering if this might have been because they had originally made this video for Spies, but then changed it to Bigger Stronger. I hope to hear from you, Ana

The Oracle Replies:

You must be referring to such videos as

April 13, 2011 - submitted by Oxana, France

Q. Hey All-Knowing Oracle, I've just watched Eastern Promises with the great Viggo Mortensen and I'd like to know what are the Russian songs we can hear during the movie. Thanks a lot, Oxana

The Oracle Replies:

Have you tried listening here?

April 12, 2011 - submitted by Lu, Chile

Q. Hi Oracle! here's another "meaning question". In the 2005 Storytellers Coldplay show, Will uses a phrase when he talks about Clocks, (that at first he didn't like)... what's that idiom? I think it's something related to the word "hat"... what's the meaning of that expression? Please answer this cause it's a bit difficult to get those phrases. Thanks so very much!!!

The Oracle Replies:

In this case the idiom was "if Clocks is a hit I'll eat my hat". The phrase means that you don't think something could happen SO much that you're prepared to do something insanely ridiculous if "it" actually happens. So strong is their belief that "it" will never happen they feel safe to say it as they're also implying they won't need to. Let me put the phrase into another context. You know when Stevie asked me the other day how likely was it for unreleased songs Famous Old Painters and Don Quixote to be on the fifth album? Well, I'll eat my hat if they are! (p.s Will wasn't keen on the song but I'm pretty sure it wasn't him who actually said those words).

April 12, 2011 - submitted by Sophie, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, My first boyfriend and I broke up 3 months ago. Now he's going out with someone else and I still like him a lot. I still feel terrible every day. He said he still wanted to be friends, and occassionaly we would talk, but now I never hear from him. What is the easiest way to forget him and not care anymore? I just want to feel happy again. Please help. Sophie.

The Oracle Replies:

The easiest way to forget is to keep yourself busy and occupy your mind as much as possible. I'm afraid there is no easy way to not care. Time is the only thing and to be honest it takes people different lengths of time so I can't predict how long it may take for you. Surround yourselves with friends and people who make you happy. Don't waste time on boys who don't deserve you.

April 11, 2011 - submitted by Kevin, United States of America

Q. How long were So Sad, Vitamins, and If All Else in the setlist. Did they ever make it live in the new millennium? I apologize if you have already answered this question.

The Oracle Replies:

To be honest, not long at all. None of those songs lasted long enough to see it into the new millennium either. They didn't even make it to 1999 as far as I remember.

April 11, 2011 - submitted by Stevie, Mexico

Q. Hello. How likely is it for unreleased songs Famous Old Painters and Don Quixote to be on the fifth album? Thanks and greetings from Mexico!!! :P

The Oracle Replies:

A million to one would still be far too good odds. Not likely makes it sound like a possibility. Not a chance, no. They won't be. Definitely.

April 7, 2011 - submitted by Chris, Switzerland

Q. I don't really get it... Coldplay's Simpsons appearance... what does Homer says after "do you think.."? It's quite hard to understand for none English speaking people and I can't wait to see it in Switzerland tv... thanks for helping oracle!

The Oracle Replies:

He interrupts Chris to ask "Do you think you could use someone like me in your band?" After Chris says yes and suggests the tambourine Homer replies, "I said someone like me, I didn't say me".

April 7, 2011 - submitted by Douglas, Argentina

Q. Hi there! I wanted to ask you some things becouse I want to increase my knowledge (haha) and who else better to ask?: what is your favourite movie? what is your favourite song? what is your favourite book? what is your favourite paint?

The Oracle Replies:

The answers today may be different tomorrow so these are my favourite things right now: Movie - Rocky; Song - Dream On by Aerosmith; Book - Brighton Rock by Graham Greene; Painting - Any of Gauguin's Polynesian women.

April 7, 2011 - submitted by Jeen, United States of America

Q. My moms shoulders ache, legs and feet hurt, and she gets frequent headaches, especially when she bends down. Do you know what kind of medical issue this is? Thank You.

The Oracle Replies:

Please get your Mom to go and see a doctor. That is all I have to say. Anything to do with health is not worth any guess work. Ever.

April 6, 2011 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. Hello, when did you see Will, Chris, Guy and Jonny last time together? And for some questions fans post to you, do you call one of them if you don't know exact the answer? Thank you! Kind Regards

The Oracle Replies:

Hmm I'm not sure when I last saw the guys together. It's usually when they're having lunch or whatnot. Generally I'll see them one or two at a time at the studio. I haven't seen Guy for a while, or Will who I last passed on the studio stairs. Chatted to Chris & Anchorman at the Bakery on the 24th March and bumped into Jonny in the local supermarket last week - we queued together talking over our groceries. I don't normally ask them for answers, that's a very rare occurrence when I'm having a debate with myself!

April 6, 2011 - submitted by Lien, France

Q. Dear Oracle, I have the best boyfriend, we are together for almost 12 years now. I love him a lot. But I've met this man at work, we became really good friends, and I have to be honest with myself: I fell in love with him too. I didn't want to, it just happened to me. We even fit better together, because we have all the same interests. But he has a girlfriend, I have a boyfriend. I don't know what to do. I haven't told him about my feelings, I would never cheat on my boyfriend. But my feelings are driving me crazy. What do I have to do??

The Oracle Replies:

Are you truly ready for this reply Lien? Strap yourself in... So, if you have the "best" boyfriend, why are you considering another man? If he's the best, doesn't he deserve to be treated better? Now the harsh words are out of the way I will just point out that these things happen every day so you're not alone. I wish I could sit down and spend hours chatting but I can't. In life we can be attracted to many people even when we are happy in relationships; it's human nature. It doesn't mean you have to do anything about it. We generally spend a lot of time with work colleagues, sometimes way more time than with partners so it's almost inevitable that bonds and friendships will form. Having things in common is great but that doesn't mean there's a future in it. Do you remember what made you fall in love with your boyfriend? Can you remember those feelings? I suggest if you want to make it work with him, remind yourself of how great he is and rediscover those first feelings by making more time to be with him. In the meantime, by all means be friends with the chap at work but resist temptation, don't flirt, don't encourage any inappropriate conversations or behaviour and don't be alone with him. If you've really fallen in love you may not want to be with your boyfriend any longer. Try to imagine life without him in it and replaced by the new love. Ask yourself how you feel about that. Twelve years is a very long time and perhaps your relationship seems comfortable and familiar - maybe even a little boring? You might think your feelings for the man at work seem new and exciting but there's every chance you'd feel the same way abut him in less than twelve years. See how it goes over the next few months. Of course your feelings for your workmate could get so unbearable that you feel you have to tell him and risk everything you both have to be together (if he feels the same), I'd be 100% sure your feelings are true love and not lust, attraction, infatuation, or based on your ego before giving up the "best" boyfriend. I really hope you untangle your confusion and find the best way through it.

April 5, 2011 - submitted by Sara, United Kingdom

Q. Hello, Oracle! I was on a Coldplay playlist on youtube and came across this and was puzzled. Does this have anything at all to do with Coldplay? Is this them performing it? If not, then would you happen to know what this is? Because it is indeed beautiful!

Best wishes, xxx

The Oracle Replies:

The connection is that the creator of the music - Miami Lights - has featured on our website's Exhibition Room. I would assume that's why they have tagged the video with Coldplay.

Glastonbury Festival 2011 resale tickets were snapped up in under two hours this morning (Sunday) as fans eager to see the likes of U2, Coldplay and Beyonce tried desperately to buy unwanted and unsold passes from the original ticket sale.

Sources suggested that a record number of festival-goers had registered to buy tickets in the resale after Beyonce was confirmed to headline the Sunday (26 June). "Apologies to those of you who didn't get a ticket," tweeted the festival on their GlastoFest Twitter account, "demand hugely outstripped supply, so unfortunately some people had to miss out."

The sale wasn’t without its problems, with some people reportedly receiving internal server errors from the SEE Tickets webpage and others getting “kicked out” of the buying process after entering their details.

Following festival-only tickets selling out at 9.45am, fans scrambled to buy ticket and coach travel packages to the event, but encountered more issues with the site only allowing users to purchase one seat on coaches. Once this was resolved, all the packages were snapped up by 10.40am. "All tickets have gone - thanks for your patience. See you down here!" tweeted co-organiser Emily Eavis.

Glastonbury Festival takes place at Worthy Farm, Pilton, from June 22 to June 26 - this year's event will be headlined by U2, Beyoncé and our very own Coldplay. Additional tickets were made available for the sold-out event because previous purchasers have cancelled their passes or not settled the balance of their deposit in the week permitted between April 1 and April 7. Passes will cost £195 plus £5 booking fee.

Coldplay recently announced their headline slot of this year's Glastonbury Festival on Saturday June 25th. This will be the Coldplay's first appearance at the legendary festival since 2005. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now.

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

A Viva jacket as worn by Chris Martin on the Viva La Vida world tour has fetched £8,600 on eBay for the British Red Cross's Japan Tsunami Relief Appeal. The jacket came with a triple gold disc presentation which has been donated by Will Chamption and signed by the band.

The signed and framed poster from Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour dates in Brisbane, Australia fetched £390 for the same appeal.

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. The Coldplay proceeds will go to help those in crisis both in the UK and overseas - in this case the Japan Tsunami Relief Appeal. You can still donate towards the cause here at the Red Cross website.

Other auctioned items included a pair of vintage speakers from the Beatles' Abbey Road Studio 3, a signed limited edition lithographic Depeche Mode print, a rare Gorillaz lithograph autographed by Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn, Katy Perry's cupcake trampoline from her California Dreams tour and a MacBook used by David Guetta on his One Love demos.

Items have also been donated by artists including Norah Jones, Iron Maiden, the Beach Boys, Lady Antebellum, the Chemical Brothers, 30 Seconds to Mars, Daft Punk and Keith Urban.

All funds raised from the charity auction will be used towards the Japanese Red Cross disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Funds will be used for the on-going provision of immediate relief to support the affected population during their recovery. EMI Group has committed to match all funds raised from the auction up to a maximum of one million euros.

Lot 1: Chris's Viva La Vida Jacket & signed gold disc

Lot 2: Signed Brisbane tour poster

Chris Martin made a surprise appearance at a pub charity gig in London last night. His mate Hot Fuzz actor, Simon Pegg, had put on a benefit night at the Boogaloo in Highgate, north London. The gig was organised by comedian Simon Pegg as a tribute to former landlord John Parkhouse who passed away. Read the full review at the Coldplay forum now [thanks mimixxx]

Chris performed a handful of songs and sounded in good sprits singing Coldplay's track Wedding Bells and Yellow. Simon Pegg also joined Chris on stage to play harmonica during a performance of Green Eyes. Chris also played a cover of the 1995 Oasis hit Wonderwall. When he performed the Oasis track, he brought a lucky audience member to the stage to help saying, "Fuck it I'll do it, but only if you do it with me."

Other celebs in the crowd included Ant and Dec. At one point Chris Martin couldn't decide which Coldplay song to play next so asked the audience. Someone from the crowd heckled back for him to play Wonderwall. He agreed to the request as long as the heckler came up as well. The pub was the inspiration for 'The Winchester' in Simon Pegg's film Shaun of the Dead.

Photographs courtesy of ThisIsFakeDIY

Photographs courtesy of Nick Pickles photography

Splendour in the Grass organisers and Coldplay's official site have put the rumour mill to bed and announced Coldplay will be headlining the July festival's 2011 line-up. In their only Australian show confirmed to date, Coldplay will lead a slew of other UK-based artists in what will be a Britrock-dominated festival.

The event will be held at Woodfordia in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland between July 29-31. Going? The latest discussion on the now-confirmed Splendour In The Grass date is at the Coldplay Live forum now [thanks njshaw, Natascha, SueDeNimes, I_saw_sparks_87]

Here's the confirmation from Anchorman: Good evening (or morning, if you're down under). We're pleased to report that Coldplay will headline this year's Splendour Tn The Grass festival in Queensland, Australia. Tickets will cost $390 (inc gst) Event + $120 (inc gst) Camping + booking fees, which gains entry to the festival for 3 days, from Friday 29 July to Sunday 31 July (the actual date of Coldplay's show is yet to be announced). They go on sale at 9am AEST on Thursday 5 May through Moshtix or by phone on 1300 GET TIX (438 849).

Coldplay’s place on the festival lineup had been a persistent rumour ever since they were announced on the Fuji Rock lineup back in March. Earlier this week Herald Sun music journalist Nui Te Koha also declared on Twitter that “Coldplay [are] coming for splendour in the grass. no side shows” so the rumour certainly seems to be gathering steam. But leading the US contingent will be Kanye West to promote his much-hyped latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Splendour will also be his only Aussie show. On-again, off-again veteran rockers Pulp are on the bill after announcing their reunion in January and will be warming up for Splendour at the Isle of Wight festival in June before heading Down Under.

Speaking of on-again off-again rock veterans, Jane's Addiction will take care of alternative music fans' needs, along with Swedish punk rockers The Hives and Melbourne punk mainstays The Living End. Californian indie rockers Grouplove are also heading over, along with Grammy Award-winning prog rockers The Mars Volta.

There to mellow the mood for her only 2011 show anywhere in the world will be Russian indie-folk angel Regina Spektor. Other Britrock acts making an appearance are indie rock duo The Kills, Gomez, Elbow and The Vaccines. Indie group Glasvegas are coming from Scotland, while Friendly Fires and Cornershop will also be there.

There are plenty of local acts on the bill, including Melbourne pop group Architecture in Helsinki, ARIA award-winning hip hop outfit Bliss n Esso, The Panics, Cloud Control, Gotye, Boy and Bear and The Middle East. Last year's triplej Unearthed winners Jinja Safari will be there, along with this year's winners which will be announced before the event.

Splendour: Coldplay, Kanye West, Pulp and more

Coldplaying TV (episode 3) is now live!