Coldplay have announced they are to become patrons of the organisation ClientEarth. The organisation works across the globe with governments and other green groups to enforce environmental laws are properly enforced. Discussion on this news is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks blue_girl]

''ClientEarth is at the forefront of changing the way the planet's resources are governed. They have a positive and pragmatic approach to environmental issues, improving and enforcing environmental law. Coldplay are proud to support them,'' said the press release issued by the official Coldplay site. Fifth member Phil Harvey is one of ClientEarth’s trustees. The band join the producer of their last album Brian Eno, as well as the MP and former editor of the Ecologist Zac Goldsmith, as patrons of the organisation.

ClientEarth's CEO, James Thornton said: ''Coldplay have long been strong advocates for environmental issues, and we are extremely pleased that they will continue to speak out for these most important of issues alongside us.''

A nice new picture of Coldplay (source: coldplay.com)

In between the hustle and bustle of the Crisis hidden gigs and all that goes with the rush for tickets and auction bids, we'd like to remind you that Coldplay have recently backed a campaign to get '2 Minutes Silence' to number one on the UK singles chart. The track, which has been released by the British Legion's Poppy Appeal, features nothing but silence.

It is accompanied by a video featuring the likes of Thom Yorke, The Saturdays, Mark Ronson and prime minister David Cameron. On Thursday, the Official Charts Company said the song was on course to chart inside the top-20 at the weekend. UPDATE: The Royal British Legion were a new entry at 20 with their completely silent track 2 Minute Silence!

Proceeds from the single will help support serving & ex-serving troops and their families. You can download the MP3 and the video for £1 from www.silentsingle.com.

The Royal British Legion's bid for the Remembrance Sunday No.1 slot is a poignant reminder of the two-minute silence first held on November 11, 1919, to mark the first anniversary of the end of the First World War, and traditionally observed every November 11 at 11am as well as on each Remembrance Sunday.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (4th November 2010): [thanks Makayla]

Pictures by Makayla

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

November 12, 2010 - submitted by Karen M, Colombia

Q. Q.Dear Oracle, the hand that is in the picture of the Blue Room EP is from one of the guys? Or is from another person? Thanks! Bye.

The Oracle replies:

Anchorman recently interviewed the designer of the Blue Room EP's cover; the hand in the photo does not belong to anyone in the band. The article explains the picture was sourced from a magazine.

November 12, 2010 - submitted by Thibault, France

Q. Hi wise Oracle! Refering to the question of the VLV tour program, is this one a real one? Thanks for your advices!

The Oracle replies:

Yes it is but it's worth noting there was a second run and the cover of that was slightly different as it also featured the puppets.

November 12, 2010 - submitted by Laurene, France

Q. Dear Oracle, Do you know if Coldplay are gonna give a gig to London ? I know about Newcastle and Liverpool...but what about London ? Thanks, Have a great day ! Laurene

The Oracle replies:

If you'd asked me two weeks ago if I knew of ANY gigs I wouldn't have told you about the Liverpool and Newcastle ones! Sorry, I don't mean to tease you but as you know those are charity events; there won't be any further announcements for London. Good luck to everyone today who's attempting to buy tickets for the Crisis shows!

November 12, 2010 - submitted by Imrano, Singapore

Q. Hey wise Oracle, My favourite band other than Coldplay are Linkin Park and 5 of their songs are featured in the XFM Top 1000 songs book. Could you be nice enough to tell me what they are? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Yes of course. In chronological order they are:

In The End

Numb

What I've Done

Shadow Of The Day

New Divide

November 11, 2010 - submitted by Frida T, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle, I am a British true and true but after moving to the States three years ago, I feel quite out of touch from the music scene. The radios hardly play anything non-hip hop or candy pop, and much less witty presenters too! How I miss Steve Lamacq, and BBC programmes. Do you have any American bands/ musicians to recommend? And of course, here nothing is akin to Glastonbury or O2, but it will be some relief if Coldplay would play in Seattle one day... (would you please pass on the suggestion!) it certainly was when Jamie Cullum played some two months ago... Regards, -Frida

The Oracle replies:

I've done a few recommends so for now, rather than suggest any American music I'm going to point you to avenues of listening to great music. You may have heard of 6 Music as we posted news about it earlier this year and your favourite Steve Lamacq is a DJ there. There's an iplayer where you can listen online here. If you're interested there's WFMU - a free-form format, listener-supported, non-commercial radio station in the United States too; might be worth your while checking it out. Apart from a selection of acts we have plugged in news (and of course my favourites in this section) there are countless websites you could frequent. Try these and perhaps it will motivate you to find similar:

The Black Cab Sessions

Daytrotter

From the Basement

Oh and it's worth a mention that our European readers have an added advantage of being able to get a Spotify account.

November 10, 2010 - submitted by Baran, Germany

Q. I have Read the Blue Room article. Tim Moore have said: Yes I still have copies of the CD and vinyl release + some very rare and rather basic blank colour versions that have a varnished finish to them. I was lucky enough to be given the 0001 copy of the 12 inch so if anyone wants the first ever limited release of Coldplay's Blue Room EP on Parlophone make me an offer! It's been in my portfolio for some time, so it's pretty mint. I have Big interest to buy the 0001 Lp. Where can I contact him?

The Oracle replies:

I'm afraid you can't Baran. I know Tim said that but he wasn't entirely serious about accepting offers; he wasn't looking to sell. Maybe he'd auction it for charity though?

November 11, 2010 - submitted by Tristan, United States of America

Q. Hello there Oracle... My piano teacher told me that the piano part of Clocks wasn't originally made by Coldplay. Is this true?

The Oracle replies:

Well if you can possibly break the news without a smug tone; your teacher is wrong. Oh it feels good to know that I can finally prove a teacher wrong...

November 11, 2010 - submitted by Victoria, United Kingdom

Q. What does the ASED 33 mean in Chris's Exhibit?

The Oracle replies:

Aw bless, you might feel a little bit daft in a second Vicky. It's a G not an S!

AGED 33, not ased 33 okay?

November 10, 2010 - submitted by Lisa, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Has the Exhibit Room run its course? The drawing by CM has been up for several days. It it the last? : (

The Oracle replies:

No, we're just exhibiting it for a few extra days as it was a special occasion. The curator informs me we'll be back to usual soon.

November 10, 2010 - submitted by Aya, Japan

Q. Dear wise Oracle, I think few people have already asked this question but tell me... left to right, Guy, Jonny, Will and Chris, is it right? Thank you.

The Oracle replies:

I presume you are referring to this? I would have to agree however Chris & Guy both have really short hair right now so it's tricky to figure out which one Chris intended to be himself; Jonny & Will are easy to spot.

November 9, 2010 - submitted by Jeewee, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, I was over at a friend's today and we both share the fact that we like Coldplay very much. When I was sitting down in his room, he had a book of Coldplay. I reached out to it and saw some really awesome pictures. It contained all the artwork on Viva and a lot of studio pictures and even pictures taken during the recording of the videos for Violet Hill. In the middle was a blueprint of the stage I believe! My friend didn't know where he got it from, do you have any idea where I can buy this awesome book? Thanks Oracle!

The Oracle replies:

I knew what you meant right away; the tour programme from Viva la Vida. I found some images of it to save me scanning mine (thanks Coldplaying!) The tour programmes were obviously sold on tour but you can still find some for sale on auction sites and such...

November 9, 2010 - submitted by Sunil, United Kingdom

Q. OMG!! Were you aware of the Secret Coldplay gig when I asked you about selling my collection? Those tickets are going to sell like hot cakes! I have no choice but to sell now! :( AND theres an auction for meet and greet?! Did I get through to them? Haha take care Wise One! This is awesome!

The Oracle replies:

I confess that I did know yes but... I also knew how limited tickets would be. It's not a tour so I didn't think I wasn't lying even though you KNOW I was sworn to secrecy!

November 9, 2010 - submitted by Allie, United States of America

Q. Professor Oracle! As a beholder of obscene amounts of knowledge,and a man/woman/wizard/timelord whose opinion is highly respected,please mull over this question for a spell... Would you rather run through the streets of London in the nude, or dress like a lady for a year?

The Oracle replies:

I guess I'd rather dress like a lady for a year! I'm not into parading around naked!

It has become a Coldplaying tradition that every couple of months the World Of Music forum holds a mixtape exchange. Over previous years it has been run by Coldplayers Eglantine, Redgirl76, Kite (Dargarius), and The Escapist. To start off the summer, Ivet has stepped up to the role of hosting the next, the 7th, mixtape exchange.

The idea is that you get together a mix of songs that people may not have heard, that you enjoy, and sound well together (or that were just pulled out of a hat - though this option is not particularly advised!). It is really up to your musical interpretation. Basically, if you love to listen to new music and discovering new artists and genres, this is for you. AND, you can influence others' music with your style too...

Here are the deadlines: Sign up here before midnight on Friday, 3rd December (GMT-6) and please submit your mixtapes by midnight on Monday, 13th December. Tapes will be sent out the same evening! Please note: You must have at least 150 posts in the forum to be able to participate.

Here are the rules (as read by Kite) that have been copied from the efforts of RedGirl and The Escapist in previous Mixtape Exchanges and are still valid...

1. Sign up saying you want to participate - leave your name on the thread or PM Ivet direct;

2. When the deadline for signing up is over, you'll get a PM from Ivet giving you the name of another participant in the Exchange. You will be making a mix for this person, whoever they may be;

3. You mustn't reveal who you are making the mix for;

4. Make your mix-tape (average length is around 50-70 minutes) and delete the info for each song;

5. Upload the mix-tape to something like rapidshare and send me the link and a tracklisting. I will then send it to person assigned to you, keeping your identity a secret of course! (If you’re able to, and this makes it way simpler for everyone, put your music files in a .zip or .rar.)

6. When you receive a mix-tape, listen to it, write a review and post it in this thread;

7. The person who made the mix-tape will then post the track-list and the link so everybody can download it. Simple as that;

8. At the end, I will link all the tapes, tracklistings and reviews to the first page so everyone can download them.

(Please note Phil's number no longer connects - so don't even bother!)

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

November 8, 2010 - submitted by Danny, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle! I am curious about one remix of Coldplay. I found a version of Yellow called the Alpha Remix. Did Coldplay help create this song or is it an independent song from a DJ (such as Junkie XL)? Thanks and hope your October is going well!

The Oracle replies:

Well I guess the whole point of a remix is that someone takes a song and puts their spin on it so the band don't get involved in the process. Please note that in my eyes Coldplay did help to "create" it as they wrote the original and that is the fundamental part; a remix is an alternative version so I wouldn't refer to it as "independent". Bands don't necessarily commission remixes by the way. There have been a few mixes that the band have really liked and gone on to use such as the Yellow Alpha remix (appeared on the Mince Spies CD) and the Thin White Duke remix of Viva la Vida (used as a musical interlude on the last tour).

November 8, 2010 - submitted by Gijs, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, How do you feel about the comeback of James Blunt after two years of absolute silence? How do you feel about comebacks of artists in general? Thank you :)

The Oracle replies:

Erm two years silence? Isn't that just what artists do between albums? It's not a comeback is it? Sorry that's more questions than you asked! I must admit to be being more of a fan of Mr. Blunt's sense of humour than his music. I was lucky enough to see Jarvis Cocker (of Pulp) lecture on the role of lyrics. A highlight for me was him pointing out the absurdity in the lyrics for

November 8, 2010 - submitted by Christoph, Germany

Q. Dear Oracle, am I the only one who absolutely looooves Square One?! I think its a beautiful tune with a powerful message, but not many people take it into their consideration while discussing Coldplay's best songs. What do you think about Square One?

The Oracle replies:

Just as Politik did on the previous album, Square one did on X&Y; they both gave their albums the most epic beginning! I absolutely LOVE Square One and when I got taken for a spin in a new car that was the song I put on the stereo to test its speakers. Awesome! I remember hearing it for the first time and love everything from the intro to the middle eight to the crescendo and the ending with a softer climax. Spine tingling stuff.

November 5, 2010 - submitted by Christian, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Is the puppet at 3:14-3:15 of the Life in Technicolor ii Music video the mysterious fifth band member I've heard about and exactly who is he?

The Oracle replies:

There is no mysterious fifth band member; that's about the only thing that's not a secret around these parts! Phil Harvey is the 5th band member and although he does appear in human form in this

November 5, 2010 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. Hi, you have been asked during the time being an Oracle often about having heard alrady this or that new album released of any bands and you almost always answered yes, you have heard it already even before it was opened for folks. Now I aks you, since Beady Eye is supposed to delivery very soon their first album - have you been able to touch those songs already? What do you think of it?

Thanks, Helmut

The Oracle replies:

I was also asked a while back what Beady Eye means. First I should explain for those who may not know that it's the name Liam Gallagher chose for his post Oasis band. To use the phrase in context, some might say (sorry, I couldn't resist) that someone has their beady eye on us; beady eye just means to keep a close watch. It gets its name from the gleaming nature of beads. I often think of birds seeming to stare intently with their bead like eyes. Anyway, I haven't heard Liam's Beady Eye yet but have heard reports. They've been mixed but I prefer to reserve any judgement for myself until I listen to it - as I do with all things.

November 5, 2010 - submitted by Colin, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, What do you think of the up and coming English band; Hard-Fi and their hit single, Hard to Beat? Colin

The Oracle replies:

Up and coming? Gosh Colin these boys have been around for over half a decade! In fact, I knew of the band when they had a different name and a record deal under that name. They have actually been making music for a very long time; well over ten years. Hard To Beat was released in 2005... Oh and in answer to your other question (Colin is a regular asker people), I'm afraid we don't have internships or job availabilities during the summer, sorry! They're great guys with some top tunes so let's hope they do come back with a great third album.

As you will know by now, Newcastle and Liverpool have been chosen as the only only two UK cities that Coldplay will play in 2010. The band will play intimate gigs somewhere in Liverpool on 19th December and Newcastle on 20th December to highlight homelessness. Possible venues in Newcastle have been rumoured to include the Tyne Theatre. Meanwhile, in Liverpool, several venues, including Mountford Hall/Stanley Theatre, O2 Academy Liverpool, or the Liverpool Olympia have been suggested on the grapevine. So why those cities anyway?

So why Newcastle? Well, the gigs are to raise money and awareness for Crisis, a charity for single homeless people. Newcastle is home to a Crisis Skylight training and employment centre. This offers practical and creative workshops with formal learning opportunities that lead to qualifications and finding work and which help local people move forward with their lives.

And why Liverpool? Following the success of the centre in Newcastle Crisis have plans to set up a new service in Liverpool by Autumn 2011. Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "To have the backing of Coldplay brings something unique to Crisis this Christmas. We know that their support and millions of fans will help shine a light on the thousands of hidden homeless people we strive to help year round who are all too often forgotten - particularly at Christmas when we know the pain of homelessness can be particularly acute."

The venues for the gigs will remain under wraps - only fans who manage to get hold of a ticket will be sent a text message and e-mail telling them where to go. The idea behind keeping it a secret is that it gives people a taste of the uncertainty faced by the thousands of homeless people who do not know where they will spend the night.

The Choir with No Name is Britain's first "homeless choir", made up of people who have no permanent home or who have only recently been housed. It was founded on the principle that singing makes you feel good and can help build confidence and provide a social network for people who find themselves on the fringes of society.

What we do know is that hidden gigs tend to be intimate and the location, which has been hand-picked by Coldplay, has a capacity of about 1,000. It's being described as an unusual space and not one of the normal hot spots such as the Newcastle Arena or City Hall. Local celebrities Ant and Dec have offered to compere the evening and a 'homeless choir' will be the supporting act. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Crisis, a charity for homeless people.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (4th November 2010): [thanks Makayla]

Pictures by Makayla

Tickets for Coldplay's two Crisis hidden gigs next month have taken just 23 minutes to sell out via the Seetickets website. This just in from Coldplay.com:

Good afternoon. We've just heard from Seetickets that the general sales for the Liverpool and Newcastle gigs have now completely sold out (both the Coldplay.com allocation and the locals' tickets). Thanks to everyone who bought one, and sorry to those of you who missed out. You can still bid to get tickets through the acutions from Seetickets website at seetickets.com/hidden. There is an auction of 200 general admission tickets available to anyone around the world. Plus, 30 meet & greet tickets are being auctioned for each gig, which will include early entry, champagne reception, best seats in the house, meet & greet with Coldplay, photo opportunity & access to VIP bar. The auctions will run for one week until 19 November at 2pm. Anchorman.

A lucky few Coldplayers have managed to get tickets online for the gigs, while others struggled and will have to take part in the autions if they want tickets. If you are going to the gigs please join our new social groups (made up of attendees) which we're trialling in readiness for the LP5 concert era.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (4th November 2010): [thanks Makayla]

Pictures by Makayla

Tickets for Coldplay's two Crisis hidden gigs in Liverpool and Newcastle go on sale at 2pm local time today, and a word of warning for scalpers hoping to strike lucky in the tout market. Unfortunately this comes at a cost to the hoardes of Coldplay fans around the world also hoping to get their hands on the tickets...

In order to buy a general sale ticket for either gig your billing address must either be based in Liverpool for the 19th December gig or Newcastle for the 20th December gig OR you can try via the allocations for coldplay.com readers using the code CP4CRISIS at the point of purchase. This allocation is available to all of Coldplay's online fans, wherever in the world they live (we obviously expect these tickets to sell pretty quickly).

However - if you are looking to buy tickets for someone else the cardholder will need to collect tickets from the (as yet unknown) venues and produce the credit card used to make payment and sign a receipt. This is part of the credit card merchant agreement and is in place to protect both Seetickets and the cardholder from potential credit card fraud. This means that according to the terms and conditions, a third party cannot collect the tickets if someone else has paid for them - unless of course you have their card, ID and are a striking resemblence of your buddy. This ticket security situation has also been confirmed by Coldplay's Anchorman via email.

Seetickets have promised more details on the booking processes will appear soon. Ticket discussion on these shows is at the Coldplay forum now (please ensure you are logged in in case the server is busy...)

Alternatively you can bid for tickets in the auction. Auction commences at 2pm on Friday 12th November and lasts for 7 days. Bidders do not need to be based in Liverpool or Newcastle in order to bid. There are two types of auction ticket. Auction tickets or VIP Auction tickets. Auction tickets are for entry to the gig with best seats in the house. VIP auction tickets include early entry, a champagne reception, chance to meet the band, photo opportunity with the band, access to the VIP bar and best seats in the house.

Gwyneth Paltrow performed at the CMA Awards on Wednesday night in Nashville, enduring Coldplay jokes from Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley because she has a movie to plug - the upcoming Country Strong.

Brad Paisley, who hosted the show with Carrie Underwood, addressed her as she sat front row in the audience. He said: "Gwyneth, I’ve always wanted to ask you something... can I have two Coldplay tickets?" Underwood added, "Can you make it four?"

The remarks drew guffaws from the audience and Paltrow smiled, but franky, it was a total diss, as if there was nothing else remarkable about her except being the wife of Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin. Nothing else remarkable that is, except she’s an talented Academy Award winning actress, with a stellar career in her own right. Did you see/hear Paltrow on the CMAs? What did you think? Watch the performance again and then let us know at the Coldplay forum here onwards.

But ABC and the CMA producers knew what they were doing when they scheduled Paltrow’s performance near the tail-end of the show — there was a curiosity factor at work here: Would Paltrow be able to cut it in front of an audience of country pros sitting in front of her? Of course she could. Strumming an acoustic guitar, looking a little nervous but singing the movie’s title song in an expressive, surging tone, she didn’t really need the assistance of the wonderful Vince Gill, there to give a polite, country-industry imprimatur to Paltrow’s efforts.

Paltrow’s performances on the Country Strong soundtrack album are solid ones. She delivers the songs with a conversational directness in a tuneful voice. She’s bound to come in for some ridicule from folks who don’t consider this scion of Los Angeles show-biz royalty “authentic” enough. The entire notion of authenticity in popular music is questionable at best and ludicrous most of the time, and when it comes to country music in particular — well, this sort of cold shoulder extends at least as far back as Olivia Newton-John. In other words, it’s a criticism that is old, tired, and irrelevant.

If Paltrow has a weakness, it’s only in the fact that she tends to approach any role, including that of country singer, with a well-thought-through determination. This can result in a certain self-consciousness — her detractors would say “coldness”; I’d call it braininess. And I find such bright professional strategizing, when it’s executed this energetically, charming.

Gwyneth Paltrow performs Country Strong at the Country Music Awards in Nashville (10th November 2010):

Kanye West has pulled out some crackpot rants over the years - but his Coldplay theory could be one of the biggest talkers yet. The rapper, producer and fashion-daahling-designer believes Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Guy Berryman are as good as - if not better - than The Beatles. More discussion on this is at the Coldplay forum now.

Kanye said: "America has, and probably always will, dominate music across the globe but it's always been the British who pull out that very special band. We have had amazing bands like Nirvana and Guns 'N' Roses but it's the British who have had the cream with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones setting the standard. I love Coldplay, and I honestly think they are on the same level as The Beatles...

"In 30 years, when Coldplay are old men, people will look back and say, 'These guys were more talented than The Beatles.' I have worked with Chris Martin and the man is a genius - as a performer and a songwriter he is on the same level as John Lennon. I am not saying this sort of shit lightly, it's really how talented the guy is. And Coldplay can go down as the best ever - even bigger than The Beatles.

"I have worked with Chris before but I'd like to work with him and the rest of the group next time. I have worked with some greats in my career but I really want to get in the studio and make an album with Coldplay. Jay-Z and Linkin Park made a sick album, and on paper that shouldn't have worked but it did. I want to meet with Chris and talk seriously about doing that. With us all in the studio we could create one of the greatest albums ever."

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (1st November 2010): [thanks Lily Isabella]

Pictures by Lily Isabella

Coldplay are set to play two 'hidden' shows this Christmas to raise money for charity, the official Coldplay site has just announced today. Exiled in the studio, Coldplay have decided to break cover in order to play two special shows in the UK cities of Liverpool and Newcastle. The band have teamed up with homeless charity Crisis and will perform in two top secret venues. The hidden gigs will take place in Liverpool on December 19th [discussion], before continuing in Newcastle on December 20th [discussion]. Early discussion on these shows is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks Craigie-J]

The shows will hold a mere 1000 people, an intimate show by Coldplay's standards. Taking place in co-operation with the charity, general tickets will cost £50 and are set to go on sale from 2pm this Friday (November 12th). In addition to the general sale, Coldplay are set to hold an auction of 200 tickets plus 30 meet & greet tickets for each gig. The prize includes early entry, a champagne reception, the best seats in the house, meeting Coldplay, a photo opportunity and access to a VIP bar.

A star studded affair, the Newcastle show will be compered by Ant & Dec. Coldplay will be supported on both dates by the Choir With No Name, a vocal choir made up of homeless people and others helped by Crisis.

This is far from the first time Coldplay have hooked up with a charity. The band played a one off show for War Child back in January, which culminated in Coldplay and The Killers taking to the stage with Bono and Gary Barlow.

A nice new picture of Coldplay (source: coldplay.com)

Here is Coldplay.com's statement in full:

Good morning. We're pleased to report that Coldplay will play two intimate Christmas gigs to draw attention to the problem of hidden homelessness and to raise vital funds for Crisis, the UK charity for single homeless people. The hidden gigs will take place in Liverpool on 19th December and Newcastle on 20th December.

The venues will remain hidden until 24 hours before Coldplay step on stage. This gives gig-goers a small taste of the uncertainty faced by the thousands of homeless people who do not know where they will spend the night. Both venues have been hand-picked by the band for their intimate nature, and each has a capacity of around 1,000 people. General tickets go on sale at 2pm this Friday (12th November) from http://www.seetickets.com/hidden costing £50. There will be an allocation of general sale tickets available for Coldplay.com users to buy, using the code CP4CRISIS at the point of purchase. This allocation is available to all of Coldplay's online fans, wherever in the world they live (we obviously expect these tickets to sell pretty quickly). The rest of the general sale tickets will be sold to people living in and around Liverpool and Newcastle. Only those with a credit/debit card registered to billing addresses with the following postcodes will be able to buy these tickets:

Liverpool: L1 – L40, CH25 – CH32, CH41 – CH49, CH60 – CH63

Newcastle: NE1 – NE49, NE61 – NE71, SR1 – SR9, DH1 – DH9

Click here for a full breakdown of the eligible postcodes.

As well as the general sale tickets, there will be an auction of 200 general admission tickets available to anyone around the world. Plus, 30 meet & greet tickets will be auctioned for each gig, which will include early entry, champagne reception, best seats in the house, meet & greet with Coldplay, photo opportunity & access to VIP bar. The auctions will run for one week from 12 November at 2pm, again via www.seetickets.com/hidden.

All proceeds from all tickets will go to support Crisis’ vital work for single homeless people. For more information on that, please head to their website.

Good friends of the band Ant & Dec will be travelling home to Newcastle for Christmas and have offered their compèring services for the Newcastle night. Supporting Coldplay on both dates will be the Choir With No Name, an acclaimed vocal choir made up of homeless people and others on the fringes of society, including clients of Crisis. Anchorman

Chris Martin has been earmarked as one of the first guests to be interviewed on cricketer Shane Warne's new TV chat show - Warne's World - due to be aired later this month, according to Australia's Herald Sun.

Warne spent last week on a whirlwind five-day European trip to pre-record several interviews for the one-hour show, which probably included a visit to see Chris Martin at Coldplay's Bakery and Beehive studios. We will have more news on this at the Coldplay forum and hopefully a recording of the show featuring Chris Martin will surface soon. [thanks howyousawtheworld]

As well as Chris Martin, the cricketer has also secured interviews with international stars Sting, Pink and Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe for his new Channel Nine variety show. A production source said former Nine boss James Packer has also agreed to appear - the media mogul's first sit-down TV interview in 20 years.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (1st November 2010): [thanks Lily Isabella]

Pictures by Lily Isabella

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 29, 2010 - submitted by Michelle, Canada

Q. Hello Oracle, I'm hoping you can help me out as I'm curious to know if both the Beehive and Bakery are both being used to record the new album. I assumed that moving into the Beehive would mean moving out of the Bakery, but from Anchorman updates, it sounds like both are being used. Wouldn't it be easier to stay put in one recording studio?

The Oracle replies:

You are correct in your assumption that both are being used; it works well. Geographically the two are very close so it's not that much of a problem at all.

October 29, 2010 - submitted by Sunil, United Kingdom

Q. Hello wise one! So... I own one of the most rarest Coldplay cds/vinyls including the What If promo cd,copies of mince spies and lots of the early stuff but am considering selling to purchase tickets to go see them on tour! Do VIP tickets exist for Coldplay for meet and greet? Or even sign autographs after a show? It is one thing that I wish to do but I never know when the right opportunity to meet the band! Any ideas? PLEASE REPLY! Big Thanks!!

The Oracle replies:

Honestly I would say hold on to those items. Yes they'd pay for your ticket but maybe you could just be saving up a little bit each week right now rather than part with some collectables? The main reason I say this is that although we sometimes have VIP packages available at venues, they don't include a meet & greet. Meet & greets are very rare in the U.K - another reason to say keep your memorabilia. The likelihood of catching the band after a show is even slimmer. I guess like with most things it's timing and luck; there's no great advice to give about getting autographs and meeting the band.

October 28, 2010 - submitted by Colin, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I noticed in Mirko's video with Will lying on the ground there was a magazine cut-out at 1 minute that said Coldplay is from Oxford University. Is this true or did the band go to University College London? Colin

The Oracle replies:

Actually it appears at 29 seconds and reads ..."Hailing from the metropolis of London, but having spent three years studying at Oxford University..." which of course we know is incorrect. The band attended UCL as you say but Phil did indeed go to Oxford so that must be where the confusion arose.

October 28, 2010 - submitted by Anthony, United Kingdom

Q. I told you I am a persistent fellow (or pest). I would still like an answer to my question as to where I can get a legal copy of the Coldplay/Kylie track, if it exists?

The Oracle replies:

Yes you did and that's one word for you ;)

Only joking but as you have asked every day I thought you may never stop until I reply. Sadly it's a bit of a waste of time because all you had to do was look on the tag cloud for "Kylie" or "Lhuna" and you'd have had an answer days ago!

Simon Pegg has released an autobiography entitled Nerd Do Well (click to view and buy via Amazon UK) which features Coldplay's Chris Martin. Read the excerpt from the book after the jump. The full book is well worth the read, and is available in the British Isles now. It will be available from Amazon US & Europe from November. You can discuss the book at the Coldplay forum now [thanks mimixxx]

Meanwhile, Coldplay.com thought now was a good time to ask him some questions. Happily, he was kind enough to answer them. Below is their interview...

The world might know Simon Pegg as the star of Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Star Trek and Mission Impossible III, but we know him as an honorary member of Coldplay...

Hello Simon, how are you?

Very well, thank you. A little frazzled but still smiling.

It's just over ten years since you met Coldplay. What do you remember about that night at London's Millennium Dome?

I didn't want to go. My wife was looking after the band Toploader for Sony and I wasn't really a fan. In the end I decided to tag along just to see Chris and the boys having watched them play the NME stage at V2000. I had no idea that a year later I'd be playing alongside them on the main stage. Chris came up to me after the Dome show and said he was a fan of the sketch show Big Train which saved me having to go up to him to say I was a fan of Yellow. Eight years later I played with them on a slightly bigger stage at the same venue.

Picture of Simon Pegg joining Coldplay on stage at London's O2 Arena back in December 2008:

And you've been friends with them ever since?

Yeah, he introduced me to the band and the rest is history. It was immediately apparent that they were destined for greatness. Not just because they stole the show but because they seemed possessed of this quiet determination. The sort of concentrated professionalism you see in older, more successful bands, the band they were to become. They had it from the beginning. This wasn't a game or a doss or a way to meet girls for them. You could tell they were serious. They've never lost that. It's why they're still around whilst everyone else on that bill has disappeared and why they will still be around 10 years from now.

Did you always think they'd reach the heights that they have?

I had faith in them, but it's hard to have faith in the industry because it's so fickle. It was clear they had what it takes though. There was passion and an almost studious resolve not to rest on their laurels. Chris has always had this tendency towards self effacement. He was apologising for Yellow back in 2000 because he was worried they'd played it too much. Ten years later people still go crazy when they hear those first few chords. I don't think he's stopped apologising for it though.

Of course, you've gone on to become a floating member of the band. Is it fun being in Coldplay?

I love it. Chris will ring up and say, 'Come and play tonight' and I will get nervous and tetchy and insist on some rehearsal which we'll do at the sound check. The boys will be incredibly amiable and laid back as though playing in front of tens of thousands of people is an everyday thing. Of course for them, it is. I am always amazed at how in the zone they are before the show. They never seem nervous and yet they are anything but laid back on stage. They seem perpetually at 100%. That makes me even more nervous when I blow into that harmonica. I have a lot to live up to.

Have you ever introduced yourself to a stranger by telling them you're in Coldplay?

All the time. If I don't get recognised for my own work and get asked about what I do for a living, I say I'm in Coldplay. It's always good to have something to fall back on.

You've appeared live with the band quite a few times over the years - at the Astoria, the O2, V Festival and even Wembley Stadium. Which was your best gig?

I loved doing the O2 Arena. It was a huge venue but still managed to be intimate, particularly as I appeared on the C stage for the 'up close and personal' section. I played the middle eight on Green Eyes and then we did Jingle Bells and wore silly hats because it was Christmas. I got my own Viva La Vida outfit and really felt like an honorary member. They've had a sense of looking like a band for a long time, the first time I played with them, at V2001, they asked me to wear a black shirt to remain in keeping with the band aesthetic. On the third night at the O2, I announced my decision to leave the band to the crowd and mentioned there was a helpline for anyone who found my actions distressing.

And what's the best Coldplay show you've ever watched from the crowd?

I have seen so many. I've lost count of the times I have seen them live. I guess my favourite would have to be when they did a gig in the corner of my local pub to raise money for the Whittington Hospital baby unit. Guy was poorly that night so it was just Chris, Jonny and Will, all on guitars. It was post Rush of Blood so they were already a global phenomenon. To see them banging out an acoustic version of Livin' on a Prayer in the corner of a little North London boozer was a real treat.

You've also appeared on a Coldplay recording - supplying backing vocals to Scientist B-side 1' 36". How did that come about? And are you proud of it?

I think I was just hanging out at the studio and Chris roped me in to shout 'YEAH!' at he end of the song. I am inordinately proud of it.

Legend has it you also came up with the name for another B-side, I Bloom Blaum? If so, please explain.

No, the song already existed and was named by Chris. The title is Icelandic for 'the blue people'. It was something Chris would sing when he picked up the guitar he keeps at my house. He played it one night and I fell in love with it straight away, so that on subsequent occasions I would insist he play it. When the band were putting the Rush of Blood singles together I suggested they include I Bloom Blaum as a B-side somewhere. Lo and behold, they did.

And you've even written songs with Chris. Is A+E a lost Coldplay classic?

In my opinion it's their best song ever. It's a sort of public information song about the benefits of going to the casualty department when you have an accident. The genius of it is that it is written entirely in the keys A and E.

Chris also made you Godfather to his first child. Speaking from several years of experience, what makes a good Godparent?

Chris is a great godfather to my daughter. It's about being a good influence and a fun presence. I conferred those duties upon Chris because I thought he would be inspirational as a person and a musician. He bought her a beautiful vintage 1968 Epiphone guitar for her first Christmas. He's doing well so far.

With the band currently locked away in the studio, can you give us any clues about how album #5 is sounding?

I haven't heard anything yet and I as much as I'd love to, I respect the creative process they have developed over the years. When Rush of Blood and X&Y was being recorded I heard a lot of stuff as it was being written. Me and Ian McCulloch were the first people outside the band to hear Clocks and I will never forget Chris bouncing around his living room to Politik, the first time he played it to my wife and I. Nowadays the process is less communal, they hole up in the Bakery and keep their cards close to their chest. I'm sure if I asked Chris he'd play me something, but I figure when he's ready he'll turn up at my house with a CD and his jazz shoes. I actually have a bunch of rare stuff he gave me in the early days. Live performances, demos and early versions of well known songs. I'm hanging onto those.

Meanwhile, your new autobiography, Nerd Do Well, has just been published. Are you pleased with it?

Yes, I think it turned out great. Chris was one of the first people to read it, actually. He features in it so I thought it was only fair. It also features a fiction story which has me as a rugged, sexually adventurous superhero, just in case my real life gets boring.

And what else are you busy with?

John Landis's

Finally, we always ask our interviewees what their favourite Coldplay song is. What's yours?

That's a really tough one. It changes all the time. At the moment I love Glass of Water from the Prospekt's March EP because it's banging.

Simon's autobiography, Nerd Do Well, is out now. Click here to buy it from Amazon.

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

November 2, 2010 - submitted by Espa, United Kingdom

Q. Why are the drummers always in the back on the stage? This summer I went to a festival and I stand the whole day on the front line and because of that I saw just from one band the drummer! Sometimes I could only see the singer!

The Oracle replies:

The majority of drummers are at the back of the stage but not all. The drum kit is a huge instrument that takes up quite a lot of room. They elevate the drums and drummer on what is known as a drum riser. This is supposed to help their visibility to the audience. There are some lead vocalists who sing from behind their kit (see Phil Collins) and also a small number who stand behind the kit out front (see Jellyfish. No, really do look them up, they're amazing). I can empathize because seeing The Strokes at a 300 capacity venue back in 2001 and Kings of Leon at a small 250 capacity venue in 2002 I couldn't see the drummer at either show. Truth be told I couldn't see ANYTHING! FYI: I do recall hearing that back in the 80s an artist called Nik Kershaw who was so short in height had a ramp built on stage so that people could see him. That's like a Nik riser I guess...

November 2, 2010 - submitted by Larry, United States of America

Q. Last summer (2009) I was in NYC and one evening, waiting on a cab at the airport, I placed my briefcase on the ground and accidentally bumped a guitar case. I looked up to see a gentleman that looked exactly like Chris Martin and he was very polite when I apologized and said no problem. He had a black or dark grey duffle bag that said Coldplay on it that looked like it was from the era of Rush of Blood. He grabbed the next cab and off he went. Now I tell my kids that I actually met Chris Martin in NYC but they don't believe me... nor does my wife. Can you let me know of it was him or if this particular bag would be one carried by the band?

The Oracle replies:

If I'm honest with you I don't doubt the possibility of Chris being in NYC at the time as they did hit a few nearby places with their tour. However I do highly doubt this was Chris. There are a number of reasons but, I have never seen (nor could I imagine) him carrying a duffle bag with his band's name on it!

That said, some of the crew do so maybe you met one of them? Hmmm I can't think of any that look like Chris though.

November 1, 2010 - submitted by Thomas, United Kingdom

Q. The Simon Pegg article was excellent, but what is this A+E he was chatting about?

The Oracle replies:

Ah, it's a joke. Chris & Simon wrote a little song called A&E (around the time of X&Y hence it's alphabetical moniker) but you won't find it anywhere as it was all done in jest.

FYI: For anyone who doesn't know, A&E is a hospital department; it stands for Accident & Emergency hence the song being about various ailments.

November 1, 2010 - submitted by Austin, United States of America

Q. Do you favor the hiphopopotamus or the rhymenoceros?

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm, the hiphopopotamus or the rhymenoceros? Well it has to be the hiphopopotamus as his rhymes are bottomless.

November 1, 2010 - submitted by Isabella, United States of America

Q. Is there any other reliable source of information about Coldplay, since you only answer a very small amount of questions??

The Oracle replies:

Anchorman and Roadie #42 are very reliable as is their source of and content of information. There's not just me around here so maybe if you look around the entire website you will find out much more in News, the Timeline section and the archived blogs are worth checking out. Have a wander and hopefully you will find what you seek!

October 29, 2010 - submitted by Sunil, United Kingdom

Q. Hello wise one! So... I own one of the most rarest Coldplay cds/vinyls including the What If promo cd,copies of mince spies and lots of the early stuff but am considering selling to purchase tickets to go see them on tour! Do VIP tickets exist for Coldplay for meet and greet? Or even sign autographs after a show? It is one thing that I wish to do but I never know when the right opportunity to meet the band! Any ideas? PLEASE REPLY! Big Thanks!!

The Oracle replies:

Honestly I would say hold on to those items. Yes they'd pay for your ticket but maybe you could just be saving up a little bit each week right now rather than part with some collectables? The main reason I say this is that although we sometimes have VIP packages available at venues, they don't include a meet & greet. Meet & greets are very rare in the U.K - another reason to say keep your memorabilia. The likelihood of catching the band after a show is even slimmer. I guess like with most things it's timing and luck; there's no great advice to give about getting autographs and meeting the band.

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1400 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 27, 2010 - submitted by Kevin, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I was wondering if you could help me understand a few things about Coldplay. I've looked through the timeline several times and it seems like Coldplay went from being an almost unknown band to playing at Glastonbury in a very short amount of time. Almost like instant success. Am I reading the timeline incorrectly or did it all happen that quickly? Thanks Oracle, You are the Best

The Oracle replies:

Yes, it actually did all happen that quickly. It's quite unusual for a band to reach their level of success at such high speed. Oh dear, that was terrible wasn't it? They were relatively unknown to the music industry & media until September 1998. By Christmas the same year there was a significant industry buzz building. As early as January 1999 the media had picked up on the band and the wheels were in motion for a whirlwind 6 months of high profile live shows, Fierce Panda single release, major label record deal and major publishing deal culminating in their first Glastonbury appearance June 1999.

October 27, 2010 - submitted by Jamie, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, Me and my boyfriend, whom I love dearly but I suspect is cheating on me but we have been friends since we were wee lads and lasses and I just couldn't bear the thought of being without him and so I will stay with him forever and ever even though maybe he's cheating on me and maybe I should leave him because he told me that he doesn't love me as much anymore, can't tell whether or not Chris and Jonny actually appear as zombies in Shaun of the Dead. I think they do, but my possibly unfaithful but devilishly handsome (he is a Coldplay fan) boyfriend says they're not. Can you help us?

The Oracle replies:

I can help you settle the fact that Chris & Jonny are zombies in Shaun of the Dead but as for the rest... No I cannot help you; I wish I could. I could help you if you wanted help though it sounds like you want me to wave a magic wand and make him what you want him to be. You want to stay with someone forever and ever who may or may not be cheating on you but doesn't love you as much as before? Erm, don't you think you deserve more? Better? He's not the only handsome chap in your vicinity I bet. Treat him like your favourite cake that you eat often. Now imagine you're watching how much sugar and cream you eat for health reasons so you have to give up this cake. Of course it's going to be hard because you love this cake and almost feel like it's a habit you can't break. After a while you look and feel so much better and realise that you don't need or want that cake anymore; it was bad for you. In fact a new cake that's much better for you is available - wait and have that instead of this toxic variety. Yes ok so my analogy might be silly but it's the same message as I would normally give anyone with romantic/deluded ideas or in your case someone who lacks self-esteem and ironically is damaging it further with someone who doesn't appreciate you. Step away from the boy and walk in the opposite direction with your head held high.

October 26, 2010 - submitted by Mirko, Germany

Q. Hea Oracle, Why is

The Oracle replies:

I was there that day of their second Glastonbury performance in 2000. Will had been pacing up and down looking from the side of the stage out into the building crown. I would wager the lie down was a nerve busting rest in the sun. FYI: At 30 seconds Emily Eavis says the band's first appearance was Saturday; it was actually the Sunday!

October 26, 2010 - submitted by Adele, Colombia

Q. Heelloo Oracle, In the question about Ode to Deodorant, in the cassette, the name of Coldplay appears as "The Coldplay", was the band called like that before? Did they change their name? When and why? Thank you so much. Kisses from Colombia.

The Oracle replies:

A few people have asked this and it has been mentioned on these very pages before. Yes back in 1998 they were known as The Coldplay but dropped The at the turn of the year. There were a lot of "The" starting band names and it sounds better without don't you think?

October 26, 2010 - submitted by Emily, Canada

Q. Hi Oracle! Are you a fan of Michael Buble? I absolutely love him!

The Oracle replies:

Unlike the majority of the X Factor contestants/mentors on last week's show, I understand the meaning of a guilty pleasure (as that was supposedly the theme). Michael Buble can certainly fit the bill for some of us so I admit, he is mine. * Guilty pleasure - something you're not meant to like (especially if it's not considered cool) but you do anyway.

October 26, 2010 - submitted by Aaron, United Kingdom

Q. Dearest Oracle, Is this really

The Oracle replies:

Are you yanking my chain? It is Chris yes; Chris BOUCHARD as it clearly says on the screen. Dude he looks like nothing like Chris Martin!

October 25, 2010 - submitted by janie, United Kingdom

Q. Hi, I read about how the Ode to Deodorant cassettes were dubbed from a CD-R. I was wondering how many of these CDs were made? Did they get labeled like the cassettes or are they any other marks to know someone has seen a real CD? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

The copy I had was the original CD-R and didn't have any labelling whatsoever. I copied it myself onto cassette before the cassette demo started doing the rounds. I am not aware of any CDs being given out at that time to be honest. The tape looked like this. Don't bother trying to work out the phone number; it doesn't belong to anyone these days!

October 25, 2010 - submitted by Owen, United Kingdom

Q. Hello Oracle. I'm a big Blink-182 fan and I found this video of

The Oracle replies:

I take it you mean Chris & Tom from Keane rather than the whole band but as it goes, that's a clever technique of the video maker's if they intended us to think it was them; however it isn't.

October 22, 2010 - submitted by Andy, United Kingdom

Q. I was at Tinie Tempah gig in Manchester Academy, Tinie did a cover of Viva La Vida, over which he rapped whilst the crowd sang the Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Ohs! Who gives clearance for Coldplay's music to be re-created this way? the band or the powers that be? Have the band heard it, or even yourself Oracle? It was very good!

The Oracle replies:

My initial reaction was "no clearance is necessary; anyone can perform a cover of a song" but then I watched it. I have to say I found it rather strange to hear him

October 22, 2010 - submitted by Tracey, United States of America

Q. Hello There! We have a Holiday over in America called Halloween on October 31st, do the kids in the UK celebrate this?? Thanks, Tracey

The Oracle replies:

We have it too! In fact, I think you'll find it originated over this side of the pond but it became a much bigger holiday over there than here. Our costumes tend to be of the scary/horror variety compared to the broader themes of the U.S. We also play special games such as bobbing for apples and the traditional trick or treat that makes most neighbours pretend they're out for the night!

October 21, 2010 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle. I know that you have already answered a few questions asking what the address is for sending fanmail. I found this address on another website, only to realize later that it was not the same one you suggested we send it to.

Coldplay

3D Management

1901 Main Street

3rd Floor

Santa Monica, CA 90405

USA

Will the band still receive my letter or should I send another one? Thank you for your time :)

The Oracle replies:

There are no postal addresses available for fan mail; disregard any previous addresses given out as they are now defunct. I can tell you that any sent to the above address do eventually make it to the UK. A huge number of letters arrive in London via various other means too and I'm sure you understand why it's impossible to give personal replies but I assure you they are all read.

October 21, 2010 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay

Q. Hi Oracle! I wanted to know if you knew Yann Tiersen, a French musician? He is SO awesome! I am so in love with his music that just makes me wanna learn to play so many instruments! So if you do know him, can I know your opinion about him? Thanks have a nice day!

The Oracle replies:

Those of you who are regular visitors will know I have plugged the French film Amelie many times and the amazing composer of its excellent soundtrack.

October 21, 2010 - submitted by Anush, India

Q. Dear Oracle, My question to you is who is the guitarist playing in Shiver music video, is it Jonny or His brother Tim?

The Oracle replies:

Er, I'm not entirely sure why you would think it's anyone else but Jonny! I know it was a long time ago and he may look slightly different (young) but as Jonny has always been the guitarist in Coldplay it wouldn't make any sense for his brother to be in the video.

October 20, 2010 - submitted by Julie, Denmark

Q. Hi Oracle, Why would you say that God Put a Smile Upon Your Face wasn't technically a single? As you said, it got played in the radio, furthermore it had a video and was released as a physical single CD. Julie.

The Oracle replies:

Blimey the Xfm book is a hot topic this week eh? GPASUYF was not technically released as a physical single in the UK despite having its own video and being given to radio stations as a promo track. It was a limited release in other territories but Xfm is a UK station so for the purposes of question, that is why I would say that.

October 20, 2010 - submitted by Michelle, Canada

Q. So, Wise Oracle... Did the Xfm book get it right? Would the same 13 Coldplay songs appear on the list if you were the one choosing them? Cheers

The Oracle replies:

In my personal opinion, no; I have other favourites but some of mine wouldn't make the list as they were solely album tracks.

October 20, 2010 - submitted by Matthew, United States of America

Q. I have done a little research on-line and I came across a few lists of XFM's top 1000 songs. Each one listed Talk by Coldplay. Are these lists wrong or are you missing one song.

The Oracle replies:

So folks, Matthew wrote to me 3 times about this issue (apparently Strawberry Swing shows up on their lists too) so I thought I would reply... I myself am not missing any songs from the list. In fact, I own the book and checked to make sure that Anchorman & I can count and indeed we can. Whether Mike @ Xfm is missing a song is another thing but Talk is not in the definitive collection that he compiled.

Taylor Swift has taken a break from singing about John Mayer and her ex-boyfriends to tackle a cover of Coldplay's Viva la Vida. The country star performed an acoustic cover of the track when she stopped by the BBC Radio 2 studio last week.

Swift plucked her custom guitar while being backed by two of her band members. She sings the verses in a soft near-whisper before flaring up for the choruses. You can watch the cover and discuss this latest 'butchering' (much better than the X-Factor attempts at least?) at the Coldplay forum now. [thanks DefDazz]

Meanwhile, Coldplay is the music act most likely to make us drift off to sleep, according to a new survey. Michael Buble, the Canadian singer, was voted second and Snow Patrol came third on the list of what music people listen to to help them sleep...

Some 84 per cent of people listen to music in bed to set them up for a good night's sleep according to the survey conducted by Travelodge. Coldplay also came out on top in a similar survey by the hotel chain in 2008.

One in four people falls asleep with their iPod on while 13 per cent say music causes them to have "nice dreams", the study found. Stevie Williams, of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said: "Results from various sleep studies undertaken with a variety of male and female groups has indicated that listening to soft, relaxing music at bedtime leads to a number of different benefits to a night's sleep. These benefits include a longer sleep duration period, fewer night time awakenings and shortening of the time it takes to fall asleep.''

Here is the top 10 list of musicians that help us nod off:

1. Coldplay

2. Michael Buble

3. Snow Patrol

4. Alicia Keys

5. Jack Johnson

6. Taylor Swift

7. Mozart

8. Barry White

9. Leona Lewis

10. Radiohead

Latest pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (18th October 2010): [thanks Mari*ColdplayLover*]

Pictures by Mari*ColdplayLover*

Coldplay, U2 and Prince have been touted as headliners at next year's Glastonbury Festival, according to sources. Organiser Michael Eavis has already signed Prince and U2 to top the bill on the Pyramid Stage in 2011, while Coldplay are in the final stages of negotiations, according to The Sun.

The Sun's source said, "Coldplay are currently in negotiations about taking a headline slot. Michael has previously said Coldplay's set in 2005 was his personal favourite and is very pleased to be welcoming them back."

However, a Glastonbury spokesman declined to comment on next year's acts, saying: "We never comment on rumours until the official line-up is announced," despite Michael Eavis promising to reveal the headliners when tickets were sold out - which happened in early October.

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll! (Click the banner):

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

Online media outlets are reporting that Coldplay will be performing at the 2010 American Music Awards, to be held on November 21 and it will be telecasted live from Nokia Theatre L.A. on ABC.

Are we finally going to hear some new music from the band? It's possible - since they have been off working on the new album over the course of the past several months. There is as yet no official announcement either on Coldplay's website or ABC, but we expect something to transpire soon. You can discuss this news at the Coldplay forum now.

Coldplay are not up for any nominations at this year's awards, but at the 2008 AMAs Coldplay started out the night with four nominations, but they failed to win a single award. Look back at the pictures from Coldplay's performance of Viva la Vida two years ago...

Coldplay perform Viva la Vida at the American Music Awards 2008:

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

Earlier this week another Coldplayer, Mari*ColdplayLover*, was lucky enough to meet Coldplay outside the Bakery/Beehive during a visit to North London. You can now see pictures of her with most of the band (Chris, Jonny, Will and Phil) at the Coldplay forum and also after the jump. The pictures are from this Monday (18th October).

There was no pictures of Guy who disappeared inside during photos. Jonny Buckland sported a heavy beard sparking the nickname "Seaman" from messageboarders.

During the meet fifth member Phil Harvey gave an indication about the latest with the recording process for the new album, saying that, "They [Coldplay] were almost finished". Chris Martin added that he "was really busy and confused for the work", Jonny confirming that "the album will probably come out next year". Meanwhile, Coldplay roadie Miller was seen moving between the Beehive and the Bakery with his laptop.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London (18th October 2010): [thanks Mari*ColdplayLover*]

Pictures by Mari*ColdplayLover*

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1400 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 19, 2010 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. I know Coldplay had 13 songs in the top 1000, but what exact ranking were they? Was Yellow in the top 25? Congrats guys you deserve it!

The Oracle replies:

Ah, I only told you their order chronologically as there is no ranking; the book is compiled alphabetically and each song is listed in the order it was released. * Yes I know GPASUYF wasn't technically a single but it still went to radio...

October 19, 2010 - submitted by Heide, United States of America

Q. I've never been one to ask for personal advice, but this one has hit very close to home for me. My mother passed away when I was 6 and my father ended up leaving me when I was 9. He told me he was coming back for me but he never did. And since then I've endured lots of heartache and pain. Fast forward 16 years later, I get a message on Facebook from a family member that he has had a stroke and is in critical condition. I've heard that the stroke was pretty bad and that the damage is irreversible. He wouldn't be able to recognize me on top of it all. His family has asked me to go up and see him and on top of that make medical decisions for him (along with my older brother). My question is, what do I do? It's not like he was there for me and what am I suppose to do? Give up my life, work, and everything just to attend to his needs? Plus it's not like he would recognize me anyhow. It would probably just cause me more pain. HELP!

The Oracle replies:

Gosh Heide you must be in utter turmoil! After all that you have been through you seem like you've done pretty well at holding it together and then life throws you a curveball like this. Of course I can't really tell you what I think you should do or indeed what I think I would do. However, I can prescribe my usual it's better to regret what you did do that what you did not. So all I will say is think long, deep and hard about what effect your decision will have on YOU; my only concern is that this doesn't set you back after how far you have come. Ah you know what? Stuff it; I will add that it seems a little irrelevant whether your father would not recognize you as it's more about what people consider being either your right or your duty. I do hope if you decide to ignore the family's request you live a guilt free life because you do not owe it to anyone to do this.

October 18, 2010 - submitted by Jacqueline, United States of America

Q. Dearest Wise Oracle, What are the 13 songs that made it into the top 1000 songs book? I'm guessing Yellow and Viva la Vida are among them. :) thanks! peace, love, & Coldplay

The Oracle replies:

In chronological order the 13 songs that made it into the XFM book are: Shiver, Don't Panic, Yellow, Trouble, In My Place, The Scientist, Clocks, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, Speed Of Sound, Fix You, Violet Hill, Viva La Vida, Life In Technicolor II

October 18, 2010 - submitted by Abby, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle. I was wondering if you could help me out with a problem... Within the last month, I started dating a good friend of mine. I liked/like him a good deal, but he keeps pushing things too quickly. I'm afraid to tell him no because I want him to be happy with me, but I don't feel comfortable with the things he's asking me to do. What should I do? Thank you for your time.

The Oracle replies:

Abby never give in to any pressure from anyone to do something you are uncomfortable with. You don't need to do anything or think about doing anything you don't want to just to keep someone else happy; your happiness is all that matters. If this guy has feelings for you he will take things at your pace, be patient and respect your wishes. Tell him before it's too late to go back and if he isn't happy with your decision, show him the door!

October 15, 2010 - submitted by Maria, Mexico

Q. Ay the end of the concert (March,2010, Mexico City)I was given a CD whose first song is still unknown for me. Can you tell me the title, please?

The Oracle replies:

The first track on Left Right Left Right Left is Glass Of Water.

October 15, 2010 - submitted by Ana, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle! Have you had the chance to play the new Professor Layton game? It's based in the city of London! :) Hope you have a great day! Ana C.

Not yet; but I am going to order it today. Thanks for the reminder!

October 15, 2010 - submitted by Alyssa, United States of America

Q. Hope you haven't answered this yet. In the archive there is a clip where Chris Martin sings Japanese Pop. Do you know the name of the artist and the song he sang?

The Oracle replies:

The name of the song is

October 14, 2010 - submitted by Tracey, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle, with the Holiday season arriving soon, is there a PO Box fans at Coldplaying.com can send the boys etc. Christmas cards? We had such a huge success with the postcards from far away, it would be great to acknowledge and send seasons greetings to everyone there at Coldplay headquarters. Thank you and all you do! Tracey

The Oracle replies:

The P.O box was only set up for that project and was of course also available for general mail and to fans outside of the coldplaying fraternity until its expiration.

There isn't a public address for cards and such I'm afraid but then again, there wasn't last Christmas either. We appreciate you wanting to send cards but we just don't have the facilities so a heartfelt thank you for the thought.

October 14, 2010 - submitted by Joshua, Australia

Q. I was in Media class today and my teacher said

The Oracle replies:

Not. Ooh how I would have loved to discover one of my teachers to have been wrong about something that I knew! The music in that advert is not Coldplay. The song is called To Build A Home by The Cinematic Orchestra and if you want the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end and goosebumps appear on your skin, watch

October 13, 2010 - submitted by Angel, Mexico

Q. Hello Oracle, I really want to know this there is going to be a end of decade clearout this year because if it is going to be one I wish to know it now to be saving money. Saludos desde la tierra de Frida Kahlo =D

The Oracle replies:

The end of decade sale was a one-off from the accumulation of ten years of memorabilia so as you can probably guess, there's nothing left! There was no plan to have a sale at the end of every subsequent year so you don't need to start saving - unless it's for the 5th album or maybe a live show a few years down the line...

October 13, 2010 - submitted by Kimberly, United States of America

Q. Howdy! I was watching the Chilean miners rescue and I couldn't help, but wonder, what would be the first thing you would do upon being rescued? Thank you kindly!

The Oracle replies:

Do you know I was thinking the same thing and I honestly don't know. I think the emotions would kick in and so it would either be screaming/crying/dancing with joy or stunned silence of shell shock! Scrap that, as soon as the medical centre visit I reckon shower, a pint and some time alone with a lover ;)

October 13, 2010 - submitted by Eduardo, Mexico

Q. Hello Mr. Oracle! I've got two different questions, very different one from the other. My first question is: are you watching the rescue of the Chilean miners? And number two: which are your favourite galaxy, nebula, constellation and planet?

The Oracle replies:

I am indeed watching the rescue of the miners; what an incredibly moving thing to witness! Here's my favourites:

galaxy - milky way

nebula - orion

constellation - libra

planet - earth

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

Coldplay's songwriting skills landed them the top honours at the 30th annual ASCAP Awards in London on Wednesday, October 13. Chris Martin, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman were named the Songwriters of the Year at the ceremony, while Viva La Vida [pictured] hit won them the Song of the Year award. Coldplay sent a video message of thanks as they said they were recording a new album with Brian Eno.

Other big winners included Taio Cruz, who picked up the ASCAP Vanguard Award for his record "Departure", and chart-topping Brits Scouting for Girls won the ASCAP College Award for "Everybody Wants to Be on TV". Another 20 song awards were also handed out during the event to honor songwriters - Sir Paul McCartney's "Come Together", U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and Phil Collins' track "In the Air Tonight" were among the tracks recognized.

More discussion on this latest award is at the Coldplay forum here [thanks MartinFan & mimixxx]

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

Simon Pegg has released an autobiography entitled Nerd Do Well (click to view and buy via Amazon UK) which features Coldplay's Chris Martin. Read the excerpt from the book after the jump. The full book is well worth the read, and is available in the British Isles now. It will be available from Amazon US & Europe from November. You can discuss the book at the Coldplay forum now [thanks mimixxx]

In 2001, the then fairly fledging indie outfit Coldplay performed a small acoustic gig in the corner (of the Shepherds pub) one evening and raised £300 for the Whittington Hospital baby unit. I had become friends with singer Chris Martin a year or so before through my new girlfriend Maureen, who worked as a publicist for Sony Music. I had accompanied her to a showcase gig at the Millennium Dome, where she was presiding over press duties for the band Toploader who were headlining the event. Coldplay were on the bill, and after the show, Chris sidled up and expressed an affection for the sketch show Big Train, in which I had appeared in 1998. This pleased me enormously since I had already bought the band's first album, Parachutes, and seen them perform a set on the indie stage at the V festival earlier that year...

I liked Chris immediately. He was friendly, funny and infuriatingly self-effacing, something he remains to this day, despite his band's phenomenal success. He invited Maureen and me to the closing gig of their tour at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, which we gladly attended. At the after show party, I escorted Chris to a near by cash machine where he admitted he had just wanted to take a breath from all the attention he was getting at the party. It's funny in light of what was about to happen to think of Chris struggling with the notion of success at such an early stage in his career. Parachutes had done well both critically and in terms of sales, but the band was only a promising proposition at this point and a somewhat unlikely candidate for global domination.

That night Chris came back to our Highgate home and watched This Is Spinal Tap with Maureen and me, cementing what was to become a lasting friendship. Chris began to join us at the pub, which delighted Bernie no end, since the band's rise was meteoric from this point. Their second album, AROBTTH, debuted on the Shepherd's jukebox two weeks before it was released into the world, and to this day, Bernie and her family feature regularly on Coldplay guest lists.

Picture of Simon Pegg joining Coldplay on stage at London's O2 Arena back in December 2008:

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1400 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 12, 2010 - submitted by Bill, United States of America

Q. Hello, I have a question about Coldplay's early career, like the very beginning. Did making many friends ( by friends I mean other musicians in other bands) help Coldplay get famous through contacts, being able to open for other bands, etc. at all? And if so, how much? How important was it for them?

The Oracle replies:

They didn't really make friends with established bands until they were themselves established. They certainly made impressions on many in their early days, notably Travis, Embrace, Muse and lesser known bands who offered support via opening slots at live shows or just talking about them to the media. Radio and press helped a lot by giving them a platform at their specialist events such as the NME tour and Steve Lamacq - then at Radio 1 - chose the band to open for Catatonia at Kentish Town's Forum. It was important to be recognized as a band to watch and certainly gave them a wider audience although they were already receiving airplay and earning exposure.

October 12, 2010 - submitted by Edie, United Kingdom

Q. What happened to the postcards from far away that were sent in by fans?

The Oracle replies:

As you obviously know Edie, fans on Coldplaying.com decided to send postcards to the band from all over the world; one day early in 2009 they were delivered to The bakery where the boys perused the postcards and our very own Roadie #42 was there to capture the whole thing on video.

October 11, 2010 - submitted by Selma, Sweden

Q. I have a riddle for you. What song from the Viva album can be associated with today's date, i.e. October 10, 2010?

The Oracle replies:

Of course I didn't answer yesterday as it was Sunday and if you're interested I was in Paris. The answer to your riddle is the same as the answer to this: guess what number my hotel room was? Yup, 42! The tenth day of the tenth month in 2010 is 10.10.10 and when that is converted in to binary it produces the number 42.

October 11, 2010 - submitted by Saulo, Mexico

Q. Two questions dear Oracle: Why Coldplay supported Muse in 2000 and not Muse supported Coldplay? (I love Muse as well tbh :D) And is there a Rodie #41 or a #43? if so, why exactly the #42 is the one who became famous?

The Oracle replies:

Back in 2000 both bands were relatively new but Muse had released their debut album already and Coldplay hadn't. Therefore Muse's profile was higher and as the bigger band they headlined their own show with Coldplay supporting.

There isn't a Roadie #41 or #43; the number was assigned to the roadie but one ould say it was his destiny...

October 11, 2010 - submitted by Charlotte, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle, I notice that what you are listening to right now - in response to Ian - has a lot of apostrophes. I notice this because I am reading a grammar stickler's take on punctuation and how awful it's becoming in society. (i.e. A certain car dealer on a street near here - "Car's Truck's Van's") What's your take on...well, punctuation in general? (The book is "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" - very amusing)

The Oracle replies:

I wholeheartedly agree with you; it's a great book. My major gripe is very similar - grocer shops who offer potato's! Madness! That said I do have one difficulty with the punctuation in my answer to Ian... I know some people would prefer the use of an extra s after Hurts' and Villagers' for example but I can't abide the thought.

October 8, 2010 - submitted by Susie, United Kingdom

Q. I heard that Shiver was recorded in one take, was it?

The Oracle replies:

Shiver was recorded more than once during the album's studio process, however the version on the album is, in fact, the first take. Ken Nelson who worked with Coldplay on Parachutes gives some great insight.

October 8, 2010 - submitted by Ian, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Read, listened to, or seen anything good lately? Hope your autumn is going splendidly! Best Regards, Ian

The Oracle replies:

Super autumnal sun today Ian. So, my tips right now... I was a bit sceptical reading Eat Pray Love because it's seen as a woman's book. However GQ (men's magazine - Gentlemans Quarterly in fact) said "it's not just for the ladies" and I have an interest in both subject matter and travel in general so I'd recommend it. Current music playlist includes John Grant's Queen of Denmark, Hurts' Happiness, Villagers' Becoming A Jackal and The National's High Violet. I had the pleasure of watching a Badly Drawn Boy in-store performance this week at Rough Trade East to promote his great new album. Toy Story 3 was another Pixar hit at the cinema, loved it! Watched Julie & Julia on DVD last night and had many dreams of Paris & cooking; again interesting subject matter to me - Bon appetit!

October 7, 2010 - submitted by Elise, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, I was staying at the band's hotel in Buenos Aires and there were a lot of screaming fans outside the pool area trying to get a look at the boys, what is one of the more extreme things fans have done to try and meet the band?

The Oracle replies:

Some fans call the hotel and try to get put through to their rooms which I would hate, oh hang on, that DID happen to me but luckily I was out!! There have been times where fans check into the same hotel as the band but other than wait outside various locations around the world (venues, studios, tv/radio stations and hotels) the fans are respectful so don't do anything extreme.

October 7, 2010 - submitted by Vanessa, United States of America

Q. Greetings Oracle! I was just wondering since Chris and all the members of Muse were all raised in Devon, if by any chance they met before being famous? And also if they have ever worked together? I think that would be amazing since they are both my favorite bands! Thanks Vane!

The Oracle replies:

Devon is quite a large county so they hadn't met previously. Chris wasn't part of a Devon music scene at the time that Muse were gigging (as another band) the circuit. Both bands performed at the In The City music convention in 1998 and as you are probably aware, Coldplay supported Muse in 2000.

October 6, 2010 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay

Q. Did Coldplay ever play Bittersweet Symphony at a concert?

The Oracle replies:

On 2 July 2005 Coldplay invited The Verve's Richard Ashcroft to perform the song with them at the Live 8 concert. They only managed one rehearsal beforehand. Chris introduced Richard as "the best singer in the world" and he described the song as "probably the greatest song ever written".

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

F1 world champion Jenson Button [pictured] knows plenty of good tracks but he was taken aback when a confused fan recently mixed him up with Chris Martin. "I had an American come up to me at the Heathrow airport, a few months back saying that she and her family are big fans of mine," the Briton said in a light-hearted moment at the rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix.

"After I thanked her saying I did not know that Formula One was so big in America, she said they've got all my records and all my albums." Button added. On being asked about his reply to it he added, "I said, Fantastic. you think I'm Chris Martin, don't you? and she exclaimed 'Are you not?' And I said ' No, I am Jenson Button. I race in Formula One cars'."

Meanwhile, if you're a fan of X-Factor you will probably know by now that One Direction sang Coldplay's Viva la Vida in the first of the live finals on television. If you can bear the show and have the guts to click on the video, you can watch their performance here at the Coldplay forum. As always when it comes to X-Factor shows... health warning not included!

Latest photos of Chris Martin on stage at Yankees Stadium, NYC (13th September 2010):