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October 4, 2010 - submitted by Adam, United States of America

Q. Ok, this may seem like a really weird question, but whatever. In the acoustic Lost?, during the guitar solo section, (2:45 - 2:53), I swear I hear some distant shouting with the piano. It sounds like a little kid going crazy...am I the one going crazy, or is it really there? Thanks in advance.

The Oracle replies:

It only seems like a weird question Adam because to my ears it's very obviously Chris. Basically in Lost? he recreated the guitar line of the original with his voice.

October 1, 2010 - submitted by Jack, United States of America

Q. How did you hear So Sad and Vitamins? Did you hear them on a demo tape, did Coldplay play them for you, or did you just hear them way back when they actually played the songs at gigs? When was the last time you even heard them play those songs?

The Oracle replies:

I have those songs on a cassette given to me, but not by the band. 'Ooh how cryptic' I hear you say and before you ask, they are stored away safely and are not in my current reaching distance; the last time I listened to the tape was so many years ago now. I have a strong feeling that my memory serves me correctly; I did not hear either of those songs played live.

October 4, 2010 - submitted by Lili, Belgium

Q. Hi Oracle! I was looking at the official Coldplay YouTube channel and saw a lot of videos with the name Lost? competition. Can you tell me what kind of competition it was and what the prizes were? Thanks a lot!

The Oracle replies:

Ooh another Lost? Q. Anyway, the band ran a competition a few years ago where we invited people to submit an original video for the acoustic version of Lost (Lost?). The entries were available to view on the official YouTube channel but we also needed another to cope with the volume of entries. A winner (and runner-up) was chosen and they were invited to see the band in London and their video was shown on the big screens before the show started.

October 4, 2010 - submitted by Ame, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, is your life average?

The Oracle replies:

No Ame, it's anything but average. From an early age I always strive to make my life interesting. I live life to the full and grab opportunities as well as make them. I have met many people who have a negative outlook, constantly complaining "poor me" and expecting good things to drop into their world with little or no effort. Although I am a realist and sometimes can be quite cynical I try to stay positive. Sometimes things can happen that are out of my control so those things I accept, adapt and live with. Everything else I change if I wish to and go about my business happy in the knowledge that to try and fail is better than to be looking back wondering if things could have been better.

October 1, 2010 - submitted by Tom, Netherlands

Q. Hi ever so brilliant and all knowing Oracle ! I was wondering , if one of the Coldplay rules is to never use a sentence/lyric again? I have been trying to find one that's been used in 2 songs but guess what .. I couldn't find one :) Does the band use some kind of system for this ? All the best, Tom

The Oracle replies:

I predict there will be gasps of surprise all around the globe at your findings and possible cries of "What?!?" at computer screens. There are quite a few repeated themes throughout their catalogue of tracks: Keeping or not keeping feet on the ground, spider webs, bubbles, fixing... yes there are plenty of ideas that pop up more than once Tom.

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 have once again been linked with next year's Glastonbury festival after festival founder Michael Eavis says he has booked "three biggest bands in the world" for the event, due to take place next June.

The bands' identities will not be revealed until after the event has sold out, but rumours have been circulating that U2, who had to cancel a planned appearance this year after lead singer Bono was injured on tour, will be one of the Pyramid stage headliners, along with Coldplay, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Take That or the Rolling Stones – but Eavis would say only that they were "incredibly impressive".

Speaking on BBC radio station 6 Music back in May, Eavis predicted Coldplay would be back for 2011. "They've played four or five times already but they'll be back next year, I'm sure," he said from Worthy Farm in Pilton, the site of the festival.

Tickets for next year's festival, to take place at Worthy Farm from June 24 to June 26, go on sale from 9am tomorrow. Registration for tickets closed yesterday. Once all those who have registered have had a chance to book tickets for next year's festival, registration will reopen on Monday. Those who have already registered on the site www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk will have a chance to book by paying a £50 deposit, with the remaining £150, including a £5 booking fee, payable next spring.

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):

Coldplaying.com and Coldplay.com were both shortlisted, in the Best Fansite and Best Official site respectively, at the BT Digital Music Awards 2010 that took place last night at the Roundhouse in Camden, London. Neither site took home an award (the awards went to Muse and Muselive) but its the second consecutive BTDMA that Coldplaying has made the final 6. Thanks to everyone who took the chance to vote for us - we'll be back with another crack at it next year!

Coldplay roadie Miller was there representing the official site and was sat on the same table as Coldplaying's Pete and Anna. Miller was understandably cautious about revealing too much about Coldplay's new album but Pete did report back the following:

"LP5 chatter: Miller was guarded (mutual understanding there ) but said the guys [Coldplay] are working INCREDIBLY hard. I asked if it [the new album] really was as good as it sounds and he couldn't put it into words. He said there's LOTS of experimentation going on but at the same time...and trailed off with a glimmer in his eye...(I read that, rightly or wrongly, as them going back to their roots in some way - maybe that was just what I wanted to hear?). The huge notebook stuffed full of ideas from the blog? There's not just one [notebook] people!! So, it looks like our boys are working on something as big or bigger than Viva possibly. Is that the problem with the band? Too many ideas delaying releases? It is for me! I told Miller we'd take an album of half-finished ideas every couple of months!!"

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):

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September 29, 2010 - submitted by Enrique, Mexico

Q. Greetings Mr. Oracle! I have a question that surged after reading some articles of statements that came from the members. They say that they can't just disappear because they signed for a lot of discs. Does this mean that they're not longer doing this for pleasure, but for accomplishing with a contract?

The Oracle replies:

They are still as always making music for pleasure. They have been under contract since The Blue Room ep. Record deals tend to cover around 6 album releases and this is the normal period of the initial contract for the majority of recording artists.

September 29, 2010 - submitted by Romina, Argentina

Q. Hello dear Oracle! This might be funny or might not but all of us had been teenagers or some of us are teenagers now and I was wondering if sometime you cheated on a written test and what ways you used? I prefer to face that horrible F or 1 (in my country) but sometimes I'm desperate and I do it and that sucks :S Wish you the best, besos y abrazos.

The Oracle replies:

Hand on my heart Romina I have never ever cheated on a test in my life. I'm a great believer in karma (not that I ever see it turn around and bite offenders in the butt) so I always live by the rule that I will do the best that I can; if that's not good enough at least it will be on my own merit (even if that merit isn't all that great!) Studying is hard, retaining information is sometimes hard and applying that to a test under examination nerves is very stressful but a pretty harsh but true statement that I used as a screensaver for years does induce motivation when I need it: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

September 29, 2010 - submitted by Jane, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I hooked up with this guy last week and he was actually nice (though we had just met). Though I initially thought this was so he could get on my good side (if you know what I mean) and was incredibly wary, he was nice afterwards and made it sound like we would see each other again. He even said I could text him during the week since I'd be busy until the weekend. Thinking it wasn't a one night stand, I stupidly had that shred of hope he was different and after texting him, I got no reply and he ignored my phone call. It's been a week and now I feel awful because it's like the trick is on me! How can I get over this because I honestly got the sincere vibe from him.

The Oracle replies:

Ok Jane, before I get started I need to reiterate a few points that I have previously made for the benefit of you and other readers... Sex is a delicate sometimes taboo subject so I feel the need to make sure that my views come with the strong belief that those taking part are consensual adults who are protecting themselves. I want to handle this sensitively but feel the point here is more about expectation/disappointment as well as a self-esteem issue. I hate to generalize but some males (not all) will do or say almost anything to get girls into bed. What worries most is the language you use to describe this event:

"He even said I could text", "I stupidly had that shred of hope", "I feel awful", "a trick on me"... All rather negative and self-deprecating don't you think? Now forgive me for being brutal, but you chose to do this regardless of what you thought may or may not happen next although you admit you were wary. You feel awful because it seems like you have been used and the only way that could happen is if you allowed it to. Don't take all the blame but see your part to play in this; just put it down to experience. Next time, don't do anything you don't want to do or more importantly, anything with consequences that may arise from your actions that you might not be able to handle. Yes I know there are so many situations where the one night turned into a relationship but in this case it didn't but don't feel stupid. The way to get over it is to accept that you acted in good faith but it wasn't reciprocated. What I want you to take from this is a lesson learned; if you value yourself enough and want a guy to do the same, don't put out!

September 28, 2010 - submitted by Will, United States of America

Q. At the 2003 Grammy Awards, who introduced Coldplay before they performed Politik?

The Oracle replies:

It was the hugely talented actor (and you may know him from the comedy arena also), John Leguizamo.

September 28, 2010 - submitted by Matias, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, in Ode To Deodorant, Safety and The Blue Room is Bigger Stronger the same version? Thanks so much! You're so cool

The Oracle replies:

The version on Safety and The Blue Room are both the same yes. Bigger Stronger never appeared alongside Ode to Deodorant on any recording though.

September 28, 2010 - submitted by Melu, Argentina

Q. Phrase: Live every day as if it were the last. What do you think about this idea? Greetings from Argentina!

The Oracle replies:

There are a few extended versions of that phrase that I think serve perfectly as a blue print for living. Here are a couple:

"Dance as if no one's watching, sing as if no one's listening,

and live every day as if it were your last."

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth."

There's another line that's included sometimes that may be a little bit harder to live by but on a deeper level it's wise: "work like you don't need money."

September 27, 2010 - submitted by Emma, United Kingdom

Q. Oracle, did you see the X factor contestant who covered Viva la Vida? Honestly, do you think she killed an amazing song or do it justice? Thanks, because I can't make my own opinion on this one :)

The Oracle replies:

To be honest Emma I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I think she was brave to do her own take on it. She has what it takes to be a pop star but also stands out from the rest by taking a great song and trying to do something different with it so I give credit for that.

September 27, 2010 - submitted by Pranav, India

Q. O Mighty Oracle, Which do you think is the best of their unreleased songs?

The Oracle replies:

I would have to say the best unreleased song is going to be on the next album! I know that's not what you meant but that's what I think. If you're interested in what my favourite unreleased songs are though, they're So Sad, Vitamins and Ode to Deodorant even though I have been very vocal about it not being the greatest song but I love it!

September 25, 2010 - submitted by Dan, United States of America

Q. Good day to you Oracle, I was wondering if the name for The Blue Room Ep stemmed from an unreleased song with that name; quite like LeftRightLeftRightLeft (Coldplay's live album from the Viva La Vida Era). As always I appreciate your time and consideration. Thanx Dan P.S. How Is Your Life Today?

The Oracle replies:

There was never a song called The Blue Room; it doesn't exist, unlike Leftrightleftrightleft that does but hasn't been released (as you say). The Blue Room got its name from the studio where it was recorded. p.s My life today is great. Thanks for asking!

September 25, 2010 - submitted by Cristal, United States of America

Q. Heyyy Oracle!!! Do you usually make the first move on a first date?

The Oracle replies:

Ha! Being an Oracle one would expect I would know in advance how the date would go but yes, I pretty much always make the first move. Here's my break down on moves/dates. The first move on a first date is very different from any other subsequent date so it's likely to be subtle. I look for signs as there'd be nothing worse than getting a knock back for moving too fast. Sometimes a first date can reveal that there won't be any further dates and in that case, there'd be no moves on my part whatsoever. In case you're interested and it's not too much information, I think it wise for there not to be a second move on a first date if I'd like there to be a second date!

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):

Following on from Cobalt's excellent Prospekt entry sweepstakes back in March 2008 onwards, the time has come to continue the new phase - Roadie #42 LP5 blog sweepstakes (bookmark the thread - new polls will start after every blog!) - which will lead all the way up to the release of said (as yet untitled) album. Congratulations to juanma8 who won the previous poll on September 16th! The next poll to guess when the next Roadie blog will be posted, is now open...

Look out for some mega polls coming your way over the next few months - all you have to do is decide when the next blog will be published, and enjoy the countdown. So far there have been five LP5 blogs, the polling continues with the sixth at the Coldplay forum now. Roadie #42 if you're reading this, only you have the power to decide who WINS each of the sweepstakes!

Each new LP5 blog will also come with a post winner - the first person to start discussion on the blog in the coldplay.com updates thread. The winner of the mega poll for that entry will also be updated into this post! Bit of fun, will no doubt alleviate the boredom of waiting for new Coldplay! Note: You must be logged into the forums at the time of registering your vote - anonymous votes do not count towards your identity!

Betting forecast:

- Four of the previous five LP5 blogs have arrived on a Thursday, the other one appearing on a Friday.

- Two blogs have appeared very early on in the month (2nd and 3rd) with the others appearing in the middle and the end of the month (16th and 24th).

- Two blogs have appeared in April and June. No blogs at all occured in May, and so far none in July either. One came in September. This means that the pattern dictates that there will be two in September, especially following a blank month in August when everyone was apparently on holiday.

- The maximum time between blogs was 48 days, between blogs 2 and 3. The shortest was 14 days, between blogs 1 and 2.

- Previous Prospekt entries came about once a month. If there's an entry missing from a previous month, usually the next month had two Prospekt entries, one earlier in the month and another later. Prospekt entries were around the 20th-30th a whopping seven times out of nine. They were also posted five times out of nine on a Friday, and the other four times they've either been on a Wednesday or a Thursday.

Travis's Fran Healy recently spoke to Scotland’s The Herald about the British rock legacy Travis shares with bands such as Radiohead and Coldplay. He said: "There’s a kind of family tree with these bands,” he said. “It starts with Oasis and Radiohead. They begat Travis. Then, if you stuck Travis and Radiohead together you’d get Coldplay; if you stuck Coldplay and Travis together you’d get Keane; and then with Keane and Travis you get Snow Patrol."

Meanwhile, DJ and producer Axwell announced his aspiration of working with Chris Martin. He said to RWD Magazine: "I'd love to work with Chris Martin from Coldplay. He’s like a genius of his time and I would love to try and make a house track with him."

And last but not least, if you're a fan of X-Factor you will probably know by now that Cher Lloyd butchered Coldplay's Viva la Vida live on television. If you can bear the show and have the guts to click on the video, you can watch it here at the Coldplay forum. Health warning not included!

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

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September 22, 2010 - submitted by Paul, United Kingdom

Q. I have just found an old Camden Barfly flyer with a gig listed as The Coldplay on the 10th of February. Can you tell me what year this was ?

The Oracle replies:

This is an interesting one... Coldplay were called The Coldplay in 1998 but according to Chris on our Timeline their very first gig under that name wasn't until later - 22nd February. By 1999 The had already been dropped from their moniker though which suggests either the flyer was for 1998 and Chris overlooked this show or 1999 and it was a misprint. The Barfly club was at The Falcon pub but moved to a new location at the nearby Monarch pub in March 2000 where it remains today.

September 23, 2010 - submitted by Shay, Australia

Q. OMG OMG OMG!!! Oracular Spectacular... Guess what?? I just happen to love Sia and was watching her live performance on the Jools Holland Show when at 3.16 into the video who do I see? Chris and Will!!! Now do you know when this blessed event happened/what were the boys performing?? Sorry if this sounds a little too excited except my heart skipped a beat when i saw the both of them there.....:)

The Oracle replies:

That episode of Later with Jools (Holland) was from episode 4, series 33 on 7th Oct 2008. They were performing songs from Viva la Vida...

September 22, 2010 - submitted by Sam, Australia

Q. Hello Oracle, This could be a rather difficult question to answer sorry. But I'm curious to know whether in the early days (I'm talking pre-Parachutes era) did the band have so much material that they had to chuck songs out then? Or was it really a matter of play everything we can? Many thanks.

The Oracle replies:

It's interesting with bands as most tend to make it to the ten track mark and exclaim "We have an album!" An album's worth of songs does not make an album in my opinion and it seems Coldplay shared that view. They had lots of songs that although they liked enough to put down in demo form they knew were not good enough to include. There were some little gems back then - some were played live, others weren't but they were all the seeds that eventually led to the growing of a fantastic tree...

September 23, 2010 - submitted by Frances, Mexico

Q. Hi Oracle :B Wazzuuup? My question is... is the girl from the Trouble video the same of The Scientist video ? thanks for answer !!

The Oracle replies:

As mentioned before Elaine Cassidy is the actress in the The Scientist video. As I am sure you know there are two video for Trouble; there isn't a girl in the original video and Elaine didn't appear in Tim Hope's alternative U.S version so the short answer is no.

September 21, 2010 - submitted by Valentina, Colombia

Q. Good day Oracle... Saludos desde Colombia. I've heard from a guy called Tappin Gofton, who is he? Is he related with Coldplay?I hope you answer this question. Take care Oracle. Amor & Paz. Vp

The Oracle replies:

It's not one guy; it's two and they are work related yes. Mark Tappin and Simon Gofton are the combined talents that make up the graphic design team Tappin Gofton. Blue Source, where Mark worked, used to design Coldplay's record sleeves. When he left he joined forces with Simon to create Tappin Gofton and together they now do design projects for the band.

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September 21, 2010 - submitted by Jamie, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle, I'm elderly compared to the rest of you. I'll be 52. I haven't paid much attention to current music until I heard Viva La Vida. Now, I'm delighted and just a touch obsessive about the band. My question is, am I the oldest fan you know of. Although I'm young for my age, I feel like I'd feel a little pathetic jumping around at a show. Not that that will stop me... And BTW, Eleanor Rigby is a woman in the Liverpool cemetery, although Paul says he hadn't noticed her headstone. So she was real apparently.

The Oracle replies:

'Fraid not Jamie! By the way, you're not even old so you wouldn't be close to oldest! I should have been clear about what I meant by the fact that Eleanor Rigby wasn't written about a real person in that it wasn't a biographical song about any woman of the same name; there's bound to be more than one!

September 20, 2010 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay

Q. Hi Oracle! Today I saw a video of Yellow at the Glastonbury festival! It was beyond awesome! So I was wondering, were you there?

The Oracle replies:

I'll let you into a little secret. I've only ever been to Glastonbury festival 4 times and each time was with Coldplay therefore yes I was there at each of the 4 times I have seen them perform it there. I don't know which time you're referring to but I bet it isn't the same as my favourite time they sang Yellow which was their second appearance on the "other stage" on the Saturday afternoon, 2000.

September 20, 2010 - submitted by Valentina, Denmark

Q. Dear Oracle, this is not a question but a comment on your best advice. If everybody kept their head out of the clouds, well frankly nothing wonderful, original and extraordinary would exist. I dare say Coldplay would not be here had they not aimed for the stars, so to speak. Look for the clouds for inspiration and dreams and then fly down on earth in order to make those dreams come true :)

The Oracle replies:

Don't get me wrong; I wasn't saying don't have dreams and aspirations. Trust me I have them and my life has been richer for them up to now - including wonderful, original and extraordinary. Keeping your head out of the clouds is my way of saying not to spend your time out of touch with reality. You still have to go and make things happen rather than dreaming time away.

September 20, 2010 - submitted by Faith, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, I need some advice. Is it a bad thing to include in a song the name of the person it's about? My brother thinks it is but I'm not so sure. Thank you!! xx

The Oracle replies:

If someone wrote a song about me and it was showing me in a good light I'd want everyone to know. In fact if I was told it was about me and the name had been changed I'd be offended! The flip side of that is that if the lyrics suggested I was not a nice person; I'd disassociate myself from it sharpish! I don't think real full names are wise as there's generally more than one person sharing that name... FYI The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby wasn't a real woman.

September 17, 2010 - submitted by Eddy, Italy

Q. Hello Oracle, I was just wandering if the song Sweet Marienne is from Coldplay or is just a fake... this is the

The Oracle replies:

It's Sweet Marianne actually Eddy and is very real. That clip is not "the" video as no such thing exists. Someone has made that around a live recording of the track; the only versions of the track are live as once again it's an unreleased song with no studio recording available.

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Coldplay and Jay-Z have reportedly agreed a multi-million dollar deal to play a concert together on New Year's Eve, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas resort to see in 2011, according to various online sources today. You can discuss the reports to this latest event at the Coldplay Live forum now.

The event is being organised by celebrity party planner Colin Cowie and will be invite only with no tickets being put on general sale to the public. Guests will be treated to separate sets from Coldplay and Jay-Z before the two acts take to the stage together. Beyonce Knowles is also said to be planning to perform in Las Vegas on the same night so she can be with her husband to celebrate the landmark date.

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Coldplay's drummer Will Champion has helped launch a new video to aid a global bid for peace in Sudan, in which other drummers from Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Stornoway, Snow Patrol and The Police also feature.

You can watch the full video in which Will appears here at the Coldplay forum. The 'Beat For Peace' music clip is part of the Sudan365 campaign that aims to target a meeting of world leaders at the United Nations in New York on September 24. Campaigners are calling on world leaders to prevent a return to war in Sudan ahead of a landmark referendum in January 2011.

As well as Coldplay's Will Champion, Radiohead sticksman Phil Selway, Snow Patrol's Jonny Quinn, The Police drummer Stewart Copeland and Nick Mason from Pink Floyd also feature in the music video. "This drum beat has passed from Cairo to Accra, Barcelona, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles," said Will Champion. "It is a global cry for our leaders to increase their efforts to prevent widespread conflict returning to Sudan." [thanks zzz]

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

A legal battle over the sale of music label EMI can go to trial next month in New York, a judge ruled, in a case that may see some of London's top financiers take the stand.

The case centres on allegations by Terra Firma, the private equity firm founded by Guy Hands, that it was misled by US bank Citigroup over its decision to buy EMI in the late spring of 2007. US District Judge Jed Rakoff ruled late on Tuesday that Terra Firma's allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment can proceed to a jury. However, Terra Firma's claims of negligent misrepresentation and tortious inteference were knocked back by the judge.

On Friday, Citigroup had sought to persuade Judge Rakoff that Terra Firma's allegations should be thrown out. The trial, which is scheduled to start on October 18, is likely to see Mr Hands called as a witness and and may see a number of bankers from Citigroup called too.

Terra Firma alleges that David Wormsley, a Citigroup banker who had worked with Mr Hands on several deals before EMI, misled Mr Hands into believing that Cerberus, a rival private equity firm, was still interested in bidding for EMI. That in turn, Terra Firma alleges, was pivotal in prompting Mr Hands to bid 265p a share for EMI. Citigroup denies all the allegations and repeated its arguments to Judge Rakoff last week.

Jay Cohen, counsel for Citigroup, said on Friday that "there are millions of pieces of paper in this case but there's not a single piece of paper that says we (Terra Firma) got the information from Wormsley and that's why we bid." Citigroup could not be reached for comment late last night. A spokesman for Terra Firma said: "“We are pleased that Judge Rakoff has rejected Citi’s attempt to avoid a trial on both of Terra Firma’s fraud claims."

The trial will prove revealing about a deal that has been one of the most challenging for Mr Hands. Within weeks of buying EMI, whose artists include Coldplay, Katy Perry and David Bowie, the benign financial conditions that had fuelled a boom in private equity deals began to unravel.

Since when, EMI has been grappling with radical changes in the way people listen to music, as well as the need to unearth new artists. While the size of the company's losses have been cut, EMI is still burdened with billions of pounds of debt used to fund the purchase. Terra Firma injected another GBP105m into EMI in June to help the company meet loan agreements.

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September 17, 2010 - submitted by Alison, United States of America

Q. Oracle, what's the best advice someone has ever given you? And what's the best advice you think you have ever given to someone? -Ali

The Oracle replies:

The best advice I got is the same as the best advice I give; passing it on seems like a good idea. "Keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds" is one of my favourites that I received that I do share. My own nugget that I think you'll recognize from this very page is "Regret what you do, not what you don't do" - of course that's within reason! By the way, before anyone asks, given the number of times feet on the ground is mentioned in Coldplay songs you'd be forgiven for assuming it was they that gave me that advice. It wasn't; that phrase is pretty popular over here.

September 17, 2010 - submitted by Eddy, Italy

Q. Hello Oracle, I was just wandering if the song Sweet Marienne is from Coldplay or is just a fake... this is the

The Oracle replies:

It's Sweet Marianne actually Eddy and is very real. That clip is not "the" video as no such thing exists. Someone has made that around a live recording of the track; the only versions of the track are live as once again it's an unreleased song with no studio recording available.

September 17, 2010 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. Oracle: My question is in light of your answer today to Tyler from The United States (who is not me). Last semester, I read "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time," a novel about a British boy written by British author Mark Haddon. In it, the boy, Christopher, kept saying "Maths". Now, I read you also saying "Maths". As a Math Education major, I am interested: Is "Maths" the standard in Britain? Thank you. The other Tyler from USA

The Oracle replies:

Yes it is that is why I put the s in brackets as Tyler (not you) is from the States and as you know it's Math there but Maths here.

September 16, 2010 - submitted by Sara, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle! I came across this. My question is, when and where was this performed? I would absolutely love to know! Thank you so much, Sara.

The Oracle replies:

Ah yes, I was there and I remember what a great sunny day that was. Coldplay headlined this, the Isle of Wight Festival on Sunday 11th June 2006. The reason they decided to cover Lou Reed's Perfect Day was because Lou had performed on the main stage earlier (before Richard Ashcroft who preceded Coldplay) and to the disappointment of the crowd had omitted one of his biggest hits from the set so the band quickly decided to play a version.

September 16, 2010 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. Is this legit? Will there be a longer wait time in between albums than expected?

The Oracle replies:

Not unless we're all bad at Math(s)? I know it can sometimes feel like ages but I honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Let's look at history and do some sums:

Parachutes released July 2000; A Rush of Blood to the Head released August 2002; X&Y released June 2005; Viva la Vida released June 2008; 5th album release tbc 2011. The shortest gap was between the first and second album and as far as I can tell there'll be around the same time in between the rest. Also be aware of article's wording: "Although no specific dates were mentioned, there is a possibility Coldplay won't hit the road until 2012". I mean c'mon, what is that actually saying? "No specific dates were mentioned" and "possibility" is saying nothing!

September 15, 2010 - submitted by Ian, United States of America

Q. All-Seeing Oracle, I was searching for sheet music, when I came across a song named Ladder to the Sun. I could not find any audio recordings and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction? ~The BIGGEST Coldplay fan ever, Ian~

The Oracle replies:

This is another unreleased track that was played

September 15, 2010 - submitted by Kathryn, United States of America

Q. Did the band win the award for the Strawberry Swing music video? I missed the TV program and I really want to know! Thanks :)

The Oracle replies:

MTV's Video Music Awards were held on September 12. Coldplay's Strawberry Swing was shortlisted for Breakthrough Video but the award went to The Black Keys for Tighten Up.

September 15, 2010 - submitted by Gabby, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, My brother got me a free t-shirt for Christmas. Should I be offended? If so, what should I do to get back at him?

The Oracle replies:

I know it's not even October yet but I guess you could get ready to reciprocate this coming Christmas by giving him the same t-shirt back as a gift? Actually I jest... I don't think there's anything wrong with gifting items that didn't cost anything. Last year I purged myself of almost everything I owned. I sold my furniture and most of my home's contents but every so often I would come across a book or a film or an item that I knew would find a good home with a friend, sibling, parent or children. I can't see why some people would be offended. It can sometimes mean more than a bought present. It really is the thought that counts; if he genuinely thought you'd like it there's nothing wrong with it. I think there's joy in giving presents; the receiving is a bonus.

September 14, 2010 - submitted by Martin, United Kingdom

Q. Hello Oracle, My question is this: How do the crew manage to dismantle a full stage from one venue in one city and take it all the way to another many miles away on the days of consecutive concerts? After reading that it takes until the early hours of the following morning just to dismantle a stage I cannot see how it can then be transported to another venue and set up, and then have the band sound check before the actual concert. It seems impossible so could you please clear this up for me :)

The Oracle replies:

There's no pulling the wool over your eyes is there Martin? There are in fact two crews and two stages; as one stage is being dismantled the other is being built. They obviously alternate with the "advance team" starting ahead.

September 14, 2010 - submitted by Shayan, Canada

Q. Hello Oracle, I recently read that you said Will had tickets to a Mumford and Sons concert (I really like them) I was just wondering how, like Will Champion would attend a concert without being bombarded by hundreds of people? I've been very curious for a while actually.

The Oracle replies:

As with most bands it's usually the singer who gets most attention so Will, Guy & Jonny can usually attend gigs without much fuss. Generally people who do recognise them are very respectful of their free time and personal space so they don't get bombarded.

September 14, 2010 - submitted by Leonhard, Austria

Q. Hello, You said that they have not played Trouble live for a long time, but they played it last year at Wembley (Acoustic Version) absolute fantastic. I wanted to ask you which are Chris Martin's favourite Coldplay songs? Thanks, Leonhard. P.S. Mine are Politik, What If, Gravity and Ladder to the Sun (Why has that never been released?)

The Oracle replies:

Pay attention Leonhard or I will issue you with a detention! The question was not about Trouble... I have personally heard Chris talk about Politik more than any other track and it's definitely up there in his favourites. It's hard to know the rest as they change from time to time but what they're working on right now I'd say. p.s. They can't release everything!

September 13, 2010 - submitted by Dan, United States of America

Q. I have a couple questions concerning one Coldplay song. 1) Was the Trouble single version of Brothers and Sisters originally recorded with the intention of putting it on Parachutes? *AND* 2) When was the last time ANY version of the song was played live / Why hasn't it been played since? **This is why I ask** : I can't help but think that the band hasn't played it live in a long time because the single peaked at #107 on the UK Singles Chart, and as a result, they didn't think it was good enough. :( (I hope that's not what they really thought). But considering that they were not very well known at the time when the single was released, I think that's a rather unfair judgment to pass on the song (which, by the way, is an extremely epic song). Very much obliged, Dan The Coldplay Fan. PS The best version is the live version (27/10/99) because you can really feel the energy of the band through the music in the live recording. That's precisely why I'm hoping and begging that they'll play it live again when they go back on tour.

The Oracle replies:

No it wasn't; it had already been released - as you know - so it wasn't a contender. The original release was such a low key/limited release that it wasn't likely to chart highly and that was not the purpose of the single. It hasn't been played for such a long time (tbc?) but that has nothing to do with sales results more that to be honest the song doesn't really fit in the set as many of their other older songs do.

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Chris Martin was a surprise performer in New York last night (13th September) as he joined hip-hop's two biggest stars - Jay-Z and Eminem - as they headlined Yankee Stadium in the borough, in a grand show of how hip-hop has grown from Bronx party music to stadium-filler.

Chris performed Most Kings, Viva La Vida and Heart of the City with Jay-Z. New videos of the performance are here and here at the Coldplay forum, and you can also see new pictures of Chris here and also after the jump. [thanks laga, mayurshikotra & *Sarah*]

Coldplay's Phil Harvey tweeted about the show, annotating the picture he sent with "Last night at Yankee Stadium. Jay-Z, undisputed King of New York. Chris went onstage for Heart of the City, Most Kings and Viva. pH

The triumphant performance last night in the Bronx, followed by a twin event tonight, will put the stars in front of roughly 100,000 fans, perhaps the largest audience New York has ever hosted for a hip-hop show. Both Eminem and Jay-Z, who performed two concerts at Detroit's Comerica Park earlier this month, brought out an all-star cast of friends to mark the occasion. During Eminem's performance, which came first, his guests included his posse D-12, protege 50 Cent, mentor Dr. Dre and new hitmaker B.o.B. Hometown hero Jay-Z would not be outdone, calling on Chris Martin, Kanye West, sensations Drake and Nicki Minaj, and wife Beyonce to support his set.

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

Earlier this week we reported that Coldplayers SueDeNimes and Imke met Coldplay. You can now see pictures of them with some of the band (Chris, Guy and Phil) at the Coldplay forum and also after the jump. It was Coldplayer Coldplay747 who was probably there at that moment, saying, "The boys are all definately back and around the Beehive. Drove by Fleet Road earlier and saw Chris having pics taken with a couple of fans. Also Guy and Will outside the Bakery earlier this afternoon."

Meanwhile, news on Coldplay's LP5 delay has hit the internet media. Many sources are citing Coldplaying and Craigie-J following news that Chris Martin was quoted as saying that the band is "close to finishing lots of songs," but "has not actually finished anything at all." Former manager Phil Harvey also confirmed the delay, and said that the gap between the release of a new album and a subsequent tour would be 'slightly longer' this time around.

Today, Consequence of Sound had their own take on the story, saying that "The news is somewhat surprising considering that the band had debuted new songs as early as March. And while bassist Guy Berryman does have a new side project, Spinner.com also reported that Coldplay had so many ideas for the follow up to Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends that they had to literally put a load of them on a shelf that Martin couldn’t reach. Maybe the band just has problems finishing the job. Either way, it looks like you’re going to have to settle for the unfinished version of “Wedding Bells” to hold you over for now. C'est la vie."

Even CMU Music News joked: "Chris Martin has said there won't be a new Coldplay album this year, so there's some good news for your Monday lunchtime. Well, unless you're Gary 'The Guy' Hands', Roger Faxmachine or any one else with a tangible interest in the future of EMI - they could really do with their most bankable indie outfit being back on the release schedule."

New pictures of Coldplay with fans in North London last week (8th September 2010): [thanks SueDeNimes & Imke]

During a fan meet in London Coldplay have confirmed that their new album will come too soon for a 2010 release, and have still a lot of work to finish before their cash-strapped label EMI take over the reigns of marketing it. The band also had time to mention the timing of the early stages of a new tour.

According to Coldplayer Craigie-J who spoke to the band yesterday in London, LP5 won't be out in time for presents. He said: "There ain't gonna be a release for Christmas now that is for sure. Chris (Martin) said that although they are close to finishing lots of songs, they have not actually finished anything at all yet... (even Wedding Bells!) and he said there'd be no chance of the album coming out for Christmas. Phil (Harvey) said the same, and that even if they were finished by now, there would not be enough time for EMI to sort all of the "fiddly bits". Also, I asked about how long the tour would be starting, after the album release, since for Viva it was really soon, and Phil said that they'd leave a slightly longer gap this time."

Speaking further about the completion of the album, he talked to fifth member Phil: "They (Coldplay) always seem to finish a huge bulk of songs together... he was very confident anyway, but said that the last two months have not been as completely productive as first imagined. But he also said 'You can't rush things like this!'". [thanks Craigie-J]

More discussion on this latest LP5 development is at the Coldplay forum now.

Earlier this week Coldplayers SueDeNimes and Imke had met some of the band (pictures hopefully available on the forums soon) and Coldplayer Coldplay747 was probably there at that moment, saying, "The boys are all definately back and around the Beehive. Drove by Fleet Road earlier and saw Chris having pics taken with a couple of fans. Also Guy and Will outside the Bakery earlier this afternoon."

The Scientist signed during the fan meeting

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On October 25th, two sisters from Alabama known as The Pierces will release a new EP, Love You More. It was produced by Guy Berryman [pictured] alongside Coldplay producer Rik Simpson, so Coldplay.com got in touch with Catherine from the band to find out a bit more. The Pierces are also offering Coldplay fans a free download of their To The Grave track, which you can get here.

Hello Catherine, how are you?

I'm very well, thank you. We arrived in London two days ago and so far we are miraculously jet lag free. Also our hotel gave us a free upgrade to a lovely suite...so we are feelin' lucky.

For those Coldplay fans who haven't heard of The Pierces, what do you sound like?

Our newest record is really big and beautiful and melodic. We keep getting compared to Fleetwood Mac which is a compliment we'll take any day.

How long have you been going?

We've been singing together since we were little kids but we've been doing it professionally for over 10 years now.

Is it true that you were about to split up when Guy called and asked you to support Coldplay in South America?

That is true. We were just really frustrated with our label at the time and we'd had so many years of almost making it. We felt stuck so we thought maybe we should split up and do solo records. Then we got the call from Guy and was a very clear sign that we should stay together... for at least one more record!

And although you didn't do the tour, you did end up working with Guy?

Yeah, the tour didn't happen, it kept getting postponed, but Guy had some free time so we decided to record some songs. It was clear pretty quickly that we were onto something good. He brought Rik in and it just all came together.

What were Guy and Rik like to work with as producers?

They're great. We loved working with them. We had so much fun in the studio but at the same time they were total pros... they know how to get shit done!

And you recorded in the Bakery? How was that?

It's an amazing place to record. It has a great vibe and the boys made us feel right at home. We are so happy we got the chance to make music there... unbelievable.

Guy and Will also contributed musically to the recordings. What exactly did they do?

Will played drums on a few tracks and Guy played bass on everything and some percussion here and there.

And presumably you're pleased with the finished article?

We love it. We can't wait for people to hear it.

So, what are your plans for the rest of the year?

We are going to launch the record in the UK and then we plan to tour. We'll actually find out today about our first shows. We're itching to get out there and play again, it's been a while.

Finally, whenever we interview musicians for Coldplay.com, we ask what their favourite Coldplay track is?

We love The Scientist. It's just so sad and beautiful. Kinda wish it was one of ours... maybe we should cover it.

The Pierces

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Guy Berryman has finished co-producing The Pierces' new album with Rick Simpson, which also features Coldplay's drummer, Will Champion. The Pierces are two sisters from Alabama, and the new album will be their fourth. More on this news is at the Coldplay forum here [thanks iriden]

Talking on their MySpace, the Pierce's wrote: So one day they said, "We're done, this isn't working..." and decided to split up. "When you pour your heart into a record and see its potential, and you also see that it isn't going to reach that potential, it drags you down," says Catherine. "It's heartbreaking..." "I felt angry and frustrated," Allison says. "We were trapped in this deal that was going nowhere."

But they were saved from that fate. The day after deciding to split - the very next day - the sisters received a call that changed absolutely everything. "It was Guy Berryman," Catherine says. "He asked if we wanted to join Coldplay on tour in South America..."

As things turned out, the sisters didn't end up joining that tour, but Berryman was keen to help in any way he could and that's how we have ended up with this remarkable, beautiful record. Last summer Berryman and Grammy Award winning producer Rik Simpson started their own production company, The Darktones and decided The Pierces should be their first project. The pair went first to NYC's Electric Lady and then to Coldplay's own place in London. Allison plays acoustic guitar, Guy plays electric guitar, bass and percussion while Guy's band mate Will Champion, Glenn Moule from Howling Bells and Matt Romano from Little Joy all play drums. The album was recorded over nine months. "We were working in Coldplay's spare time," laughs Allison. "And there's not a lot of that..."

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

September 8, 2010 - submitted by Andres, Mexico

Q. Hello Oracle! Do you know where can I find/download/buy/anything a version with better audio quality of

The Oracle replies:

As this was a one-off charity event there's no place you can buy an audio version. It would be great if it did appear on a future War Child album of course so let's hope they're reading this... However, there are many different clips of that performance online.

September 8, 2010 - submitted by Aaron, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I am in need of your all-seeing knowledge. Recently I visited the page for Viva la Vida (the album) on Wikipedia. It said this: "Lyrically, the album is a concept album of a man's consequences to escape from London in order to marry a woman in the fictional city of Strawberry Swing, and is a musical departure from previous releases.[citation needed]" I just visited the page again and that sentence is gone; edited out. (Maybe 'citation' was never provided.) But is this sabotage, the speculation of an overeager fan, or is it at all grounded in fact? It has been driving me crazy for weeks! Thanks! Aaron

The Oracle replies:

Well Aaron, I can put you out of your misery by telling you that there is no truth in that sentence at all! Wikipedia is known for being a great source of encyclopaedic information yet due to how and where it derives its content, there's room for error and unfortunately quite often mistakes do appear. "Citation needed" is usually a sign that the provider of the "fact" doesn't always have the necessary access to truth to back it up. In this - and other - cases the details are incorrect.

September 7, 2010 - submitted by Aleq, United States of America

Q. Oracle! I hope you are doing well. Have you ever been to New York City with the band or at all?

The Oracle replies:

My NYC history goes thus: 1. A very brief stop over due to a delayed flight connection to a holiday destination many moons ago. 2. One cancelled flight 11th September 2001 (to see Coldplay who's trip was also obviously cancelled). 3. One non-Coldplay but music based trip (July 2002). 4. One trip to see Coldplay perform at both the China Club and the following night Madison Square Garden (June 2003). So yes, I have been lucky enough to go there and to also see the band perform in both a tiny venue and one of the world's most famous arenas.

September 7, 2010 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom

Q. Hi!! I have been wondering for a while...where were the pictures of the band taken on the back of Parachutes? It looks like a spot in Hull. I really want to go there! Thanks

The Oracle replies:

It's not Hull; it's Blackpool.

September 7, 2010 - submitted by Laura, Canada

Q. Oracle, I'm feeling glum. Tell us a joke, please?

The Oracle replies:

What's brown and sticky? A stick!

September 6, 2010 - submitted by Laura, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Please provide me with some of your wisdom. My boyfriend whom I love with all of my heart is leaving for college in 5 days. We are planning on staying together even though he will be over 800 miles away. Many of my friends think this is a bad idea but I can't just let him go. I need to try and fight for us no matter how much if hurts me emotionally. Do you think we should break up or stay together? Laura

The Oracle replies:

Laura forget what your friends think; it's what you and your boyfriend think that counts. For what it's worth I think it will be very difficult to maintain your relationship and there's inevitably going to be occasions where the distance will come into question. I would say that if it is hurting you emotionally it's not good for you. Sometimes to look after yourself you need to make sacrifices. Maybe you and your boyfriend can plan to meet up again after college and see how you cope with the temporary, yet long, separation...

September 6, 2010 - submitted by Alejandro, Spain

Q. Hello Oracle, I wonder if Chris has gone to the gym because in the presentation of Apple he was very muscular.

The Oracle replies:

The band all work out regularly and have a personal trainer who put them through their paces. This used to take place in a gym but moreover they use their own equipment.

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

September 3, 2010 - submitted by Mark, United Kingdom

Q. Will Coldplay ever play this version of Talk live? I would do anything for that! It's incredible and almost everybody agrees! Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

It's extremely doubtful. This wasn't the version the band decided on for inclusion on X&Y. Although they gave it a techno re-vamp for the Viva tour, it's not likely to appear in the guise of one of the discarded variants. I love it too though it has to be said but then I like all incarnations of the song; there were a few.

September 3, 2010 - submitted by Suraj, Canada

Q. Dear Oracle, Mr. Will Champion has spent his 2008 and 2009 birthdays performing live on stage with Coldplay in Toronto, Canada. Last year, in July 2009, my friends and I waited for hours outside of the arena and had the best seats in the house when we got in, front and center on the floor. Right before the band played Politik, we all began singing Happy Birthday to Mr. Champion, and the band laughed and waited in the dark for us to finish singing before they started. Do they remember this? It's too bad Will did not get to spend a third consecutive birthday in Toronto, we missed him! -Suraj

The Oracle replies:

Trust me, if they did hear that they will remember it; it was a special night. As you were there you'll know that the band had a cake and balloons for Will and asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday to him. Looking back the footage available does show a slightly longer gap before the start of

September 3, 2010 - submitted by Claire, United States of America

Q. I would like to vote for Coldplay.com on the DMA, but I can't find your category.

The Oracle replies:

Here it is Claire.

September 2, 2010 - submitted by Josh, Argentina

Q. Hi oracle! One question... has The World Turned Upside Down ever been played live? If so, when? (By the way, I'm talking about the Fix You B-side)

Gracias!!

The Oracle replies:

I've never heard it being performed live and there doesn't appear to be a recording or footage to show otherwise so I would have to deduce that no, it was never played live.

September 2, 2010 - submitted by Camila, Brazil

Q. Dear Oracle, there's something weird going on... I was taking a look at the tags of your answers when I found the tag "will's nose". I thought "-wtf?! this can't be a tag" and, when I press the link it said that there's no item tagged as "will's nose". So, why is this a tag?? This made me laugh haha :D Is it some joke? greetings from Brazil <3

The Oracle replies:

Ah yes, it’s a mystery as to why that tag doesn't take you to a bona fide Oracle entry. Will had a little mishap on the Viva tour when the end of the drumstick came off hitting him in the nose when he whacking the bell during Viva la Vida.

September 1, 2010 - submitted by Rachel, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle, I was just wondering... is this video for real?

The Oracle replies:

Similarly to the other question about where a video originates from, this is also an official video that can be found on the band's official YouTube page - ColdplayTV - this was the second video made for the single, an alternative if you like and an homage to

September 1, 2010 - submitted by Kelly, United Kingdom

Q. Was Amsterdam written about the Holocaust?

The Oracle replies:

After the question about Politik being written in the wake of 9/11 I can see why you pose the question. This has been asked before so sorry to repeat myself but there is no connection between the song's title and the song's content; it was simply named after the place where it was written.

September 1, 2010 - submitted by Emily, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, In your honest opinion, do girls look better with or without a ton of makeup?

The Oracle replies:

Personally I prefer natural beauty. Don't get me wrong, I think make-up can enhance your best features but it shouldn't be worn as a mask. I think too much make-up caked on a face looks terrible!

August 31, 2010 - submitted by Thibault, France

Q. Hi dear Oracle, Is that true that Coldplay gave its first concert on January 16th in 1998 as the author of

The Oracle replies:

Well given that the author of that video was actually the band; the YouTube user took it from our official timeline, it is indeed true.

August 31, 2010 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. I learned that the band after a gig is instantly leaving the venue, not to come into a rush and catch their early plane back home. Since their are transpiring like hell during the show, do they still first have a shower before leaving?

The Oracle replies:

I'm pretty sure you mean perspiring Helmut but I love your English so don't take offence; my Austrian is non-existent! The band do leave the venue as soon as a show has finished and there's no time for a shower until they get back to the hotel/home. Basically it's a case of a wipe down with a towel in the back of the car! On the Viva tour they put fresh jackets/tops on before the encore but they tend to come off after the gig ends too.

August 27, 2010 - submitted by Maria, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle this is true or false Politik was written days after the attacks of 11 September 2001? Thanks Lovely Oracle

The Oracle replies:

Actually yes, Politik was written in the wake of that tragedy and very much inspired by those events.

August 27, 2010 - submitted by Dominique, United Kingdom

Q. Oracle, I really need your help! My boyfriend and I have been together for a long time, and things have been going really well until recently I found out that he's cheating on me with this girl. How do you think I can get him back? Or I should I even bother?

The Oracle replies:

Long time or not, things can't have been going as well as you thought if he was unfaithful and whatever his excuse, don't waste your time on this cheat. If you haven't got trust you have nothing and unless he rebuilds that over a period of time you would continue to mistrust him. Time apart is best for you right now; whether that's temporary or permanent is ultimately your decision but have the self-respect to know you deserve better and better is out there.

August 27, 2010 - submitted by Anthony, Sweden

Q. My wife saw Coldplay at the Shepherds Bush Empire back in May 2000 when they were co-supporting James with a Swedish band called Kent. She reliably informs me that they were less than 20 people in the venue when Coldplay were on stage but she enjoyed them more than James. Does the band remember this gig and they small gaggle of Swedish girls bopping away in front of the stage?

The Oracle replies:

Of course they remember and Chris would probably say the same as your wife but both are wrong; there were many more than 20 in that audience! It was early days in their career in terms of a larger venue and a decent support slot. The band were heckled but they weren't unknown by any standards and the venues had started to fill up.

August 27, 2010 - submitted by Gabriel, Brazil

Q. I'm a HUGE Warning Sign fan. Can you please tell me where

The Oracle replies:

You're right it wasn't recorded in Sydney, 2003 but 2005 in Toronto.

August 26, 2010 - submitted by David, Canada

Q. In the live show in Toronto in the beginning of the song 'Til Kingdom Come Chris says "we wrote this song for Johnny Cash and in return he gave us..." what does he say after that??

The Oracle replies:

Chris says "... this is a song we wrote for Johnny Cash and in return he gave us our dress sense". After a pause he adds "except for our shoes which we got from Usher".

August 26, 2010 - submitted by Emmett, Canada

Q. Hey Oracle! I found this

The Oracle replies:

Mat Whitecross met the band at UCL and directed their first video for Bigger Stronger. He has gone on to make some amazing films and at the start of the Viva campaign came up with this alternative video for its first single, Violet Hill.

The EMI/Coldplay YouTube account only shows official videos so this was a commissioned piece.

August 25, 2010 - submitted by Ricardo, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, Is there any (live) footage of Chris with huge hair like on the back of the Parachutes album. I would love to see that!! Thanks in advance.

The Oracle replies:

The Parachutes album's photographs were taken Saturday 6th May and

August 25, 2010 - submitted by Kieran, United Kingdom

Q. Hey Oracle :D What are secateurs/sekateurs? I heard the word in Separate and Ever Deadly by The Last Shadow Puppets and I have no idea what it means! Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Secateurs are a gardening tool. They're much like scissors and are used to prune. In fact they're also known as pruning shears.

August 24, 2010 - submitted by Kelby, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I was wondering, in the Coldplay online store for the Coldplay memoir, is that Roadie #42 holding the book? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Gosh he's popular today isn't he? Sorely missed I expect... No, that's not Roadie #42 it's Matt the author who although a Roadie, isn't #42.

August 24, 2010 - submitted by Adeline, France

Q. Hello dear Oracle, I'm actually reading Juliet Naked, a book written by Nick Hornby. Does the band know that they are mentioned in a fake Wikipedia article on Tucker Crowe who is a singer-songwriter in the book ? It explains that his music influenced Coldplay and that the band also recorded a tribute album. I love both Coldplay music and this author a funny coincidence... Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

I know that Vicki, that band's personal assistant read and loved the book! I don't think the band have had time but there are a quite a few novels that mention the band these days...

August 24, 2010 - submitted by Caroline, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle. I'm inquiring about Roadie #42, its been 2 months since we heard from him!?

The Oracle replies:

He's absolutely fine so don't worry! The band were in NYC during July and Roadie #42 remained in London. He was ordered to take August off as a holiday but knowing him, he'll be using his spare time to do very work related stuff!

August 23, 2010 - submitted by Karman, India

Q. Hello dear Oracle, I recently bought a Coldplay poster. The guy who sold it to me said it was a rare one could you tell me just how rare it is?

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm the thing is, that poster may be rare but it's not official. We didn't commission it and so it's what's known as a bootleg.

August 23, 2010 - submitted by Laudy, Lebanon

Q. Dear Oracle, Hello! I am 14 years old and I'm going out with someone who is 17 years old. Oracle, I really like him and he really likes me. I feel free to be myself around him and I can just tell him anything! So my question is... How do I tell my mother that I am dating a 17 year old? The age difference isn't that great but still, it's my mother we're talking about! Any advice would be great. It's my love life at stake so no pressure! =) Thank you for taking your time to read all of our questions! Love, Laudy. P.S. Say hello to the guys, will you? =) I <3 Coldplay!

The Oracle replies:

Ah mothers eh? I jest of course but you may not like what I am about to say. A 3 year age gap at 14 and 17 is HUGE. For instance here in the U.K there are things that a 17 year old can physically do legally that a 14 year old can't and that can put pressure on an already pressured relationship. Your mother may have cause for concern but the best way to avoid her thinking that is to be straight with her and let her see for herself. You need to speak with her and she needs to meet your boyfriend to get to know him. At 14 she has every right to protect you and vet who you are involved with so allow her to be part of it. If I was you I wouldn't make a big deal out of it and perhaps introduce him as your friend on the initial visit but afterwards tell her your feelings. Whatever her response it is better to be honest with her and then she is more likely to trust you. I hope you wouldn't abuse that trust because I get the feeling you're a sensible girl...

August 23, 2010 - submitted by Natalie, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle, In a few weeks I will have to go into hospital to have some surgery done. Hospitals tend to be extremely boring, so I would like to take some books with me to pass the time. Are there any books you or the band could really recommend (classics, older ones or more recent)? I already read and loved Roadie by the wonderful Matt, so that one is unfortunately out. Thanks for your suggestions :)

The Oracle replies:

I think the perfect books for your time in hospital would be anything by Nick Hornby (his latest Juliet Naked is brilliant and has a teeny Coldplay reference) and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. If you want to read a classic book, how about Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights?

August 20, 2010 - submitted by Luis, Mexico

Q. Olaa gran y poderoso Oraculo! Well maybe this is a stupid question but I can't remember when and where was the first show of the Viva la Vida tour so can you tell me? Thanks and sorry for my bad English. Atentamente Luis

The Oracle replies:

It's not a stupid question at all; it was a long time ago! Even though I know when and where it was, I still feel the need to account for the live shows preceding the tour. On June 13 2008 the band performed for friends & family at Wembley. This was followed by free/TV shows on 16th in Brixton, 17th Barcelona, 18th BBC Television Centre, 19th Paris and 23rd & 27th New York. The first live date of the tour proper was July 14th at The Forum, Los Angeles.

August 20, 2010 - submitted by Levi, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Which do you think is better the original The Office from UK or The Office in America? Thanks, Levi

The Oracle replies:

I prefer the The Office U.K to The Office U.S however that's not to say one is necessarily better. Once the U.S version stepped out of the shadow already cast by the original and became a great show in its own right, I loved it!

August 20, 2010 - submitted by Fredrika, Finland

Q. Dear Oracle. I have a question. Can you stay happily married for the rest of your life? Is that a possibility? I am seventeen and my parents just had a divorce. I feel very confused right now, and I just want to know if it's even possible to stay with a person and love him/her for the rest of your life.

The Oracle replies:

Oh Fredrika I feel empathy for your pain. My parents divorced when I was young so what I say comes from a place not only of knowledge but of experience.

It remains to be seen with our current generation and future ones whether people will stay happily married forever but there are plenty of couple who have managed that despite what life throws and many who get married thinking that they will stay together and maybe they will. Anything is a possibility so I will answer yes to your question even though you probably know I am quite cynical when it comes to marriage. Of course the odds are better if you wait 'til you're older before getting married. Sorry, only joking! I do think some people rush into it though or do it for the wrong reasons but honestly? I still believe that people can make it work if they truly love each other and respect one another. Right now you may not see how that's possible; when I look back after my parents split I remember saying that I would never get married; I didn't see the point. I have watched many marriages fail but that doesn't prove anything. Life can be tough and loving one person can be hard when there's so many pressures and stresses along the way. I guess it's all about finding the right person who shares the same values and beliefs plus mutual trust and support as well as a bucketload of compromise. Your parents divorcing may seem like the worst thing to ever happen to you right now but trust me, them staying unhappily together would be far worse for all of you in the long term. The only advice I can give you is... don't let anyone else's relationship taint the view of any you have.

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Apple CEO Steve Jobs used a performance by Coldplay's Chris Martin and a video of Lady Gaga to help launch new Apple music products during the company's annual media event earlier today (September 1st).

After rolling out a new lineup of iPod models, Chris Martin took the stage to perform Wedding Bells on piano, as well as Viva La Vida and Yellow, at the end of a press conference for the company's new products at the Yerba Buena Centre in San Francisco which was also screened live on TV screens at The Brewery in east London. Introducing Wedding Bells, Chris who was wearing a white Flaming Lips t-shirt, joked: "This is a new song called 'Coldplay 2.6' and it has a lot of new features, it features seven different kinds of chords and even a new one that our closest rivals have no idea about," before adding: "This could be the only time you ever hear it. It could go terribly wrong but we'll see what happens."

We now have some more lyrics for Wedding Bells which you can read after the jump. You can catch up on all the discussion at the Coldplay forum, and also a recap on the setlist/videos/pictures in the Coldplay Live forum. You can also download various bits and pieces from Chris Martin's performance in the Multimedia forum. You may be required to login/register due to the high amount of traffic the messageboard is receiving so many thanks for your patience. [Thanks to everyone who has posted videos, pictures, download links and deciphered lyrics!]

Meanwhile as it was a live event there were several live official blogs in action...

Jobs goes back to music: "We started doing this music stuff because we really like music," he says. And Apple has invited Coldplay to perform "Please join me in welcoming Chris Martin!" he says to big applause. The singer jokes: This is probably the toughest closing gig I've ever had. I don't have any products to unveil ...". Chris Martin isn't sure whether he should wrap it or not, so he says, "Steve, can you tell me what to do?" to laughter.

There's a standing ovation for Chris Martin as he leaves the stage. Woz is clapping hard too. There's no sign of Paltrow, but Jobs comes back on stage: ""Thank you for coming this morning. I hope you're as excited about this stuff as we are ... We'll see you soon." And that's a wrap.

Lyrics to Wedding Bells (live):

Those wedding bells are ringing up upon that hill

And I don’t wanna swallow such a bitter pill

You keep on moving, but, I stay still

But I always loved you and I always will

Days of no sleeping

Caked in mud

All kinds of poison in my blood

I lost the only thing I ever loved

Oooh…

I heard them ringing and processioning by

Umbrellas in the clear blue sky

I saw you swimming in that sea of white

Oooh…

And wedding bells ringing up upon that hill

And I don’t wanna swallow such a bitter pill

You keep on moving, baby, I stay still

I always loved you and I always will

Ooooh…

I loved you and I see it still

I always loved you and I always will

Singing, lalalalalalalalala…

If everything that went before didn’t matter, so

Lalalalalalaaa….

I always loved you and I always will

Photos of Chris Martin performing at Apple Keynote event (1st September 2010):

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A quick reminder that voting for the Digital Music Awards 2010 has already opened following a one year haitus for the awards. Coldplaying.com needs your votes in the Best Fansite category. To vote for us click here. It's easy - you can either register to vote or use your existing Facebook account to vote for Coldplaying - every vote counts in the extremely competetive Fansite category - and your votes for Coldplaying are much appreciated! Please remember that you are allowed to vote each day - not just once.

We hope to build upon our 54th place in 2003, 44th place in 2004, 36th place in 2005, 11th place in 2007 and 4th place in 2008. Please pledge your support to Coldplaying.com and by casting your vote for the site before voting closes on 27th September. Thanks for all your support so far during 2010!

A new song featuring Jay-Z [pictured] and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has emerged online. Most Kingz is a previously unreleased cut from Jay-Z's latest album, Kingdom Come, but never made it as a beat was never found. Pieces of the verses ended up on the Grammy Family freestyle on Hot97 w/ Funk Flex in 2006 as well as Coldplay’s Lost (remix).

The track is included on a new 'Invasion Radio 2k10' mixtape by Green Lantern. According to 2dopeboyz, the track is the product of the same session in which Martin and Jay-Z recorded Kingdom Come’s 'Beach Chair', but because the Brooklyn rapper could never find a worthwhile accompanying beat, 'Most Kingz remained unreleased.

You can hear the track online now at the Coldplay forum and also download it via Mediafire [thanks mimixxx, rouz7, maria_shiver]

Green Lantern was quoted as saying: "“This is my version working with the acapella... I've had this since 2006 and it was supposed to be on the Presidential Invasion mixtape–that never came out. Then Hov rapped these lyrics over his HP commercial drums, and the acapella went to a few different producers in search of a beat for it. I heard a Timbaland version and I think Just Blaze and a few others had it too. But by the time they made Beach Chair, I think Jay was over trying to find a beat for Most Kingz. Then he went to Flex show and the rest is history..."

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They may be the best of friends now, but Jay-Z believes things would have been different if he'd met Coldplay's Chris Martin when they were teenagers. More on this is at the Coldplay forum here onwards.

The rap mogul says it would have been a different story if the two had met when in their formative years. "That's a different scenario. He couldn't walk through Marcy [a housing project in Brooklyn, N.Y.]. I was a different person then. I wasn't open to the world and to cultures. I would have been, 'Yo! Who are you? Give me your money', the rap star told Q magazine (via the Daily Mirror).

He added, "You couldn't have a guy like Chris walking through Marcy. He'd have to get robbed. At best."

By the age of 13, Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, was dealing drugs in the housing project while at the same time Martin was living in a dormitory at Sherborne boys' school in Dorset. Now however, the two have struck up one of the closest relationships in show business. Martin and wife Gwyneth Paltrow attended the rapper's wedding to Beyonce in 2008 while the couple's two children, Apple and Moses, refer to the rapper as Uncle Jay. "They are a really cool family with beautiful kids, who happen to be good at the jobs they do."

Martin isn't the only rock star to come out of Devon that Jay has a soft spot for. Speaking of Muse's Matt Bellamy, Jay said, "That man is a superstar. I told him he was awesome. All the good s--- comes from Devon."

One British star the rapper is less than enamoured of is Noel Gallagher. In the interview he spoke of the former Oasis man's outspoken reaction to a rapper headlining Glastonbury. He said, "I thought it was a bit music-racist. An old way of thinking. Everyone trying to do something new is going to come up against a Noel Gallagher figure in their life."

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Former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows owes his new band name to Chris Martin. I Am Arrows, whose debut Green Grass is out this week, was created over a pint with the Coldplay singer, the Daily Star writes. Andy is the latest in a long line of drummers turned singers including Phil Coll­ins, 59, and Dave Grohl, 41.

Andy, 31, said: "I was in a pub with Chris and I told him I was doing my own thing. He asked what I was going to call it. So I said: ‘My name, Andy Burrows’. But he said bluntly: ‘That’s crap, you can’t do that, nobody would be interested’. I was never any good at band names as a kid and it was absolutely no different as a grown-up, sat next to Chris telling me my ideas were crap. I wanted to name it after a film called Kingshot – that proved unpopular – then Bandy Arrows."

The blond beatsmith had to turn to another celebrity pal as his struggle for a band name continued. He revealed: "My very close friend Edith Bowman came up with the name." In fact the Foo Fighter proved influential in unleashing Andy’s singing voice. "When a drummer goes solo it’s terrifying," he admitted. "Dave was incredibly inspir­ational, he gave me a big shout-out on stage once and I spent a very heavy night with him too. I’d bumped into him in London so asked if he wanted to go for a pint. We spent the next eight hours having one of the most amusing nights of my life."

Andy Burrows of I Am Arrows

Meanwhile, dance producer David Guetta has revealed his music is influenced by indie music, and Coldplay in particular, writes OMG Music. The When Love Takes Over hitmaker - who is working on the new Black Eyed Peas album - said of his listening taste: "I might make dance music but that doesn’t mean I’m not influenced by bands like Kings Of Leon and Coldplay."

David Guetta

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In an online interview, Bono [pictured] has revealed that Chris Martin called him up and gave him advice on what songs to release on U2's new album. The excerpt from the interview, courtesy of Rolling Stone magazine, goes a something a bit like this... [thanks Osaka Sun]

We have Songs of Ascent, which is the meditative work that was meant to complement No Line on the Horizon. We've got a rock album. We also have a club-sounding album. And then we have the Spider-Man [musical] stuff. Across those four, there are 25-30 songs. Now we have to decide how we go about releasing them? Do we release them in their groups? Chris Martin [of Coldplay] called me and said, "I hear you've got all these albums going. I have a great idea. Why not just pick the best songs from all of them and put them out now?" And I'm like, "Hmm . . . " [strokes his chin].

Because we don't think like that. It's a bit mad. In that sense, we're not as 21st Century as we think we are, because we'd be putting out more new songs online, involving our audience in the choice – if we were really modern. We're just sitting here arguing about them, except no one else knows about them. The people on the beach here probably know them, because we keep playing them, like we did last night [smiles].

Discussion on this is here at the Coldplay forum. If you're interested in U2 and what their latest music releases and tour entails, you can read the full interview here at Rolling Stone online.

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