LONDON - Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys and Damon Albarn are among the British music stars who have contributed to an online auction to raise funds for Oxfam's emergency response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Albarn, former frontman of Blur and co-creator of virtual band Gorillaz, will record a "bespoke" piece of music for the winning bidder, while Coldplay singer Chris Martin's "Viva La Vida" tour jacket -- signed by the band -- is also up for grabs. It also noted that the jacket is different to the one that was sold in the band's recent clearout sale. This just in from Anchorman at Coldplay.com:

Good morning. Oxfam have just launched a special eBay auction to raise funds for their emergency response in Haiti. The items include Chris's navy blue Viva tour jacket, signed by all four members of Coldplay. Click here if you'd like to bid for it. (This is, of course, a different jacket from the one sold in the Coldply's recent Clearout Sale - but both have been worn on stage many times.) The auction closes on February 2. You can donate to Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake Appeal at www.oxfam.org.uk. Anchorman

Other lots to go on sale on eBay from 0900 GMT on January 22 until 0900 GMT on February 2 include the Fender Stratocaster guitar played by Alex Turner in the Arctic Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" video, according to Oxfam. The auction is one of several initiatives by celebrities to raise funds for victims of the earthquake. Later on Friday MTV will host a telethon featuring George Clooney, U2's Bono and Justin Timberlake among others, and music mogul Simon Cowell has said he will invite stars to sing on a charity record.

On Saturday 23rd January, ITV1 will broadcast 'The BRITs Hits 30' at 10pm. This anniversary programme is unique in that it celebrates The BRIT Awards reaching its 30th year by viewing some memorable performances that the public can then vote on through itv.com/brits and GM.TV.

Coldplay have been nominated for Clocks in 2003. Here's Anchorman with the latest news about the Most Memorable Brits Performance of 30 Years nomination:

As you know, Coldplay are nominated for the Most Memorable Brits Performance of 30 Years at this year's Brit Awards, for Clocks in 2003. On Saturday (Jan 23) at 10pm, ITV1 is showing an hour-long programme running through the performances which are up for the award, including Coldplay's. That's also when the online voting to decide the winner will open, at itv.com/brits. As ever, we'd be very grateful if you were to vote for Coldplay. Thank you. Anchorman.

The UK’s recorded music industry association, the BPI, announced that Spice Girl ‘Mel B’ will be hosting this ITV show that will turn back the clock with stunning performances from the likes of: Kylie, Scissor Sisters, The Bee Gees, Eurythmics, The Spice Girls, Bros, The Who, Coldplay (Clocks, 2003), Kanye West, Paul McCartney, Take That, Robbie Williams dueting with Tom Jones, The Pet Shop Boys, Girls Aloud and of course Michael Jackson.

The TV audience will then be asked to vote for their favourite performance by going to itv.com/brits or gm.tv up until February 5th when the voting window will close. The winner will then be invited to the BRITs on Tuesday 16th February at Earls Court, London to accept their award - 'MOST MEMORABLE BRITs PERFORMANCE of 30 years.' Ged Doherty, Chairman of the BRITs said: "Reaching 30 years is a phenomenal achievement for The BRITs. By improving the experience for the Voting Academy, revamping the website and having a primetime 30th anniversary televised show on the 9th Jan to kick off the celebrations, we really are in shape to make this year a truly memorable occasion."

Meanwhile, voting is now open for the Best British Album of 30 Years award which A Rush Of Blood To The Head has been nominated for. Click here to cast your vote.

More discussion on Coldplay's nominations at this year's BRITs and all the rest of the build up is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Lore, inengsol1500 & maria_shiver]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 21, 2010 - submitted by Leslie, United States of America

Q. Hola Oracle aka. El Caro (which mean the car in Spanish), What is the name of the Coldplay song that has the lyrics below? "It wasn't strange reaction for someone like you to remain on side, and then a change reaction I was down and calling for a place to hide." I really like it but I do not know the name. Thank you very much for your unbridled knowledge in any subject of our choice. {even though I do not know you you are my best friend} :).

The Oracle replies:

The lyric is "chain reaction" not "change" and not from a Coldplay song. It's Your Love Means Everything by Faultline featuring Chris on vocals.

January 21, 2010 - submitted by Gilberto, United Kingdom

Q. FIX YOU IS THE ANSWER FOR EXTRAS SHOW

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm well no, Fix You was performed during the episode of Extras and I'm pretty pretty sure that wasn't the question asked...

January 20, 2010 - submitted by Virgil, Australia

Q. Hello, would you please tell me about the cover art of the first album. The spinning globe... why it was chosen by the band. Thank you.

The Oracle replies:

The pressure to come up with an idea for the Parachutes cover was mounting. At that time the globe was being used at live shows sitting atop Chris's piano and had been a fixture during the recording process. It was almost a whimsical last minute decision in absence of any other idea. As it goes it was the perfect image to fit with the songs contained within.

January 20, 2010 - submitted by Rahul, Nepal

Q. Dear Oracle, I am really glad to see you back again. So I got a problem with a girl, whom I proposed a year back and isn't still giving her answer to me. She has been kinda ignorant to me but lately, her friends are advising me to propose her again and some are more interested in comparing us. I can't really judge her reaction and everyone else's. I even don't know what to do now. Can you help me with it? Thank You, I hope you have a good day. :D

The Oracle replies:

I'm going to be brutally honest with you Rahul, honesty being something this girl should try. Personally I think if you already proposed a year ago and she hasn't given you an answer yet, her silence has actually answered "no". I would not ask again unless you have reason to believe that she has a great reason for ignoring your proposal. If she is incredibly shy or very young or scared of the huge commitment she should let you know one way or another because right now it just seems that she is being rude towards you; she doesn't sound worth asking twice. I know sometimes friends can help in giving us a nudge in the right direction but her friends might be advising you wrong. What do YOU think? Do you think she loves you? Her actions are not those of love. Do you think you deserve better than this? I do.

January 19, 2010 - submitted by Lucas, France

Q. Hello Oracle, As you seem to know every single thing about Coldplay, what is the extra lyrics that Chris is singing over the end of The Scientist in the Live at the Koolhaus 2005 ?? (the extra lines are : "I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel, I focus on the pain etc...) Is it a long version of The Scientist?

The Oracle replies:

Those are lyrics from

January 19, 2010 - submitted by Sara, Spain

Q. Hello Oracle, I had found in the web an album of Will Champion called Crispy but I can not find any song. Is it an album of Will? Thanks Oracle

The Oracle replies:

It's an album by Wil Champion not Will Champion. There are some sites that have the name wrong and therefore have wrongly linked Crispy to our Will but it's a case of mistaken identity.

January 18, 2010 - submitted by Christina, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle! How was your holiday? I got X&Y for Christmas, and I was flipping through the inside booklet. What is written on the back page? Even with the key I couldn't figure it out. Thanks in advance!

The Oracle replies:

The band wanted to have Make Trade Fair as the final message in code.

January 18, 2010 - submitted by Sovietta, United States of America

Q. What is your ultimate favorite word? Made-up or real. Thanks! :o)

The Oracle replies:

Purely for the way it sounds when uttered, I love the word discombobulate. In fact any word with bob in it. I also like bubble.

January 18, 2010 - submitted by Rosie, Australia

Q. Once upon a time, there was a man, who directed some movies, one movie is about a man confined to his wheelchair and begins to notice his neighbour doing some odd things, as he sits, looking out his back window. I believe it was the same man who directed a movie called Vertigo. Sorry to be a pain, great Oracle, but I have a few questions. What was the name of this man? What is the name of the first movie I mentioned? Did the man also direct Vertigo? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, a thousand times over wonderful Oracle!

The Oracle replies:

The director in question is Alfred Hitchcock and you were so close with the first film title in your description of it; Rear Window. It's a fabulous film starring James Stewart & Grace Kelly. Yes, Alfred also directed Vertigo and a whole host of fantastic movies including Psycho, Dial M for Murder, The Birds and North by Northwest. FYI: Alfred made a cameo appearance in many of his own films.

Pictures of winning auction items in the Coldplay end of decade clearout sale (sabesie):

A number of rock stars will join a veterans group on Thursday in calling for the closure of the United States's military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Our very own Coldplay, along with Nine Inch Nails co-founder Trent Reznor, Rosanne Cash (Johnny Cash's daughter) and Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello will join the effort via Twitter, linking up with a number of liberal groups, human rights groups and veterans organizations. Approximately 20 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be visitng Capitol Hill Thursday to make the case to lawmakers.

Meanwhile, on Twitter, the campaign said its aim is to make the Gitmo closure the number one trending topic (or most popular discussion subject) on Twitter today.

The organizers, New Security Action and Vote Vets, say that the campaign coincides with the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama's pledge to close Gitmo within a year of taking office. Obama acknowledged this fall that the stated timeline would not be met, although he said closing the controversial detention center remains a goal of his administration.

Pictures of winning auction items in the Coldplay end of decade clearout sale (sabesie):

Coldplay, Bono and Sting are among a galaxy of stars lined up for a global Hope For Haiti telethon this week to help raise funds for the quake-hit island. Coldplay will join U2's Bono and The Edge, rapper Jay-Z and Rihanna in London for one of the broadcasts, which will be shown around the world on Friday.

Several one-of-a-kind collaborations will highlight the event, including a hookup between U2's Bono and The Edge with Jay-Z and Rihanna in London and a jam featuring Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; like all the night's performances, the collabos will be available for download on iTunes for 99 cents the next day. Also appearing in New York with Wyclef and Springsteen will be Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting, while the Los Angeles show will feature performances from Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Timberlake, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift.

More discussion and news as we get it on this new benefit concert is here at the Coldplay forum now [thanks cav23j]

This just in from Anchorman:

Good morning. “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” today announced its lineup of musical performances for its global telethon on Friday, January 22. It will feature Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna in a London location. All musical performances will be available for purchase for through the Apple iTunes Store beginning Saturday, January 23, with all proceeds benefiting Haiti relief funds managed by “Hope for Haiti Now” charities.

“Hope for Haiti Now” will be the most widely distributed telethon in history, both internationally and across media platforms. In the US, the two-hour telethon will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 7:00 p.m. CT. “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air on newly added networks including PBS, TNT, Showtime, COMEDY CENTRAL, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic.

The event will also be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Rhapsody and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV. "Hope for Haiti Now" will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic, and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide. “Hope for Haiti Now” will be the first U.S.-based telethon airing on MTV in China. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon. You can donate to Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake Appeal at www.oxfam.org.uk/. Anchorman

Chris Martin attends premiere of Mat Whitecross film 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' (6th January 2010):

The nominations for this year's BRIT Awards have been announced at a ceremony in London tonight (January 18). And among the finalists for the industry bash are Coldplay with a classic album award.

As this is officially the BRITs' 30th anniversary, a special award is going to the Best British Album of the last three decades, with Coldplay, Keane, Oasis, The Verve and Travis all in the running. Here's Anchorman with the details from Coldplay.com:

Good evening. We're very pleased to report that A Rush Of Blood To The Head has been nominated for the Best British Album of 30 Years at the 2010 Brit Awards. It's one of 10 albums which were decided by the sales figures of previous winners of the Best British Album award - won by A Rush Of Blood To The Head in 2003. The award will go to the winner of a public vote - we'll give you a link to that when it goes live. For more info, see www.brits.co.uk. Anchorman

The full list of nominees is as follows:

British Female Solo Artist

Bat for Lashes

Florence & the Machine

Leona Lewis

Lily Allen

Pixie Lott

British Male Solo Artist

Calvin Harris

Dizzee Rascal

Mika

Paolo Nutini

Robbie Williams

British Breakthrough Act

Florence & the Machine

Friendly Fires

JLS

La Roux

Pixie Lott

British Group

Doves

Friendly Fires

JLS

Kasabian

Muse

MasterCard British Album

Dizzee Rascal - Tongue n’Cheek

Florence & the Machine - Lungs

Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You

Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

British Single

Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow

Alexandra Burke Ft Flo Rida - Bad Boys

Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love

Joe McElderry - The Climb

JLS - Beat Again

La Roux - In For The Kill

Lily Allen - The Fear

Pixie Lott - Mama Do

Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart

Tinchy Stryder Ft N-Dubz - Number 1

Critics' Choice

Ellie Goulding

Delphic

Marina and the Diamonds

BRITs Album of 30 Years

Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head

Dido - No Angel

Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms

Duffy - Rockferry

Keane - Hopes & Fears

Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

Phil Collins - No Jacket Required

Sade - Diamond Life

The Verve - Urban Hymns

Travis - The Man Who

International Female Solo Artist

Lady Gaga

Ladyhawke

Norah Jones

Rihanna

Shakira

International Male Solo Artist

Bruce Springsteen

Eminem

Jay-Z

Michael Buble

Seasick Steve

International Album

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Black Eyed Peas - The End

Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

Lady Gaga - The Fame

International Breakthrough Act

Animal Collective

Daniel Merriweather

Empire of the Sun

Lady Gaga

Taylor Swift

Outstanding Contribution Award

Robbie Williams

Ahead of the BRIT nominations this evening (January 18), more rumours have begun circulating about this year’s special guest performers. While a few have already been confirmed, many now believe that Jay Z will perform ‘Empire State Of Mind’ with Alicia Keys. It’s also rumoured that the rapper will be joined by his Coldplay mate, Chris Martin, writes XFM today.

In other scurrilous gossip, Warner Brothers are supposedly fuming over the lack of nominations for Muse and American crooner Michael Buble. Matt Bellamy and co are reportedly in the running for only one award. Digital Spy reports that their record company apparently threatened to boycott the booze-laden, back-slapping, narc-fest. They didn’t in the end. Wonder why?

Warners aren’t the only people fuming as Susan Boyle is also said to have been snubbed by tonight’s nominations. Don’t worry Su Bo, because Hot Chip love you. The London dance mob have written ‘Keep Quiet’ in honour of the reality TV star. The track will feature on their forthcoming album, ‘One Life Stand’.

More on the Chris Martin rumours at the BRITs 2010 is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Lore]

Chris Martin attends premiere of Mat Whitecross film 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' (6th January 2010):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 15, 2010 - submitted by Ximena, Peru

Q. If Coldplay have auctioned their clothes of Viva la Vida Tour. What clothes, they'll use in Latin America Tour?

The Oracle replies:

There was an agreement that the clothes (and instruments) would be sent out to the winning bidders after the Latin American tour dates so this won't cause a problem.

January 15, 2010 - submitted by Robin, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, at the end of the Extras episode which Chris appears in he plays a song on the piano. What's the name of this song? Thanks a lot. Cheers from Amsterdam!

The Oracle replies:

Chris performed his own version of the regular closing credits song. The track is called Tea for the Tillerman which was written and performed by Cat Stevens.

January 15, 2010 - submitted by Mady, United States of America

Q. Hello there. In Chinese Sleep Chant I could swear that I hear Chad Croeger's vocals in the background. Is he featured in the song or am I going insane? Thanks for the help. Mady

The Oracle replies:

You might be going insane Mady. Chad Kroeger definitely doesn't feature on Chinese Sleep Chant!

Pictures of winning auction items in the Coldplay end of decade clearout sale (lo&loud):

Warm up tonight in New Jersey to Laser Coldplay! A reminder that you can see their colorful laser lights choreographed with music and the starry planetarium sky tonight at the RVCC Planetarium at 8pm local time - featuring Coldplay tracks For You, Brothers and Sisters, Yellow, Lovers in Japan, In My Place, Viva La Vida, Clocks and Trouble. Please attend if you can, as the show is imminent! (If you know of anyone in the area who would be interested please let them know asap!)

Admission is only $6 for all ages and if you mention the 'Coldplaying forums' you can get a $1 discount off ticket prices for the Coldplay show (not to be combined with any other offer). Their system produces 16 million color graphics and patterns and is well worth the money. Reservations are recommended for all shows but to make reservations on Saturday's you must go directly to the center. More information on the hotline by calling the Planetarium @ 908-231-8805. Click here for directions to the Planetarium.

The show is about an hour long and the song list above is the majority of the show, but there are a few extras. The show is running tonight (Jan 16) and also February and March 13 (Saturdays) All shows are at 8 pm. Also showing this winter shows featuring Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and a variety of music.

The Raritan Valley Community College campus lies at the crossroads of Central New Jersey, with Routes 22, 202 and 206 and Interstates 287 and 78 just minutes away. The College is situated on the north side of Route 28 in North Branch, New Jersey.

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 14, 2010 - submitted by Kara, Malaysia

Q. Hey there, Maybe people out there were like me too. The question is was the Grammy voted by public or judge by jury? ps: what is the stands for a.k.a?

The Oracle replies:

The Grammy Awards submissions are reviewed by an extensive panel of music industry experts. Works are then voted for and they make up the nominations. This shortlist is sent to members of the Recording Academy who vote secretly.

Before the reviewing stage of the process eligible nominations are actually entered for consideration by a record label or individual. In case anyone is wondering no, Coldplay did not enter themselves! A.K.A means also known as and furthermore P.K.A means professionally known as.

January 14, 2010 - submitted by Maximilian, United States of America

Q. I love the sound of Guy's side project, Apparatjik, but how do you pronounce the band name correctly?

The Oracle replies:

A-para-teak

January 14, 2010 - submitted by Sverige, Sweden

Q. Aloha ^^ ! What is the title they play in the video

The Oracle replies:

This Christmas message from 2006 featured specially reworks of the following songs: Trouble, Clocks, Talk, Speed of Sound and In My Place.

January 13, 2010 - submitted by Michael, United States of America

Q. At Live 8 in 2005, did Coldplay stick around after their performance to see Pink Floyd reunite? Are they fans of The Floyd?

The Oracle replies:

Continuing with a Live 8 question... Yes they are fans of Pink Floyd but Coldplay had a show that night at Glasgow's Hampden Park as they were still on tour at the time so had to leave soon after their own performance therefore missing the historical moment.

January 13, 2010 - submitted by Rimmal, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle! I hope you will answer this question for me. At the 2003 Live 8 show, Chris sings an extra line in the end of In My Place that goes, "I like it, I like it," etc. Why did he add the extra line? Thanks!!

The Oracle replies:

It was 2005 not 2003 but the extra line Chris added to In My Place was taken from Status Quo's Rocking All Over the World. He added it because, well, all the artists taking part were literally rocking all over the world as it was a global concert taking place almost simultaneously in 10 different places.

Pictures of winning auction items in the Coldplay end of decade clearout sale (lo&loud):

In what is becoming a regular occurrence, Coldplay have found themselves in the middle of a lawsuit again. This time the suit is being brought by songwriter Sammie Lee Smith who claims the band stole three of his songs, "Yellow," "Clocks" and "Trouble", according to sources at ContactMusic today.

The accuser claims to have written all three tracks only to have the band steal all of them from him. Smith claims to have written and recorded 'approximately 100 tapes, each tape containing approximately 40 songs' since 1976, three of them being the ones Coldplay reportedly stole from him.

The songwriter recently filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court. He makes the demand that Coldplay stop playing his alleged songs aka hits. Details of his monetary claim were not revealed.

This isn't the first time Coldplay have been accused of copyright infringement in late 2008 musician Joe Satriani filed a lawsuit against the band claiming the band's single "Viva La Vida", ripped of his 2004 song "If I Could Fly". Coldplay denied any wrong doing and Satriani later dropped the lawsuit. Before the Satriani lawsuit Brooklyn band, Creaky Boards accused the British band of copyright infringement on a Youtube they posted in which they allege the melody for both their song and Coldplay’s new track sound very similar.

More on this new development is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Caroline_Was_Here]

Pictures of winning auction items in the Coldplay end of decade clearout sale (lo&loud):

BBC admits 'unfair' Coldplay promotion

The BBC has admitted that it made mistakes in its coverage of a Coldplay tour in 2009 and the launch of U2’s last album No Line on the Horizon. UK commercial radio body RadioCentre complained to the BBC at the time that its coverage of the Coldplay tour and the U2 album launch amounted to undue prominence for commercial products or organisations, and that several specific items (including the Radio 1 presents Coldplay website and the on-screen graphic "U2 = BBC") breached relevant BBC guidelines.

The Corporation’s complaints department said today that the Radio 1 / Coldplay website included direct links to the websites of ticket agents and was therefore not in keeping with the BBC's guidelines. In addition, it concluded that “the use of the mathematical symbol for identity in the graphic ‘U2 = BBC’ gave an inappropriate impression of endorsement” and “a pre-recorded interview between Zane Lowe and Bono of U2 was for the most part appropriate, but a reference to Radio 1 being 'part of launching this new album' was not”.

However, complaints about an edition of Jo Whiley’s Radio 1 show and an online news report on the U2 concert on the roof of Broadcasting House were not upheld. BBC programme-makers have been reminded about giving 'undue prominence' to stars and the difference between reporting new artistic work and commercial promotion. The blizzard of coverage last February led to accusations that the BBC was behaving like a publicity machine for the band, days ahead of the release of its album, No Line On The Horizon.

More on this at the Coldplay forum here onwards.

Chris Martin attends premiere of Mat Whitecross film 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' (6th January 2010):

Chris Martin and Glastonbury festival organiser Emily Eavis have urged people to donate to Oxfam's appeal for eathquake victims in Haiti, which was launched in reaction to the deadly quake that struck the country yesterday (January 12th).

Both Chris and Eavis visited the island with Oxfam in 2002, and each said they expected the country to need all the help it can get following the 7.0-magnitude quake. Chris said via the official site: "I visited Haiti with Oxfam a few years ago. It's a country of extreme poverty and brutal living conditions. Most people in Port-au-Prince live in tin shacks. The earthquake that has struck Haiti will have turned the city into an unimaginable hell. The people of Haiti will be desperate for help and assistance."

Head to Oxfam.org.uk to leave a donation. Alternatively, call 0300 200 1999, or visit an Oxfam shop. Oxfam currently has a team of 100 people working in Haiti. Both Coldplay and Glastonbury have donated to the appeal.

Eavis also urged people to donate to the appeal, and said that she thinks the country will struggle to cope with the aftermath of the quake. "I visited Haiti with Oxfam in 2002 and it's the poorest place I've ever been by a long way," she explained. "It seems doubly unfair that it should be hit by such a devastating earthquake, especially after the hurricanes of the last two years. They do not have the resources needed to cope with a disaster of this scale, that is what makes this so much worse."

Oxfam says giving cash is the quickest way to make a difference to those living in the poverty stricken country. Charity spokesman Sarah Brown said: "The number one thing people can do is donate money because that is what they need the most. Money gets in quicker and gets turned over quicker. Any contribution is more than welcome and appreciated by Oxfam. We are always consistently amazed by how people rise to the challenge."

The 7.0 magnitude quake is the most powerful to hit the Caribbean region in 200 years. It struck just before 5pm on Tuesday and was followed by dozens of aftershocks. The full extent of the devastation is still unclear but thousands are feared dead and millions are affected. The cash raised will be ploughed into water and sanitation equipment. Ms Brown added: "It prevents the potential spread of disease and enables people to keep clean and bring back some semblance of order to things. More than 85 per cent of people in Haiti, which borders the Dominican Republic, already live in poverty. With major buildings, such as the presidential palace, destroyed it is likely that less well-constructed homes will be even more seriously affected."

Chris Martin attends premiere of Mat Whitecross film 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' (6th January 2010):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 12, 2010 - submitted by Karen, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle! Did Chris ever get a tattoo with the letter A for his daughter that he one mentioned in an interview he was going to get?

The Oracle replies:

Further to the interview that I posted in a link the other day, yes he did and then an M for his son. They can be seen quite clearly in photos on his inner wrists.

January 12, 2010 - submitted by Maik, Germany

Q. I have a question to the exhibit from Monday (11.01.2010): The piece of music he's playing is the track To Zarnakand from Nobuo Uematsu, correct? Everybody who has played Final Fantasy 10 will recognize this :)

The Oracle replies:

The music doesn't have to be original in the Exhibition Room if it's accompanying original visual but it was nice to see in the credits that it's by Nobuo Uematsu. To Zanarkand is the correct title but I'm not a gamer so didn't spot the Final Fantasy connection.

January 12, 2010 - submitted by mark, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle, I was just browsing the videos in the post section of the site and saw that in the live Glass of Water video. There was another guitar player on stage with the band. Do you know who he is? I think he looks a bit like the guitarist from The Strokes. Thanks. mark

The Oracle replies:

That video was filmed in Antwerp on 4th October 2008 when Albert Hammond Jr was supporting the band on their European leg of the tour. Albert is indeed the guitarist from The Strokes and you're also correct in spotting that was him in the video.

January 11, 2010 - submitted by Dan, United States of America

Q. I saw the South Bank Show that the boys starred in back at the end of the tour. I was wondering, when they were singing Back for Good with Gary Barlow in the dressing room, who was the man that was playing the piano? My guess is that it's Jon Hopkins. Thanks in Advance!

The Oracle replies:

That is indeed Jon Hopkins taking part in one of my favourite fly on the wall moments.

January 11, 2010 - submitted by anwesha, India

Q. Dear Oracle, There is a song by Coldplay whose name I don't know. It has been puzzling me for a while. Could you be kind enough to tell me the name?? the first line goes like this... "Now I never meant to do you wrong, That's what I came here to say..." Sincerely, Anwesha :)

The Oracle replies:

Do you know the first time I heard the

January 11, 2010 - submitted by Michael, United States of America

Q. I heard that Coldplay was going to be on The Simpsons on January 10th, I watched and there was no Coldplay, what happened?

The Oracle replies:

Back in October Anchorman reported that it was due to air January 14th so that's this Thursday. *UPDATE: The Simpsons episode will now air in the US on January 31st.

January 8, 2010 - submitted by Emmy, Australia

Q. Hi there Oracle! I was watching a video on YouTube called

The Oracle replies:

The first part of that segment doesn't feature in the show that it was actually taken from. It's a satirical characterization on Ricky Gervais's Extras.

This

January 8, 2010 - submitted by Evey, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I have a question for you. here it is. Which band do you like better, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? P.S: I like The Beatles! Peace and Love! Evey

The Oracle replies:

Both are brilliant bands but Coldplay favour The Beatles where I think it's like asking you choose your favourite child. If pushed though I would personally say I like The Rolling Stones better.

January 8, 2010 - submitted by Frisby, United States of America

Q. Yo, mah peep. Will the Coldplay stamps be available in post offices of America, or only online? Or is there another way I could get them? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

The stamps can be bought in any denomination in UK post offices but outside of the UK you can buy in multiples of 5 online. You can also order a set of the entire collection. Once added to your shopping basket make sure you change your postage costs from UK First Class to Airmail before checking out.

Chris Martin's appearance on The Simpsons has been put back a couple of weeks and will now take place on 31st January. Chris will lend his vocal cords to an episode in which Homer wins a million-dollar lottery and hires the band to play a concert just for Bart and him. "When Bart goes to the bathroom, Coldplay has to stop," notes Simpsons exec producer Al Jean. Here's Anchorman with the airing details:

Good morning. We've just been informed that Chris's appearance on The Simpsons will now air in the US on January 31 on the FOX Network, at 8pm/7pm CST.

It was announced online back in July that Coldplay (with Chris Martin vocals) had been lined up as special guests on the 20th anniversary episode of The Simpsons. To celebrate the show's 20th season, there was a contest to create a new character for The Simpsons alongside Chris. The winning character is Ricardo Bomba, who is quite the ladies' man. Bomba will be introduced in the episode featuring guest star Chris Martin.

The episode had been completed, with a spot reserved for the contest character. In "Million Dollar Maybe," Homer Simpson is rushing to meet Marge for a date when he encounters Bomba in the episode that centers on a winning lottery ticket.

More on the Coldplay/Simpsons story is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Max & clisaj]

Coldplay as they will appear in the Simpsons episode, to air in January 2010

Enemies of Coldplay might not yet be able to send the band on a one-way trip to oblivion, but at least fans can now use one of their album covers for postage, writes the Guardian today. A teeny-tiny version of A Rush of the Blood to the Head is among 10 new stamps issued by the Royal Mail, honouring iconic LPs from the last 40 years.

Calling them "some of the most potent graphic images of modern times", the Royal Mail has announced miniature tributes to the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, the Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and Coldplay's 2002 album. By purchasing certain Royal Mail souvenir packs, you even get, er, liner notes.

The Royal Mail claims to have undertaken a "lengthy research process" to choose which albums to celebrate, but despite the finalists' relative variety, however, there's no sign of straight pop, let alone hip-hop, jazz, folk or R&B. That's either because the Royal Mail's curators don't like the Streets' album covers – or because they're too busy combing through back-issues of Mojo. Then again, they can always blame it on the Queen: according to the BBC, Her Majesty approved every design.

To celebrate such endorsement, Coldplay launched a contest to give away one of the new stamps to a fan. "We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the band wrote on their website. "Very nice they are too." Somewhere out there, someone's getting a lucky 44p prize...

UPDATE (via Coldplay.com): Good evening. We visited our local post office earlier and bought some of the new Coldplay stamps. Very nice they are too. Now, we thought it'd be nice to send one of you a letter using a Coldplay stamp, post-marked with today's issue date. (It won't be signed by the band or anything, just us.) So, the 42nd person to email anchorman@coldplay.com with their full postal address will be sent the letter/stamp. Hurry, the last post goes in about 40 minutes... Crikey, that was a bit bonkers - we had more than 1,700 emails in 30 minutes (a stamp-ede, perhaps?). The 42nd person to send us their address was Kirstin from Ocoee in Florida, USA. Congratulations Kirstin, your letter from Coldplay.com with Coldplay stamps is now in the postbox and on its way (in fact, it needed 3 stamps with you being on the other side of the Atlantic). Thanks very much for taking part folks. That was fun.

More feedback today on the Coldplay stamps is at the Coldplay forum here onwards, plus information here about that recent competition [thanks Lore & <3coldplay]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 7, 2010 - submitted by Jack, United States of America

Q. I had 4 shows I attended interrupted by camera equipment and you say there are not plans for live CD/DVD? Seriously?

The Oracle replies:

I can understand why you may assume that but how do you think they film the images that are projected onto the big screens? I actually said there were no plans for a live album so cameras would have nothing to do with a CD. Before you get excited that does not mean there's going to be a DVD!

January 7, 2010 - submitted by Jesse, United States of America

Q. Dear Musically Inclined Oracle, I noticed that when looking at the Christmas card the boys left us I could see the word "Food" in the background spelled backwards. It appears only if you tilt your laptops screen back. My question is, why? Is this some sort of secret message or is it just a coincidence? Thanks for your wisdom!

The Oracle replies:

Wow, that's some detective work you've got going there Jesse! The message was written on the back of a festive food voucher.

January 7, 2010 - submitted by Josue, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, what's the music that can be heard in the subtitles menu for the tour diary in the Live 2003 DVD? I find that guitar riff familiar... Is it an early version of The World Turned Upside Down, the magnificent Fix You B-Side? Thanks for answering this... It's been puzzling me for years!

The Oracle replies:

The DVD menu has different songs playing for each feature. As you asked about the Tour Diary section I will start with that. It's Yellow; it may be harder to recognize as it's the extended intro version. The music that can be heard at the main menu is Politik, the Concert is Shiver and the Extras is A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Coldplay has put its stamp on modern rock over the past decade, and today the band is being honoured with a stamp of a different kind.

Britain's Royal Mail issued a set of stamps this morning featuring classic album covers, including one of "A Rush of Blood to the Head," the 2002 disc that catapulted the group to superstardom. This just in from Anchorman today:

Good morning. The Royal Mail has today issued a special set of First Class stamps featuring classic album covers, including Coldplay's A Rush Of Blood To The Head artwork. The Coldplay stamps are available to buy online in strips of five, along with a variety of special presentation packs, by clicking here. The album cover stamps were discussed on last night's Front Row programme on BBC Radio 4, where it was revealed that the Queen personally approved each design! Click here to listen to the show (the stamps discussion begins after 21 minutes). Anchorman

The set of 10 stamps featuring classic British album sleeves will enter circulation on January 7th, according to stamp collecting website Norvic Philatelics. Albums in the collection include 'The Division Bell' by Pink Floyd, 'Parklife', 'London Calling', 'Led Zeppelin IV', 'Power, Corruption & Lies' by New Order, Primal Scream's 'Screamadelica', 'Let It Bleed' by The Rolling Stones, Coldplay's 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', 'The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars' by David Bowie and Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells'. Royal Mail are said to have assembled a shortlist of classic albums, though initially some were deemed unusable due to the darkness of the image.

More on this royal news at the Coldplay forum here onwards. [thanks Lore]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 6, 2010 - submitted by Marc, United Kingdom

Q. I went to the Wembley shows and since that time I cannot stop listening to Coldplay live. I was very grateful for LeftRightLeftRightLeft as that is just amazing. What I wanted to know Mr Oracle is do Coldplay have any plans to release a live album as they did in 2003?. I think there is a huge demand out there for something like that as they are masters of the live show, not taking anything away from the studio stuff which is truly amazing but in my opinion there is nobody better live. Thanks in advance.

The Oracle replies:

It's kinda weird because the Live 2003 was a bonus CD with the Live 2003 DVD and later became available as a separate entity. LRLRL was only 'released' as free download or cd at the Viva shows; there are no plans to release a live album.

January 6, 2010 - submitted by Wes, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, I was listening to one of my Mum's average Christmas cds, and it got me thinking. has Coldplay ever done any covers of Christmas songs? if not then could Coldplay make one to save me from next years Christmas?

The Oracle replies:

Yes they have done covers of Christmas songs. Apart from at seasonal live shows (

January 6, 2010 - submitted by Charlotte, United Kingdom

Q. Please help me - this question has kept me awake for over a week now! During the Hampden Park gig last year, Chris played a beautiful piano piece that I've heard as film soundtracks several times but I've never managed to find out what's it's called. It was on the end of Politik, around 50 minutes in. Please can you tell me what it is?

The Oracle replies:

I just checked the tag cloud as I was sure that the answer would be in there and not only is it but it was answered exactly one year ago tomorrow! As it was spookily a 365 day cycle I decided to answer it again. Apart from anything the song you question is SO beautiful that it's a good chance for those who missed it to look it up too. Anyway, if you click on Politik you will find its name.

January 5, 2010 - submitted by Lauren, United States of America

Q. Hey, Oracle! In light of Jacob's question about the intro song for the 2003 concerts, I was wondering what the song is that's at the beginning of Yellow, like in the Live 2003 version. Or is it just a sample that was created for that purpose? I've always thought it was really beautiful so if there's a full song then I'd love to hear it!

The Oracle replies:

It was a new extended intro that was indeed created for that purpose. I have mentioned before that Yellow is one of those songs that the band like to play around with live so that it doesn't become boring for the fans and the band - as if eh? You can find it on both the DVD and CD of Live 2003.

January 5, 2010 - submitted by Anika, Germany

Q. Dear Oracle, my grandfather died unexpectedly on New Year's Eve. Now I'm searching ways to deal with my sorrow. I thought that a song might help me to get on with that loss - a song that connects my grandfather and me in a way. When I want to think of him, I want to listen to one particular song that reminds me of him and that is sort of a "place" to take refuge in. Can you imagine one by Coldplay? I love their music and they're my favourite band. Can you think of an appropriate song? Happy New Year and best wishes for 2010! Love Anika

The Oracle replies:

My Grandfather suddenly died on New Year's Eve 2 years ago. I think you'll find many songs at any given time could remind you of your Grandpa but if you're looking for a special one perhaps ask people what his favourite song was or choose the song played at the funeral. As far as Coldplay songs go I couldn't help but pick Death Will Never Conquer. Not because of the title but the lyrics seem fitting yet it has an upbeat melody; I don't find it all depressing.

January 5, 2010 - submitted by Brooke, United States of America

Q. Hello, Oracle! :D I actually have an answer for you... "Maybe he'd been listening to Michael Bolton before the performance...?" There was a radio interview Chris did, I think it was a day or two before the Brits, with Chris Moyles, and during that interview, Chris Moyles said that if Chris could fit part of How Can We Be Lovers into the performance, he would give 10 pounds to charity. So, I think that is perhaps what influenced Chris to sing it. ;) Keep being your Oracle-y self! -Brooke

The Oracle replies:

Yes you're right Chris Moyles frequently asks celebrities to say random things during interviews on live chat shows etc. On this occasion Chris Moyles donated to charity after Chris Martin succeeded in the challenge.

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 4, 2010 - submitted by Stratis, United States of America

Q. Oracle, At the 2006 Brits Coldplay performed Square One. Chris murmurs something during the performance in the beginning and towards the end. Do you know what he is saying? Around the 1:05 mark and the 3:35 mark. Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

He says the same thing both times; how can we be lovers when we can't be friends. Maybe he'd been listening to Michael Bolton before the performance...?

(Coldplaying can shed more light on this - during a Radio 1 interview in 2006 Chris Martin promised to Chris Moyles to add lyrics to the Square One performance...) [thanks SueDeNimes]

January 4, 2010 - submitted by Blake, United States of America

Q. Was Jonny kidding when he claimed Bad Santa as one of his favorite Christmas movies?

The Oracle replies:

Ha ha he absolutely wasn't joking; he loves it!

January 4, 2010 - submitted by Josh, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, Please take the following as constructive criticism. I was wondering why you answer questions like this- "Which Coldplay song contains the lyrics 'look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, And all the things you do, Yeah they were all yellow'? It's been puzzling me for ten years". I believe that questions like that don't deserve an answer. A true Coldplay fan recognizes the lyrics of ALL the songs that appeared on the albums and EPs (and even on the singles)of the band. Although in some countries the complete discography isn't available, a true fan has at least listened to all the "official" songs. I believe there are other Coldplay related questions that are far more interesting and therefore should be published. Thanks a lot for your patience and understanding!!

The Oracle replies:

You're entitled to your opinion Josh but I don't judge the people who ask the questions as I don't feel that only people who know every fact about the band should visit their website; it's open to one and all at all levels of interest. You have previously asked a very worthy question that I may get around to answering in time... but even the ones that some may find are obvious, aren't to everyone so all are welcome here.

Coldplay at Mencap's Big Noise Sessions, Exeter Castle, Exeter, UK (19 December 2009):

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

Rumours of a new Coldplay video are spreading today after the website of Violet Hill director Asa Mader publicised a forthcoming direction for 'Cemeteries of London'. No official word on this is as yet available but if the video is confirmed it will be the seventh of the Viva era.

The wesbite, a showcase of Mader's achievements so far, features a caption of a yet-to-be-released video for the Viva track which also sees Mader share the cinematography with Virginie Surdej. According to the information available, the video will be produced by Max van Peebles.

Asa Mader directed the music video for 'Violet Hill,' the first single from Coldplay's fourth album 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.' The video was nominated for Best UK Video and Best Special Effects in a Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. You can still see the full 3m43s version of Violet Hill here at Mader's website.

Screenshots of Asa Mader's website showing the new Cemeteries of London video information are after the jump. You can also find more discussion on this at the Coldplay forum now. [thanks miha]

As a start to the new year, and a Coldplaying round-up of the latest news regarding Coldplay's next album, below is a recap of what we know about LP5 so far. There are no confirmed reports on its release date or title, but over the last 12 months new information has emerged about the recording sessions, and the style which LP5 will adopt...

Since the release of 2008’s Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, Coldplay has been discussing its followup. 2009 was the original target, but thanks to a global tour, some plagiarism charges, and a new side-project called Apparatjik, those plans were delayed. The band is now said to be aiming for a 2010 release with a 'tour of smaller venues' to follow. That is, of course, after they have completed the forthcoming Latin American tour of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico in February and March. However, as The Sun reported last month, Coldplay have now officially begun work on their yet-to-be-titled fifth studio album, and are held up in a dilapidated north London church with Viva La Vida producer Brian Eno, where they’re "masterminding a brave new direction."

In Exeter on 19th December, Chris Martin was videoed talking to fans about the new offerings. In the video, Chris can be heard talking about the new plans for the next album era...

Coldpray: The Sun has new insight into Coldplay's latest album recordings (December 2009):

Said the Sun: "Frontman Chris Martin is concerned the band are being seen as a huge stadium act and totally inaccessible for their loyal fans. So he has devised a plan with rock deity Eno and bandmates Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion to record a stripped-down, more acoustic collection in the eerie church. The band are keen to make hay while the sun shines. They have hit a rich vein with their songwriting and feel more creative than ever. Chris had wanted to record a new album while they were on the road but it was just too much. They have this work ethic while the going is good to just keep working as hard as possible."

Guitarist Jonny wed girlfriend Chloe in November but the source told the Sun: "Jonny has thrown himself into the new album, as have all the boys. The results are really exciting so far. Chris is determined not to be seen as a huge commercial rock juggernaut, filling stadiums and cashing in. This is the plan to keep them as close to their fans as possible."

The Sun: Coldplay 'Already Working On Fifth Album' - demos being laid down (October 2009):

The Sun first wrote on LP5 back in October 2009 when they reported that Coldplay were already planning to start recording demos for their fifth album, while they were on a temporary break. Having wrapped up their world tour for 2009 at Wembley, Coldplay were eager to get back to work on the follow-up to 2008's 'Viva La Vida'. "They have got a huge reserve of ideas together during their time on the road and they want to get the demos down while they are fresh," a source close to Coldplay told The Sun. "They are already excited about the next project."

The Sun also focussed on Coldplay's new home entitled the Beehive, saying online about Viva: "The last one was written and put down at their London studio The Bakery. Now they have moved up the road to a posh new purpose built facility."

The first time we heard about about Coldplay wanting the follow-up to 'Viva La Vida' to have 'less fanfare', was back in May 2009. Chris Martin has said the band's next record will be a concept album revolving around a secret story, and work on the follow-up to 'Viva La Vida', would be more stripped-down than its predecessor. "We spend an awful lot of time creating," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Maybe it's because we're about to turn 33, but I just feel hungry to write all the time. I think at the end of this tour, we may not tour for a while. We may put out a record without quite so much fanfare. I think the next one will be quite stripped-down and based upon this story idea which I can't talk about because it might be bad."

LP5 news from The South Bank Show, September 2009:

As we reported back in May and Mid-June, Coldplay were featured in a documentary last Sunday for the South Bank Show. In case you missed it or want to watch it again, you can see the full episode in five parts via YouTube, and you can also find download links via filesharing sites here, at the Multimedia forum.

The band were seen in discussion with Melvyn Bragg in the autumn as he travelled with them for six months, taking in their win at this year’s Grammy Awards, a tour throughout Japan, the Brit Awards and the War Child concert in London, where they performed with Bono, the Killers and Gary Barlow of Take That. Bragg was also seen spending quality time with the band whilst they worked on their next album in their north London studios, where the following list of songs was gleaned:

1000-1 (Ballad Of …)

Aiko

Alien Radio

Alive Day

Arabesque

Boyfriend

Buzz

Car Kids

Cartoon Head

Cartoon Heart

Christmas Lights

Drunks And Guns

Famous Old Painters

Gardeners On The Frontline

Great Expectations

Harbingers Of Doom

Harmony

Hook Up

If I Ever Fall In Love Again

It Was A Wonderful Day

Love In A Lethal Dose

Lucky Sevens

Sex Violence

Space Symphony

Spanish Rain

Wedding Bells

Wilderness

Wondering Star

We clearly spot during the episode the titles of all these new tracks. Famous Old Painters (which was due to be included on the Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends album but then later removed) was not discarded at all. Wedding Bells can be heard during South Bank Show, during which Chris Martin reveals the chords for the new song but still missing the verse.

Chris plans to test the songs early in 2010 on their closest pals by inviting them to the church to hear them live. The band will then record "as live" in the church, then aim to do a tour of smaller venues for fans to hear the new stuff. The late James Brown was known in music circles as the hardest working man in show business, but these boys are doing everything they can to take the title from the Godfather Of Soul.

So, according to the recent articles, Coldplay aim to release the album in 2010, a lot earlier than anyone expected - not least their label EMI. They have only one more album to deliver before they can move elsewhere, which will cause a huge stir in the industry.

One things for sure... we can't wait...

Coldplaying messageboarders have splashed out on some major auctions in Coldplay's 'End Of Decade Clearout Sale' hosted on eBay. In total, Coldplayers from this site have spent almost £70,000 ($120,000) on treasured items over the last few days.

The original Parachutes globe (as seen on the cover of the first album, pictured) was won by Coldplayer NumbersGirl for a whopping £8,100 - around $13,000. Moments earlier, another Coldplayer lo&loud had announced that he was the proud owner of Chris Martin's Takamine guitar from the Parachutes tour, which was quickly followed up with Chris's Fender Rhodes piano.

In other noteable auctions, Jonny's Fender Thinline Telecaster was won by Texasluvsjonny for £3,500 and Chris' Gibson J200 KC1 as used to play "Til Kingdom Come" was bought by Afeather for £5100. Chris' Gibson J200 M1 used to play "A Message" went to bonedaddy for £5650 and the outfit worn by Chris Martin in the Strawberry Swing video didn't quite go for a 'song' - it finally fetched a massive £6100 - now owned by lo&loud who won four auctions overall.

UPDATE: Jonny Buckland's Viva guitar has been won by Jason-DeBord, the author of the Original Prob blog we mentioned below. The guitar fetched £15,000. In addition, Chris Martin's Yamaha CP70 keyboard has been claimed by messageboarder christopher Martin, who bought it for £4,000.

UPDATE: The total bids for Coldplayers (at least for those who have mentioned their wins on this thread) is approximately £70,000 ($120,000). That's about 25% of the total amount raised in the auction! Way to go, Coldplayers! Here are the current list of items won by members of the Coldplaying messageboard [thanks NumbersGirl]:

Lot 3 - Takamine Guitar - lo&loud - £5,800

Lot 6 - Parachutes Globe - NumbersGirl - £8,100

Lot 8 - Chris' Yamaha CP70 - christopher Martin - £4,000

Lot 9 - Fender Rhodes piano - lo&loud - £2,505

Lot 13 - Shiver Lith - DriftedFar^ - approx £600

Lot 15 - Don't Panic Lith #1 - Pallavi - £650

Lot 17 - Jonny's Fender Thinline Telecaster - Texasluvsjonny - £3,500

Lot 23 - Jonny's AROBTTH poster - Sirhc - £820

Lot 27 - Yellow Lith #1 - DriftedFar^ - £1,021.83

Lot 31 - Chris' Gibson J200 "Til Kingdom Come" - Afeather - £5,100

Lot 32 - Chris' Gibson J200 "A Message" - bonedaddy - £5,650

Lot 38 - Will's Drum from "Talk" video - lo&loud - £1,850

Lot 39 - Jonny's Viva Guitar - Jason-DeBord - £15,000

Lot 45 - Autoharp - silver.lining42 - £3,600

Lot 46 - Guy's Viva Jacket - Afeather - £4,800

Lot 52 - Strawberry Swing Outfit - lo&loud - £6,100

Coldplay offered memorabilia for auction for their “End of Decade Clearout Sale”, with auctions having ended on New Year’s Eve, writes Original Prop blog. The instruments, wardrobe, and other memorabilia items auctioned on eBay raised over $400,000 (£250,000) for their designated charity, Kids Company. Items offered at auction covered each of Coldplay’s albums and performances from each era, including Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, X&Y, and the latest Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.

Included in the sale were instruments used in studio to record albums, in live concerts, and in videos, as well as other memorabilia and autographed lithographs. Items include certificates of authenticity signed by all four members of Coldplay – Chris Martin (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals, other instruments).

The pieces that realized the highest values were the guitars that were custom painted for the Viva La Vida album and tour, which all ended on the final auction day on 31st December, with Jonny Buckland’s “Viva” Fender ‘72 Thinline Telecaster realizing over $24,000 and Chris Martin’s four painted Gibson’s selling fetching approximately $20,000, $20,000, $16,000, and $16,000 each. Chris Martin’s tour jacket sold for nearly $20,000 and his painted Vox Teardrop guitar realizing $13,000. On the first day of the sale, Chris Martin’s first guitar sold for $13,000 and the original light-up globe that is featured on the Parachutes album cover sold for the same. Key instruments used for the Viva La Vida tour will continue to be used by the band through mid-March 2010 while they finish their last dates in Latin America.

There were also some incredible bargains sprinkled throughout the sale, such as Lot 7, Chris Martin’s old acoustic amp, which is clearly seen throughout their “Shiver” video with “COLDPLAY” sprayed over the side – this sold for about $1,700 – less than many of the limited lithographs. Also selling for a relatively reasonable amount were Lots 8 & 9 – pianos/keyboards used early in the band’s career going for just $6,400 and $4,000 respectively. These two pieces were listing on eBay.co.uk only, due to the “pick-up only” stipulation due to their size.

This just in from Anchorman at Coldplay.com:

Good morning - and happy new year! The End of Decade Clearout Sale of Coldplay memorabilia and instruments reached its conclusion yesterday evening amid some frantic last-minute bidding. We're very pleased to reveal that the final total raised by the auction is an amazing £251,482 (which is roughly €284k / $407k). That included six items which sold for more than £10,000 - including Jonny's beloved Viva guitar, which was the top-priced item, at a whopping £15,000. The money will all go towards Kids Company's incredible work with children and young people in London.

The text messages were flying around last night and it's fair to say that the band are just as excited/grateful/amazed by the enormous total as Kids Company are. A huge thanks to everyone who bid and helped make the Clearout Sale such a success. Kids Company are currently contacting all the winning bidders with info about payment and delivery costs etc, with dispatch of the items due to begin on Monday (January 4th). Anchorman

Jonny's beloved Viva guitar was the top-priced item, at a whopping $24,015.75 (£15,000).

 

Just some of the guitars that were up for auction

 

Chris Martin's Takamine guitar as seen in use during the early Parachutes days - now owned by lo&loud

 

This Fender Rhodes piano brought Guy Berryman and Chris Martin together before the band was formed - this has also been bought by lo&loud

 

The original Parachutes globe as featured on the cover of the first album is sold for $13,000 and is now in the hands of a Coldplayer!

 

Some of the items can clearly be seen in the original Shiver video from ten years ago

Below is a list of the prices realized at auction for all items, sorted by price from highest to lowest in U.S. dollars (the $16.01 Lithographs were special 'Buy It Now' listings to reward fans):

■$24,015.75 Coldplay EODCS Lot 39: Jonny’s Viva Thinline ‘72 Tele

■$20,413.39 Coldplay EODCS Lot 43: Chris’s Gibson Blues King spare1

■$19,372.71 Coldplay EODCS Lot 40: Chris’s Gibson Blues King

■$19,212.60 Coldplay EODCS Lot 46: Chris’s Viva tour jacket

■$16,090.55 Coldplay EODCS Lot 41: Chris’s Gibson Blues King 3

■$16,010.50 Coldplay EODCS Lot 44: Chris’s Gibson Blues King spare2

■$13,000.53 Coldplay EODCS Lot 33: Chris’s white Vox Teardrop

■$12,968.51 Coldplay EODCS Lot 1: Chris Martin’s first ever guitar!

■$12,968.51 Coldplay EODCS Lot 6: The original Parachutes globe

■$10,566.93 Coldplay EODCS Lot 50: Jonny’s Telecaster "42"

■$9,766.41 Coldplay EODCS Lot 52: Chris’s Strawberry Swing outfit

■$9,286.09 Coldplay EODCS Lot 3: Chris’s Takamine acoustic guitar

■$9,045.93 Coldplay EODCS Lot 32: Chris’s Gibson J200 M1 guitar

■$8,325.46 Coldplay EODCS Lot 51: Jonny’s Fender ‘72 Tele Thinline

■$8,165.36 Coldplay EODCS Lot 31: Chris’s Gibson J200 acoustic KC1

■$7,685.04 Coldplay EODCS Lot 46: Guy’s Viva tour jacket

■$6,964.57 Coldplay EODCS Lot 46: Jonny’s Viva tour jacket

■$6,804.46 Coldplay EODCS Lot 2: Guy’s Blue Rickenbacker 4001 bass

■$6,404.20 Coldplay EODCS Lot 8: Chris’s Yamaha CP70

■$6,164.04 Coldplay EODCS Lot 46: Will’s Viva tour jacket

■$6,164.04 Coldplay EODCS Lot 47: Guy’s Jag bass guitar

■$5,763.78 Coldplay EODCS Lot 45: Coldplay’s Viva Autoharp

■$5,603.68 Coldplay EODCS Lot 17: Jonny’s Fender ‘Thinline’ Tele

■$5,123.36 Coldplay EODCS Lot 30: Chris’s spare black Deluxe Tele

■$4,482.94 Coldplay EODCS Lot 18: Jonny’s Black Fender JD Tele

■$4,082.68 Coldplay EODCS Lot 35: Jonny’s X&Y platinum disc signed

■$4,010.63 Coldplay EODCS Lot 9: Chris’s Fender Rhodes piano

■$3,770.47 Coldplay EODCS Lot 48: Jonny’s Viva cap

■$3,762.47 Coldplay EODCS Lot 37: Chris’s X&Y platinum disc signed

■$3,759.95 Coldplay EODCS Lot 20: Guy’s Guild SG-style bass guitar

■$3,282.15 Coldplay EODCS Lot 5: Guy’s Fender Squier bass guitar

■$2,961.94 Coldplay EODCS Lot 38: Will’s drum from Talk video

■$2,801.84 Coldplay EODCS Lot 28: Guy’s travel guitar

■$2,641.73 Coldplay EODCS Lot 16: Will’s Yahama Manu Katche snare

■$2,481.63 Coldplay EODCS Lot 23: Signed AROBTTH poster Chris

■$2,177.43 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (9of10)

■$1,961.29 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (8of10)

■$1,921.26 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (6of10)

■$1,921.26 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (7of10)

■$1,873.23 Coldplay EODCS Lot 14: Signed Parachutes lith (2 of 10)

■$1,873.23 Coldplay EODCS Lot 14: Signed Parachutes lith (10of10)

■$1,777.17 Coldplay EODCS Lot 19: Guy’s Marlin steel guitar

■$1,745.14 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (4of10)

■$1,713.12 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (5of10)

■$1,682.70 Coldplay EODCS Lot 7: Chris’s Marshall acoustic amp

■$1,636.00 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (1of10)

■$1,636.00 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (2of10)

■$1,633.07 Coldplay EODCS Lot 29: Signed football shirts (2 of 2)

■$1,615.19 Coldplay EODCS Lot 27: Signed Yellow lithograph (3of10)

■$1,613.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 4: Will’s Kay Les Paul copy & amp

■$1,602.65 Coldplay EODCS Lot 25: Jonny’s old effects pedals

■$1,601.05 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (1 of 10)

■$1,553.02 Coldplay EODCS Lot 23: Signed AROBTTH poster Will

■$1,474.57 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (3 of 10)

■$1,472.97 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (2 of 10)

■$1,472.97 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (4 of 10)

■$1,472.97 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (9of10)

■$1,464.96 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (8 of 10)

■$1,450.55 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (9 of 10)

■$1,440.95 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (8of10)

■$1,392.91 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (6of10)

■$1,376.90 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (5 of 10)

■$1,376.90 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (7of10)

■$1,328.87 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (6 of 10)

■$1,328.87 Coldplay EODCS Lot 21: Signed AROBTTH lith (7 of 10)

■$1,328.87 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (4of10)

■$1,316.06 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (5of10)

■$1,312.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 23: Signed AROBTTH poster Jonny

■$1,312.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 34: Signed X&Y cover lith (3of10)

■$1,312.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 34: Signed X&Y cover lith (4of10)

■$1,312.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 34: Signed X&Y cover lith (6of10)

■$1,312.86 Coldplay EODCS Lot 34: Signed X&Y cover lith (8of10)

■$1,285.61 Coldplay EODCS Lot 34: Signed X&Y cover lith (10of10)

■$1,284.04 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (1of10)

■$1,280.84 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (2of10)

■$1,280.84 Coldplay EODCS Lot 22: Signed In My Place lith (3of10)

Coldplay's 'The End of Decade Clearout Sale' auction in which the band are Still selling anything from vintage guitars to mud-spattered wellies has so far made more than £150,000 for charity, reports the Independent. The sale still has several hours to run and could rake in a further £50,000, with one of guitarist Jonny Buckland's Telecasters set to sell for in excess of £5,600.

Coldplay decided to sell much of their stage equipment in an "end of decade clearout sale" to raise money for the Kids Company charity and some of the items - including Buckland's guitar - are still to be used on the band's Latin America leg of their Viva La Vida tour starting in February 2010. Other items which have featured in the sale have included frontman Chris Martin's first acoustic guitar which he bought in Exeter and took with him to university in London. His name, "Christopher AJ Martin", is written in Tipp-Ex on the back.

A Yamaha keyboard which had previously been owned by the Thompson Twins and Tindersticks has also been sold, as have the wellies the band wore when they played at Glastonbury in 2000. The military-style outfits worn to promote album Viva La Vida are still on sale with two of them - Chris Martin's jacket and Guy Berryman's jacket attracting bids of more than £4,000.

The sale began before Christmas and ends later today. The band said of the sale: "Over the past ten years we've accumulated a lot of guitars, keyboards, amps, posters, platinum discs and all sorts of nostalgia."

Kids Company helps vulnerable children and young people and currently supports 14,000 youngsters with their "practical and emotional needs". A spokeswoman for the charity said: "The Coldplay auction is deeply significant to us and our ability to provide for the children. We will need to raise another £8m next year to continue our work."

The final figures from the sale will not be known until next week.

Coldplay photos from the studio during the clearout sale preparations:

Right now, the band are in the studio, sorting out/signing the items for the End of Decade Clearout

Still sorting the auction. This is Jonny's first pedal board!

Status Quo have been recognised as the hardest-working band in the British music industry, but the Performing Rights Society list also included Cliff Richard And The Shadows, Take That, Coldplay and Kings Of Leon, who took the second, third, fourth and fifth spots respectively, according to BBC News. PRS is the body that collects royalties for songwriters.

The list was compiled based on the number of fans bands performed to in the UK during 2009. Status Quo played to 250,000 people at 27 arenas, putting them at the top of the list. Frontman Francis Rossi said: "Performing in front of thousands of fans is the ultimate experience for any band."

Meanwhile, the Central Wisconsin Hub gave Coldplay a positive review during an article that praised them for music of the decade 'worth listening to'. Here is their review of one of the albums of the decade...

3. Coldplay, “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002): We’ve all heard “Clocks” 10,000 times too many while shopping at the mall, but there’s a reason every stores play it: It’s very catchy and well-crafted rock. That could be said about this entire album. Chris Martin & Co. show their musicianship and versatility as they move between from sleek, guitar-driven rock (“God Put a Smile Upon Your Face”) to piano-meets-strings atmospherics (“In My Place,” “Politik”) ? to love ballads (“The Scientist”).

Pictures of Coldplay at Mencap's Big Noise Sessions, Exeter Castle, Exeter, UK (19 December 2009):

Pictures by beckyxrx @ Flickr