While this story original broke in December of 2008, much of the drama surrounding it took place during 2009. It all started when Joe Satriani sued Coldplay, accusing them of plagiarising one of his songs, writes AntiMusic this week. Here is the full article with links:

Satriani's copyright infringement suit claimed that the Coldplay song "Viva La Vida" incorporated "substantial original portions" of his 2004 instrumental "If I Could Fly." The first response from the Coldplay camp was footage of Chris Martin joking about "Moe Batriani" and insisting Coldplay didn't steal the song. What's interesting is that Martin made the quip long before the Satch suing went public. The clip is from the Nissan Live Sets on Yahoo! Music concert that Coldplay taped in October 2008. Watch the video here (see fan Q&A part two)...

A week later: Coldplay's record label, EMI / Parlophone, had forced YouTube to take down the original video that mashes-up Coldplay's Viva La Vida and Joe Satriani's If I Could Fly.

In April, Coldplay denied in Federal Court that it copied parts of Joe Satriani's music for its hit song, "Viva La Vida ." Attorneys for Coldplay's band members also argued that any similarities between "Viva La Vida" and Satriani's "If I Could Fly" weren't enough to warrant damages. Satriani's song "lacks originality," Coldplay's response claims, and shouldn't receive copyright protection. [in your face, Satriani!]

Then another singer jumped into the fight: Singer-songwriter Cat Stevens agreed that the Coldplay song, "Viva La Vida," sounds like one of his 1973 songs, but he stopped short of saying he would sue for plagiarism. "My son brought it to my attention and said: 'Doesn't that sound like 'Foreigner Suite?'" the musician, now known as Yusuf Islam, told Reuters. "The song definitely sounds like it," he said of his song. "It has such logical chords and the melody has to be what it is..."

Did something good come out of this mess? Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said that being sued for alleged plagiarism has inspired him to become a better songwriter. Martin said that he has tried to turn a negative experience into a positive: "Some people are suing us at the moment and although it was initially a bit depressing, now it's become really inspiring," he said in an interview for Coldplay's official website.

But it all came to an end in September with the news that Joe Satriani and Coldplay had settled their legal entanglements and the guitarist's lawsuit alleging copyright infringement had been dismissed, Satriani's representative confirmed to Billboard online.

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

Pictures by beckyxrx @ Flickr

Coldplay began July in Arras for the start of their European Festival/Stadium tour and ended in Toronto during the 3rd leg of their North American tour. Along the way, we learned our boys would be turning yellow, and were introduced to a damsel-rescuing, psychotic squirrel-fighting MusicMan, and sadly were dealt a blow with the passing of a Coldplaying legend.

Coldplay paid homage to the King of Pop on B-stage with Chris solo on piano by performing a mash-up of The Hardest Part and the late Michael Jackson's Billie Jean in Arras, France. Days later, Coldplay headlined the Roskilde festival in Denmark and Anchorman kept us abreast with live photo/video updates behind-the-scenes and on stage.

Coldplaying lost one of their own, as Nettie was tragically killed on July 4th in a car accident on her way to a Kasabian gig in Cornwall. She was so lovely, friendly, full of life, and she left a legacy of superfandom to be admired and emulated.

Coldplay's new video for Strawberry Swing finally premiered online in July. The groundbreaking short film was directed by visual artists Shynola and features Chris Martin as an animated superhero in a chalk-drawn world [with a killer squirrel]. Coldplayer Novah summed up the video saying: "So good I made unconscious OM NOM NOM noises." Babelgum released an app which included the video for the track along with many other things including a game based on the song.

Coldplay demos leaked online on July 17th, but since we weren't supposed to hear these, we really shouldn't comment very much on them except to say: BLOODLESS REVOLUTION IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!!

Read the full July 2009 Coldplay review article in the Coldplay forum here [thanks clisaj & akasapple]

Coldplay fans ruled eBay for a few hours today as some major auctions ended in Coldplay's 'End Of Decade Clearout Sale' hosted on the auction site.

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. I hope he has room for all his instruments!

Coldplay began their 'End of Decade Clearout Sale' on eBay 10 days ago to help raise money for the charity Kids Company. They are selling everything from instruments, signed platinum discs, costumes from the 'Viva La Vida' tour and stage equipment, as well as lots of other items. The auction will run until 5pm (GMT) on December 31st, so its not too late to join the lucky list of Coldplayers with fantastic Coldplay memorabilia!

Chris Martin's Takamine guitar as seen in use during the early Parachutes days

This Fender Rhodes piano brought Guy Berryman and Chris Martin together before the band was formed

The original Parachutes globe as featured on the cover of the first album is now in the hands of a Coldplayer!

This weekend Coldplay - supported by Lily Allen and La Roux – headlined Mencap’s Big Noise gig in Exeter Castle, to raise money and awareness for people with learning disabilities. This genius annual event is curated and hosted by Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, who is an ambassador for Mencap.

When Grazia Daily discovered that Whiley’s daughter India is an up-and-coming photographer, (who at 17 already has an amazing live music portfolio), Grazia couldn’t resist commissioning her to take some exclusive pictures for them. Here’s India’s exclusive blog and photographs from the night…

A Night of Big Noise - It's Christmas time, and what better way to celebrate than with an intimate night at Exeter Castle, with Coldplay playing a homecoming gig as part of Mencap's Big Noise Session. Everyone wrapped up warm in their finest winter threads, sipping mulled wine, munching mince pies and hog roasts a-plenty while a local brass band played Christmas hymns...

The show was organised by Jo Whiley for learning disability charity, Mencap, and it was the perfect Christmas event. The first band to enter the sparkling fairy lit marquee was the aptly dressed La Roux, in an equally shimmering outfit. She played a fantastic, electro-poptastic set with her band and now infamous hair, announcing to the audience that just before her performance she realised the quiff was a little too long and cut the top off, donating it to Mencap.

Coldplay came on stage in their usual multi-colored, military-style outfits for the very last time, as they are due to be auctioned off for charity. With Chris on piano, they began their set in keeping with the season with, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Their set ran through with phenomenal versions of classics such as Yellow, The Scientist, In My Place and Fix You. Chris said, '20 years ago, 400 meters down the road, I played my first gig, and it's fantastic to be ending the decade for our band by playing here'.

Mid-set the band disappeared off stage, only to appear in the middle of the crowd on a platform, playing three acoustic tracks including one from drummer Will, a fantastic version of Billie Jean, and a solo by Chris which he touchingly dedicated to his Dad, who was standing right behind him. The set ended with a gorgeous version of John Lennon's Happy Christmas (War is Over). As arms swayed and the crowd sang in unison, fake snow fell gently over the enchanted audience.

It was a fantastic gig, it marked the end of an era for Coldplay after 10 magical years. I felt completely privileged to have been a part of their last performance of the decade. [india Whiley-Morton]

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

December 22, 2009 - submitted by Devon, United States of America

Q. Hello insanely attractive Oracle! I've seen other artists do this and I was just wondering if Chris ever drinks anything before and/or during a show that helps with his vocals. If so, what is his concoction?

The Oracle replies:

Chris drinks hot water with fresh lemon juice, diced ginger and honey before, during and after the show.

December 22, 2009 - submitted by Emily, Canada

Q. Dear Oracle, I know Jonny is a fan of Sherlock Holmes. Is he excited for the new movie? Happy Holidays, love Emily

The Oracle replies:

The entire band are fans of Sherlock Holmes and are looking forward to the movie as they highly rate Robert Downey Jr. as an actor too.

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

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

Gabriella Cilmi's 'Sweet About Me' has been named the most played song of the year by music royalties body PRS For Music. The track, which was co-written and produced by Xenomania, reached number six in March 2008 and was also used in commercials for Sure and Dove Bodywash in Europe.

'Sweet About Me' which was first released in June 2008, beat the likes of Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' [pictured], Girls Aloud's 'The Promise' and Take That's 'Shine' and 'Greatest Day' to the title. Moloko's 'The Time Is Now' also makes an appearance, going in at Number Three in the list. The 2000 track has been played on Sky Sports regularly this year. Michael Jackson had no songs included on the list.

PRS For Music has compiled the list from data taken from the number of plays and performances online, live, on TV and radio in the past year.

The Top 10 most played songs of the year are:

1. Gabriella Cilmi - 'Sweet About Me'

2. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'

3. Moloko - 'The Time is Now'

4. Duffy - 'Mercy'

5. Take That - 'Shine'

6. Girls Aloud - 'The Promise'

7. Jordin Sparks - 'No Air'

8. The Script - 'The Man who Can't be Moved'

9. Take That - 'Greatest Day'

10. Jennifer Hudson - 'Spotlight'

Meanwhile in UK's live music news, Miley Cyrus has broken the record for the largest ever attendence at London's O2 Arena attracting 16,196 fans to her show earlier this month. The Climb singer beat superstars Beyonce, Bon Jovi and Coldplay to the top spot.

Fans are still coming down to earth after witnessing what has been hailed as one of the "greatest concerts of the decade". As the grounds of Exeter Castle begin to return to normal after Coldplay's memorable homecoming concert on Saturday, many fans faced a long journey home as they travelled from all over Europe for the event.

Reaction to the performance has been universally positive and its success and intimacy has put Exeter on the international showbiz map. There has been no official word yet on the evening from Coldplay front man Chris Martin but onstage he told the crowd: "It gives us great pleasure to come to finish the Noughties in the place where it all started and play for a small crowd of loyal, hardcore and very loud fans."

However, there were a few unsavoury comments on the Exeter Express and Echo website this morning from fans and locals who clashed online over the city of Exeter and reports of theft at the venue. Read the comments after the jump...

I was one of the lucky few who bought tickets after queueing outside HMV for 16 hours, and it was worth every minute to see them in such an intimate setting. The whole band were in inspired form, and Chris was clearly revelling in being back home. It really was a once in a lifetime show. [Matt Horlock, Exmouth]

Brillant gig once in a lifetime opportunity.managed to be at the front and caught a drum stick thrown into the crowd.Certainly was an amazing home coming for them. [samantha, Sidmouth]

Just amazing! The best concert of the music history. It's very difficult to describe if you were not there. I feel like the band were playing in my living room. Thanks to people in Exeter for their hospitality. [Fran Rey, Barcelona (Spain)]

Truly awesome. It was well worth travelling all the way from Barcelona and back, including plane & train delaysand the freezing temperatures. Great gig in a really cosy atmosphere. Just the best Christmas present ever. Still speechless. A million thanks to the organizers and of course, to Coldplay. They were really generous. Glad to get to see such a beautiful city, too. [sonia, Barcelona, Spain]

Barcelona must be starved of good music. I Thought chris martin's voice was not strong enough. lily would have been much better. [samantha Keen, Green Gables]

Typical Exeter mentality 'best concert of music history'. If you travel a few hours towards a place called London then you can see all the biggest bands in the world at a place called Wembley. Just because they played 'locally' means nothing. Get a grip or better still get a life. [Me, exeter]

@Me,Exeter - Perhaps you'll learn to read one day - the poster was from Barcelona, not Exeter. Were you at the gig? Hmmm, no I thought not. So what gives you the right to presume to criticise somebody's opinion of it? I WAS there, I DO live in London and I DO regularly go to gigs of all shapes and sizes. I can categorically say that this was something truly special - a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness one of the most talented bands in the world (and currently the biggest selling band in the world) play to just you and a handful of people, in a tiny venue which redefined "intimate". If your idea of a great gig is to watch a tiny spec performing several hundred feet away, you're welcome to it. I'd rather hear the band's instruments with my own ears, hear their voices and see their faces 10 feet away from me than on a video megawall. Get a life or better still get a lobotomy. [Anthony, London]

to the people who make negative comments about 'exeter people'-locals-we don't need to go to london as the worst of london has moved here and don't insult our lack of culture-Matt Bellamy was a regular at the local 'cavern club' before he hit the big time- exeter has always had a fantistic low key blues/folk/rock vibe fronted by many talented artists-the locals know exactly where the gigs are and 'wembly' does not mean talent-it depends on your musical tastes and skills-real musicians would not be seen at any major events as they are too busy with their music to be interested. [smyth, devon]

Get a grip you small minded idiots. If you could read properly, you'd know that the 'typical Exeter mentality' came from people who travelled from Barcelona and were truly appreciative of both an amazing atmosphere and gig, and a 'beautiful city' and hospitable people. Thank God they didn't encounter some of the people posting here who have nothing better to do with their tragic little lives than whine. And for the record, having been to Glastonbury and the O2, among other gigs this year, Coldplay at the Castle was quite unique and incredibly special. Kindly keep your ignorance and stupidity to yourselves in future. [A music fan, Exeter]

London might have all the top venue's and groups, but it is not safe. Me and my best freind Gemma really enjoyed coldplay. [Kelly Woodgate, Exeter]

Sonia, I Dont know how you can describe Exeter as a Beautiful City. Exeter Council with alittle help from the German airforce saw to that. coldplay were good though. [Pete, Bath]

My teenage daughter thoroughly enjoyed the concert. What she did not enjoy was the low life couple stood behind her who tried to steal her handbag. At a charity concert - shame on you!! [Taz, Torquay]

You can read some of the other comments at the Express & Echo website now.

Fans meet Coldplay ahead of the gig at Exeter Castle (19th December 2009):

Pictures by mimixxx

Apparatjik, Guy Berryman's side project with Magne from A-Ha, Jonas from Mew and Martin Terefe from Kensaltown Records will make their very first live performance at next year's Club Transmediale, an annual festival in Berlin, due to take place between 28th January and 7th February 2010.

Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the 'Bauhaus Bühne', and Lazlo Moholy-Nagy's work 'Light-Space-Modulator' from 1930 in particular, the first ever performance of Apparatjik will take place inside a specially constructed cube at the WMF Club Berlin on Monday, February 1st, 2010. More on the festival is available at the Club Transmediale website now.

More discussion on this debut performance is currently underway at the World Of Music forum here onwards [thanks DISK_CTM]

The official online Club Transmediale festival banner

Guy Berryman previously formed a side project 'Apparatjik' with A-Ha's Magne Furuholmen and Mew's Jonas Bjerre to soundtrack Bruce Parry's BBC2 TV show 'Amazon' with their song 'Ferreting'. The song appeared on the forthcoming compilation album, 'Amazon Tribe: Songs For Survival', released on October 6, 2008. Apparatjik is released their first track on November 30th, entitled 'Electric Eye' via their website Apparatjik.com.

Here are some previous Coldplayer comments so far on the preview of Electric Eye:

Those of you who submitted a story to the eyeoncommittee should have received an email today giving you an exclusive preview of the latest Apparatjik track. The track called Electric Eye, with be available to all on 30th November. The EyeOn Committee has decided to give everyone who has submitted a synopsis access to a track from the upcoming Apparatjik album. You are one of only 30 people to own this track. Spread the word and the Committee will make an extended version of the track available to all as a free download through www.apparatjik.com on November 30th. Please enjoy your new Electric Eye. [via Electric Eye]

A new song from Apparatjik has been sent to the 30 people who submitted their synopsis of the 4 videos in their website. It's a track from their forthcoming (but no one knows when) album and it's called Electric Eye. I'm not gonna post the entire song, since it was given to those who've been creative and participative to their project, it's just a 1 minute sample, which I hope is gonna make you want to listen more. If that's the case, you can have the whole song by submitting your synopsis or you can wait 'till November 30th when they will it make available on their website. Some of us decided to give people the chance to listen to a sample of this song (I posted it in MM), to try and convince people to keep sending them the synopsis (the stories linking the videos) and promoting them in general, since we've been asked to spread the word. [thanks iriden]

Checked out a few tracks by them - very unconventional but great stuff indeed. A few crazy, independent and shoegazing elements in it. I love the way they apply the instruments. Sorry for the annoying comparison - but to me it kinda sounds like the very early Coldplay style - just Chris' classical songwriting is missing. I'm looking forward to their new tracks. I think Guy had a lot of influence on Coldplay's style from the beginning on. And you can still hear this unique style on almost every Coldplay track. I always wondered which one of the bandmembers is responsible for it - now I think I have a clue and Guy has one more fan. This kind of style brings the edges to Coldplay's music and that's exactly the part of their music that attracted me, all this mystery and the profundity in their songs. I hope it will not get lost along the way because a few steps have already been taken with the last two albums (though not that much with Viva). That's why I am always saying that Chris is nothing without his band members. Please calm down now - I do not mean it as an offence but I think Chris had a tendency to triviality in his songwriting in the recent years, for example more simple song structures. Don't punch me, I said it's just a tendence - I still love Chris and all his great abilities - without him Coldplay could never exist and he's the one who keeps them all together. Nevertheless he's not Mr. Coldplay and in all our admiration for him we should not forget that Johnny, Will and Guy also have a great impact on the music that we love. I hope they will never split because they only function as a unity. [thanks Sparks22]

I'm sure this is Guy. Had a listen to the Terefe/Whitecross stuff, and found that the same guy singing on "4 Can Keep a Secret" (an Apparatjik clip on Youtube) is singing on that record as well...i.e Martin. And it's neither Jonas or Mags either. So it must be Guy! [thanks robmatt66]

Wow...amazing track! Cant wait to hear the rest of it! And that is definately Guy singing. The other three are scandinavian, and judging on the accent that must be him. And 110% sure it's not Mags or Jonas. [thanks Ribbledox]

Thx Guy for influencing the band in such a great way! On the south bank show, there is a moment where Guy, Will and J are listenning stuff in the studio and I thought it sounded like Apparatjik's stuff. Plus, I've said it elsewhere but the Exhibition room on Coldplay.com is a copy-cat of the 'Uploader' on Apparatjik.com... [thanks a-chan]

I think its Mags, not Guy. Personally, I don't think it sounds anything like Guy's regular speaking voice or have a Scottish accent, but it definitely has a resemblance to Mags' voice on "Past Perfect Present Tense". [thanks yeahhright]

Six members of Tiverton Town Band enjoyed the biggest ‘gig’ of their lives on Saturday night... supporting Coldplay in a concert at Exeter Castle, writes the County Gazette tonight.

They stepped in at the last minute after singer Lily Allen pulled out with a throat infection, and one of the lucky six was Leah Ellis, a massive Coldplay fan, who said this week: "The day was surreal. In the morning we played for Macmillan nurses at Exeter Airport and in the evening we were on the same stage as Coldplay. When I heard about the concert I was so disappointed because I knew there was no way I could get tickets, and then this happened. We had backstage passes and met Chris Martin afterwards. He said all his band like brass bands, and Jo Whiley, the Radio 1 DJ who compered the gig, said she enjoyed it, too."

The drama began in the morning when the band offered their services after Coldplay appealed for a brass band on BBC Radio Devon. Bandmaster Graham Pillivant then had the difficult task of choosing just six players because there was no room for the band’s full complement of 30 on stage. Leah said: “He just had to pick the players who would be able to make decent harmonies, and luckily I was one of them.”

The sextet played a selection of festive songs, including ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’.

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

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

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

December 21, 2009 - submitted by Tamara, Romania

Q. What did you think of the Exeter gig? :) The boys were enjoying it?

The Oracle replies:

The band loved playing Exeter. Not only because it was supporting a fantastic cause but it was also a homecoming gig for Chris with an intimate gathering of 500 people. Hopefully you will have caught up with events of the day via Anchorman's live photoblog. He also posted a great video of 500 people sounding more like 5000 in a clip of Viva la Vida!

December 18, 2009 - submitted by Katie, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, During an interview with Ben Jones on Absolute Radio "The Viva La Vida" podcast, Chris said there were about 4 Parachutes globes for each band member. How come only 1 features in the clearout sale? Many thanks.

The Oracle replies:

That information is correct; there were indeed a few globes. The reason the one featured in the sale is so special is because it is the definitive globe that became the cover for their debut album and that is why they decided to auction it. It's a very sentimental piece to the band but this cause is more important to them. For those that do not know... Lot 6: The original Parachutes globe is distinguishable because it was the only one that had a wooden base.

December 18, 2009 - submitted by Julie, United States of America

Q. Happy Holidays Oracle, I must ask...do the boys not have heat in the "beehive"?They all look pretty bundled up in the photos from the End of Year Closeout Sale catalog.

The Oracle replies:

The photographs were taken at a different location; some of the equipment had to be taken from storage to a holding place while everything was catalogued and photographed. As it goes, it was pretty cold that day though coats weren't worn for the duration.

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

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

Coldplay delighted fans in Exeter as the city played host to their final gig of the decade, writes the Express & Echo today. The one-off event was a homecoming concert for frontman Chris Martin, who was brought up in Whitestone, just outside Exeter.

Music lovers had travelled from as far away as Italy and Australia for the Mencap Big Noise charity concert at Exeter Castle, with an audience of just 500 guests, including friends and family of the band. Others had queued for up to two days to buy tickets for the hotly anticipated gig. The star-studded event was organised by Radio One DJ Jo Whiley, who compered the evening, and featured electric-pop duo La Roux as the support act.

Among Chris Martin’s guests were his parents Anthony and Alison Martin. After the concert, dad Anthony told the Echo: “It was lovely to see Chris play in his hometown. It was a superb evening and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I spoke to Chris afterwards and he also had a really good time, along with the rest of the band. It was fantastic to see everybody leave happy and with a smile on their face.”

During the set, singer Chris spoke of his “great pleasure” at performing in front of a small crowd of loyal fans in Exeter. And he thanked the Echo for its support, adding: “Of all the things we’ve ever achieved, I think that getting on the front page of the Express & Echo was right up there.”

Event organiser and Radio One DJ Jo Whiley said she was delighted with the result of a year spent planning it with Chris Martin, though it is not yet known how much the concert raised for Mencap. And she said the band clearly enjoyed themselves, adding: “I have never seen the band so happy and relaxed. This is the last thing the band is going to do for a long time and it was right they did it here.”

Singer Lily Allen was originally lined up to perform at Saturday’s concert but had to pull out at the last minute due to illness. This created an opening for Tiverton Town Band to perform instead. Baritone player Leah Ellis, 26, said: “We heard an appeal on Radio Devon on Saturday morning for a replacement act and jumped at the chance. It’s amazing. We never thought we would be supporting Coldplay.”

Among the audience members was city singer Ellie Williams, who currently has an NSPCC charity single Fin’s Song in the charts. She said: “I thought the gig was absolutely amazing, it completely blew me away. It was a very bizarre experience as the audience for such a huge band was so small. It was weird to hear the band playing songs you know so well and see them standing right in front of you. They had a real presence on stage.” She added: “I was so excited when my husband rang to tell me he had managed to get tickets online, it was an amazing surprise and has really made my Christmas.”

Guy Wadsworth, of Exeter Castle Partnership which owns the site, said: “The gig went very well and we’re glad it happened. Everyone seemed happy, so I think it was a huge success.”

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

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

Coldplay singer Chris Martin described last night's Mencap's Big Noise Session at Exeter Castle as 'really great fun'. Chris, who was born in Whitestone, spent the afternoon before the gig with his family while guitarist Jonny did a spot of Christmas shopping, according to coldplay.com, writes the Express & Echo today.

Coldplay were introduced on to the stage by Radio One DJ Jo Whiley and her sister. Whiley helped organise the show with proceeds going to Mencap's work with people with a learning disability in the UK. It may have been freezing outside, but the atmosphere inside the venue was red hot.

The band ran through a selection of their biggest hits, including Clocks, Strawberry Swing, Life in Technicolor II, and Fix You. Highlight of the evening was a stripped down version of The Scientist, with Chris hitting the stage on his own. He even changed the first line of the song to "Come down to Devon..." prompting a mass sing along. The show ended with the storming cover version of John Lennon's Happy Christmas (War Is Over).

Fans of the band described the gig as an unforgettable event. Sadie Heddon, 20, of St Thomas, Exeter, said: "They were absolutely amazing and better than I could ever have imagined them to be. It felt like we were in their front room and it was very personal."

Other online reviews from the Express:

I was one of the lucky few who bought tickets after queueing outside HMV for 16 hours, and it was worth every minute to see them in such an intimate setting. The whole band were in inspired form, and Chris was clearly revelling in being back home. It really was a once in a lifetime show. Matt Horlock, Exmouth]

Brillant gig once in a lifetime opportunity.managed to be at the front and caught a drum stick thrown into the crowd.Certainly was an amazing home coming for them. [samantha, Sidmouth]

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

More photos are available to view here [thanks sar74]

Coldplay ended their decade of live music by playing in front of just 500 fans at the Big Noise Sessions on behalf of Mencap at Exeter Castle in Southwest England last night. Coldplay's website blogged throughout the day and we were lucky to have Coldplayers in the front row who were tweeting from the Vivacrew account, with live updates and photos prior to, during and after the performance (courtesy of Jayzo and mimixxx). You can read all the photoblog discussions including your views on the latest pictures, interviews, videos and updates at the Coldplay forum (warning: nearly 300 pages and counting!). For more reviews, videos and photos from Coldplayers returning from the gig you can find those here onwards at the Coldplay Live forum.

[discussion] [photos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

------

Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - sung by Will, C-stage)

Billie Jean (acoustic, C-stage)

Til Kingdom Come (acoustic, C-stage)

------

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Death And All His Friends

The Scientist

Life In Technicolor ii

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) [John Lennon cover]

Short post, much longer post to follow in the morning. Have taken lots of video which I hope to upload to youtube/facebook/whatever works tomorrow. Was stood to left of the stage as you look at it about 4 rows back. Can't actually process what happened this evening as being real at all at the moment. Beautiful venue, lovely music, fantastic evening. Not as cold inside the venue as I'd feared at all. Went with my brother, stayed behind afterwards and one of the roadies gave me a couple of black plectrums with 'Vida la vida' written on them, then we met Jo Whiley - had no pen nor battery left on mobile nor film left in disposable camera so just told her absolutely loved the event, then my brother got her to speak on the phone to his fiancee as their parents live a few streets away from one another. Blissful, my favourite 2 songs more for sentimentality reasons than anything else are The Scientist and Til Kingdom Come, they played both. I was at the back at the top of the stadium at the last of the September gigs and they didn't sing the latter then, they did this time and I nearly cried. Best £50 I've ever ever spent. It's 1.40 am and I've got to go to bed though I'm still bouncing off the walls!! [scientist311]

OMG what a day yesterday was!!! I was one of the people lucky enough to meet Chris and Guy before the gig and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get that chance. I still can't quite believe it's happened now. A mention should go to Chris, Mich and Alison who made queueing in the cold much more interesting!! Also Carol, was great to meet you too hun! Right, so we had been queueing for maybe about an hour and a half, when Chris's dad starts walking down towars us from the castle then we realise Chris is walking next to him!!! He was walking past where we were so he stopped and chatted to us for a bit. He was really concerned about everyone keeping warm, I think at one point he said he didn't want anyone to die lol!! Bless him, he was lovely! I asked him if there was any chance they'd play Shiver and he said no. So I said what about if I told him I had camped outside HMV for 2 days for my tickets and he said that was crazy and deserved a mention on stage but they still wouldn't play Shiver. Then he said that Guy doesn't like to play it anymore and he also said they just can't play the song the way they used to for some reason...

Anyway, he had a picture taken with us four plus the two Italian guys, one of whom I think is Axe on this forum. Then later on Guy arrived, he drove himself there so he gave us a little wave as he drove past us on the way in and then when he had parked his car he came over to say hello and signed some autographs, which I got and I also had a pic taken with Guy. He was also asked about Shiver and said they wouldn't play it. He also said they would probably be really rusty in the gig and I said I doubted that and he replied that he was glad someone had some confidence...

Then a bit later Chris came back and that's when I got his autograph. He was in a rush so mine was the last autograph he did. Now onto the gig (apologies if I'm rambling ) Our queueing up paid off and of course we got front row, so there was at least 5 Coldplayers on the barrier!!! I coudn't believe how tiny the marquee was and how close I was going to be to the stage when the guys came on. It was practically a Viva set but the order was changed and they started with Chris singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas before they launched straight into Clocks. I know someone posted the setlist already so I won't try and remember it.

After the first three songs (clock, In My Place and Yellow) my throat was already going from the singing etc, not that I'm complaining. To see the band in that small a venue and to be front row and have them performing so close in front of me was amazing!! They still managed to sueeze a c stage in at the back and did Death Will Never Conquer, Billie Jean and Til Kingdom Come. All of which were fab!! 42, Strawberry Swing and Viva were also awesome. I got one of Chris's drumsticks that he threw into the crowd... well Chris (Jayzo) caught it and gave it to me, so to him I am so thankful, he's a legend and we're lucky to have him on this forum!!! I think I'm going to stop rambling now and just finish off by saying that yesterday was THE most surreal day ever and it's one that I won't forget for a very long time!!! [thanks karenc]

Don't have a setlist but here's what I remember..... Started with Chris at piano singing " have yourself a merry little Xmas" then into "Clocks" followed by "in my place" (I think!!). then "yellow". Can't remember order of rest but they played "life in technicolour ii" , "glass of water" , "Lost" , "42", "strawb swing","fix you". They even did the acoustic break thing and went to the back of the marquee by the mixing desk and did a cover of MJ's "billie Jean" as well as a great Chris solo version of "Till Kingdom come". Then back for "Viva" and others before finishing with cover of "Happy Xmas War is over". Sorry if that's totally wrong snd out of sequence but it's the best I can do right now- it's late and We drove down from Nottingham today!! More........... Ok a few random memories.... Jo Whileys sister introduced Coldplay..... We met someone who had been chatting to Carol Smiley backstage ???? ........ we met 3 members of The Tiverton Brass Band who were totally blown away by playing support to Coldplay and will probably dine out on that fact for years to come!!!......... There was some fake snow scattered on the crowd during the first encore (I think) but it didn't work very well and was more like a mild flurry than the full on snowstorm that was probably intended!!

Right time for bed ........ G'night all..... What a night that was..... [thanks slideaway]

I just talked to Carol!!! She told me some bits about the gig.

- Chris introduced his dad

- There were 500 tickets for sale but also about 250 ppl on the guest list

- Like we heard already Will played the piano during the War Is Over song

- During Billie Jean Chris said "Will is the one" and then must have said something about "no, he's not, he used protection"

- Jonny must have fucked up "Death and all his friends" so badly that they started the song again

- No Violet Hill, no Hardest Part, no Cemeteries, no techno versions, Carol's guess was about 75% of the regular Viva setlist had been played.

- Chris has a setlist [thanks Scusi & SueDeNimes]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

Official photoblog pictures of the day in Exeter (via Coldplay.com):

As announced first via Coldplay's Messenger yesterday evening, Anchorman has confirmed details of the live photoblog from Exeter today - the official behind-the-scenes view at today's special show. You can join in with the customary mammoth discussion at the Coldplay forum during the photoblog (already 25 pages long and the blog hasn't even started yet!). F5 keys at the ready folks! Here's Anchorman will all the blog details:

Good morning. Later today, Coldplay are playing a very special show in Chris's hometown of Exeter, in aid of Mencap. All 500 tickets have been snapped up, but we'll be offering a behind-the-scenes view of what's happening with another of our live photoblogs RIGHT HERE on Coldplay.com. Join us on this very page from around 3pm this afternoon (well, assuming our train makes it to Exeter on time...). We look forward

In addition to the photoblog, Coldplay.com have announced another competition via the Messenger. It says: For our latest Messenger competition we're giving away a setlist from tomorrow's show, which will be signed by the entire band. To be in with a chance of winning it, email your name and address to competitions@coldplay.com before the next decade (or, if you prefer, by Dec 31). One entry per person please. The band's label is also currently giving away some signed Coldplay goodies as part of its 12 Days of Christmas promotion.

Furthermore to everything else that is going on today, the Vivacrew account will once again be tweeting live updates and photos from the intimate performance in Exeter this Saturday. The latest discussion on this is at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

Meanwhile over at eBay, the End Of Decade Clearout Sale is now in full swing. Over the past ten years, Coldplay have accumulated a lot of instruments and memorabilia. From December 18 until December 31, the band have decided to auction many of them on eBay. All items will either be signed by all four members, or accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, again signed by the band. Please click here for full info (including details of limited bargain Buy Now offers), and to download your free 52-page catalogue. All proceeds will go to an amazing charity, Kids Company, which helps vulnerable children in London.

First photos of the work being done at Exeter Castle ahead of the gig: (Pictures by karenc)

Lily Allen has been forced to withdraw from today's (December 19th) Mencap's Big Noise Session. The singer is ill, and following two cancelled television appearances this week she has now being forced to pull the gig.

"Lily Allen is sad to announce that she will not be able to participate in Mencap's Big Noise Session this weekend," the charity explained. "Lily has been diagnosed with a severe recurrent throat infection which has also led her to cancel two television shows this week. She deeply regrets having to cancel her appearance this weekend and hopes that fans will enjoy the rest of the amazing bill on the show and lend their support to the incredible work done by learning disability charity, Mencap."

Coldplay and La Roux are still set to play the show at Exeter Castle, although refunds are available via the HMV's ticket customer services on 0844 209 0332 should fans require one.

The following letter has been published online via Exeter's Express & Echo ahead of tomorrow's gig for Big Noise Sessions and Mencap. The letter urges Coldplay not only to record the gig for an official release but to play at a larger venue in Exeter this time next year. Here's the contents of said letter...

It is great that Chris Martin and his band and friends are to play a pre-Christmas charity concert, albeit for a very limited audience. The idea of recording the gig for future release thus potentially raising even more funds for the charity has occurred to me and probably others, perhaps Chris and the band also...

I seem to recall that there were a couple of lads in the Exeter area who had started a company that records concerts for quick release shortly after the event. Maybe if they are still around they could link up with Coldplay and their management to produce a live recording that could be sold locally in sufficient numbers as to satisfy all those local fans of the band who were unsuccessful in getting one of the 500 tickets on sale. Should your paper be able to get an interview with Chris and the band while they are in the area, could you please ask if they would seriously consider next year playing an Exeter venue that will also be larger in scale, so as to give more of us a chance to see them down here again in the near future?

As I understand it the band are looking to play some smaller venues next year. May I suggest Powderham Castle, Exeter Arena playing field, Westpoint, St James's Park? If they want an even smaller gig, then there is always the university's Great Hall. So I say to the promoters or the Echo in conjunction with maybe local radio, get some planning done now with the lads and their people to set this up for next year. Please. Chris Ware, Exeter via ]

In case you didn't already know, the Vivacrew account will once again be tweeting live updates and photos from the intimate performance in Exeter this Saturday

The latest discussion on this is at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

First photos of the work being done at Exeter Castle ahead of the gig: (Pictures by karenc)

Construction work at Exeter Castle has nearly been completed in preparation for the much-anticipated Coldplay gig. There are now just two days until the stripped-back performance.

The marquee is up, the stage is being built and everything is going to plan, according to Guy Wadsworth of Exeter Castle Partnership, which owns the site. During the concert, flats on the site will be used as dressing rooms for Coldplay and support acts Lily Allen and La Roux. Mr Wadsworth said: “The preparations are all being finalised down here. It is all happening and there have been no hitches. Everything will be ready in time. We are all really looking forward to the concert.”

In case you didn't already know, the Vivacrew account will once again be tweeting live updates and photos from the intimate performance in Exeter this Saturday. The latest discussion on this is at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

There has been anger that more than five per cent of the 500 tickets that were made available for the Mencap event on Saturday are being sold on eBay. None of the profit will go to the intended charity. The first tickets to reach the end of their alloted auction time at 5pm yesterday were sold for £1,020 — dwarfing the £50 they were originally bought for. Others are currently for sale for several hundred pounds with several days or hours to go.

Excitement is mounting ahead of the gig, which will see Lily Allen and La Roux supporting Coldplay. But organisers have warned they could not guarantee entry to anyone who uses eBay to purchase a ticket which was originally sold through the official Little Noises website.

Ebay said it had a policy with charity gigs to donate at least 20 per cent of profits if tickets were resold in this way. However, a spokesman said Mencap had not alerted it to this particular event so it was not able to put the policy in place on the sales. As a result, none of the profit made by the sellers looks set to benefit Mencap. A spokesman for the event said: “It is very disappointing. The reason we do these gigs is that Mencap desperately needs funds and the money we raise goes directly to the people Mencap supports.” A spokesman for eBay said: “We work with thousands of charities and are delighted to support them but we cannot be held accountable if we are not told about it or approached about it by Mencap.”

More online comments to the eBay sales of Mencap charity tickets:

-- so they can get fake id made up now in time for saturdays event, or as one seller is listing,he is going to send his credit card that he purchased the ticket with to the winning bidder....dunno how that one is going to work???? [kate, devon]

-- I think it is ridiculous that they are allowed to tout tickets like this. As has been said, names on tickets and photo I.D on the door would have solved the problem. Would have loved to have gone, but touts buying up tickets like this meant they had sold out. I can't believe Radio 1, the Venue, HMV or even Coldplay didn't see this coming. I feel let down, they finally come home and we have to miss out for touts and ridiculous people who will pay the money. Should have been for locals only. "Homecoming gig my arse." [DK, Drewsteignton]

-- I may be an Old Git, but I can not understand anyone paying £1400 (as advertised on e-bay) for a pair of tickets to a concert - any concert. Some people clearly have too much money for their own good. Or perhaps they will be bought by an MP and the money reclaimed as "hospitality expenses" [Paul, Exeter]

-- To add to the confusion the Express and Echo's competition asks you to make a 7 letter Coldplay song title out of 3 letters provided on Saturday and 3 letters provided today - last time I checked 3+3=6!! Annoying thing is there is a 7 letter Coldplay song which contains the 3 letters provided on Saturday and I thought I'd be clever and get my answer in early, that will teach me!! [AH, Exeter]

-- I Know someone who is selling their tickets on E-bay but they are not a money grabber. The profit earned will be spent on her debts. so please dont judge us all. [Kelly Woodgate, Exeter Devon]

-- Ebays listing policy states that the resale of charity event tickets must have at least 20% of the sale price donated back to the charity. I therefore strongly urge people to use Ebays reporting system to report all listings breaching that policy in order to get these tickets removed from sale. We can't do anything with the listings that clearly state they WILL give at least 20% back, however - If the money grabbing so-and-so's can't give at least some of the profits back, we should do all we can to get those listings removed. [s, Devon]

-- Maybe the organisers should have sold them all via ebay and raised a more substantial sum for charity. [Keith, Exeter]

Meanwhile, Mencap related, a reminder that a small number of official tickets for Coldplay's homecoming gig for Mencap in Exeter this Saturday have been made available by Seatwave. This previously reported by Anchorman:

Good afternoon. The tickets for Coldplay's intimate Big Noise Session gig for Mencap in Exeter on Saturday, 19th Dec week sold out in record time (thanks to everyone who bought some). If you missed out, then you do have one last chance to get tickets, as the final five pairs are now being auctioned. The five highest bidders by 12noon on Friday, 18th Dec will each get a pair of tickets to the show, which will also feature Lily Allen and La Roux. The proceeds will go directly to Mencap's amazing work with people with a learning disability in the UK. Click here if you'd like to join the bidding.

First photos of the work being done at Exeter Castle ahead of the gig: (Pictures by karenc)

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

December 17, 2009 - submitted by Patty, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, Where can I find the list of things that will be auctioned? Many thanks in advance!!

The Oracle replies:

Hopefully you will have seen that Anchorman has released full details of the auction. Everything you need to know is there.

December 17, 2009 - submitted by Cynthia, Mexico

Q. Hi Oracle! Well I was reading the questions the other day & someone wrote something about Guy's tweets; I didn't know what is his real twitter account (if he really has one), can you tell me? :D

The Oracle replies:

No he doesn't have one of his own. Guy's tweets appeared on the official Coldplay Twitter.

December 16, 2009 - submitted by aidan, Azerbaijan

Q. Hello from Azerbaijan! Will the fifth studio album feature concert picks, because I think Coldplay is one of the best live performers, I'd kinda like to have some of their live songs.

The Oracle replies:

Hello Azerbaijan! The band have never included live tracks on any studio album.

The only official live tracks available are on certain b-sides (check out our Recordings section), the Live 2003 CD and the free LeftRightLeftRightLeft CD that was given away during the latest tour.

December 16, 2009 - submitted by Ryan, United Kingdom

Q. A girl dedicated the song Sparks to me. I was wondering as to whether you could take time out Oracle and help me out. What did she mean? And is there any hope in the song at all? Thanks Ryan.

The Oracle replies:

Well without getting all soft and sentimental on you Ryan I happen to think Sparks is a very romantic song. If someone dedicated it to me I'd be inclined to thinking they had fairly strong feelings for me. That said, I do know a girlfriend who said the song reminded her of her female friend because of the line "I'll always look out for you". I do think there's hope in the song especially from the viewpoint of the protagonist. Therefore I'd say there could be for you and this girl...

Official photos of Coldplay at Wembley stadium, London, UK (18th & 19th September 2009):

Photos by Penny Howle (courtesy of Coldplay.com)

A small number of official tickets for Coldplay's homecoming gig for Mencap in Exeter this Saturday have been made available by Seatwave. This just in from Anchorman:

Good afternoon. The tickets for Coldplay's intimate Big Noise Session gig for Mencap in Exeter on Saturday, 19th Dec week sold out in record time (thanks to everyone who bought some). If you missed out, then you do have one last chance to get tickets, as the final five pairs are now being auctioned. The five highest bidders by 12noon on Friday, 18th Dec will each get a pair of tickets to the show, which will also feature Lily Allen and La Roux. The proceeds will go directly to Mencap's amazing work with people with a learning disability in the UK. Click here if you'd like to join the bidding.

The latest discussion on this new show is currently happening at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

The Coldplay will put 52 lots under the hammer, beginning tomorrow (Friday) at 5pm UK time, and the full catalogue of all the items up for sale has been released today and can be downloaded now (21Mb file). You can discuss the contents of the catalogue and each other's wish list at the Coldplay forum here onwards!

From December 18, the band will begin the "End of Decade Clearout Sale" on auction website eBay to help raise money for the charity Kids Company. They will sell everything from instruments, signed platinum discs, costumes from the "Viva La Vida" tour and stage equipment, as well as lots of other items. The auction, which will also include many items from the early part of the band's career, will run until 5pm (GMT) on December 31. Today's announcement has just been made by Anchorman and contains all the details you need to start preparations for your all important bids tomorrow...

Welcome to the Coldplay End of Decade Sale. For the first 24 hours, we want you to be able to have a good look through the official auction catalogue, which contains details and pictures of all the lots which will be up for grabs...

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF THE AUCTION CATALOGUE (21MB file)

The sale itself will then begin tomorrow at 5pm. There will be four waves of the auction, as follows:

Friday 18 December - All items related to Parachutes era

Saturday 19 December - All items related to A Rush Of Blood To The Head era

Sunday 20 December - All items related to X&Y era

Monday 21 December - All items related to Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends era

All auctions will last for 10 days, with the final auction ending on 31 December 2009. In addition, because we wanted to make sure that some of the items go to Coldplay fans with more modest funds, one copy of each signed lithograph in the auction will be made available as a first-come, first-served Buy It Now item, for £10 (plus shipping). These items will appear on the coldplaykidscoauction eBay page at random times throughout the duration of the auction. Remember, all proceeds will go to Kids Company, an incredible charity that helps vulnerable children and young people in London. Happy bidding!

Latest 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!

The first pair of tickets for Coldplay's Big Noise Sessions homecoming concert to be sold on Internet site eBay have gone for more than ten times the original price, according to Exeter's online newspaper Express & Echo this morning. The latest discussion on this is at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

There has been anger that more than five per cent of the 500 tickets that were made available for the Mencap event on Saturday are being sold on eBay. None of the profit will go to the intended charity. The first tickets to reach the end of their alloted auction time at 5pm yesterday were sold for £1,020 — dwarfing the £50 they were originally bought for. Others are currently for sale for several hundred pounds with several days or hours to go.

Excitement is mounting ahead of the gig, which will see Lily Allen and La Roux supporting Coldplay. But organisers have warned they could not guarantee entry to anyone who uses eBay to purchase a ticket which was originally sold through the official Little Noises website.

Ebay said it had a policy with charity gigs to donate at least 20 per cent of profits if tickets were resold in this way. However, a spokesman said Mencap had not alerted it to this particular event so it was not able to put the policy in place on the sales. As a result, none of the profit made by the sellers looks set to benefit Mencap. A spokesman for the event said: “It is very disappointing. The reason we do these gigs is that Mencap desperately needs funds and the money we raise goes directly to the people Mencap supports.” A spokesman for eBay said: “We work with thousands of charities and are delighted to support them but we cannot be held accountable if we are not told about it or approached about it by Mencap.”

Just 500 tickets were available for the charity gig at Exeter Castle on Saturday, December 19. Chris Martin and his band will be joined during the evening by singers Lily Allen and La Roux. Radio One DJ Jo Whiley has helped organise the event. Those who missed out on buying tickets have voiced their anger on the Echo’s website. Karen, from Plymouth said: “In my opinion it is not fine to make hundreds and hundreds of pounds out of a charity — in the season of goodwill. I hope HMV have the sense to cancel all tickets and put them up for resale to genuine fans.” Becky, from Exeter said: “I am really disappointed with those selling their tickets on ebay. I think those tickets up for sale on ebay should be cancelled and resold to those who would really like to enjoy the concert.”

David, from Exeter said: “In the first place, the self-print tickets have the holder’s name printed on them. They say ID checks may be implemented. If they really want to stamp out this sort of profiteering they should put out a statement that there will be such checks right now.” But Tony, from Exeter disagreed. He said: “The charity sold all tickets available and therefore could not have made any more money. What would you say if I sold two tickets on ebay for £1,000 and gave half of it to back to Mencap, would you criticise me?”

Coldplay are due to return to the UK for a small scale charity show - taking place at Exeter Castle on December 19th the date is in aid of Mencap's Big Noise Sessions. The band will play inside a marquee which will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with Coldplay set to be joined by La Roux, Jo Whiley and Lily Allen. Meanwhile, Mencap related, a reminder that a small number of official tickets for Coldplay's homecoming gig for Mencap in Exeter this Saturday have been made available by Seatwave. This previously reported by Anchorman:

Good afternoon. The tickets for Coldplay's intimate Big Noise Session gig for Mencap in Exeter on Saturday, 19th Dec week sold out in record time (thanks to everyone who bought some). If you missed out, then you do have one last chance to get tickets, as the final five pairs are now being auctioned. The five highest bidders by 12noon on Friday, 18th Dec will each get a pair of tickets to the show, which will also feature Lily Allen and La Roux. The proceeds will go directly to Mencap's amazing work with people with a learning disability in the UK. Click here if you'd like to join the bidding.

Online comments to the eBay sales of Mencap charity tickets:

i think its sad that charity tickets are being allowed to be sold for profit on ebay.....surely ebay can pull the plug on these sales??? [kate, devon]

If glastonbury can reduce touts by putting names and the picture of the person purchasing the ticket on each one for over 100,000 punters, how come our local organiser can't do this for 500 people? It really isn't that hard is it, type the name and date of birth on the ticket when purchased, and ask for photo ID on the gate. Problem sorted. [sG, exeter]

Why didn't Coldplay book out Westpoint for a few nights? They could of sold the tickets at a reasonable price,raised far more for charity and people would not of had to camp out for tickets. When bands do these intimate gigs they just encourage touts. I would rather buy a dvd to be honest, with not too much of Oldplay's later work. [buster Cornfield, Drewsteignton]

A smaller venue is much better. if it was staged at westpoint. you would not get such a good view. playing at the castle is much more audience friendly, i cant wait. [samantha Keen, Green Gables]

Latest Coldplay photos from the studio:

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!

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

December 15, 2009 - submitted by Daniel, Brunei

Q. Hi Oracle! I was watching the ad for the end of decade clearout sale and I saw Will is wearing a neck brace. Is Will had an accident or something?

The Oracle replies:

I can assure the many people that have written in to ask - and all those who didn't - that Will is fine. It was all part of the sketch so his neck isn't hurt.

December 15, 2009 - submitted by Hayden, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I've noticed that on several items, including my 2009 tour program, the band signed it with 4 strange m-shaped symbols after the word Coldplay. Could you please inform me on what these mean or stand for because it has been bothering me since the concert in May. Thanks a ton

The Oracle replies:

Without seeing it I would hazard a guess - or ahem, use my knowledge of everything - and say that they are doodles of the 4 band members. They'll be quite simple in style and would say they're similar to this.

December 15, 2009 - submitted by Daan, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle, What does Chris think of the band The Guillemots? Personally I thought their first album was the best. And what about the lead singer, Fyfe Dangerfield, who is just about to release a new album?

The Oracle replies:

It's funny how the lives of many bands can be traced back and linked together; Chris and Fyfe knew each other over 10 years ago. Fyfe used to be in a band called Senseless Prayer who were rather brilliant. They were championed by John Peel and Steve Lamacq but never quite made it. Fyfe is an amazing songwriter and though he can sometimes be experimental he has continued to make great music over the past decade.

Official photos of Coldplay at Wembley stadium, London, UK (18th & 19th September 2009):

Photos by Penny Howle (courtesy of Coldplay.com)

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

December 14, 2009 - submitted by Jonathan, United Kingdom

Q. Hola Mr Oracle. I'm currently doing an essay on modern piano pieces in pop music etc, and although this isn't vastly important, I read somewhere that Chris was influenced by Muse/Matt's piano playing when writing the album A Rush of Blood to the Head. Is this true or were the band just listening to Muse at the time?

The Oracle replies:

Well he was if we take it as read that Chris referred to Muse having inspired Clocks which was written at the time you mention of course.

December 14, 2009 - submitted by Erika, Italy

Q. Hi Oracle! I visited Coldplay on MysPace and I read: Jonny the wise one; Will the frightening one; Guy the handsome one, but I don't understand what is written about Chris. Could you tell me, please? Thanks a lot. Bye from Rome who wait Coldplay as soon as possible. Bye!!!!!

The Oracle replies:

It says:

Christopher 'Chris' Martin

the other one

who SINGS

Official photos of Coldplay at Wembley stadium, London, UK (18th & 19th September 2009):

Photos by Penny Howle (courtesy of Coldplay.com)

Music fans are continuing to bid hundreds of pounds for tickets to Coldplay's charity homecoming concert, according to Exeter's online newspaper Express & Echo this morning. So far, twelve ticket holders and counting have now put their tickets up for sale via the internet auction site eBay and are asking for as much as £1,000 a pair to anyone who wants to buy them.

Visitors to the auction site are bidding as much as £510 for a pair of tickets — more than five times the original price that was paid by fans last week. And the actions of the touts have angered scores of people who missed out on the chance of buying tickets. Organisers of the concert have also said they are disappointed the tickets are being sold for profit.

Coldplay are due to return to the UK for a small scale charity show - taking place at Exeter Castle on December 19th the date is in aid of Mencap's Big Noise Sessions. The band will play inside a marquee which will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with Coldplay set to be joined by La Roux, Jo Whiley and Lily Allen. The latest discussion on this new show is currently happening at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

Meanwhile, Mencap related, a reminder that a small number of official tickets for Coldplay's homecoming gig for Mencap in Exeter this Saturday have been made available by Seatwave. This previously reported by Anchorman:

Good afternoon. The tickets for Coldplay's intimate Big Noise Session gig for Mencap in Exeter on Saturday, 19th Dec week sold out in record time (thanks to everyone who bought some). If you missed out, then you do have one last chance to get tickets, as the final five pairs are now being auctioned. The five highest bidders by 12noon on Friday, 18th Dec will each get a pair of tickets to the show, which will also feature Lily Allen and La Roux. The proceeds will go directly to Mencap's amazing work with people with a learning disability in the UK. Click here if you'd like to join the bidding.

Online comments to the eBay sales of Mencap charity tickets:

i think its sad that charity tickets are being allowed to be sold for profit on ebay.....surely ebay can pull the plug on these sales??? [kate, devon]

If glastonbury can reduce touts by putting names and the picture of the person purchasing the ticket on each one for over 100,000 punters, how come our local organiser can't do this for 500 people? It really isn't that hard is it, type the name and date of birth on the ticket when purchased, and ask for photo ID on the gate. Problem sorted. [sG, exeter]

Why didn't Coldplay book out Westpoint for a few nights? They could of sold the tickets at a reasonable price,raised far more for charity and people would not of had to camp out for tickets. When bands do these intimate gigs they just encourage touts. I would rather buy a dvd to be honest, with not too much of Oldplay's later work. [buster Cornfield, Drewsteignton]

A smaller venue is much better. if it was staged at westpoint. you would not get such a good view. playing at the castle is much more audience friendly, i cant wait. [samantha Keen, Green Gables]

Latest Coldplay photos from the studio:

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!

A small number of official tickets for Coldplay's homecoming gig for Mencap in Exeter this Saturday have been made available by Seatwave. This just in from Anchorman:

Good afternoon. The tickets for Coldplay's intimate Big Noise Session gig for Mencap in Exeter on Saturday, 19th Dec week sold out in record time (thanks to everyone who bought some). If you missed out, then you do have one last chance to get tickets, as the final five pairs are now being auctioned. The five highest bidders by 12noon on Friday, 18th Dec will each get a pair of tickets to the show, which will also feature Lily Allen and La Roux. The proceeds will go directly to Mencap's amazing work with people with a learning disability in the UK. Click here if you'd like to join the bidding.

The latest discussion on this new show is currently happening at the Coldplay Live forum, where you can read the latest comments here onwards.

The latest portrait exhibits at the Exhibition Room (at Coldplay.com):