Coldplay, Sir Paul McCartney and Calvin Harris have been honoured at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) awards in London.

McCartney was named 'Songwriter of the Year' for 'All You Need Is Love', 'Come Together' and 'Hello Goodbye' at the ceremony, which recognises the most performed works last year by writer and publisher members of UK collecting society PRS for Music.

Coldplay won 'Song of the Year' for 'Viva La Vida' and Calvin Harris was handed the ASCAP vanguard award for his debut album I Created Disco. Record label Universal was named 'Publisher of the Year' for having the most-performed winning songs over the 12-month period, including MIA's 'Paper Planes', Duffy's 'Mercy' and Coldplay's 'Viva La Viva'.

The Ting Tings scooped the college award for their debut album We Started Something at the event, which was held at the Grosvenor Hotel and included performances from Paul Williams and American soul singer Madeline Bell.

More on these awards for Viva La Vida is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks mimixxx]

New pictures of Coldplay at Gorge Amphitheater, George, WA (11th July 2009):

Pictures by mrsgabrielgray @ Flickr

Quite apart from being one of the richest, most successful rock frontman on the planet, Chris Martin has another reason to smile, apparently -- a yoga-toned body. The director of Coldplay's video to recent single 'Strawberry Swing' told BBC6 Music as much after winning three awards for the video at the UK Music Video Awards.

Kenny, from the video makers Shynola, said he had been worried the Coldplay singer may not have been able to put up with the physically demanding shoot, having tested out some of the poses Martin would have to do.

The video, as you can see here, features Martin flying to the rescue of a shrieking damsel dressed as a superhero. The director said: "Chris Martin is incredibly fit, he's absolutely ripped. I'm sure he won't mind me saying that. He could do everything really well. He does loads of yoga and we had lots of bits where he was on a trolley and it was physically really difficult for him." [thanks mimixxx]

He added: "I did it for about 10 seconds as a test and after that my hips were hurting so much I just felt incredibly old. After that I thought, 'We are either gonna kill him, or we're going to get sued'," he said.

Shynola were awarded video of the year, best animation in a video and best rock video UK Music Video Awards, while the ceremony at the Odeon West End cinema in Leicester Square, London, also saw veteran video director Kevin Godley present Martin De Thurah from Academy Films with the award for best director.

UK Music Video Awards editorial director David Knight says, “It was a great night and one that clearly emphasises the array and quality of both established and emerging talent in the UK music video business. Considering the year that they have had it was really quite moving to see Shynola sweep the board with their remarkable video for Coldplay’s Strawberry Swing.”

More discussion on the Coldplay/Shynola winning team at the awards is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks SueDeNimes]

Here are some stills from the Strawberry Swing video...

Animation production collective Shynola proved to be the big winners at last night’s UK Music Video Awards, collecting three awards for their video for Coldplay’s Strawberry Swing.

Shynola were awarded video of the year, best animation in a video and best rock video, while the ceremony at the Odeon West End cinema in Leicester Square, London, also saw veteran video director Kevin Godley present Martin De Thurah from Academy Films with the award for best director.

Other notable winners at the event, which was hosted by Adam Buxton, were Carole Burton-Fairbrother, who was given the outstanding achievement award while singer-songwriter Alison Goldfrapp took to the stage to hand Dawn Shadforth the icon award.

UK Music Video Awards editorial director David Knight says, “It was a great night and one that clearly emphasises the array and quality of both established and emerging talent in the UK music video business. Considering the year that they have had it was really quite moving to see Shynola sweep the board with their remarkable video for Coldplay’s Strawberry Swing.”

More on this exclusive news at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks SueDeNimes]

Here are some stills from the Strawberry Swing video...

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

October 13, 2009 - submitted by Orla, Ireland

Q. Hey! Hey ! I am doing an essay on Cold play's new music video for Strawberry Swing. I can't seen to find any really good websites that have info about the creation and influences of the video ?? Any chance that you would know some??? Tanx :P

The Oracle replies:

Tsk tsk Orla, if this was my class I may make you write out one hundred times: Coldplay is one word not two. And there may also be detention for not looking more closely on this very website. Anyway joking aside, the Shynola interview makes for an interesting read plus an official statement that I guess will save you hours of research.

October 13, 2009 - submitted by ac, United Kingdom

Q. Is there a song by Chris Martin that contains the words (in that order): 'mould', 'high', 'low'??

The Oracle replies:

Are you sure you're not thinking of Coldplay's cover of

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

The Coldplay puppets that starred in the video for Life In Technicolor earlier in the year have defied the odds and yet again appeared in various locations in London this last couple of weeks thanks to coldplay.com - including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and behind the scenes at Wembley stadium.

Unfortunately they were only a full week late to the Coldplayer meet-up at the Trafalgar Square before the Wembley shows. What's more surprising than not turning up is the fact that they're still in one piece... in fact it's fair to say they're now looking more than a bit scuffed. Chris, who earlier resembled someone pulled out of a refuse van now has a major gash above his left eye and may require surgery. Meanwhile, Will may yet star in a new terminator film - a large area of his cheeks and nose is bereft of skin and his endoskeleton is now on full show. You're scaring the locals!

Even the almighty Oracle was starting to become more than a little concerned about their welfare...

September 4, 2009 - submitted by Robin, Germany

Q. Dear O, who is travelling with the Coldplay-shaped puppets? I mean, somebody has to take the photos, right? Bye!

The Oracle replies:

It's more a question of who are the puppets travelling with; they travel with the band of course. It's Dan "the Man" Portanier who is looking after their day to day touring. Given their current state I'm sure you think he's not doing a great job looking after their welfare but travelling all over the world when you're around 10 inches tall is no easy feat. (FYI: That was the puppets height, not Dan's!)

Roadie #42 recently blogged about the puppets, saying: "The 'out and about' shots of the puppets are all the work of Dan P, the band's personal trainer. As with most creative endeavours, it becomes a good deal more involved than first anticipated. Dave Fav, the band's lighting crew chief lends us a couple of lamps which we stand on cardboard boxes. We're then into the business of trying to make the puppets stand up. We employ fishing line, initially around the necks and then through the jackets. Still, the band's mini-mes are refusing to stand up straight. "RF Stef", who looks after a mountain of radio gear used in the show comes up with the idea of sticking the radio antenna from a walkie talkie up a trouser leg. It's silly enough to try and it works a treat. I find myself continually apologising to the puppets for the discomfort, but they behave themselves well and shortly before showtime, we're done!"

Here is a picture recap of the puppet's adventures in London these past few weeks...

Tower Bridge:

Big Ben:

Buckingham Palace:

Trafalgar Square:

The London Eye:

Wembley stadium:

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

October 12, 2009 - submitted by Jan, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, Anchorman reported that Coldplay won two awards, and wanted to dedicate them to one Francois Chevallier who they really miss. Who was Francois? Thank you Oracle.

The Oracle replies:

Francois was a very talented engineer who worked with the band. Sadly he has passed away. R.I.P

October 12, 2009 - submitted by Juliana, United States of America

Q. There is a song that has played on BBC Radio 1 a few times in the past coupla days. I really love it, but can't seem to figure out the title and artist. The song contains the line, "I can do it any way that you want it" and is really upbeat and dance-y. Any ideas? Thanks :)

The Oracle replies:

The track you're looking for is called Anyway by Duck Sauce. You may hear a similarity to Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You; they both use the same sample of the song Fate by Chaka Khan.

October 12, 2009 - submitted by Juan, Mexico

Q. Dear Oracle, I didn't approve maths this term and my Dad won't buy me the tickets for Coldplay's concert in Mexico and I have no money. He says he wants better notes from me but he won't have them until next month and the tickets will be out on Thursday, so what should I do? Tell me something to convince him.

Thanks! ps. Sorry for my bad English

The Oracle replies:

There's a relatively simple compromise here Juan if you can work hard enough to justify it that is... How about your Dad buys the tickets but you don't take possession of them unless he sees better notes? We don't call them notes here so I'm assuming you mean grades or results. Your motivation to do well would be the tickets that will already have been paid for so you may have to come up with a plan of what happens if you don't do better; sell them to a friend so that your Dad is not out of pocket financially or something. In the meantime, spend less time worrying about tickets and more about Maths! Good luck!

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

Coldplay's Viva La Vida single and album have both been recognised by industry awards as outstanding creative achievements at this year's TEC Awards. Here's Anchorman with full details.

Good morning. We're pleased to report that Coldplay won two awards at this year's Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards, which recognise the achievements of audio professionals. Under the Outstanding Creative Achievements category, Viva La Vida won Best Record Production/Single or Track and Best Record Production/Album.

Said Coldplay: "Congratulations to our family of studio geniuses: Markus Dravs, Brian Eno, Rik Simpson, Michael Brauer, Andy Wallace, Bob Ludwig and everyone who worked on this album. We'd like to dedicate these awards to the memory of François Chevallier who gave so much to this album and to our band. We will miss you François."

You can discuss Coldplay's success at these awards at the Coldplay forum here and here onwards. [thanks flickahidalgo & SueDeNimes]

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

Last Thursday saw a Coldplaying hour-long playlist (download) aired on Absolute Radio which featured tracks chosen by Coldplayers, as part of Coldplaying's victory in the final of the Live Stories competition which started in the summer. Coldplaying beat several fan forums over two stages on our way to winning the live radio show, including representatives of Bowling For Soup, The Cribs, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse and U2. During the show there was a frantic listening party as the playlist was unveiled live on air.

As well as the Live Stories forum knockout, there was also a mini-competition featuring individual stories from all over the world - and several Coldplayers from Coldplaying.com featured as winners in this competition also: Jenny (Jenjie) won with 23% of all votes followed closely by Lucy (lucyb123 - 19%) in second place and also Julie (JulieJulle - 7%). In total, Coldplayers won £3000, of which £500 will be donated to the Coldplaying Awards 2009 as part of a prize pot draw between the category winners.

The day before Thursday's show, Coldplayers were asked for their top three tracks on their 'wishlist', consisting of one Coldplay song and two non-Coldplay songs. The final playlist was made up of Coldplay songs that were popular choices, bands that have supported Coldplay or Coldplay have themselves supported, and the rest made up of some other popular requests, including choices from Chavi and Dave, our Live Stories entrants. Chavi's choice on the playlist was Fleet Foxes and Dave's was Radiohead.

A few hours before the show, I was contacted by phone by Dan Thornton, Absolute Radio's Digital Marketing Manager to confirm which version of Moses we were requesting, which was an easy question to answer because there is only one quality version out there - Live 2003. He also wanted to know if I was willing to introduce the forum on air and some of the songs... of course I was! He said that Ben Jones would be contacting me between 5-6pm in order to record the sections...

At 6.45pm, Ben rang, and asked whether I would be able to talk about my Live Story that won the competition. I said well I would do, but the story didn't belong to me, and then explained to him how there were two stories submitted on behalf of Coldplaying.com for the two stages, for Coldplay and U2. Ben said he would play the songs later anyway, and sounded like he was in a rush so we didn't have time to record anything on-air for the forum. I did email him afterwards in case they still wanted a voiceover and had time to do it, but by then it was probably too late.

Note: during the conversation with Dan Thornton we discussed the possibility of more fan forum competitions, as well as Absolute's Song of the Decade (which could well feature several Coldplay tracks from the four albums released this decade), and also Dabbl, which is a new user-controlled radio station brought to you by the boffins at Absolute Radio.

Fast forward to 11pm that night and the live show and the unveiling of the playlist which had been until then kept secret. The aired tracklisting, which you can download as a show podcast or a live mixtape was:

Elbow - Grounds for Divorce

Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head

Coldplay: Politik

U2 - Magnificent

Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla

Radiohead - Karma Police

Coldplay - Shiver

The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

Coldplay - Lost+ (feat. Jay-Z)

Coldplay - Amsterdam

The full playlist that was submitted by Coldplaying to Absolute Radio is below. The only track Absolute were unable to feature was Jay-Z's 99 Problems, so this was replaced with Coldplay's Lost+ (feat. Jay-Z).

Coldplay - Shiver

Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

White Lies - Farewell To The Fairground

Elbow - Grounds for Divorce

Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head

Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow

Jay-Z - 99 Problems (replaced by Coldplay feat. Jay-Z - Lost+)

The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

Coldplay - Moses

Radiohead - Karma Police

U2 - Magnificent

Coldplay - Don't Panic

Oasis - Masterplan

Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla

Coldplay: Politik

The Killers - When You Were Young

Muse - Supermassive Black Hole

Coldplay - Amsterdam

Reserves:

Coldplay - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Coldplay - Warning Sign

Coldplay - Lovers In Japan

------

Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye

Charmless Man - Blur

Elbow: One Day Like This

Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Snow Patrol - Chocolate

Massive Attack - Teardrop

Stereophonics - Dakota

U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday

Here was the confirmation that Dave Sheppard and Coldplaying had won the final, and his story below:

Welcome to my review of the show and my 50th gig, which for me is quite a landmark. At 6pm, The Hours came on. They’re an alright band; decent songs, decent band and they knew how to play. Glasvegas came onto the stage around 7pm, and did a decent 45 minutes set with songs from their first album, the Christmas EP they released last year and some covers.

A good sing-along to Daddy’s Gone was the highlight of Glasvegas’ set. 8:30 soon rolled around and to the sound of Space Oddity by David Bowie, U2 came on stage. The stadium went wild as people rushed to get back into the main area to watch the boys kick off into Breathe, then without a break into No Line in the Horizon and again into Get on Your Boots, which sounds so much better live than it does on the album.

The sing-song from Magnificent was nothing compared to the singing for Beautiful Day, and it was a Beautiful day as the sun was setting on the beautiful Saturday, the roof was open on the stadium, allowing more sun to pour in. Without a break, the band went into “Until the End of the World” and straight into New Year’s Day, which I was very happy about because New Year’s Day is one of my favourite U2 songs and the staple of my New Year celebrations. Another highlight came from I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, where the audience sang the first verse of the song.

Being in a crowd of eighty-eight thousand people or so singing along to one of the best anthems ever was pure amazing, and something I won’t forget for a while. Then, the band started City of Blinding Lights just as the lights came on outside the stadium, lighting up the arch. I watched as a wave of camera flashes lit up the stadium making it into a city of blinding lights.

Sunday Bloody Sunday, which is so amazing live, also amazing live was Pride (In the name of love), which got the audience singing along including myself, so beautiful it was. For the encore, U2 got onto the stage though a trap-door, and went straight into One. The next song was Bad, and with another sing-song the stadium was rocking.

Another encore break followed, and the boys came back onto the stage with Bono wearing a funky jacket which fired out red lasers, singing from a microphone hanging down from the claw to sing Ultraviolet (Light My Way), followed by With or Without You and the last song of the night, Moment of Surrender. The band said thank you and goodbye, and a mass cheer from the audience headed back into the depths of Wembley.

Taking my seat on the coach home I was in a happy mood. What a way to celebrate my 50th concert; U2 have gatecrashed my top 5 concerts of all time list. Thank you and goodnight. Kite.

Back in August, it was Chavi and her review of Coldplay in Antwerp and Rotterdam that got us into the final in the first place. Here were the results and her Live Story:

October 3rd and 4th, 2008, Rotterdam and Antwerp. This is how a friendship is born thanks to Coldplaying.com ! This was really a last minute trip... I met this amazing friend, Carla, on the Coldplay forum Coldplaying.com last summer, and we always wanted to go to a concert together. We knew it would not be easy. She lives in The Netherlands, and I live in France. But we would do anything to make it happen. It was already late September, and the possibility for me to find tickets to the show she was attending in Rotterdam was inexistant. But she still posted a request on the forum asking if anyone had spare tickets for Rotterdam or Antwerp. Then on Tuesday, Sept, 30th, another member from Coldplaying.com, Frysk Famke, posted a link to that Extra video in which Chris Martin said the line "maybe I can help". Here, this is what we call Coldplay Karma! Frysk Famke said she had two tickets for Antwerp and that she would be more than happy to let us have them. Things went so fast. The show was in 4 days... What was I supposed to do ? As soon as Carla found out, she texted me, said she could also have a spare ticket for Rotterdam and we discussed about it. It was really hard to decide. I'm a student at university, would I be able to afford it, would it be okay to miss classes for a Coldplay concert ? Long hesitation, I couldn't think properly... but two hours later, my train tickets were booked ! It was so unexpected, the next thing I knew is that on Friday morning (Oct. 3rd) I was on my way to Holland.

Friday, October 3rd.. early in the morning, I got a phone call from my sister's fiancé. She was in labor, and about to give birth. I was crying my eyes out and it was only the beginning of what was going to be one hell of a weekend ! 3:36pm I’m in Rotterdam ! Gotta find the subway to go the concert venue.. People are SO nice and helpful. Thanks to two very nice men I managed to get there safely. I can see Carla waving at me from far away. So we met for the first time and I felt like very close already ! I’m waiting in the line a little behind her, about 20 people between us. Later, I got a call from my sister who wanted to tell me to enjoy as much as possible and that she understood that I had to go and couldn’t be there with her ! Btw, it’s a girl (I know it’s not really Coldplay related but it made my day even better, so it’s important for me that this part’s included in the story !) I almost cried.. Still waiting, I met that group of women, they were crazy but in a nice way. I talked a lot to one of them and told her about the previous concerts I attended, and she recognized herself being the same way with her favorite band, I think it was Metalica. She nicely told me and kept repeating that she would definitely let me take her spot if she ended up being in front of me. HOW NICE ! Thanks Sally.

6:35pm they finally opened the doors. No security to stop me, no one checked my bag so I ran and tried to find Carla calling my name. At first, that lady between us wouldn’t let me go with her. But later, she understood that we had to be together and let me go in front of her. So I was second row, just behind Carla ! I cant remember the time, but then Albert Hammond Jr came on stage. Oh it was still pretty good after seeing them 4 times supporting for Coldplay already! But I couldn’t wait to see Coldplay for the 5th time in 33 days ! And then COLDPLAY were on ! Always as intense as the first time you see them. You’re excited, scared, happy, thrilled, worried but overall overwhelmed with joy ! And it’s even better because you share the same feeling with 10 000 people at the same time ! Highlights of the show :

-Life in Technicolor : the crowd go nuts ! and you’re full of energy, even after a long trip by train, or very long hours of waiting outside the venue !

-Clocks : awesome live, I’m sure you’ll all agree !

-Speed of sound : The cameraman wants to film my banner ‘Nothing matters except life and the music Coldplay make’ and put it on the screens at each side of venue ! THANKS A LOT FOR DOING THAT !

-Chinese Sleep Chant : I can't get over this song, especially live !

-B-stage part, always nice! And it’s the right to time to just lean on the fences or someone and just breathe, because you know you’re gonna need ALL your energy for Viva which is coming next !

-Guy and Jonny having a laugh on the main stage while Chris is doing his thing on the B-stage. It's always nice to see the non rockstar side of a band.

-Viva la vida and Lost! How can they not be highlights !?!

-Politik : time to give everything you have left ! it really really is one of the best thing live !

-Lovers in Japan : OF COURSE ! the butterflies are simply fantastic. Even if you don't like Coldplay, I swear you'd still walked out thinking "damn that was pretty amazing, wasn'it?"

-Yellow : all four of them laughing at something, they always crack up ! it’s priceless to see !

-The cameraman coming right to us and giving his setlist to Carla. Carla’s brother in law getting Will’s drumstick. AND Matt giving me Jonny’s setlist.

Again, AMAZING CONCERT ! The band’s always GREAT and really into it even though they’re extremely exhausted ! They’re giving us so much when on stage. You have to love them for that !

After the show, we (Carla, Lauren, another member from Coldplaying and myself) went to the backstage entrance and waited a LONG TIME ! People were coming in and out and a lot wondered what the heck we were waiting for... Most of them were really nice and answered when we said Good evening and everything. And then, Pete from Oxfam showed up. I HAD TO say something, so I came up with a casual ‘Hey thanks for the blogs, they’re great!’ .. smooth, right ? He was soooo surprised and wondered if we were really talking to him. Carla said his name and he felt even more embarrassed ! That was cute. He really is a nice guy and kind enough to take some of his time (it was pretty late) to stop and chat with us. Take a photo as well ! So, we talked about a lot of things and we said we would see him the day after in Antwerp. Afterwards, we met Reno Bo (Albert Hammond Jr’s bass player), and he was very kind too. We took a picture, we talked and later he came back to see us to give us some setlists and the sheet of their schedule, and he signed them ! It was lovely ! I was really really impressed by how people had been SO amazing to us all day long ! It was that security guard’s turn to be helpful and kind. He kept looking at me through the window. I thought he wanted us to leave but he was smiling. And then he came out and told us Chris was still there ! I cant believe he just told us OMG ! and gave us updates about when Chris was supposed to leave and everything !

AND AND AND, IT HAPPENED !!!! CHRIS MARTIN was coming right to us ! OMG OMG OMG ! I cant described how it feels, really cant ! it’s just so impressive, you’ve been dreaming about that day for sooo long and you imagined that scene in all the different scenarios possible BUT you never think it’d be that perfect ! Chris seemed so shy, I mean after all these successful years and all the great things that happened to him, he’s still amazed when he sees three desperate girls waiting in the rain after a concert for him to just sign something. I bet it’s like part of his everyday life but still, he’s not used to it ! He was so sweet and kind, and he just took his time and was in no rush even though people were waiting for him to get inside that car. It didn’t last long but more than I would’ve ever expected ! and then after we took a pic and talked a bit, we told him we would see him in Antwerp to which he replied : ‘okay see you tomorrow!’. And then when he was inside the car, as we were waving at him to say bye and just knocked a few times on the tinted windows as a reply to our waving !

Was it like the best night ever ? HELL YEAH DEFINITELY !!! what could make it even better ? maybe, if he’d recognized us the next day… oh wait, HE DID!

October 4th : Didnt get much sleep.. but it’ll be alright ! it’s gonna be the 6th time I see Coldplay live in 34 days for the Viva la vida Tour ! we’re on a OMG-we-met-Chris-Martin-last-night high, and nothing can bring us down ! We’re leaving for Antwerp early in the morning, because WE NEED our front row spots again ! Carla and I are the 4th and 5th person to be at the venue. The doors are wide open, the roadies are setting up the stage, we can see it from outside.. So we’re sitting here against the glass windows making new banners for the band and Reno Bo. Fryske Famke joins us and gives us our tickets. We have a pizza for lunch which was a very nice idea I must say as it probably was the only real meal we had for two days. They open the door at 6:35pm, the security is being ANNOYING but eventually we get through, and so we run ! We struggled through security who was telling us to slow down but GOT OUR FRONT ROW RESERVED SPOTS ! Highlights :

- Reno Bo from Albert Hammond Jr's band saw us from the stage and laughed. We got two setlists of the band which were directly given to us by a roadie ! SWEET ! and also one of the guitar picks Reno threw in our direction !

-LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR : I keep repeating myself in each review, but the beginning is always AMAZING! That’s when the fun starts and you cant get tired of it ! Never ever !

-Violet hill : Chris said HEY TO US ! He saw and recognized the ‘you make me shiver’ banner he signed me the night before in Rotterdam !

-In my place : the yeahs were pretty awesome ! so much energy and that’s when the guys gather. AWESOME ! and the drums always kick ass in that song !

-Just before Cemeteries of London : ‘We hope you have a great time, Please sing with us, THANKS TO PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN TO OTHER SHOWS BEFORE THIS ONE!’ WAIT, is he talking about us and pointing in OUR direction at the same time ? OH YEAH HE IS !

-Chinese sleep chant : I love it ! I love it ! I love it ! oh and I love it !

-Fix you : Tears almost streamed down my face !

-Viva la vida and Lost! Such a great combination ! it rocks live !

-Politik !! I was dead tired after that one ! it was so great and powerful ! -Lovers in Japan, again the tears.. I enjoyed as much as I could because it was the last show I was supposed to see in a while !

-Chris waving back at us when he goes off stage before the last encore ! -GLASS OF WATER ! The song rocks live, I cant wait to hear the studio version. It really is something to discover a song for the first time when it’s played live. You just enjoy and you cannot not fall for it ! I thought it’d be more a slow song, but I was gladly surprised !

-They took their time to say bye to Europe.. that was nice and emotional. And that was it !

-Got a setlist from the other cameraman who came to us, although he was far and could’ve given it to someone closer .. THANK YOU! We knew, or had the feeling that the band left already but we still went to the back entrance. But no German vans this time.. bummer! We met the famous ping pong table, after sneaking in backstage when we saw a door open ! we went upstairs, went into the lounge bar, but no Coldplay.. so we left. And we went back home.. that was the end .. of this tour leg I mean ! Now, I saw them ten times live, and will see them again soon... I don't think I would be such a great fan if it wasn't for Coldplaying, and the good friends I met there. Seeing Coldplay live is a way of life !

Thankyou to everyone who voted for Chavi and Dave's live stories during the two stages of the competition, and for all your submissions to our playlist. Thanks to everyone who wrote a story either for Coldplaying or as part of your individual entries affiliated to us. If you missed the playlist, or just want to relive it don't forget to download while it is still available. We hope you enjoyed the virtual festival... we must do it again sometime!

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

October 9, 2009 - submitted by Renate, Netherlands

Q. Hi Oracle, 2 Questions about the book: 1.Will it be possible to buy the book "My life on the Road with Coldplay" at a bookstore? (And not via Internet because I have bad experiences with that). 2. Will it be available in other languages too? For example in German? (OK that's 3 questions)

The Oracle replies:

The book will not be available in any other language; definitely not on its first run anyway. It would have to be a big seller for publishers to justify extending its print to international text. As long as the book stores stock it you'll be able to get it in shops but given you're in the Netherlands the Internet is the best way. Don't let bad experiences put you off; use a reputable company and you should be fine.

October 9, 2009 - submitted by Jonathan, United States of America

Q. Hey there Mr.Oracle sir, just got a question here that is rather a difficult spot to ask anyone I know personally-- Recently I've come to know that the alto saxophone that I brought back from school last year (which I was under the impression that it was mine) is actually the school's. I learned this after my younger sister who is still in that school brought home my instrument that my instructor said I left there. The big problem is that he hasn't noticed that I now have 2 sax's, because they came up one extra when they checked their set. My predicament now is that my father said that since they came in with an extra anyway that I should keep the school's one and mine so that I have a spare (coincidentally, they're both Yamahas.) I feel kinda conflicted about this though, because it seems like I would be stealing the instrument from them. Any ideas?

The Oracle replies:

This is only tricky because of advice you've been given already. I think we both know what you want to do. It's you that has to live with any consequence of any action so probably wise to start following your own heart, gut and mind. As long as you can always justify your actions I reckon your conscience will rest easy.

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

Coldplay nominated for best single and album of the year at Mexico's Premios Oye Awards

Yesterday it was announced via the official site that Coldplay have received two nominations for this year's Premios Oye awards in Mexico. Up for Song of the Year, 'Life In Technicolor ii' received a nomination, while the Prospekt's March EP was nominated for Album of the Year.

Both nominations were in the general English subcategory, including nominees U2, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Mexico's Premios Oye Awards will be handed out November 24 in Guanajuato, with the winners voted for by the record industry and musicians.. For more info: Visit the awards show website at premiosoye.com/mx.

Though Coldplay didn't take home any trophies at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the band has received recent honours, including:

'Best Act in the World Today' at the 2008 Q Awards (U.K.)

'International Album of the Year' at the 2009 Juno Awards (Canada)

'Best Rock Album' at the 2009 Grammy Awards for their work on Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

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

October 8, 2009 - submitted by Andrei, Romania

Q. Hey Oracle! You mentioned Eric Satie in one of your previous questions, saying Chris can play his music. How come I haven't heard about it? Is there a recording or will it be at some point in the future? I would love to hear my two musical obsessions finally clashing! p.s. please let it be gymnopedie no. 1!

The Oracle replies:

I don't know how come you haven't heard about it because I have in fact answered this question a few times in various guises. Even Roadie #42 makes reference to it in his latest blog. Sadly there isn't an official recording of it though; it's sublime.

October 8, 2009 - submitted by Jeannie, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, you fabulous, fabulous creature! Who is Joe? At the end of White Christmas in the Maida Vale studio recording Chris says "Happy Christmas, Joe", and at the BBC outdoor show to launch the VIVA tour in the song Yellow instead of saying "you know I love you so" he says "you know I love you Joe". so, who is Joe?

The Oracle replies:

It's Jo not Joe - a woman- Jo Whiley who was instrumental in Coldplay's early airplay on Radio 1. She has become a friend of the band over the years and they often do dedications for her when she's around which she was on both the aforementioned occasions.

October 8, 2009 - submitted by John, United States of America

Q. Is Roadie #42 a cat? If not whose cat was on Roadies #42's post?

The Oracle replies:

Cats can't talk or type so no, he's not a

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

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October 7, 2009 - submitted by Rania, Norway

Q. Hey Oracle :) Thank you for answering our questions! I was just wondering what did the boys do with the postcards from the Postcards From Far Away project they got early this year? Thank you!

The Oracle replies:

They are all safely stored at their Bakery HQ; photos were taken to preserve their memory too.

October 7, 2009 - submitted by Timo, Germany

Q. Hi Oracle! From where did Jay Z know about Michael Jackson's death when he wrote the lyrics for the song Lost+, which was released in November 2008?...as we all know Michael died in summer 2009...but still in this song Jay mentions him in a list with some other great personalities who are dead now..

The Oracle replies:

Indeed he did but the list wasn't about people who had necessarily died it was more about being bad mouthed. In fact, later in the song jay also name checks Bobby Brown and he's alive and kicking.

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

Photos of Coldplay at LCCC, Old Trafford, Manchester (12 September 2009):

Pictures by busybeeburns

Coldplaying.com has won the Live Stories competition which means we now have a radio station to take over tomorrow evening! We are now tasked with organising a live tracklist which will be aired on Absolute Radio.

Fairly simple really, we will have approximately 15-20 songs played of our choosing. Of those there should be no more than maybe 6 Coldplay tracks, and the rest made up of other artists. So, what we need to do is create the ultimate Live playlist which can then be submitted to Absolute Radio by the end of today, ready for play tomorrow. The have a huge catalogue of live songs but for various legal reasons can not have it posted online, but they will try to match our selections with their catalogue.

At the Coldplaying messageboard here, please post up to 3 songs you wish to be considered (one Coldplay song, and two non-Coldplay songs). Please try to make your selection as interesting and as varied as possible to avoid having the same bands repeated over and over. The deadline for submissions is 8pm (UK time) tonight.

Just a reminder please - only choose tracks that have already been played live in the past. This is a festival-themed playlist and will feature live tracks only. Songs that have only been heard in the studio will not be chosen!

Thankyou to everyone who voted for Coldplaying, if you are listening to the show tomorrow hope you enjoy the playlist!

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October 6, 2009 - submitted by Anna, Sweden

Q. Dear Oracle! What with the Roadie #42's new blog and the band changing location for their studio; a few of us over at coldplaying.com where wondering if the band is actually giving up The Bakery, maybe sell it? How much would a property like that cost us if we want to buy it? Yours sincerly /Anna

The Oracle replies:

This isn't the only question about buying The Bakery but they're not totally vacating the premises so it's not up for sale.

October 6, 2009 - submitted by Collette, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, My friend said that The Scientist is up for the best video of the decade is it really and how do we vote for it if it is ? from Collette

The Oracle replies:

Actually it's just BT Vision is running a competition to win 50 of the best albums from the past ten years. To enter you just vote for your favourite video from their shortlist of 50 from the past decade. Comp closes 31st October.

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

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

Photos by TheAngie

The Rolling Stones were today named the bookies' favourites as the headliner to close next year's sell-out Glastonbury Festival, according to NME today, with Coldplay joint second favourites. Despite none of the acts being announced until next year, tickets for the event sold out within hours of going on sale and now bookmakers and fans are speculating on who will close the final night.

"We have lost a few quid on the headline act for two years running and it will be interesting to see if punters get it right again," said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

The bookmakers have The Rolling Stones as 4/1 favourites to play top of the bill on the Sunday night next year, with Coldplay and David Bowie joint second favourites at 8/1. Oasis, whose guitarist Noel Gallagher quit the group in August are ranked 33/1 down from 50/1 after a number of speculative bets.

"Right now the brothers may feel that the split is irreconcilable but in the cold light of day they may change their mind and Glastonbury would be the perfect place for a triumphant return," Adams added.

The full odds on who will close the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2010 with William Hill are:

Rolling Stones 4/1

Coldplay 8/1

David Bowie 8/1

Muse 10/1

U2 12/1

Artic Monkeys 12/1

Radiohead 14/1

Prince 16/1

Elton John 16/1

Red Hot Chilli Peppers 16/1

Kings Of Leon 16/1

Green Day 20/1

Robbie Williams 20/1

Stone Roses 20/1

Madness 25/1

Spandau Ballet 25/1

Manic Street Preachers 25/1

Take That 33/1

Oasis 33/1

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

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

Photos by Kimgan

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

October 5, 2009 - submitted by Shirl, United Kingdom

Q. I think I saw Roadie #42 at Old Trafford. He was going past to get to the group who were at the little stage where Will sings and he was dressed all in black?

The Oracle replies:

You may have but honestly, it could have been anyone; I have never ever met or seen a roadie who doesn't wear black! As they sometimes work around the band on stage in dark venues they need to be inconspicuous hence the uniform black trait.

October 5, 2009 - submitted by Chiches, Spain

Q. Hi Oracle! I have a version of Til Kingdom Come that has another song too... but I do not what it is.. the beginning is : " Are you missing something...looking for something..." What is the title please? thanks

The Oracle replies:

The song you have is How You See The World and features on the X&Y album released in Japan as a bonus track. The rest of the world is probably more aware of How You See The World No. 2. Chris re-wrote the lyrics for the Help: A Day in the Life project and recorded the new vocals at a studio in New York.

October 5, 2009 - submitted by Rachel, United States of America

Q. I need advice from the Oracle!! I hooked up with my friend two weeks ago (I hadn't seen him for over a year and I liked him beforehand but had the time to get over him). We had the after hookup conversation and he said we should just be good friends and I said the same- it's what's best. But here I am two weeks later all friendly and playing it cool, but he's been so distant and awkward with me! What should I do? I don't want to be anything more than just friends... and he was such a great friend before. I just want my friend back!

The Oracle replies:

Give him time Rachel. It's a bit of a generalization to say this but this is a very typical male reaction to what happened. For some reason girls tend to cope better with this situation but all should come good in the end. He just needs to get whatever it is out his system... could be embarrassment, guilt, immaturity, ego thinking you want more or he simply may not know how to act around you now that you both crossed the friendship line. All you can do is be yourself and act exactly the same with him as you did before and wait patiently if you think his friendship is worth waiting for and it sounds like you do.

Coldplaying Christmas 2009: Secret Santa - add your name to the list!

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

Photos by TheAngie

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October 2, 2009 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. Is Matt McGinn Roadie #42?!

The Oracle replies:

I can see how you would come to that conclusion given that Matt has written a book about being a roadie but no, he isn't Roadie #42. We clearly have roadies who are talented in more than one field!

October 2, 2009 - submitted by Jared, Australia

Q. Hi Oracle, At the beginning of 2007 (I think) it was announced that Timbaland was going to produce the next Coldplay album? Was that some 'way out there' rumor or is there some truth to the statement?

The Oracle replies:

That rumour probably started when Timbaland was quoted as saying he'd love to work with the band but as you know, Brian Eno took the helm. Brian's enlisted to work on album 5 also.

October 2, 2009 - submitted by Aisya, Malaysia

Q. Dearest Oracle. On the South Bank Show, Chris states that he can't read music. Was he being sarcastic? Because if he wasn't then I'm gutted. He's an amazing pianist!

The Oracle replies:

A few people have commented on this but it's not essential for people who write and perform music to be able to read it. He can obviously play other people's music too (for example Eric Satie) so although I can understand you being surprised, not sure why you would feel gutted. My Gran could hear any piece of music and immediately play it on the piano and she couldn't read music and never had a lesson in her life; some people are just naturally talented... sadly I didn't inherit that from her!

Wembley photoblog overflow: Friday (from Coldplay.com):

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

October 1, 2009 - submitted by sven, France

Q. True or not ?

The Oracle replies:

True! Matt's book is due for publication in 2010. However the date is still yet to be confirmed and subject to change.

October 1, 2009 - submitted by Christian, Denmark

Q. Wow, you got me confused there, Oracle. Does Prospekt's March not count as an album? Why? And when do you know when it's an album or an EP (extended play). It doesn't say it's an EP in the discography.

The Oracle replies:

We certainly mentioned that it was an EP many times in our news announcement... EPs generally have less tracks and a shorter running time than an album but more than a single. Our Recordings section doesn't actually differentiate between any of the singles, EPs or albums.

October 1, 2009 - submitted by Daniel, Mexico

Q. H!! I'm Mexican sorry for my English, I have a question... will you come back to Mexico City?? I'd like to listen the news songs in the national auditory... please tell me. And if your plans are others.. Don't worry... I'll understand it.. I can wait see u soon!!

The Oracle replies:

It just so happens Daniel that you will indeed see us soon; Anchorman has this very minute announced Latin American tour dates for February/March 2010. The boys will be in Mexico for 3 shows on the 6th, 9th and 11th March.

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

Wembley photoblog overflow: Friday (from Coldplay.com):

Coldplay have today announced a new tour in Latin America for February and March of 2010. The special guest for the entire tour will be Mercury-nominated electro-songstress Bat For Lashes. Here's Anchorman with the latest details (also click for official ticket information). Coldplaying discussion threads are also attached:

Coldplay are pleased to announce a tour of Latin America for February/March 2010. The seven stadium shows will mark the end of the band's Viva La Vida world tour, which has so far seen them play 159 shows to 2.75 million fans across 25 countries. The new dates are as follows:

FEBRUARY

26 - River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina [discussion]

28 - Apoteose Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [discussion]

MARCH

2 - Morumbi Stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil [discussion]

4 - Parque Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia [discussion]

6 - Foro Sol, Mexico City, Mexico [discussion]

9 - Estadio Tres de Marzo, Guadalajara, Mexico [discussion]

11 - Estadio Universitario, Monterrey, Mexico [discussion]

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

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

September 30, 2009 - submitted by Dalton, United States of America

Q. Hey, I get a guesstimation on the release of album number six.

The Oracle replies:

Blimey Dalton, can we get the 5th studio album out first!?! And before anyone asks... no there's no date for that right now. P.s If you're including Live 2003, Prospekt's March (an E.P) or the free LRLRL... they don't count...

September 30, 2009 - submitted by Julie, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, During the incredible South Bank Show, the boys were seen referencing mementos from their early days. For instance a band list of things to do and their first handmade playbill. Is there a band archivist who is hopefully safeguarding interesting band memorabilia?

The Oracle replies:

Actually it's the band themselves; Chris has a suitcase full of delightful memorabilia. A few of the items also feature in the timeline on this very site.

September 30, 2009 - submitted by Steph, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle! Haven't really got a question. Well, actually I do, but I just wanted to say Hello and thank you for answering our questions :) I really enjoy your posts. Ok, so on with the question... Don't you ever feel like it takes more time to go somewhere than it takes to return home? Why is this? This happens to me a lot, especially when it comes to going to class. Thanks for your time!! Hope you have a wonderful day :) Steph

The Oracle replies:

You know what Steph? Yes, I agree it does seem to take longer on the way somewhere but... for me it's usually when it's a new place I have never been before. I actually think the reason that any return seems quicker is because having already made the journey you know what to expect. In the case of going to class it's more than likely that you just don't want to make the journey in the first place and therefore time drags!

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

Wembley photoblog overflow: Friday (from Coldplay.com):

People who enjoy living in areas which focus on community and charity work may want to look at flats to rent in Camden, after the area has received backing from Coldplay.

As we reported recently, Coldplay have donated £1million to the South London charity Kids Company, which provides practical and emotional support to children who come from deprived families in the city.

The band's donation will help fund the opening of a new centre in Camden, a place where individuals searching for flats to rent in Camden might want to get involved with through volunteer work. A spokeswoman for Kids Company said: "Coldplay were inspired by the work they saw so decided to make this donation."

Camden Council recently announced that it has joined with the London 2012 Organising Committee to give residents the chance to choose the landmark which best showcases the borough. Sites proposed include the Roundhouse, the British Museum, Camden Market and St Pancras Station, attractions which could highlight the advantages of renting in the borough.

Kids Company, founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh, provides emotional and practical support to children from deprived families in the capital. Coldplay will help fund the opening of a new centre in Camden, plus they have offered to give free music lessons to the kids. Coldplay have, however, been trying to downplay their donation and didn't inform the press about their kind-hearted gesture or make any mention of it on their official website.

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

Photos of Coldplay at Wembley stadium, London, UK (19th September 2009):

Pictures by busybeeburns

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

September 29, 2009 - submitted by Sophia, Ghana

Q. Oracle! Will Roadie #42 not make a blog on the Wembley concerts/the end of the tour? Or is he taking a well deserved rest before writing something up?

The Oracle replies:

Greetings Ghana! I will give him a nudge but it's not unusual for Roadie #42 to take a well-earned rest after such a long tour. He doesn't always write a blog for the last show either so don't hold your breath! After all, you have Anchormans's live photoblogs from the night

September 29, 2009 - submitted by Christiane, Germany

Q. Hey Oracle! How can I vote for the UK music video awards?

The Oracle replies:

The winners are not voted for by the public Christiane but thank you for wanting to vote. The judges cast a secret ballot after considering the shortlist.

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

Wembley photoblog overflow: Saturday (from Coldplay.com):

Andy J Gallagher will be chuffed to bits - his prediction that Coldplay's video for Strawberry Swing would be nominated for various awards came true today. Here's Anchorman with more details:

Good morning. It's just been announced that the videos for Strawberry Swing and Life In Technicolor ii have both been nominated for awards at the 2009 UK Music Video Awards. The awards will be presented at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, London on October 13th. Wonder if the Coldplay-shaped puppets will be hiring suits. They're up for the following:

Best Animation in a Video - Strawberry Swing

Best Art Direction in a Video - Life In Technicolor ii

Best Rock Video - Life In Technicolor ii, Strawberry Swing

Best Visual Effects in a Video - Life In Technicolor ii

Recently the singer-songwriter, Andy J Gallagher, came forward to suggest that Coldplay/Shynola copied his idea in their video for new single 'Strawberry Swing', which was made using stop-animation and features singer Chris Martin acting alongside chalk drawings.

Gallagher claimed that it bears similarities to his music video for 'Something Else', which he released last year. He told CMU Music: "While I can't say they copied me, there are an awful lot of similarities between my video and theirs. I think it's unfair that 'Strawberry Swing' will probably be nominated for numerous awards and is being universally-acclaimed as groundbreaking, when ['Something Else' director] Owen Trevor had virtually the same idea at least a year before."

Well, Mr Gallagher you should have put a bet on! More discussion on these video nominations are at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks verussia & Stefan-C8]

Here are some stills from the Strawberry Swing video...

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

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

September 28, 2009 - submitted by Emily, United States of America

Q. Oracle, On one of the Roadie #42 blogs they mentioned a joke about how a Simon Cowell picture would appear during the song Yellow. He said that he didn't want to spoil the joke because he didn't want to ruin it for the next concerts. Well now that the Viva tour is over, What was the joke? from, Emily=)

The Oracle replies:

Ah yes, well what happened was after everyone was singing along to Yellow, Chris asked a pre-recorded Simon Cowell (from one of the X Factor shows) what he thought of the audience and he didn't give a favourable response. Chris then said they should try again to impress the judge and began to play the end of Yellow again. As it finished he said "What did you think about that Simon?" to which he replied: "That was bloody fantastic". I guess you had to be there!

September 28, 2009 - submitted by Caitlin, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle, Who is the fifth man standing on the stage with the boys at the end of their final concert on the Viva tour? This picture was placed in the blog overflow for Saturday and in it, Guy's hand is covering his face. I was wondering if it was Phil or someone else. Thank you so very much!

The Oracle replies:

Yes that was Phil Harvey in the pre-last night at Wembley group huddle.

September 28, 2009 - submitted by Mutti, Germany

Q. Liebste oracle. I have 3 questions for you, as I hope you will answer: Do you think you should keep promises? (I still hope in that). Why are Sunday the worst day in week - when it should be the best? (in English you even call it sun(shine)day). Are you well my dear? (I really hope that). I will wait patient for your answer. Love Mutti

The Oracle replies:

I have a theory that the only promise you should ask of people is that they make you no promises. That way they may not have to break them and therefore the risk of disappointment is lowered. I quite like Sundays so can't agree with you there plus I have never heard it referred to Sunshine Day in English... Thank you I am well and hope that you (and everyone else) are too!

Win a festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying! Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) in Absolute Radio Live Stories FINAL now!

Vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/final.html (absolutely no registration required!)

Coldplaying.com has made it to the final of Absolute Radio's Live Stories competition where the prize up for grabs is a special live festival-themed radio show for Coldplaying on Absolute Radio with songs hand picked by you, the Coldplayers! We are voting for David Shepperd and his excellent review of U2 at Wembley last month. So grab some Coldplay Karma and please cast your vote for David Sheppard (coldplaying.com) at http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/livestories now! (no registration required). Voting ends on Friday 2nd October, so you have only a few days to gather your Coldplay friends and make those votes count! Please help spread the word about this competition, tell people to vote Coldplaying and help win a radio show for everyone associated with Coldplay!

Wembley photoblog overflow: Saturday (from Coldplay.com):

Earlier this week, we reported that Coldplay's music directors for Strawberry Swing, Shynola, were under suspicion for plagiarism. The accusations came from singer-songwriter Andy J Gallagher, who claimed their recent 'Strawberry Swing' video for Coldplay was a direct rip-off of his 2008 vid for 'Something Else.'

Production company Shynola, which handled the creative for the Strawberry Swing video (as well as others for Radiohead, Beck and Blur) refuted the claims of plagiarism with an inarguable six-page PDF file. Shynola use the piece to point out that, yes, their piece was not entirely original but that it came from a long lineage of visual cues, including themes from Superman, The Simpsons and Looney Tunes. Also pointing out that they had never even seen Gallagher’s video, they conclude with some humility, saying, "We can categorically deny that his video was any influence on our video. Any similarities are purely coincidental... It may have been unsupportable hyperbole from Coldplay to claim that our video was groundbreaking. But it is NOT plagiarism. And Mr. Trevor’s video is NOT groundbreaking either."

Yesterday, Mr Gallagher (and his supporters) yet again responded, under the heading of, "coldplay - the last word" (let's hope it is the last word), the following statement via his website...

firstly, thanks to shynola for putting together such a well-researched response to the recent media speculation surrounding my 'something else' and coldplay’s 'strawberry swing' videos. there are, however, a few untruths in their statement, namely;

1. i never accused coldplay or shynola of plagiarism - if you think i did, where? all i did in fact was send a letter to coldplay’s management asking if 'the bizarre set of coincidences between our videos was, in fact, just a coincidence'! a “yes they are” would’ve avoided all this!

2. i have made 3 previous statements on this, 2 are still on my website, the other can be seen on and that is all i've said on this matter.

3. according to shynola, i created a page of comparable stills, no i didn't - i wouldn't know how to!

finally, i would like to state that the 'something else' video director owen trevor had no involvement in anything other than the making of the video itself. i myself expected the letter to go to coldplay’s management and to receive a curt reply if any and that being as far as the matter went. to quote kenneth williams "infamy infamy, they've all got it in for me!"

In a previous statement, Gallagher said, “While I can’t say they copied me, there are an awful lot of similarities between my video and theirs. I think it’s unfair that ‘Strawberry Swing’ will probably be nominated for numerous awards and is being universally acclaimed as groundbreaking when [‘Something Else’ director] Owen Trevor had virtually the same idea at least a year before.”

Further to the increasing coverage the "coldplays video looks an awful lot like andy j gallagher's one", i would like to add the following. there are striking similarities between the two videos and we wrote to coldplays management asking them to explain the bizarre coincidences between the videos (both in style and script) and also to qualify chris martins assertion that 'strawberry swings' video is "unique and groundbreaking". suprisingly, they took the time to respond by email with the following: "i'm afraid the creative on the video was written by shynola not coldplay".

Here are some stills from the Strawberry Swing video...