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

July 27, 2009 - submitted by David, United States of America

Q. Hey Oracle. There's been much speculation with the relationship between Matthew Bellamy of Muse and Chris of Coldplay. Can you elaborate, as most info on the web seems to be unreliable. Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

I hadn't realised there was any speculation about that at all. Anyway, both bands started out around the same time and toured together in the early days with Coldplay supporting Muse in 2000. Chris & Matt have a mutual like & respect for each other - and bands. They talk when they see each other but they're not close friends.

July 27, 2009 - submitted by Elsa, Sweden

Q. Hi Oracle! I was just wondering - does Chris take song lessons? Does he have any tips on how to become a better singer? Elsa

The Oracle replies:

Chris has a vocal coach yes as it's very important to look after your voice. If you don't warm-up the vocal chords you can strain them and cause damage. Breathing techniques will also help improve singing.

July 27, 2009 - submitted by Patrice, Australia

Q. Hey - love the band, love the site, love the Oracle. Is the glass half empty or half full --- or will we just end up drinking it anyway?

The Oracle replies:

My personal take on this depends on how you start; with an empty glass and half fill it, it's half full. If you started with a full glass but there's half left, it's half empty. Basically what I am trying to say is that it can change from day to day. Some would argue it's better to be a half full kind of person, but sometimes life throws us curve balls and remaining positive can feel impossible. Don't give up! Yes, we might drink it anyway, or maybe we could pour it away and start again? After all, water goes stagnant when left unattended. If we can see our future in a glass of water, one wonders if you will only see half of it in the above scenario.

New photos of Coldplay at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI (25th July 2009)

Pictures by Ebs757

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued across North America last night as they played at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI, before heading east back to their base in New York. The Coldplay-shaped puppets were also seen doing Dallas recently - see all those pictures after the jump. No major changes to the setlist as Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again. The fantastic Elbow were the main support act for this and the next few shows.

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

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by t3chnicolor @ Twitter

Just home from the show. Fourth time seeing them on this tour and gotta say it was by far the best. Chris really said it a few times that Alpine was the best crowd of the entire tour so far. All of the coldplayers who had pit got into front row I believe. I know for sure Ang, Kell and my self. Pics and stuff tomorrow I am falling asleep at the keyboard! [thanks Ebs757]

Just got back from the show! Got from row with my friend Steve and Angie. Got amazing pictures. By far the best Coldplay show I've been to. The loudest crowd too. The boys were having so much fun on stage. Jonny AND guy were really dancey. My pictures will be up soon. [thanks the.hardest.part]

So I will have to say that this was the loudest, most enthusiastic crowd I have ever seen at any concert, not just Coldplay. I was in the pit far left right where the catwalk comes out. It seemed like everyone was singing and cheering to EVERY song. You could hear the roars behind you all night long. The boys were having a blast too. Kind of surprised this far into it that they are still able to enjoy it so much. A few mistakes were made, but that made it even more fun as Chris joked about it. During "The Hardest Part" it started to downpour and the people on the lawn started roaring, you could tell Chris wasn't quite sure what to do! I also got a high five from Jonny right before the encore :-D. [thanks bearcat1229]

omg the show was excellent! It started to rain as Chris sang "I can feel it come down" in the Hardest Part. I thought that was ironic. You could see the beams of lights in the rain which made it look trippy. about halfway through the show the band left the stage and walked onto the lawn about 10 feet from where i was standing! Then they sang green eyes! Strawberry swing, Lovers in Japan, The scientist, and viva la vida were my favorite performances of the night. Overall a great show!!!! Oh and also does anyone else get really sad when the show ends? I mean i had the time of my life its just that I didn't want it to end so fast (it was the fastest 2 hours ever!) [thanks blackhawk08]

I was in the lawn, but jumping up and down when they played Viva La Vida. It was great! Sounded awesome and the crowd was really into that one. I am so glad that I got to go to the show! I need my yearly Coldplay fix. I wasn't going to go, but in the end we got discounted tickets for lawn seats. I totally forgot that they play 3 songs out in the crowd...now I get what 3 songs front row meant. Oh well! We got there later around 6:30. When we got in a lot of the lawn in front was already taken over. I think they have gotten even more popular, because the last time we were at Alpine, I think we arrived later and somehow were able to get 2nd row in the pit area. Looks like people were probably waiting to get in. It was a great concert. I am glad I got to go again! I loved when Chris played Hardest Part...it sounded really good. Despite the rain...his voice sounded really good and that is one of my favorite songs off of X & Y. Sounded great acoustic. Green Eyes is always great...and Billy Jean sounded even better live yesterday than in a video that I saw online recently. Chris seemed exhausted/tired at times...probably because of all the concerts they have performed. But he still put out a great show, didn't give up...and put all his heart & soul into it. It was an awesome show. I loved all the songs! I wish the concert didn't end, but it always has to. [thanks gvargas]

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

The Coldplay-shaped puppets do Dallas:

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The Simpsons has added more celebrity guest voices to season 21: EW.com has learned that Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will lend his vocal cords to an episode this winter in which Homer wins a million-dollar lottery and hires the band to play a concert just for Bart and him. “When Bart goes to the bathroom, Coldplay has to stop,” notes Simpsons exec producer Al Jean.

In another episode, Sarah Silverman plays Bart’s new girlfriend, who “alternately loves him and hates him for no reason,” says Jean. Meanwhile, season 20 guest star Anne Hathaway returns, this time as a princess character that the producers of Krusty the Clown’s show bring onto the series in hopes that more young girls will tune in. (Even though she upstages Krusty, the two wind up as a couple.)

Other guest voices this season include Seth Rogen (who penned the season premiere), Jonah Hill, Neve Campbell, Eartha Kitt (who recorded a part shortly before passing away last year), the Smothers Brothers, and the Manning brothers (Peyton, Eli, and Cooper). Season 21 debuts Sept. 27 on Fox.

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

New photos of Coldplay at Superpages.com Center, Dallas, TX (21st July 2009)

Pictures by austingirl.mg

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Elbow wowed a packed house at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles (July 22), despite the fact that they lost all of their gear over the Atlantic ocean. The Mancunian quintet, who embarked on a US tour supporting Coldplay tonight in East Troy, had a mishap on the way over to California from England. "It's lovely to be here, but we're a bit jetlagged because none of our gear arrived," frontman Guy Garvey told the audience. "It's somewhere over the Atlantic."

Elbow announced that they will support Coldplay on several US tour dates this summer, starting at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, WI tonight. The Mercury Prize-winning band will also play a handful of headlining shows during the North American jaunt.

They kicked things off with their own gig in Los Angeles on July 22 before teaming up with Coldplay in Wisconsin. They'll hit cities including Toronto, Montreal, Charlotte and Atlanta, before concluding the tour in Tampa, Florida on August 9. The band are supporting their most recent album, 'Seldom Seen Kid'.

Elbow recently announced a giant Manchester homecoming show at the MEN Arena on September 18, the same night that Coldplay play Wembley. Then, according to frontman Guy Garvey, Elbow will "disappear" from the live scene until they finish their next album.

The Elbow tour dates are:

Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern (July 22)*

East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theater (25)

Toronto, ON Rogers Centre (30)

Montreal, QC Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (August 1)

Jersey City, NJ Liberty State Park- All Points West (2)

Mansfield, MA Comcast Center of Performing Arts (3)

Washington DC 9:30 Club (4)*

Raleigh, NC Music Pavilion Walnut Creek (6)

Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (7)

Atlanta, GA Center Stage Theatre of Atlanta (8)*

Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre (9)

*Elbow headlining without Coldplay

New photos of Coldplay at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX (22nd July 2009)

Pictures by by cathhhh @ Flickr

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Last night at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Coldplay delivered exactly the type of set you would want from it - and then some. That's not snark, either: For nearly two hours, the British quartet unleashed hit after hit after hit with little self-indulgence and plenty of spectacle, writes the Riverfront Times.

In fact, the entire show was geared toward its fans. A tan, fit Chris Martin made sure to spend some time singing on the wings of the stage, making the cougars ladies in those sections squeal. The band set up on a satellite platform in the pavilion for fantastic, raved-up, electro-grooved versions of "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" and "Talk" - think INXS and New Order, respectively -- and a solo-piano version of "The Hardest Part."

Just a few songs later, the band jogged to the lawn and did a quick, low-key acoustic set for fans there, highlighted by a cover Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." And as every person left the venue, they received a free CD copy of the Left Right Left Right Left EP. I'm pretty sure that if I asked Chris Martin to come over and do some gardening for me, he'd be over in a heartbeat, wearing a crooked grin and bringing his own lawn equipment.

But this hospitality didn't feel like pandering, mainly because the band doesn't seem above its adoring fans. Coldplay frequently draws comparisons to U2 - and that band's "Magnificent" was one of the last tunes played before the show started - but the Irish quartet revels being in the stratosphere. Even its unscripted moments feel epic and important. Coldplay, however, seemed to thrive on being down-to-earth: The members of the quartet cracked each other up, grinned while busking on the lawn (and amused by Martin busting out a harmonica) and generally seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Martin especially came off like a lighthearted goofball. He false-started a song after someone's declaration of love seemed to distract, and he cracked himself up after flubbing announcing the name of St. Louis: "Pronunciation was never my strong point." He apologized for taking so long to get back to the city by assuring that they've "rehearsed this 142 times before" so the show would be worth it. And during "Viva La Vida," as the crowd chanted the final wordless croons, he dramatically sprawled out on the stage, as if he was too out of breath to continue. His onstage energy was also endless. When he wasn't prowling and pouncing like a champion boxer, he skipped around like a court jester- and during "42" even switched from piano to acoustic guitar and back mid-song, with impressive precision.

And sure, that particular song recalled Radiohead (the electro-tweaked breakdown) and U2 (specifically the acoustic-based strums of Rattle & Hum). But four studio albums into its career, Coldplay has assimilated its influences into a solid, unique sound. Rock, pop, Britpop, piano-rock - whatever the label, the band does it well. "Politik" featured strobe-ish lights and pounding heavy rock guitars, while the band slightly sped up Parachutes' big hit, "Yellow." Martin (impressively) took the piano for several songs, including a joyous "Clocks" and newer song "Glass of Water." Keyboards and organ dotted Vida tunes well, without overpowering their nuances.

The delicate, more sensitive Coldplay tunes - an acoustic version of "Green Eyes," a ruminative "Fix You" - perhaps revealed the secret of the band's success. The universal appeal of its lyrics shone through; their simplicity resonated in a very grounded, basic way. It became easy to see how detractors might find Coldplay's concerns - loss, heartbreak, comfort, finding home, finding love - insipid or pedestrian. But hearing these sentiments while surrounded by thousands of people is a very different experience - one that's restorative and triumphant.

After a brief opening set by '40s-esque rockabilly-blues act Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Amadou & Mariam took the stage. The married duo hails from Mali; at this show, a bassist, keyboardist, drummer and two singers/dancers backed the pair. A melting pot of styles and influences - poly-rhythms, deep funk bass and Amadou's evocative guitar playing -- eventually coalesced somewhere between Talking Heads and Stevie Wonder. The danceable grooves brought the crowd to its feet by the end of the 40-minute set, a heartening response. Here's hoping they come back to town one day, perhaps at a venue like the Sheldon.

Critic's Notebook: I've been wrong all these years to say that Coldplay was dad rock. No, Coldplay is cougar-rock. The number of ladies at the show -- of all ages, mind you, but definitely of the mom-age persuasion - swooning for Chris Martin was surprising. It actually makes me wonder if some people despise Coldplay because Martin is such a heartthrob.

The band's stage accoutrements showed excellent attention to detail, and added to the show. Balloons filled with confetti floated over the crowd during "Yellow," while alien-esque spherical figures dotted the stage for the rest of the set. Martin also started a cell-phone wave - which was somewhat ridiculous, but it worked.

During "The Hardest Part," drummer Will Champion played on stage while Martin sat in the crowd and played piano. The video projected had both heads superimposed in one screen, cheesy '70s-performance style.

This was Coldplay's first visit to St. Louis since 2005, when it played at the same venue and Rilo Kiley opened.

Personal Bias: My dad traveled from Cleveland to see the show with me. (Apple never falls far from the tree. And I don't mean Martin's kid.) He enjoyed it immensely and was really tickled that Coldplay gave away a free CD to everyone leaving. Coldplay in St. Louis: Dad-tested - and approved!

Source: Riverfront Times

New photos of Coldplay at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX (22nd July 2009)

Pictures by by cathhhh @ Flickr

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued across North America last night as they played at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO. Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again, and The Hardest Part replaced Trouble.

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

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by Prospektor314 @ Twitter

OMG! That was amazing. The best on yet (for me anyway!!) My throat is raw from singing but I managed to do a few things I wasn't able to do the first two times. 1. I caught two butterflies from the air with my net. I BARELY got my net through this time. The woman said I could take someone's eye out with the end. And I made a sad face and I told her about the butterflies and she got all and then let me through. Good thing, too because without the net I would have gone home with none except what I could scrape up off the ground! The first one I grabbed just as another guy jumped to grab it. He looked at me and smiled and gave me a "you can have it " gesture. It was sweet. 2. I touched one of the Yellow balloons. 3. I was only about 20 feet away from the guys as they ran to the 2nd C stage!! (which was behind a pole, oh well)... And I got a shirt (thanks Jimmy!) and I am so glad I didn't bring my camera in because I was waaay too preocupied with it in Indy. This time I just absorbed the experience. Unfortunately I think I got about half a joint's worth of 2nd hand smoke though (). It's amazing to me how they're able to make every concert feel special. They just amaze me. I'm just... AMAZED. [thanks Novah]

Just got back to the hotel. The show. was. brilliant! Sooooooooooooo much to say, but I'm about to pass out, so I'll just leave you with one of the more interesting details of the night: I shook hands with Phil Harvey for about 2.5 seconds, which is a moderately long shake if you think about it. BTW: I managed to get to front row pit. Phil was sitting in front of me, just beyond the barricade for the majority of the show. During the b-stage set, I yelled, "Phil," stuck out my hand, and voila: he smiled and shook for a good while and then sat back down to take pictures. I'm actually in the Comfort Inn, and just returned from a well-working ice machine. [thanks MasoKnight]

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

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Check out coldplay.com for a new blog entry: #42 and the two chopper strategy

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Pris]

It's somewhat reassuring that 15 months into a tour, things are still moving on enough to keep life interesting. The stadium shows are approaching, which means that preparations and disaster avoidance are well under way in all departments. As a little taster, the Los Angeles show is a big outdoor venue. More specifically, The Home Depot Center, in Carson, CA.

I should have sussed that it would be a big place when my friend Brian (the coder of this very website, no less) said to me "That's where the local football team play". Rather than imagining a football stadium, the vision in my head is more of a park where the Sunday league cough out their hangovers. The penny only drops when I arrive in the afternoon of the show and sure enough, it's a proper sports stadium.

Being as I've come in a little early in a cab, I have no idea where I'm going. The security at the gate seem to have only marginally more idea. Eventually, I'm told to follow signposts for "Track and field". The sporting theme continues as I head for catering to start the afternoon with a double espresso. Those of you who follow the Coldplay Twitter will already know, but for the rest of you, I was delighted to find that catering was today on a tennis court. Most disappointed to find a complete lack of strawberries and cream, though...

Now, I don't know if it's just me, but stadium shows always seem to smell very strongly of the seventies. It's all huge cavernous backstage corridors and you can't help but expect Elton John to wander around the corner in a pair of glasses bigger than a pool table, with boots and bellbottoms to match.

Now that's not to say that I'm against either stadium gigs or the seventies. In fact, a misspent youth and an appalling record collection will tell you otherwise. I decide to hang out at the top of the concrete ramp that leads to the stage and watch the fellas make their way out there at showtime. It feels immense before the first sparkler is even lit.

The show goes on to re-affirm what we'd all begun to suspect when we first hit a stadium way back in Tokyo on this tour. We did stadiums a few years ago and there was sometimes a feeling that the band had maybe bitten off more than they could chew. This time round though, they're swallowing it whole and coming back for more.

The ending to Yellow has become a huge (if not entirely serious) communal singalong moment in the set and tonight sees it explode into a full on silly over-the-top rock ending with the kind of ridiculous drum-fills we only usually see from Mr. C in soundchecks. It can't fail to raise a smile and I'm sure Elton would be proud...

It all feels like a band truly in its moment, though. When the Viva backdrop unfurls like a huge revolutionary flag at the start of Death Will Never Conquer, it gets its very own cheer as though the night itself has been one long victory celebration. All this without the production embellishments Mr Paul Normandale will be bringing along when the stadiums proper begin in Europe. Can't wait.

In the spirit of keeping things interesting, there's nothing like a quick "two gigs in one day, in two separate cities" to keep you on your toes. The band have been booked in to do a radio recording at the Capitol Records building to a very small audience. Beyond this, details have been decidedly sketchy. Eventually, the day is upon us and things begin to take shape.

It's actually my first visit to the Capitol Records building. It's such a completely iconic structure in both the LA skyline and the music business, that like a Beatles song or a Pink Floyd album cover, you can't help but feel like you've known it all your life.

The show is entitled "stripped", so the band are doing it in a largely acoustic fashion. Chris admits during the show that these kind of things are more nerve-wracking than the big outdoors gigs. Hardly surprising really, given that they've been rehearsing the big gigs for a year now, whereas the rehearsal for this? Erm, well, I'm sure they discussed the setlist in the van down here...

As far as instrumentation goes, there's a small upright piano, some acoustic guitars and for Mr Champion? Well, he starts off with a cardboard tape-reel box (and given the history of this place, I guess I really should have read the label...). He soon discards this and upends a dustbin, before finally settling on a huge empty water bottle from the cooler in the corner. It's rough around the edges and somewhat shaky to begin with, but once they find their feet on Viva, it's clearly going to be a win. They go on to do some of the C-Stage favourites in fine form before pointing out that it's time to head over to get back to the day-job.

There's two choppers to get us to the Irvine show. Chris jumps in the smaller of the two with Hoppy, Chris Wood and Geoff, while everyone else piles into the bigger one. When Will enquires as to where the singer has gone, Phil considers that he may have chosen to take the crew 'copter to make sure that if something happened to one of the two choppers, "at least the demos for the next record will definitely get finished". With that cheery note of optimism, we pull away for the evening show.

It was a bit of a chaotic day, but actually a nice change from the norm. Besides - any day with a helicopter trip over LA as the sun sets can't be all bad... I've knocked together a bit of video that I'm quite pleased with. Don't forget that the button at the bottom right (the white one with the four arrows pointing out) lets you see it full screen.

WATCH VIDEO AT VIMEO

So, that wound up our west coast activities for the time being and brings us down to Texas. We arrived here in the insane heat and I opened my flightcase to find that all of the plastic storage cases I bought a few months ago to keep me blissfully organised had melted in the heat and are now useful only for storing banana-shaped objects. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted...

Now, I don't want to descend into that terrible British "aren't Americans bonkers?" thing, but it tends to be the differences that you notice after this length of time away. Now firstly, I have to tell you that I opened the room service menu this morning (yes, yes I know, I'm supposed to be giving that up, but the hotel appears to be in the middle of the world's largest golf course and walking to a diner requires a map, compass and sturdier boots than I have with me). Sorry, where was I? Yes, room service menu. Now, call me out of touch, but burgers for dogs? I mean really....

Which brings me to our most recent show. Halfway through the Houston gig, Neill tells me that Rik and Russell, the show's carpenters were up in the roof and saw a racoon running across the lighting grid. Now, we're not talking something the size of a squirrel scurrying about above us - in fact, it was so big that theyinitially thought it was a dog up there. Somewhat concerned, they spoke to one of the venue folks who told him that it in fact lives up there quite happily with it's family and doesn't mind the noise one bit.

Now, you certainly don't get that at Wolverhampton Civic. I just wonder whether he was wandering about to get a better view of the show, or if he was peckish and popping out for a burger?

R#42

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

July 24, 2009 - submitted by John, United States of America

Q. I own a copy of Coldplay's Mince Spies CD. How many other people own this CD?

The Oracle replies:

It was limited to a 1000 copies but that doesn't mean that 999 other people own it. For instance I have 2 and there are a few stray copies. [that make two of us! ed.] Still, fewer than 1000 people with a copy does make this a highly collectible and rare item.

July 24, 2009 - submitted by Sue, United Kingdom

Q. Am I Coldplay's oldest fan at 51 yrs?

The Oracle replies:

I hear from fans of all ages but you're a good many years off the oldest fan. In fact, you're not even OLD! Personally I know fans of 70 but am sure that they're not the oldest either!

July 24, 2009 - submitted by Sarah, United States of America

Q. I know that it is very very short notice but PRETTY PLEASE say you can help me.... My son turns 8 on July 24th and all he wanted for his birthday was to go see COLDPLAY! I was so proud and impressed being that most 8yr olds want Tonka trucks and video games. And it thrilled me that the STL concert was in fact ON his bday. Anyway last week when I purchased our tickets to the show I inquired about how to get backstage passes to meet the band and they informed me that passes are distributed through affiliation with the band and are mainly promoted through the radio stations. How can I make this possible? Is there ANY way I can purchase or receive them and make my son's birthday even more memorable?

The Oracle replies:

I'm wishing a very happy 8th birthday to your little man Sarah. Unfortunately backstage passes aren't for sale. You're not the first to ask so all I can say to try and explain is this... imagine if everyone who wanted one, got one? There'd be more folk backstage that out front! Plus as you say, asking on the day of the show is VERY short notice even if it were possible. He will have a great time though.

July 24, 2009 - submitted by James, United States of America

Q. My question is pretty simple: does the extra instrumental piece at the end of Yes have a name?

The Oracle replies:

The song that directly follows Yes is called Chinese Sleep Chant but it isn't instrumental. There are 3 tracks that segue into another and register as one song:

Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love

Yes/Chinese Sleep Chant

Death & All His Friends/The Escapist

July 23, 2009 - submitted by Rose, United States of America

Q. Hello wonderful Oracle! I have a question. I've been told that the song Fix You was written in honour of the London bus bombings in 2005. Is this true?? Thank you in advance!

The Oracle replies:

This is a common belief due to the start of the video being set in London shortly after the atrocities took place. It was written well before this though but is in fact very apt as the theme of the song is loss and grief.

July 23, 2009 - submitted by Jackie, United States of America

Q. Oracle, I just got braces today, and they hurt like crazy. Plus, they look terrible. Can you say something that will encourage me to get through the week?

Love, Jackie <3 <3

The Oracle replies:

They're bound to hurt at first while you get used to them and don't worry about how they look, just imagine how your teeth will be when they're removed!

I've mentioned it here before and hopefully this will cheer you up; Chris wore braces for a while too and so he can empathize with your situation but it's not forever so be brave and confident and that should see you through.

July 23, 2009 - submitted by Sergio, Spain

Q. Does the song Anxiety Of You See belong to Coldplay? Because I can find the lyrics of the song, and it says that it's a Coldplay song, but I can't find the song to hear it. Please I need some help with this =(. Thanks

The Oracle replies:

Having seen the lyrics I can assure you that this is not a Coldplay song.

July 23, 2009 - submitted by Miguel, United States of America

Q. Where can I get Gravity?

The Oracle replies:

Coldplay's version of Gravity is available on the Talk single. Embrace released it as their single from their 4th studio album; Out Of Nothing. Coldplay had been performing it live prior to this and it wasn't included on any album. It was then given to Embrace who gained a number 7 on the UK charts with it.

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued across North America last night as they played at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX, USA. Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again, and The Hardest Part replaced Trouble.

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

Setlist: [thanks heinzkrohn]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by TheAngie

Hey all!! Just got home from the show and it was another stonker! The boys were in such a good mood tonight - all seemed super enthusiastic and happy. I'm sure the sold out crowd helped, but the audience was SO much more into the show than in Dallas. Angie and I kept each other company through the opening bands - she lucked out since her seat was RIGHT NEXT to the door that they would come out for the B-Stage! HA! Lucky! No cape tonight, she was wearing her Southampton footie jersey, so we'll see if she gets some love from Will! We were having a good chuckle with Amadou & Mariam and trying to understand them, ha. Anyhoo, the seats next to her remained empty until I left to go to my seat around 8:45pm. She also befriended the security guard and got him to keep his setlist for her. Lucky again. I, however, did not luck out with a setlist again. This time I tried the sound booth, but no luck. She gave me a homemade Jonny guitar pick too, which I thought was really funny! Ooh, and she got this security guard a chair since he was standing (mainly because he blocked her view ) but it was a nice gesture and he seemed awfully pissy about the whole thing... mmm. Anyway, the show was incredible. The setlist went back to it's original form, so Trouble must have been a Dallas only thing for now...

Makes it even better that I went to that show too! I definately had more fun at the Dallas show since I was able to free-roam around in the PIT. This show I was sandwhiched between general folk and had a super tall guy in front of me, ugh, so it was sometimes hard to get pics and vids. There was a looming thunderstorm throughout part of the show, but luckily it never rained. I got some of the flashes on video while recording some of the B-Stage stuff, since I couldn't yesterday due to the retard security guard. When Chris was talking about the LRLRL CD, he said TX always boos when they say they won't be coming back for a while (happened last night in Dallas, and tonight!). Well of COURSE, we want them back!! Anyway, he said he wasn't sure it was a good or bad thing, but of course everyone cheered to reassure him it was good. Will must have seen someone he knew in the audience at the end of the show, since he was awfully dapper and smiley at one point and was waving into the crowd. Not sure what that was about but I got some of it on video. [thanks mrman78]

Home at last! Why must Texas be so frickin big! Woot got hi 5 from Jonny, I wore my Southampton shirt and got a "nice shirt" from Will on their way to the B Stage, then a hi 5 from Will on his way back to main stage. And lots of love from Jackie! Hugs and she remembered where I live. After, the cute little security guard that gave me the set list said I thought you said that lady didn't like you. You look like old friends. [thanks TheAngie]

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

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A comprehensive review of Coldplay's concert at the Superpages.com Center, Dallas, TX (21st July 2009) has emerged online courtesy of the MIdwest Sport Fans blog. Here is the excellent review...

Last night, as part of a wonderful suite of gifts my girlfriend got me for my recent birthday, I attended my first ever Coldplay concert at the SuperPages.com Center here in Dallas. The headline of this post says that it did not disappoint, but that is a pretty major understatement.

One of the first things I said as we walked out of the concert last night was that it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen…and I have not wavered from that feeling with the perspective of a (brief) night’s sleep. Now, I do not consider myself a huge Coldplay fan (at least, I didn’t before last night). I used to be a huge fan when their music first arrived in the U.S. (more on that in a bit), and while I still like them and have thrown a decent amount of their songs on various mixed CDs throughout the past decade, I’ve never purchased a CD or bought more than one or two songs off iTunes.

I can tell you that this will change after last night, and in fact already has. Songs like “Violet Hill,” which I had heard before but not been head over heels about, I know have a new appreciation and affinity for after hearing live. Isn’t that how it always goes after you see a really good live show? It’s been my experience anyway.

I liked Coldplay a lot when they first came out in the States a decade ago (my sophomore year of college) because my roommate and I stumbled upon them well before we ever heard anyone else talking about them. We were up really late one night and had MTV on and this really unique video came on the screen with some goofy looking guy just walking along the beach singing in a high pitched voice. It mesmerized us. The song was incredible and the video was so simple and elegant. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s the video for Yellow.

At the time, my roommate and I were running our own production company (with KVB!) and doing a lot of music video work, so we were into studying and analyzing different directing and visual storytelling styles. For the next month or so we told everyone we could about the song and video, and no one had heard of Coldplay. I have no way of proving this, but I honestly think that through nothing more than blind serendipity we just happened to be watching MTV the first time they ever showed Coldplay.

We certainly never imagined then that this unknown British band would become one of the biggest and baddest bands in all the world, or that the mysterious guy with the soaring voice in the video would one day marry Gwyneth Paltrow (a HUGE star back then, remember) and become a budding icon of music. But that’s what has happened.

I listened to a lot of Coldplay’s early work from the Parachutes album: Yellow, Trouble, Sparks, etc. With each successive album however, as they became more popular and ubiquitous on the radio, listening to Coldplay lost some of its luster for me. They went from being that cool, unknown band I enjoyed introducing people to, to just another band that everyone listened to regularly. The music was still good, but I didn’t feel that same connection to their music that I once did.

After last night’s show, I feel connected again.

It is fitting, I suppose, that we got there a few minutes late and found our seats as Chris Martin and the boys began their second song of the evening. You’ll never guess it what it was…Yellow. And I haven’t enjoyed listening to that song more since that first night my roommate and I watched the video in our little house apartment in Bloomington.

Oh, and for the record, for anyone who has not seen Coldplay live and wonders whether Chris Martin’s voice translates well live…I offer up a resounding YES. I saw Jason Mraz live a few months back, and he has one of the most incredible live voices I have ever heard or can imagine. Mraz actually spent a half hour of the show not even singing words, just using his voice like an instrument. Martin did not do anything like this, but I got the sense that he could have. His ability to hold notes and be pitch-perfect every second of the performance is truly remarkable. His voice, which sounds so unbelievable in studio-produced material, translates seamlessly to a live setting.

In addition to Martin’s singing — easily my favorite overall aspect of the show — the production value of the show was fantastic. One example: they had five reflective, rotating spheres that would descend from the ceiling and have either silhouettes of the band members or funky designs on them. The instant editing work on the video screens was also impressive. Each song seemed to feature unique angles, color filters, and pacing of the cuts from shot to shot. In a big venue such as the one the show was held in, having compelling visuals on the big screens really adds to the overall experience. At one point, they also sent confetti-filled balloons bouncing throughout the masses. That was pretty sweet too.

But the most memorable part of the night for me came about 2/3’s of the way through the show and actually happened when the band left the main stage. (Remember at the top when I told you there would be a rich reward for reading? It’s coming.)

After listening to four or five songs from our seats, we made a quick jaunt to the restroom and to grab a beverage. When we returned, we noticed that a group of people had collected and were being told they could not proceed to their seats. Once we reached the small mass of people, we learned that a small stage had been set up in front of the fully-packed lawn section and that the band would be coming from the stage through the middle aisle to the back of the arena to play a few songs.

We quickly realized that not being able to go back to our seats would be just fine, as we basically ended up with a front row seat for this little interlude.

It took about three more songs, but finally the band came jogging back with throngs of screaming fans reaching out and trying to touch Chris Martin (that blur in the picture to the left is him) and the other band members. Cell phone cameras and the flashes from actual cameras were going off at what seemed like the speed of light. Unfortunately, I was unable to get any really great pictures from my iPhone (just the ones you see posted), but the iPhone still came up huge during the ensuing acoustic performance by the band.

As the band hopped up on the tiny stage and grabbed the guitars that had been prepared for them, I heard a guy standing next to us say that he thought they were going to start off with “Billie Jean.” As many of you know, I am a huge Michael Jackson fan, Billie Jean is my favorite song, and I never had the chance to see MJ perform it live. Sure, Coldplay cannot compare to Michael Jackson performing a Michael Jackson song, but I was still instantly excited at the prospect of hearing “Billie Jean” be performed live.

So I was disappointed when I did not recognize the first couple of songs Coldplay played from the lawn stage.

But that disappointment would soon be washed away in the flood of excitement that occurred when I heard the first few unmistakable notes of “Billie Jean.” I quickly pulled out the iPhone and opened up the Voice Memo app that comes standard with the recently updated operating system. I’d never used it before, but I figured this would be as good a time as any to try it out. I had no clue if it would work, what the sound quality would be, or even if I could listen to it outside of the program once it was recorded.

Well, it worked, the sound quality is phenomenal (all things considered), and I most certainly can listen to it outside of the program…and so can you. A snippet of the 2:30 file of Coldplay performing “Billie Jean” is linked below. I don’t know all the rules about recording something live at a show and then posting it on a website, so I won’t link the whole file, but you’ll get the idea from the snippet. Email me if you want the full file. I’ll gladly pass it along. (And considering that the band gave out free CDs after the show, I can’t imagine they’d be too upset with a sterling review of their show and a short clip of them doing a cover).

So, in quick conclusion, the Coldplay concert was fantastic and a huge highlight in what has been quite an incredible birthday between a great day with the family, a fun week with KVB in town, and a terrific girlfriend who has gone out of her way to truly make it special with gifts like KVB’s plane ticket and the concert tickets (we’re seeing The Fray on Friday).

Anyone else reading been to a Coldplay show? I got two of my best friends tickets for the Indy Coldplay show as an anniversary/birthday present back in June. She is a huge fan, but he was kind of a peripheral fan like me — but a huge music and concert connoiseur — and they both agreed that their show was amazing. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to go as a true die-hard.

Pictures of Coldplay at Superpages.com Center, Dallas, TX, USA (21st July 2009)

Pictures by teknolust1 @ Flickr

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued thorugh North America last night as they played at the website-advertised Superpages.com Center, Dallas, TX. Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again, and a surprise inclusion in the setlist was the appearance of... Trouble... which replaced The Hardest Part.

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

Setlist: [thanks TheAngie]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

Trouble(Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by mrman78

I was on Jonny's side, right on the end of the row. I was on row J but that turned out to be row 2. The steps to leave the stage and go to the C stage were right in front of me. After Viva, they started putting up the security tape. Jackie, Kelly and Franksie were all threre. Lost ended and when they came down the steps, Jonny was first and I screamed his name and he came over and high fived me. Chrissy ran past too quick to see my cape. But Franksie was there and he gave me a thumbs up. [thanks TheAngie]

The PIT was incredible! It was large but you were free to move around all over it so I was able to be right next to the little catwalks, right next to the rail when they ran to the B-Stage (which was weird since I was literally the ONLY person on the rail and felt kind of stupid! HA! But I got some GREAT video. I almost got a high five from Will, but he just waved instead Oh well I was happy for the wave! Also, at one point on the catwalk, Chris looked right at me and pulled a funny face when I was taking a picture - of course it came out blurry because that man cannot keep still but it was great! I think he probably thought it was funny there was only a few people on that end, ha!! But at least both Will and Chris saw me, so that was really great! They CHANGED THE SETLIST and played TROUBLE!!!! It was sooooo great. Unfortunately, the stupid security guard stopped me from recording video once they got to the B-Stage... one of the problems of being in the fairly empty side of the PIT. I did get some video of trouble though - I acted like I was taking a picture. Chris also threw a bunch of glo-sticks into the audience, I didn't get one unfortunately, but got video of it! I also wasn't able to get a set list. I ALMOST DID, but I let the girl next to me get it since she had already been there asking for it. SO CLOSE THOUGH. I tried to get another, but security ushered me away... the guy said "If he can't get it to you by the time you walk to that gate, tough luck" UGH. Oh, I almost forgot, someone in the pit gave Chris a cowboy hat for Guy to wear, and he put it on Guy as they walked off, it was really funny. I got some pics of it [thanks mrman78]

ha mrman78, I was right next too you tonight... I thought I recognized you from the pic from your avatar but didnt wanna say anything incase it wasnt you from here, I was the big guy in the grey tshirt, white dallas cowboys hat with the big blue D on it and the black sunglasses hanging from my shirt. Dead center all the way in the back of the PIT, I was sitting before the show. Anyways, this is the first concert ive ever been too and it was mindblowing to say the least. I never thought in a million years i'd get to see my favorite band so up close like that, amazing show. [thanks gsmith1236]

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

The Coldplay-shaped puppets have been hanging out at Venice Beach:

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The Coldplaying.com E-Shop continues with the Coldplaying tour t-shirts in stock - in two new superbs designs. The first features a Coldplaying site logo beneath a large butterfly along with the title of London 2009 - in reference to the forthcoming concerts at Wembley stadium - all on yellow fabric. See the full image of the butterfly t-shirt after the jump.

This design is on sale now, but hurry - it is only available until 1st August at which point the second new design will replace it in the store. The t-shirts are on sale for $15.99 (approx. £11.00, €12.00). Shipping is worldwide. Sizes currently in stock are: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large. If you're not sure what size fits you there is a size chart available. Also included on sale are maternity t-shirts and yellow messenger bags.

Click here to browse the full shop now. We have had a lot of interest and purchases so far from the shop - so order now to guarantee delivery before the beginning of the Coldplay stadium tour dates this summer. The more t-shirts that are sold the 'Yellower' the stadium crowds will be, especially at the front!

To keep prices and overheads down to a minimum during the worldwide recession, Coldplaying will make no profit from the sales of the t-shirts and will sell them via Cafepress at the lowest possible price. For more instructions on the Coldplaying.com shop and easy-to-follow steps to make purchases, and also latest discussion on the merchandise, visit the Coldplay Live forum here [Thanks SueDeNimes, ApproximatelyInfinite, Zemy101, Jenjie & Debs Wild]

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

July 17, 2009 - submitted by Adrian, United States of America

Q. Was Chris Martin on drugs at the Sunrise Florida concert? Cuz he was bouncing off the walls as they say.

The Oracle replies:

Good Lord no, that's not Chris' style; he doesn't partake in such things. He has always been like that; boundless energy and very high levels of adrenalin are what you're seeing. He used to jog before they went on stage to burn some of the excess energy off but now the bigger shows means he has more room to bounce around as you say.

July 17, 2009 - submitted by Patricia, Mexico

Q. I have a boyfriend who I love, but a great gay invites me to a great trip. What I have to do?

The Oracle replies:

Now, there could have been a typing error here or perhaps some language confusion. If you have a boyfriend you love but a great GUY has invited you on a trip, it's probably wise not to go. If a great GAY has indeed asked you, then I can't see a problem as that would be of no threat to your relationship.

July 17, 2009 - submitted by Sofia, Argentina

Q. Hey Oracle! I hope you can answer this question, because I asked a couple before but never got an answer! Does Guy have a facebook profile? Do you know?

Because I added a Guy Berryman, but I think is a fake one. Thanks Oracle!

The Oracle replies:

Guy did have a facebook profile a long while ago but deleted it so any Guy Berryman you have added is not him.

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

July 20, 2009 - submitted by Louis, United States of America

Q. Hello. Where can I get the "Barack To The Future" shirt Chris was wearing in some of the pictures in the post?

The Oracle replies:

There are loads of places online that you can find one; Amazon stock them too.

July 20, 2009 - submitted by Hayley, Canada

Q. Mystical Oracle. What is Chris' e-mail? I've tried emailing so many different 1s but they all come up wrong and don't send! Plz plz plz plz plz help me! From wondering Hayley

The Oracle replies:

It doesn't matter which variation you try; none will work as Chris doesn't have an email address. Actually I wouldn't give out personal emails anyway but thought rather than you continue trying it's better that you know.

July 21, 2009 - submitted by Freddy, Philippines

Q. Greetings Mr/Mrs/Miss Oracle! I stumbled across a cover version of "Live Forever - Oasis" by Coldplay on the internet. I would like to know if this cover is available on any album- maybe as a b-side on a single? Thanks!!

The Oracle replies:

No, there's no official recording of this track on any release.

July 21, 2009 - submitted by Elisabeth, France

Q. Hi!I don't understand what is a soundcheck. There is no equivalent in French. Can you explain please?

The Oracle replies:

If we break it down into the two words 'sound' and 'check' it's quite self explanatory. Basically it means to check the sound. Before the show the sound levels on both stage and out in the audience area are checked to make sure the overall sonic experience is a good one.

July 21, 2009 - submitted by Annelotte, Netherlands

Q. What would be a better name for a cat; Jonny or Guy?

The Oracle replies:

Personally I'd opt for either of their surnames; Buckland or Berryman. I just can't imagine shouting Jonny or Guy in for their dinner! If I had to choose though I'd pick Jonny because you can call him JB or Jonny Boy and that would suit a cat far more.

July 21, 2009 - submitted by Marissa, Canada

Q. Anonymous Oracle, I need your help. There is this song that I know love, but typically, I can't remember what it's called or who it is by. All I have is one lyric, and that is " Here I go again on my own, down the only road I've ever known". What song is it??!! You're my very last resort, I'm depending on you!

The Oracle replies:

I really hope it's the soft rock epic that is Whitesnake's Here I Go Again.

Random fact: I remember thinking the woman in the official video, Tawny Kitaen, was the most gorgeous girl in the world.

July 20, 2009 - submitted by sven, France

Q. Does the Oracle speak French ? =)

The Oracle replies:

Unlike Girls Aloud who can't speak French, I can.

After more than a year of touring, it certainly seems Coldplay has learned how to please an audience. Taking the stage at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on Sunday night, Coldplay performed a superb set list full of mega-hits and fan favorites, encouraging crowd sing-alongs and maintaining a high level of energy throughout the two-hour show, writes The Examiner.

From a Blue-Danube introduction that had everyone clapping along, to the giant-sized yellow balloons that fell upon the crowd during Yellow, to the use of two smaller stages in the middle of the venue, Coldplay certainly portrayed a desire and willingness to connect with the audience. And the audience loved it. They sang, danced, clapped, and laughed their way through a show that showcased the band’s extraordinary talent for creating and playing music.

While Chris Martin certainly has a solid voice (particularly in his upper-register), the more impressive aspects of the live show are the musical arrangements and the entire band’s undeniable talents on each of their respective instruments. Specifically, Martin is absolutely magnificent on the piano, and Jonny Buckland is next to flawless on the guitar.

Despite a reputation of being a no-frills band, the concert included some impressive light shows; and the quirky and sometimes awkward Martin kept the crowd entertained with his tongue-in-cheek quips and cheerful stage antics. However, the highlight of the show was Lovers in Japan, which featured a splendid music video and endless confetti of paper cut-out butterflies, generating overflowing positive energy and truly underlining the celebration of life that Viva la Vida was meant to portray.

Source: The Examiner

More new photos of the previous night at Coldplay at Home Depot Center, Carson, CA (18th July 2009)

Pictures by by i3djoe @ Flickr

If you have been on holiday on a different planet you may not yet know that Coldplay have now premiered the video to their new single 'Strawberry Swing'.

Coldplay now rest among the biggest bands on this planet, Earth. After years of heavy touring and Chris Martin's celebrity marriage, the group finally erupted onto the global stage with the release of last year's album 'Viva La Vida'. A mammoth success, it has topped the charts in more than 35 countries and established Coldplay as a bona fide phenomenon. A mammoth tour followed, in which the band played to some of the largest crowds of their career, Clashmusic writes today.

Sessions with producer Brian Eno were apparently so productive that the group were quickly able to release a mini-album. Titled 'Prospekt's March' it contained some stunning material, and was a mark of just how creative Coldplay had become. Recently, Coldplay made a slice of history through becoming the first group to break one million digital sales in the United States with their album 'Viva La Vida'. Overall, Coldplay have sold two million digital albums online across the globe.

Now it seems that the Coldplay juggernaut shows no sign of stopping. Forthcoming single 'Strawberry Swing' is due to be released later this year, and has been backed with an inventive video. Directed by Shynola, a group of visual artists famous for their work with Beck (E-Pro), Blur (Crazy Beat), Junior/Senior (Move Your Feat), and Radiohead (Pyramid Song) to name a few.

In the video Chris Martin appears alongside an animated squirrel in a land made of chalk. Due to be shown before the blockbuster comedy 'Bruno' the video has received its online premiere courtesy of the website Babelgum. Due to be made available for release on September 14th, the video for 'Strawberry Swing' will only be shown for one week only before becoming available from August 3rd. The film will also be shown at ODEON cinemas across the UK from Wednesday July 22nd, where it will be programmed in front of both Bruno and The Proposal. Strawberry Swing (the single) will be released globally as a digital download on September 14th. The video will be commercially available a little while before that, on August 3rd.

Click here to watch the video for Coldplay's new single 'Strawberry Swing'... you can discuss the single release and review the video at the Coldplay forum here onwards. Please also rate this video in our new here as well! [thanks iPsy & svenky]

Single artwork

Here are some stills from the video...

The British music industry grew by almost 5% last year as the popularity of live acts offset the decline in recorded music. PRS for Music (previously the Performing Rights Society), which collects royalty payments and distributes them to artists and composers, said the size of the UK music industry increased by 4.7% to £3.6 billion in 2008, reports the London Evening Standard.

The recorded music sector shrank by 6% last year under pressure from piracy and the sharing of digital music, according to Will Page, chief economist at PRS for Music. But the value of the live music sector jumped 13% to an estimated £1.39 billion.

“Make no mistake, the live music industry grew in 2008 — more events, more bands, more tickets and, importantly, higher ticket prices,” said Page. He added that the rise was almost entirely down to rock and pop veterans such as Elton John, the Rolling Stones and the Police packing out arenas.Page said the fall of only 6% in retail sales was “actually quite an achievement” given the economic slowdown and collapse of High Street names such as Zavvi and Woolworths. Page said evidence was emerging that UK acts are selling well internationally. One in 10 albums sold in the US last year was by a British act while the UK accounted for 9.8% of single track downloads.

This was in part due to Coldplay, whose album Viva La Vida sold 2.1 million copies, and Leona Lewis, who topped the 2008 download and airplay charts in America.

Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine, CA (19th July 2009)

Pictures by OC Register

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on the West Coast last night as they played at the magnificent Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, the fifth and final show in a series of five consecutive Californian appearances. No major changes to the normal arena setlist except that Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again.

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

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by MatthewSymons

Were you at the KROQ party? I was, and I was very disappointed. Not blaming the band by any means, i think their management overscheduled them today, and the meet and greet was kind of disorganized. We waited for nearly 2 hours for less than 5 minutes with the band. Just enough time for a group shot, there were 4 groups of about 20, that the band just went from group to group from and posed. This was while Magnificent was playing, so it was really cutting it close. But when it comes down to it, I was right up against Will in the group picture, I kind of tailed him from one group shot to ours, and spoke to him for a few seconds- and he thanked me whenI told him that I thought Saturday's show at Home Depot Center was amazing, and hoped I would enjoy the show. I shook hands with Chris, and my husband says Chris put his arm around him in the picture - I was glued to Will, so I don't even know where anyone else was. I just transferred 250 pics from my camera to my computer - I brought in my Nikon dslr with my zoom lens, and they didn't search my purse closely enough. Our seats were good, and right on the aisle that they ran up to get to C stage, so they high fived us as they ran up. Amazing. Oh and we saw Gwyneth, she was sitting in the boxes in Sec. 6. The during Viva Remix, some people started leaving. Since we were in Orchestra and had wristbands (from the meet and greet), we just walked down the stairs about 10 rows for a song, then my husband cut across the section, and we got down to row 3 for LIT2. Amazing. But it's late, so I need to go to bed. But this show was better than last night, I thought. Chris was more talkative, and we had better seats, which probably added to it. I'm still on a Coldplay high, but am sad that after 5 months, it's over. And on the way out, I asked one of the computer/sound guys for a set list, so he gave me one from tonight. [thanks lfdianne]

I just got back from the show and it was the best night of my life! Me and my best friend were front row center and omg I still can't believe it! I made eye contact several times with the boys and Chris even smiled at me its just an amazing feeling to know that they knew I was there and noticed me you know! Oh and I also got a set list!thank you coldplay for the best night of my life, I will never forget it. Oh also posted a picture of the set list on my twitter. [thanks l0wxo2]

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

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Coldplay's new video for Strawberry Swing has finally premiered online today. 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). You can watch it in its entirity here at Babelgum.

The film will also be shown at ODEON cinemas across the UK from Wednesday July 22nd, where it will be programmed in front of both Bruno and The Proposal. Strawberry Swing (the single) will be released globally as a digital download on September 14th. The video will be commercially available a little while before that, on August 3rd. You can check out the artwork for the single after the jump.

You can discuss the single release and review the video at the Coldplay forum here onwards. Please also rate this video in our new here as well! [thanks iPsy & svenky]

Single artwork

Here are some stills from the video...

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on the West Coast last night as they played at the magnificent Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, the fourth in a series of five consecutive Californian shows (not including the 'not-so-secret' show on the 19th at Capitol Records!). Roadie #42 was back tweeting again in force, with twitpics of the huge venue, catering and stage; the Coldplay-shaped puppets were also seen living out their Baywatch fantasies in Santa Monica. See all those pictures after the jump. No major changes to the normal arena setlist except that Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again, and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay was added to Will's acoustic slot. Katy Perry, Tom Cruise, Adam Brody, Gerard Way and Justin Timberlake were also spotted at the show.

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

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

LA Tribute

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by twnkee

Ok so I was supposed to update via Twitter but, the bastard thing wouldn't work in the stadium. Had THE best time tonight, I'm tired and sweaty from jumping and dancing the whole time!!! Will post what decent pics I have tomorrow or Monday, got a long drive and work ahead of me. The boys were fucking brilliant tonight!! Damn work or I'd be there tomorrow doing it all over again. Met Erick and Brandi, you guys rock! [thanks labrat2001]

Hey everyone, I just got back! I was front row on Jonny boy's side. The set-list was the same and boys didn't go on until 9:30, but I took some amazing pics and videos which I can't wait to post, but it will be tomorrow because I'm out of town! Also, I saw Makayla and her "Hey Chris, I like your hair" sign and Chris saw it and smiled and said thank you. It was cute because Guy grabbed Chris and they had a laugh about it! This is the end of my Coldplay Viva La Vida tour run and it has nothing been short of spectacular! Can't wait to share my pics with you all! [thanks ColdplayRulesTheWorld]

Um...I'm not too good at writing reviews. Actually I'm no good but I'll try my best. So our seats were at section 110, a little far off to the side, but still pretty close. The opening acts (Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis and Amadou & Mariam) had very fun and energetic music, it just made you want to get up and dance! So after 2-3 hours of the opening acts, a lot of people around me started to get sick of them... What was really funny and cheered everyone up was one of the roadies/staff (I was a little far away, couldn't tell!) started sweeping the runway and dancing to the background music. Then he dropped his mop-thing and started breakdancing! It was hilarious. He was getting down on the floor and spinning and he even started doing the worm. It really put a smile on everyone's face. Then around 9PM Coldplay got on stage and swung around sparklers into the night sky. I think we all know that they did an amazing performance. Coldplay even went to the very back of the stadium and Will got to perform his song and they covered 'Billie Jean' and instructed everyone to do the 'Coldwave'. The lights and effects were amazing, and the crowd was great. Definetly an unforgettable night. [thanks lilmissdee_x]

Just got back! Awesome show tonight! I can't believe that I finally heard Green Eyes live! I sort of still can't believe it! The boys sounded great as always! I hope someone got video of Chris's song when he was improvising in the stands! That was soooo awesome! I sang my heart out tonight as who knows when Coldplay will come back to Cali so I can see them again! I would write more but I'm tired! So tired! Yet still on a Coldplay high from the concert! [thanks Cold_Huntress]

Ok, not to sound like an unappreciative jerk but, uh, did Coldplay really just completely ignore Trouble for the 2nd straight L.A. show? Nah............they couldn't have.........that'd be like U2 not playing Where the Streets Have No Name.........the song that they owe a huge part of their early popularity and fame to..........nah.......that's crazy. I must have passed out for 5 minutes or so when they were playing it and that's why I don't remember it, right? [thanks TallGuyCM]

here is my review. well i attempted to tweet. but it got delayed in the venue. got into the venue at 6:30pm. walked around a bit. and i guess i had a bit of coldplay karma the other oxfam coordinator bob saw my shirt and said nice shirt. fyi it was a MTF shirt. many ppl took pics with us because of our awesome jackets "i love diehard fans" as one woman said. sang the whole time! and i mean the whole time. i wasted more energy at today's show and i wasn't even front row lol! coldwave was awesome. i recorded most of the scientist and lovers in japan. no luck at getting a setlist for today's show. tomorrow will be great. [thanks gotcheese2768]

After having some fun late-night adventures in Carson attempting to find 405-Northbound, I'm back home from the concert. I'll keep it short since I'm quite tired, but this was such an unbelievable experience. Once again when I see Coldplay, it feels so surreal to me since I can't believe my favorite band is right there. The majority of the folks in my area hardly sang or danced, but that didn't stop me from having a total blast and being a glowstick-raving loon that distracted everyone. Chris's remarks were funny as always, and they even sang a small ditty on the C-stage about LA. At the previous concert, I made the mistake of not filling my bag to the brim with paper butterflies, but fortunately, I did not make that mistake again. Also, what remains of my voice gives thanks to the few fellow Coldplayers who gave me a shout-out for the sign! Many kudos, boys. It may not be until the LP5 tour that I see you again, but the memories will shine brightly. More tomorrow. I need some shut-eye desperately. [thanks Corkus]

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

Tweets:

Showtime in ten minutes. Mr Champion's office awaits. R#42.

Filling up nicely. 90 minutes 'til lift-off. R#42.

Tonight's show is on a football field. Catering? On a tennis court of course... R#42.

It just struck me that there are more security working tonight than people who attended Coldplay's first gig. R#42.

By 'eck, it's a biggun tonight! LA baby! R#42

The Coldplay-shaped puppets live out their Baywatch fantasies in Santa Monica:

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More tour rumours on a forthcoming Coldplay Latin America tour are sweeping the community this morning. The latest as yet unconfirmed story that has developed today is that sources in EMI Colombia say Coldplay will indeed be touring Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela in February 2010 to complete the full Viva La Vida Tour. Furthermore, specific details have emerged about the possible itinery for next year:

Coldplay had scheduled a concert in Bogota (Colombia) for November 19, 2009 but they've decided to take some vacations after the Wembley craze and begin touring Latin America on February of next year. So Coldplay should hopefully be delighting fans in Chile with 3 concerts, Peru with 2 or 3 concerts, Argentina with 3 or 4 concerts, Brazil with 7 concerts, Venezuela with 4 concerts, Colombia with 4 concerts and last but not least Mexico with 4 concerts. Some of the main cities where they should be playing are Guadalajara, Santiago, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Bogota.

More news on this of course as it develops. You can discuss this latest news on a forthcoming Latin America tour at the Coldplay forum here [thanks Aleluvscp & coldpatrix]

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So, someone mentioned something about a recession the other day. "Things are going to get worse before they get better," they said. "People are going out less, choosing their entertainment options more carefully and have decided to forgo vacations this year." At least that's what the talking heads are saying on TV, writes JamBase.

Far-removed from the somber media reports of the soft economy, the sell-out crowd in attendance to see Brit rock superstars Coldplay found themselves worlds away from any crisis with their hard-earned dough well spent. The evening was filled with incredibly tight arrangements, elegantly uncomplicated visual effects, an endearing frontman and even a few surprises for their economy-conscious fans. Having never been a huge follower of the band, I now understand why they are one of the biggest bands on the planet.

Beginning the show from behind a sheer mesh, the familiar sounds of "Life In Technicolor" brought the already frenzied fans to their feet. When the drape was raised, Martin appeared in a multi-colored military cadet-style jacket and began to lead the crowd through nearly two hours of energetic sing-along moments and anthemic choruses. The now-familiar 1830 painting "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix served as the backdrop for the show, while vintage style televisions onstage displayed video feeds and provided a warm glow behind the band.

A sprinkling of tiny-stickered acronyms adorning road cases backstage was the only hint of Coldplay's deeply rooted interests in activism, such as their support of Amnesty International, Paul McCartney's Meat Free Monday and Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign. Other simple but effective visuals were integrated into the atmosphere including giant yellow balloons resurrected from 2005's "Twisted Logic" tour, which were released for the audience to bat around, creating what resembled a human-powered lava-lamp. Other touches included spherical screens displaying imagery or simple color patterns above the stage, pulsating bands of laser lights as well as millions of confetti butterflies set free to flutter throughout the venue.

Moving fluidly between the main stage and two mini-stages jutting into the crowd on either side, Coldplay showcased early hits from three previous albums including "Clocks," "In My Place," "Yellow," "Speed of Sound," "Trouble" as well as songs from 2008's Viva including the bluesy "Violet Hill," "Lost!" and the underrated "42," infused by Champion's surgically precise percussion. A highlight was an acoustic jam session where the band gathered on a tiny side stage to perform a brilliantly funky version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." The show ended with a particularly expressive performance of "The Scientist" and then back where it began with "Life in Technicolor II" to draw the evening to a close. Most of the orchestral tracks were performed with a stripped-down treatment, which came across as both bright and unrehearsed. Champion, pulling duty on guitar, drums and vocals, was a potent force as the familiar songs became much more dynamic than their more unassuming recorded counterparts.

Throughout the show, Chris Martin's playful interaction with the crowd, raucous piano pounding and uncoordinated flailing about added to the spectacle and sense that the band was enjoying themselves at least as much as their audience. The sheer joy and giddy energy bubbling over from the stage was contagious. It was as if everyone in attendance was sharing in the joy of having just discovered the most perfect radio station. The lively atmosphere never seemed to have a down moment and, as fans headed out into the night holding their recession-friendly live CD LeftRightLeftRighLeft (which you can download for FREE at coldplay.com), it seemed as though fans felt like they had gotten their money's worth. This was a big-time band performing huge songs in a way that few bands can match.

Coldplay :: 07.13.09 :: Shoreline Amphitheatre :: Mountain View, CA

Life In Technicolor, Violet Hill, Clocks, In My Place, Yellow, Glass Of Water, Cemeteries Of London, 42, Fix You, Strawberry Swing, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, Talk, The Hardest Part, Postcards From Far Away, Viva La Vida, Lost!, Green Eyes, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay / Death Will Never Conquer, Billie Jean, Viva La Vida, Politik, Lovers In Japan, Death And All His Friends

Encore: The Scientist, Life in Technicolor II, The Escapist (outro)

Pictures of Coldplay at Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA (13th July 2009):

More pictures at JamBase / T Van Nunnery

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As we reported back in early May and mid June, Coldplay are to feature in a documentary for the South Bank Show later this year, and details on the format of the show have been confirmed today, thanks to the official Coldplay site. Here's Anchorman:

We're pleased to announce that Coldplay are to be the subject of an episode of the South Bank Show, the highly-respected arts TV programme. The Coldplay show will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK at 10.15pm on September 20th 2009. We'll let you know any international broadcast details as soon as we get them.

The show accompanied Coldplay for six months, taking in their wins at this year’s Grammys Awards, touring Japan, the Brit Awards and the War Child concert in London; and spending quality time with them whilst they work on their next album in the Bakery, with Brian Eno. It also features host Melvyn Bragg in discussion with the band. This is one of nine shows which will mark the final series of The South Bank Show, 31 years after it began.

The band will be seen in discussion with Melvyn Bragg in the autumn as he travels with them for six months, taking in their win at this year’s Grammy Awards, a tour throughout Japan, the Brit Awards and the War Child concert in London, where they performed with Bono, the Killers and Gary Barlow of Take That. Bragg will also be seen spending quality time with the band whilst they work on their next album in their north London studios, with Brian Eno who also produced Coldplay’s 2008 critically acclaimed album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends.

The South Bank Show is in its final series, with the last South Bank Show Awards being transmitted in January 2010. Discussion on Coldplay's documentary is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks worldtrav]

Coldplay recently made a live album free to download from their website in May which received over 3.5m downloads in the first six days of it being online. They will also be playing two sold out shows at Wembley Stadium in September, with support from Jay-Z, Girls Aloud and White Lies.

The South Bank Show is one of the few arts programmes currently airing on ITV. In the past year other arts commissions have included Aled Jones' Christmas Carols and religious art programme Faith in the Frame. In a statement earlier today, ITV said Bragg was discussing other potential projects with the broadcaster and the network would be "looking at opportunities for new arts programming".

An ITV spokesman added that it was already known that current contract for The South Bank Show was due to expire next summer, but said potential alternative roles may be found for staff members in other areas of ITV Studios. It is not clear how many people are currently employed by The South Bank Show but insiders believe it is somewhere between five and ten. The spokesman confirmed ITV would be looking for new arts programmes, with indies and producers welcome to pitch ideas to the relevant factual or entertainment commissioners "depending on what the idea is".

"We are always open to receiving pitches for new ideas, not only for arts but across all genres," he said.

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on the West Coast last night as they played at the Wireless Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA, the third in a series of five consecutive Californian shows (not including the 'not-so-secret' show on the 19th at Capitol Records!). All quiet once again from the puppets, Guy and Roadie #42. No major changes to the normal arena setlist except that Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again, and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay was added to Will's acoustic slot.

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

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay / Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by dsmitch

Ok boys and girls i have returned from the concert but i wont post pics and vids till tomorrow bc i am EXHAUSTED!!! i had been in line since 130 and have been standing in that sun and in the FIRST ROW of the pit all day and night so im hitting the sack dreaming of how awesome tonight was...BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT I could EVER ask for...Hope everyone gets back safe and Ill be back tomorrow with pics and vids for you all to enjoy!!! [thanks jcmojica23]

what an amazing concert!!! I got home like 30 mins ago... There was so much traffic but very worth it!!! I took a lot of pics and videos... I will post them up later!!!!!!!! btw for those that were in the pit... I wonder if you saw a girl with a neon orange poster.. haha if so that was me!!!! it was the best feeling having them looking at me awwwwww!!! [thanks coldplay#1]

I just got back. Getting out of that parking lot was ridiculous!!!! there were only a few ways out of it. It took us an hour to get out, and most of the time we were sat with our car off. One plus side... a guy came around asking us to play "How many people can we fit in a Toyota Prius?" The answer was 15, but we would have done more if it wasn't for the people on the bottom in pain. The show was great. I was in section 302. The view was pretty good, and it wasn't as far away as i thought it might be. Best song of the night: Lovers in Japan. It's just so great live. The B-stage tonight was behind the 100's section... not on one of the ramps. Have they been doing this recently? [thanks milesahead89]

Got home from this show a little while ago. SO GOOD!!! Everything was beautiful, as usual. At the end of the show, the girl two seats over from me turned to me and said, "Wow! You knew EVERY word to EVERY song!" I don't get why you'd pay over $100 to see a band when you don't know every word to every song and they haven't been your favorite band going on 9 years now. Sometimes it's hard when your favorite band in the world also happens to be one of the biggest bands in the world. [thanks feathers]

The concert ended hours ago and I am still on a high from it!I got to the venue at noon and lined up, there were about 10 people in front of me. I ended up being in the front row toward the left. I still can't believe I was that close I just can't even describe what that felt like. I got a bunch of great pictures and video but cannot post them until I get back home to Vegas next week. So more to come... [thanks l0wxo2]

The show was AWESOME, as usual. But this time I got to spend it being in the front row...6and a half hours was so so worth it Being in the front and having Coldplay right in front of you was the best! Words cant even describe how happy and amazing it was to see my favorite band up close like that. Definitely the best day of my life The band was so full of energy and it spread through the entire audience, it was great! I met some coldplayers there and they had pit tix so we stood next to each other. At the end I got a set list from this camera guy My voice is pretty much non exsistant and my face and neck are pretty sun burned...but hey, anything for Coldplay! [thanks Jsalyers]

I must confess that I am really not that into Coldplay, but I have to admit that last night was one amazing and unforgettable show. The band gets extra points because of fan service: The set list consisted mainly of fan favorites and I can say that I had heard most of the songs, although I’ve read that it was basically the same set list from other shows in their continuing Viva La Vida Tour. For a moment, the band left the main stage and walked to a mini stage that was located in the middle right rows of the venue and played a couple of songs among the crowd. I thought that was very cool. But then, later on, they walked to ANOTHER mini stage in the Lawn Area way in the back of the venue (you know, the Mexican Section of the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre) and it was right where we were standing!!! It was insane! They played 3 acoustic songs in that mini stage, including a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” and we were right there with the band! I had never experienced anything like that at any other concert I’ve been to. Other artists should take note of what this band does for their fans. There was a funny moment earlier in the show where lead singer Chris Martin fucked up in the first verse of “Yellow” and said that drummer Will Champion had given him an ugly look. He then had the audience sing along an “I am sorry Will” song for him. Before the show ended, Martin acknowledged the opening acts Amadou & Mariam, and Kitty Daisy & Lewis. He then said that the audience would receive a free single CD of their song “Left Right Left Right Left” (which you can also download from the official Coldplay website), and we did, when we left the venue. [http://darthisma.blogspot.com]

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

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They may not be on Joe Satriani's iPod, but Coldplay are certainly the kings of the digital music age. The band have become the first act to sell over one million full digital albums in the US.

Based on Nielsen SoundScan data, Coldplay have moved 1.358 million digital albums in the States and their label, EMI, reports sales from around the globe totalling two million digital albums worldwide. And for Coldplay, the stats keep getting better and better: their 2008 release Viva La Vida, is now ranked as the top-selling digital album in SoundScan history. (Although we suspect a certain King Of Pop might stand a chance at beating that figure within a matter of weeks.)

It should be noted that these just-released sales figures of Coldplay's worldwide stats of more than two million full digital albums includes the download sales of four of the band's complete studio albums, a live disc and an EP, and is not calculated on the track equivalent basis (TEA) that SoundScan uses to calculate its digital album chart. Viva La Vida, Coldplay!

Meanwhile, to put a dampner on the record, Hoopla have come up with another explanation: They write: "Coldplay is one of the biggest bands in the world, so it makes sense that they are the first band to reach 1,000,000 digital album downloads. Excuse me, Coldplay is the first band to reach one million legal downloads. Millions and millions of dollars have been stolen from mainstream artists like The White Stripes, Kanye West and Taylor Swift. All right, so here’s what we know about Coldplay fans, given their downloading habits: They have dispensible income, don’t know how to get away with illegal downloading (aka torrent technology) and they are middle aged. Because the question that Napster (and Radiohead a decade later) raised still stands today: Why, if one can get something for free, would they pay for it? Answer: They don’t know the way to get away from it."

Coldplay are currently touring North America in support of their most recent album, 'Viva La Vida'. The tour hits San Diego's Cricket Wireless Amphitheater tonight (July 16). Meanwhile, the band are gearing up to debut the video for their latest single, 'Strawberry Swing', on Monday (July 20) via Babelgum.com. The video features frontman Martin as an animated super hero.

More on the album sales record at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks mimixxx]

Pictures of Coldplay at Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA (13th July 2009):

Source: Live Daily

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