Musicians fortunate enough to perform in arenas sometimes act as if they've done their audience a favor simply by showing up. Not Coldplay. On Tuesday night in a nearly full New Orleans Arena, Coldplay went well beyond the call of duty. The musicians were not, for instance, required to march to the rear of the building and deliver an unabashed unplugged set in the middle of section 109, writes The Times-Picayune.

Vocalist Chris Martin did not need to alter the lyrics of "Fix You," or quasi-freestyle, to match the concert's setting ("sitting in the place where the Hornets play...I don't know if you know what it means/when you know the musical history of New Orleans"). And Coldplay certainly was under no obligation to distribute free copies of "LeftRightLeftRightLeft," a nine-song live CD recorded earlier on the tour, to attendees as they exited. But they did all this, and more.

Dressed up in "Les Miserables" chic to match the cover of their current "Viva la Vida" CD, the quartet arrived on stage twirling sparklers. A similarly playful mood prevailed, despite frequent lyrical pathos. Representatives of Oxfam, an international anti-poverty organization championed by Martin, roamed concourses, but the singer refrained from proselytizing.

Instead, he was exceedingly likable as the band's sole source of charisma. He needled "Jonny Boy" Buckland for the guitarist's alleged reluctance to perform in public ("you chose the wrong profession"). He orchestrated the "first, as far as we know" New Orleans cell phone wave. He literally bent over backwards, touching his skull to the floor. He fought off beach ball-size yellow balloons during "Yellow." He pantomimed taking hits to the body, collapsed in a heap, then sprang to life and arrived back at a microphone on cue.

Taking turns on acoustic guitar and keyboards, he also contributed to a sonic profile that was as crisp as I've ever heard in the unforgiving arena. Behind Martin, drummer Will Champion was particularly aggressive, boosting "Clocks" with extra strikes on his floor tom. Buckland and bassist Guy Berryman were content to render their required parts with precision; Buckland, the anti-guitar hero, churned out chiming notes and riffs. All four bunched up at the tip of a stage runway for a techno-beat "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face." Martin's bandmates left him alone at a piano for the "Phil Collins segment of the show," which he likened to "just before Justin Timberlake left NSync and he had a suspicion that he wanted to go on his own."

With that, Martin conjured a lovely "The Hardest Part," his voice easily scaling the necessary heights. Following the instrumental "Postcards From Far Away," the band rejoined him for the rousing "Viva la Vida" title track. The aforementioned acoustic interlude in the back bleachers spanned the early ballad "Green Eyes" -- with Champion and Buckland on acoustic guitars and Berryman on mandolin -- and "I'm a Believer," the Neil Diamond-penned Monkees hit. Champion also sang "Death Will Never Conquer."

The strobe lights of the driving "Politik" made for a jarring, post-acoustic transition. Thousands of fluorescent paper butterflies erupted from confetti cannons during "Lovers in Japan." "Death and All His Friends" wrapped up the main set, followed by an encore of "The Scientist" and "Life In Technicolor II."

The career arcs of most arena acts follow a predictable course from that first, ungainly rush of fame to cashing in on recitals of old hits on the nostalgia circuit. Coldplay occupies the sweet spot in between, where experience intersects with still-vibrant creative energies. Tuesday's well-rounded, confident and compelling show is the result. Scottish quintet Snow Patrol, the middle act on Tuesday's bill, served up precise, meaty versions of mid-tempo fare that, in temperament and tone, approximates Keane, Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay. The natural ache in Gary Lightbody's voice illuminated the bittersweet "Run," which he dedicated to New Orleans.

Lightbody and company embraced their assigned role: To warm up the crowd for Coldplay. "You're about to be blown the hell away, I promise you that," Lightbody said. It was no false promise.

Article: http://blog.nola.com

Coldplay at the New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA (10 June 2009):

Pictures from the Times-Picayune

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

June 10, 2009 - submitted by Chris, Netherlands

Q. Hail to the Great Oracle, Is Will Champion a man of few words or silent person? Sometimes his composure is so calm that it makes me wonder. Best Regards, Chris

The Oracle replies:

Will's definitely not silent! The fact he's calm, thoughtful and articulate makes him a perfect spokesman for the band. He may appear serious at times but I assure you he's not a man of few words and great company.

June 10, 2009 - submitted by Joe, United Kingdom

Q. Is it true Coldplay is touring with Amadou and Mariam? If so, have they considered performing a duet?

The Oracle replies:

Amadou & Mariam will be opening for Coldplay from 10th - 24th July but there's no plans for a duet.

June 10, 2009 - submitted by Andrew, United Kingdom

Q. What is written on Chris' hand in the God Put a Smile video? Thanks.

The Oracle replies:

www.maketradefair.com.

June 9, 2009 - submitted by Danielle, Mozambique

Q. Is the song Don't Panic by Coldplay trying to say about global warming and what we are doing to our beautiful world?

The Oracle replies:

It's actually more about being optimistic and seeing that every cloud has a silver lining, which means that even though there may be a negative situation, something positive can come from it.

June 9, 2009 - submitted by Adam, United States of America

Q. Dear Wise, All-Knowing Oracle, I was browsing the Online Coldplay Shop, and there was a drinking glass reading "Coldplay" on it, but above it was a picture of a robot. What does the robot have to do with Coldplay? Another quick question, did Coldplay get in any trouble for the picture on the "Viva" album, due to a bit of revealing imagery?

The Oracle replies:

The robot is taken from the Talk video, which features the little fella.

There were a couple of places that weren't able to stock Viva la Vida due to the cover; some just used price stickers etc to cover her modesty!

June 8, 2009 - submitted by Diego, Venezuela

Q. Hi dear Oracle I would like to know why you guys decided to call your first song "Ode To Deodorant" like that? It's such a great song a I would really like to know!

Good evening! Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

I swear the first time I heard that song I thought it was a euphemism for something else. I'd never heard a song about something so random but totally believe Chris when he says that is in fact about deodorant!

Coldplay at the New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA (10 June 2009):

Pictures from the Times-Picayune

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on last night as they played at the New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA. There are also new pictures from Guy's tweets in the days leading up to this show, which you can view after the jump. The setlist remained largely the same as previous nights.

[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 - Will vocals)

I'm A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover - acoustic)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture: rockstar1315

This was both mine and my friend's first Coldplay show. I made her come with me even though she barely knows any of their songs. Let's just say after tonight she's been converted. The boys were absolutely amazing. Definitely one of the best shows I've ever been to. As far as the setlist goes, I was a bit foggy on it but I checked Nashville's and I'm pretty sure it was the exact setlist. Like at the Nashville show, they went offstage and down the aisle (where I got to touch Chris and Guy's hands /fangirl), where they went up and sang a few songs by the people in the back in the 1st level up. The guy behind me was watching Chris and all of his usual stage antics and said, "He is high as a kite." In short, it was amazing. I cannot wait to go again. [thanks yoselyn]

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

Coldplay at the New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA (10 June 2009):

Pictures from the Times-Picayune

Tweets:

At the 'Little Joy' show. My favorite new band... Guy

The great American freeway. Heading to a lake for a swim...Guy

In a department store in Austin, Texas... found this butterfly display...Guy

As we reported back in early May, Coldplay are to feature in a documentary for the South Bank Show later this year, and details on the format of the show have emerged today, courtesy of Music Week.

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.

As we exclusively reported yesterday, it has been confirmed that Girls Aloud will now appear at both of Coldplay's Wembley Stadium tour dates in September. The girl band had previously only been booked to play one of the two dates at Wembley, but will now share the support bill with hip-hop star Jay-Z who will also play both nights. The official site also said London rockers White Lies would be providing additional support at both shows. Here's Anchorman with details:

We're pleased to confirm that hip hop legend Jay- Z and reigning pop princesses Girls Aloud will now both appear as special guests at each of Coldplay's Wembley Stadium dates in September. Additional support at both shows will also come from chart-topping London rockers White Lies.

The band's UK leg of their tour begins on 12 September in Manchester. The tour, which began in Florida in May, finishes up at Wembley Stadium on 18 and 19 September.

Coldplay announced earlier last month they would give away CDs of their new live album LeftRightLeftRightLeft at every remaining live show in 2009, as well as make it available as a free download from their website.

Many people are taking inspiration from Coldplay's live shows, none moreso than Bob Hutchins of the blog Buzz Squared, focusing on the rapidly changing landscape of technology and business and where they impact culture for the good, and sometimes for the not so good. Here are his latest thoughts on Coldplay's live show ploy:

I took my 16 year old son to see Coldplay Saturday in Nashville. It was an incredible show. It was the first time I have seen them live. I have to say, that it rivaled some U2 shows I have been to. We were about 25 feet from the stage, so that made it all the better.

But what struck me almost as much as the show itself, was the crowd that was there. In front of us were some crazy 30 and 40 somethings, behind us were two african american women in their 60’s, and all around was a mix of all ages and colors. I expect this from a band that has been around for a while and has fans from different generations, but this was Coldplay. They only formed as a band in 1998, and their first record was out in 2000. Their popularity has only reached the masses in the past 5 or 6 years. So how do they do it?

Yes, they have good music that is accessible to a larger audience. But I saw something more Saturday night. I saw passion, I saw thoughfulness, and I saw excellence. It reminded me of something that happens with professional athletes. When you are the best at what you do, and are passionate about it, it draws in everyone. Even if you are not a basketball fan, you stopped to watch Michael Jordan fly through the air. And while I don’t play much golf, I am mesmerized when Tiger Woods makes that impossible shot that miraculously goes in the hole.

Coldplay is doing that with their music, and it is a lesson we all can apply to what ever business you are in or product you are marketing. Do it with excellence, be purposeful and thoughtful, and most of all do it with passion. You will find that your audience and customers will grow exponentially beyond your target demographic.

Coldplay at Sommet Center, Nashville, TN, USA (6th June 2009):

Official sources from within the Girls Aloud camp today are reporting that the girl band will be supporting Coldplay on BOTH nights at Wembley this coming September. Previously it had been reported that they would only be supporting on the 18th September, with the main support on the 19th coming from close friend of Chris Martin, Jay-Z.

It is not yet understood whether the support acts for the 19th September will include Jay-Z AND Girls Aloud or just Girls Aloud. However there had been rumour recently that Jay-Z would no longer be supporting, following a radio interview in which Chris Martin mentions falling out with Jay-Z and his management and them no longer touring together. A Girls Aloud source recently said: "Coldplay are huge pop fans. They love Take That and all the mainstream chart stuff," a source told The Sun. "Girls Aloud are the ideal support group. They will get the Wembley crowd worked up into a frenzy before the main attraction. Chris Martin is a fan and had them on his wishlist from the start of tour plans."

More on this support act news at the Coldplay Live forum in the 19th September Wembley thread here onwards. You can also hear the audio interview with Chris Martin on Buzz103 fm from 14th May here [thanks mimixxx]

Recent article:

When Chris Martin decided to sign Girls Aloud as support for one of Coldplay’s summer shows, he used a special booking agent – his missus. The singer called each of the girls individually to ask if they would open for his band at Wembley Stadium on September 18.

And in case Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle had any doubts about how serious he was, his wife Gwyneth Paltrow, chipped in on the phone.

When Chris was on the blower to Cheryl, Gwynnie took the handset and sang a few lines from their 2002 hit Sound Of The Underground to seal the deal. A source said: “The girls were buzzing to get a personal call from Chris. They never thought he would be such a big fan. After hanging up from Chris, Nicola called Cheryl to tell her the good news, but Cheryl had come off the phone from him minutes before and was still in shock. Chris roped in his missus to give Cheryl an X-Factor-style sing-song. Gwyn belted out the girls’ hit single down the phone with Chris joining in.”

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

June 5, 2009 - submitted by Andy, New Zealand

Q. Dear Oracle, On the new album, whose lovely voice is it doing the harmonies on The Hardest Part? When I saw the show I do not remember anyone else being on stage, but perhaps I was just distracted by Chris? Gratefully yours, Andy

The Oracle replies:

I sort of answered this only yesterday but perhaps I wasn't clear. Anyway, as Chris performs this song from Stage B it's easy to miss that Will is singing backing vocals behind his drums on the main stage.

June 5, 2009 - submitted by mei, Malaysia

Q. Do you know if there is going to be any DVD for the Twisted Logic tour soon?

The Oracle replies:

No, that DVD was shelved and there are no plans for a release.

June 5, 2009 - submitted by Ana, Spain

Q. Hi Oracle!:) The 5th of June is my birthday (15 years old!). Could you answer my question and wish me a happy birthday as my present? That would make me feel very happy!:) My question: I found a video where Chris sings the part of Human - Are we human or are we dancer? Because I'm on my knees looking for the answer- during Viva la Vida. Why did he do that? Is he a Killers fan? Because he seemed know very well the song of All These Things That I've Done at War Child concert! =) Thanx! Ana <3<3

The Oracle replies:

Happy 15th Birthday! Yes Coldplay are fans of The Killers. Chris often pays homage to other artists by including their lyrics in Coldplay songs during live shows. The War Child gig however was different because that wasn't as impromptu collaboration. They rehearsed the song beforehand.

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

June 4, 2009 - submitted by Andrew, United States of America

Q. Oh wise Oracle, I just went to the Darien Center concert yesterday and it was by far the best concert I have ever been to in my life. I was wondering though, how come Chris played The Hardest Part acoustically? Hope you answer! P.S. - When the band came and played in the back area of the crowd it was amazing I could have reached out and touched them!

The Oracle replies:

This started back on Saturday 30 August 2008 when Coldplay performed an intimate live concert for BBC Radio 2. Chris announced that they were playing it that way as the band were divided on their opinion of the song. Two members like it; two don't so he and Will performed it acoustically. It then became a part of the live show and proves to be a popular version.

June 4, 2009 - submitted by Katie, United States of America

Q. Why when I screamed to the band "play Like a Rolling Stone" they did not play it? I just want to hear Coldplay do Bob Dylan.

The Oracle replies:

Please don't take offence but it's not a request show. Apart from the fact that they'd need time to work out how to play other people's songs and learn lyrics, they can't just change the set when someone shouts out a song. They couldn't even do that if you shouted out for a Coldplay song! Can you imagine if everyone was doing that? It'd be pandemonium.

June 4, 2009 - submitted by Kara, Malaysia

Q. Hi Oracle, I ask this question because I want to you make sure that if my friend story is a fact or myth! Two days ago my friend told me a story about CD and the hilarious is she said the CDs has expiry date?! For example you buy the CDs this year and after 21 years you can't use it anymore. She said the longest period only 21 years?! Is that make a sense that CD has expiry date? It's like a food when you can eat it or not. I know every single things that human being create will damage one day but this story like nonsense! Don't ask me where she got this story. Oh Oracle please give your answer and why. Do you agree with me or her? Tell me!

The Oracle replies:

CDs have been around since the early 80s and there's no sign of any of mine failing just yet! No, CDs are built to last. The recordable CD, known as CD-R, can vary in quality. They can deteriorate after as little as 18 months, but the better ones last a lifetime. I think as it's been reported that your average CD-R usually has a life of around 20 years, your friend may have assumed this was the same for all CDs.

June 4, 2009 - submitted by Joshua, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, On LeftRightLeftRightLeft during Death and All His Friends, why does Chris yell out "J" just before the guitar starts

The Oracle replies:

He's just affectionately shouting to Jonny (a.k.a J) before he starts his guitar solo.

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

June 2, 2009 - submitted by Christopher, Germany

Q. Hey, Postcards From Far Away is written by Chris Martin or Will Champion?

The Oracle replies:

This is a question that has popped up a few times recently. All songs are credited to the whole band but that particular piece is purely a piano composition so the band didn't need to get involved as they do on other tracks; Chris wrote it.

June 2, 2009 - submitted by Bethandreea, United Kingdom

Q. What is the cover for the Clocks supposed to be? Everything else connected to a A Rush Of Blood To The Head is a face. But Clocks however stands out.

The Oracle replies:

Two Clocks questions in one day! Anyway, if you look at the cover and imagine you are underneath looking up, you can certainly spot the nose and other features.

June 2, 2009 - submitted by Melanie, Canada

Q. When you say that the band Muse inspired the song Clocks... what do you mean by that ? In which way ?

The Oracle replies:

It was mostly Matt Bellamy's piano style that inspired the track. You can almost hear it in the rhythm of Clocks' pounding keys.

June 2, 2009 - submitted by Jiovanni, United States of America

Q. I just got home from a Coldplay concert at Darien Lake in Buffalo, NY (which was an AMAZING show!! Awesome set list and performance! My first concert ever too :]) and anyway, I was wondering, who was the opening band for that concert? They were pretty good but no one seemed to know what the name of the band was! I even asked a few of the security people working there and they didn't know! Oh please Oracle, you have to tell me who that band was! Thanks!! Love, Jio ♥

The Oracle replies:

Details of the current tour support was reported by Anchorman. Seems you may have seen Howling Bells and Pete Yorn you lucky thing!

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on last night as they played at the Sommet Center, Nashville, TN. Will is learning to play the piano accordian, according to Guy who posted a tweet. There are also new pictures of the Coldplay puppets who have now dragged their battered bodies to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, which you can view in the recent posts here at the official Twitter. The setlist was the same as previous nights.

[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 - Will vocals)

I'm A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover - acoustic)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture: restlesschick16

All it took to convert me into a Coldplay fan was a seat like this and backstage access....other bands take note. :-) [thanks landonmorgan]

That was an amazing concert! We had amazing seats! Wow! To coldplaying peeps- a review will come tomorrow night or so, once i get back to Atlanta! [thanks _kaleigh]

Holy crap, the coldplay show was AMAZING!! The stage setup was just awesome and so were the video displays..AND They came down from the stage and played in the middle of the lawn...it was unbelievably AWESOME [thanks musicbliss @ Twitter]

tonight in Nashville was wild. Saw them once before,at Crystal Palace in London. Easily one of the best bands I have ever seen. [thanks toddmccalla @ Twitter]

HELP!!! I CAN'T SEE!!!! COLDPLAY just rocked my face off!!!!!!!! [thanks shargis7 @ Twitter]

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

Tweets:

We're in Nashville. Will is learning to play the piano accordian!...Guy

The Coldplay-shaped puppets hit Nashville...

The Coldplay-shaped puppets hit Nashville...

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on last night as they played at the Verizon Wireless Music Center, Indianapolis, IN. The setlist was the same as previous nights.

[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 - Will vocals)

I'm A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover - acoustic)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Chris martin said he learned 2 things at tonights coldplay concert. 1. Never start a concert with sparklers when it is still daylight 2. Before having a concert in indiana, learn how to address the state as a whole. (Its "hoosiers" not "indiana-ins") [thanks @amandajleech]

wow, I have never been to a coldplay concert before. Only one way to describe it - The ultimate aural orgasm... and I was literally right next to the in-crowd stage where Chris played The hardest part/postcards. Epic beyond belief, I will definitely see them again as soon as humanly possible. [thanks hdw.puppet]

OK here is what happened,so we get there an it's packed, me and my family (Mother Father sister + me), we got lawn seats,so when we finely get in I'm drawn to a certain area,it's directly in front of the stage(Only about three miles back),so i say "I Think We Should Sit Here" but they disagreed and sat a little ways away,but i staid,and so during the howling bells a man who looks like hes with the band he comes up and says "Hello! Are You Alone" And I Said "Well I Have Some Family Over There,Would You Like Me To Move" and he says "No,No Just Wanted To Check", And so the howling bells got over,and he walks up again and shakes my hand and re_introduces himself an the he said "How Would You Like It If I Could Get You Into The Pitt" !!! and my jaw drops,so i go Tell the family and they freak out,and every one around starts to freak,and so he starts to take me over and along the way he says "This Ticket Comes Strait From Chris Martin" !!!And from Thar being seven hundred people be twine me and coldplay, it was seven,and they wear on top of Thar game tonight from start to finish,it was the absolute best night ever,I'll post some pics soon,Peace. [thanks Vonsley1]

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

Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Music Center, Indianapolis, IN (5 June 2009):

Article: indianapolis.metromix.com

Chris Martin has said the band's next record will be a concept album revolving around a secret story, and that he wants follow-up to 'Viva La Vida' to have 'less fanfare', according to NME today.

The frontman revealed that the band want to take a break from touring to work on the follow-up to 'Viva La Vida', which he says will be more stripped-down than its predecessor. "We spend an awful lot of time creating," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Maybe it's because we're about to turn 33, but I just feel hungry to write all the time.

"I think at the end of this tour, we may not tour for a while. We may put out a record without quite so much fanfare. I think the next one will be quite stripped-down and based upon this story idea which I can't talk about because it might be bad."

Martin added that he's been getting inspiration from TV show 'The Wire', saying: "The main thing I do on tour is write, and then go watch ."

He also denied rumours that he'll release a solo album, saying: "Hell would have to not only freeze over, but be skated over and completely closed up. The pope would have to declare that it didn't even exist. I can't think of anything worse."

Meanwhile, Chris Martin has said he uses rapper Kanye West's confidence as a source of inspiration. Martin said he admired West's belief that music could still be challenged using new instruments and sounds, despite its long history. “That's what I really admire about Kanye. Because for all the flak he gets, I feel so inspired by his confidence,” Martin told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He knows that there's been all this history of music, but he still believes he can do something that no one else has done. That, for me, is a liberating idea.”

You can read the full interview article which was posted on 25th May at the Coldplay forum here onwards.

Coldplay at Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH (4 June 2009):

Source: news.cincinnati.com

The mellow headbanger: Chris Martin is a closet metalhead. The Coldplay front man rocked out to hardcore ’80s band Anvil after catching “The Story of Anvil” at the Village East Cinemas Wednesday night, reports New York's Daily News, Gatecrasher section.

Says a spy, “Chris was hanging out with a gaggle of nubile babes. Gwyneth [Paltrow] was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, the irony of [the soft rocker] going to a metal show was lost on her.”

More on this story and see pictures of metalhead Chris here at the Coldplay forum. Meanwhile, Chris Martin is not the only one who has been out and about in New York. Those Coldplay puppets are at it again. They've been spotted in Manhattan today. See the pictures after the jump. Said Anchorman in his latest tweet: "They're the puppetmen, they're the Coldplay puppetmen, they're the puppetmen in New York...

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on last night as they played at the Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH. Coldplay (Guy) posted some tweets including the very first 'on stage tweet' which you can view in the recent posts here at the official Twitter. The setlist was the same as previous nights.

[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 - Will vocals)

I'm A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover - acoustic)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture: ichadman @ Twitter

I just got back home, the show is incredible and it was the same setlist. I was on the C-stage where they play The hardest part/postcards from far away. It was a dream come true seeing them like that. Between the 2 songs I screamed "I love you Chris" and he smiled at it and everyone at the C-stage laughed at me.

I saw Coldplay live several times already and I'm always amazed by these guys.

Viva La Coldplay [thanks macky]

Setlist is more than likely the same from previous nights. I sat at the left side of the stage, FIRST ROW! I was so close that when they came down the steps to go to C-Stage I could smell them! They smelled pretty good! Like some kind of mint incense. There was a little girl about 8 or 9 in the seat right next to me, and when the guys came down, I put out my hand and she put out her hands. As Chris saw her, he took both her hands and said something to the effect of "hiya sweetheart!" Chris was pretty funny tonight! Referencing Cincinnati, the Reds/Cardinals series, Bootsy Collins and James Brown! I've never been so close in my life! [thanks kmm1482]

When Coldplay was on their B stage on the other side of the crowd, I tried to go over there and security stopped me. They also stopped me again at the end of the show when I tried to go down to the stage for a picture. Also, two security ppl on bicycles in the parking lot came up to me twice and told me to go get in line or leave because there was no loitering, even though I was waiting on for my friends, so I wasn't happy with that. Coldplay came out through the crowd twice to perform on their B and C stages. The first time was on the opposite side, but the second time they came right up through our section, so I ran over and threw my hand out for a high five, didnt get one but I managed to tap Chris' arm as he ran by. Also, I had no problem getting a copy of the LeftRightLeftRightLeft cd, and I waited for the crowds to thin out to leave. [thanks timsalmons1982]

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

Tweets:

First Live on stage tweet!!! ...Guy

This is Arlene Moon. She works for our management. She has a smiley face. We love her...Guy

Sorry I've been away for a while! Just leaving for Cincinatti...here's Johnny and will, waiting...Guy

Breathe a sigh of relief, the Coldplay frontman has given us his word that he is not about to go it alone and inflict songs about falafel on an unsuspecting public, a report in today's Guardian newspaper confirms today. Speaking in the recent interview, the Coldplay frontman dismissed the idea, admitting he "can't think of anything worse".

Martin said the chances of him going alone were remote: "Hell would have to not only freeze over, but be skated over and completely closed up. The pope would have to declare that it didn't even exist," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. There is in fact only one conceivable possibility for a non-Coldplay album by Martin arriving in shops: "It would probably mean that I've been dumped by my wife and I desperately need the money," he said.

Even if a solo album isn't on the horizon, the next Coldplay record is already on Martin's mind. "I think the next one will be quite stripped down and based upon this story idea, which I can't talk about because it might be bad," he said. Whereas Viva La Vida was partly inspired by a negative review of X&Y in the New York Times, the singer revealed, the band's latest music is motivated by recent accusations of plagiarism.

"We're being accused of not writing our own music. So it's like, 'Well, I'll just write better music,'" Martin said. "On my grandfather's life, I promise that I didn't mean to [rip anyone off]."

Then again, Martin's appetite for originality doesn't mean that the band will be making any major changes. They will not, for instance, be adding jokes to their songs. "We're not as lyrically mature as all that yet," he said. "We're still dealing with teenage angst. We're working our way up to witticisms."

Martin revealed that he derives inspiration from sudden "sparks", "some word [that] sends your mind going". "Like 'falafel,'" he explained. "That hasn't happened yet. But then I would probably go to the guitar, and since it's 'falafel', I would probably start with an F chord, and then I probably would try to link it to the breakdown of a relationship."

It's probably a good thing about that solo record.

Chris Martin at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Detroit, MI (2 June 2009):

Pictures: by ashleylouwho @ livejournal.com

As you will know by now, as a 'thank you' to the fans, Coldplay (not personally) have been handing out LeftRightLeftRightLeft, a free nine-track CD to everyone who attends one of the band’s concerts this summer. So far, the CDs have been handed out at 11 shows, the latest being at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, Detroit, MI. Coldplaying has been receiving more messages from concertgoers regarding receiving a CD after the show, and there have been a lot of happy punters out there, but it seems that there are still people willing to help nobody but themselves. Here are some of the latest comments:

My daughter and I attended Hershey, and in spite of a rain delay and worrying about Chris' burn condition, all in attendance seemed to leave in a very orderly fashion and from what we could see, each of us got one CD. The volunteers were posted at the exits (which in Hershey are narrow and lacking in sufficient numbers). Having said that, I do believe that giving them out as one enters the arena would have been a better idea (other than having to hold on to them all thru the show of course), so there are pros and cons to either method. The totally ideal way would require some extra technology, but I think having your ticket scanned as soon as you get the CD and being computer-controlled would really eliminate any problems. NO complaints from us though, the CD is amazing and I wonder if the band understands how much this gesture is appreciated???? Please email them a thankyou if you haven't already. [thanks ashland421]

we were basically the last to leave the Hartford gig and i made up some story how my friend from chile was supposed to be here but could not come and could i please have an extra copy for her. they were very nice and gave me an extra - they had plenty. hopefully it will be in her hands tomorrow. [thanks Christa1]

Darien Lake: After the show, we scooped up as many paper butterflies as we could, then headed for the exit, me utterly speechless, to pick up our free live album, LeftRightLeftRightLeft, which is given out to everyone who attends a show this summer. It seems they've finally worked out how to distribute these properly, and we had no problem each getting a copy. I felt sorry for the venue worker who had the job of standing at the side with a megaphone, announcing over and over that everyone would be given a CD, one per person...he seemed to be getting incredibly bored saying the same thing over and over, so he tried to liven up his message with some silly jokes and even attempted a Southern accent. [mikohana]

We were at the Pitt show (May 30, 2009) ... the cd's were handed out during the exit. 4 from our clan left the concert a little early .. they received their cd's with no problems. My friend & I stayed until the end, we received ours too ... without any problems. [laurel]

In the hope of collecting useful feedback from Coldplayers on the CD giveaway at all the shows as they progress through the 2009 tour, please leave your comments here on how you got a CD, how many you were given (how many you could have got), and whether you got one at all. It would be useful to mention which show you attended as well.

Don't forget, if you missed out on a CD at the Cruzan Amphitheatre yesterday you can still download the music from the Coldplay site. Go here directly for the download page.

Previous comments:

I was an Oxfam volunteer at the Atlanta show. We were given the task of handing out the CDs at the end of the show... There were hands EVERYWHERE! For the most part everyone was very kind, took one CD and said thank you. Others were slightly greedy and would try to hide the one they already had and grabbed another one. It isnt easy to concentrate when you have 14,000 people coming at you with their hand out... I was able to keep one cd for myself. When the last box I had was down to 20 CDs and there were still a few hundred people comeing out I handed them out as quick as possible and then FLED THE AREA like OJ at a murder scene... [mountainloafers]

I got one too, but there were tons of people being rude and grabbing at the people handing them out. I was embarrassed at my fellow Floridians. Bless the patient Oxfam people who put up with that crap. [steven]

At Lakewood in Atlanta it was very mellow. The crowd to leave was a bit ,well crowded. My wife and I walked up to the exit and got our CD and out of the venue quickly. They had other exits for those who did not care to stand in line as well. When you come in could be better and quicker I think, but it is the venues staff not CP's. So blame the personel of the venue not the band. [johnding]

Here’s what happened - there were Oxfam volunteers at the gates, standing under butterfly balloons, handing them out. And I have talked to audience members who saw them - at this point, it’s only been people who went out the north exit, near the main entrance, who did - and saw that there was a mad dash for them. [pbpulse]

i thought it went very smoothly in atlanta. if you didn't want a cd, you could exit on the sides. i got one cd and it's great. however, i wonder why they just didn't give people a download code or something for itunes or something. could have saved them tons of money and saved a lot of waste, as much as they are into saving the earth and all, you know? at least there's no plastic covers on them or anything. anyway, i didn't run into any problems and was near the middle of the pack exiting, although i was in the pit. we just ran to get out to make sure we got a cd [librahi]

The CD's were being handed out by Oxfam volunteers and I felt VERY bad for them. They were being bombarded with people. People were even trying to take the boxes away from them, I wanted to stay and help them out but my friend was in a rush. I don't know how they'll arrange the CD giveaway at the next venue, but the way it was at West Palm Beach, you just have to look for where there is a crowd bombarding each other. Getting there early won't help, the hand out CD's after their performance. What I did was make sure not to leave without a CD. Yes, the volunteers handing out the CD's was a bit hard to find at first, but there were several volunteers. Look for one who isn't being completely bombarded. And be nice! Don't attack them! Get one CD and go, the reason for the chaos is people trying to get more than one CD. If you really want a CD be patient. [AnaMars89]

I was able to grab a copy, but only after being shoved around a giant mosh pit by the north entrance. The CD is a great live album, but not quite worth the effort it took to get it. [Tracy]

I could not find the free CD LeftRightLeftRightLeft that was supposed to be given away last night at Cruzan Amphitheatre in W. Palm Beach. I asked several Cruzan personnel in several different areas and they all responded that they had no information about a “supposed free CD from Coldplay” at that show. I asked some jocks at a radio station booth and they said the CDs would be given away as everyone exits. We were funneled out of the venue, past dozens of Cruzan staffers and none were giving away the CD. No one leaving had a CD.

We were promised this by Chris Martin and now it seems to be an empty promise. How can it be that the personnel in charge knew nothing of this giveaway? They were dismissive of my request for information. I even went back over to Cruzan this morning to speak with someone in authority and got nowhere. The woman at the ticket office was rolling her eyes over my request for information or help. She said they were not responsible and did not know anything about it and to call the front desk on Monday. I am being swept aside.

I want to know if Coldplay members have any idea of the thousands of fans that are now left with bitter feelings regarding the CDs. I will call Cruzan’s front office on Monday but a fat lot of good that will do me, and I know it. Why did this happen? I feel robbed now. If I find those employees horded the CDs that were supposed to be for ticket-buying fans and are selling them on eBay, I will be calling all the major newspapers and TV stations in the area. I want the CDs (one for my daughter and one for me). [name supplied]

Some greedy bastard obtained TEN copies of LRLRL and is selling them [edit: already sold for $100 not including P&P!] as a bundle on eBay. It was supposed to be 1 CD for 1 ticket, therefore some people missed out because of this guy! [thanks Benjamin]

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

June 3, 2009 - submitted by justin, United States of America

Q. Mr./Mrs. Oracle, Why on earth doesn't Coldplay keep bootlegs of all of there shows? It would be quite awesome if I could get the soundboard recording of the show I was at. Point me in the right direction.

The Oracle replies:

I know what you mean but if Coldplay did keep soundboard recording they wouldn't be bootlegs as that term refers to illegal copies. As they are under contract with EMI, they couldn't just offer those recordings for sale and that's not a common practice. The free live album LeftRightLeftRightLeft is as near as you'll get to that I'm afraid but surely that's good enough?

June 3, 2009 - submitted by Slider, United States of America

Q. It seems as though, in your latest blog, you posted a picture of what seemed to be acupuncture needles (and lighters for some reason). Does the band support the use of alternative treatments to keep them healthy on the road? As an acupuncturist in Washington State, it would be great to know that we are supported... See ya at the Ridgefield, WA show, let me know if you want a treatment :)

The Oracle replies:

They're not acupuncture needles, they are in fact sparklers and lighters! The band do support alternative treatments but obviously do whatever it takes to stay fit & healthy on the road.

June 3, 2009 - submitted by Liam, United Kingdom

Q. I've heard Coldplay were inspired by Radiohead's album OK Computer. And I was just wondering if Coldplay were fans of Radiohead's post OK Computer music, given the large change in direction.

The Oracle replies:

They remain fans of Radiohead and see their change of direction as strokes of genius. They started their career in awe of the band and to be honest, that's probably still the case.

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

June 1, 2009 - submitted by Beth, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle, I feel stupid asking this question, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of the classical song that was played right before Coldplay came on stage. The people sitting in front of me had seen Coldplay before, and they said that the song was played every time. I am desperately searching my brain for this song, but it's not working! It came right before Life in Technicolor. Please help!

The Oracle replies:

The show starts right after Johann Strauss' The Blue Danube.

June 1, 2009 - submitted by Syrus, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, The Roadie often menitons a C stage and B stage. What are they?

Thanks!! =]

The Oracle replies:

The current live show consists of the main stage, Stage A if you will and there are two runways that protrude at either side. From the runway at stage left, another stage appears during the show, known as Stage B. Stage C is actually a small area set aside for an acoustic performance and is within the audience, which brings the people at the back closer to the action.

June 1, 2009 - submitted by Jaydee, Nigeria

Q. I have 3 girlfriends a,b,c in 3 countries they all love me equally but I dont really love them like they do. I love b but don't trust her. C I'm indifferent but trust her. A really loves me and has good future for us but I dont really love her. Oracle please which should I marry it's time.

The Oracle replies:

None of them! Clearly you haven't found the woman for you if you're dating three and actually don't completely love any one of them. I'll tell you what it's time for; to move on from these women and let them find true love too.

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued on last night as they played at the Darien Lakes, Buffalo, NY. The setlist was the same as previous nights.

[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 - Will vocals)

I'm A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover - acoustic)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture: Dalboz 17

Hi guys. I'm back from the best concert of my life! It was beyond amazing. I have no words to describe it, but let me tell you, it was worth every penny, every ounce of anticipation, and every day I had to wait. This was my first time seeing them so I'm sure it will live on in my memory forever. I honestly don't think I've ever been so happy in my whole life!! Chris' voice was beautiful as always and he seemed to be in a pretty good mood, joking and improvising and such. And the rain seemed to hold off for the most part...I think it may have rained a bit but we were under a tent. Chris kept thanking everyone for putting up with the weather, he's so sweet! And OMG when they came out to the B stage, it was in the section right next to mine, so I got a really good view during The Hardest Part and GPASUYF!! They were SO close. The crowd was better than I expected...they were all standing and singing and screaming the whole time, and I was happy I had a fellow Chris lover next to me! It was just incredible. I was having such a great time that I forgot to tweet in between songs as I had planned...sorry! there were no major changes to the setlist. And there were no ramps... Probably had something to do with the seats not being movable? [thanks Technicolor Girl]

I had a friend who was there on the lawn and she called and told me it rained off and on-- including a downpour during Fix You which ended as the song ended, which she thought was pretty cool. [thanks SwallowedInSea]

Also just got back from Darien Lake, I had seen them in Cleveland and let me tell you this was a way better crowd, atmosphere, and performance. Really great, Everyone was into it and oh I go to touch all the band members as the walked to the C stage. That was cool. Great show and now I feel so satisfied! [thanks Arsenal007]

I just got home after 2 hours sitting in the parking lot Amazing show...my 3rd time seeing them and it never gets old. My seats were on the end in section 204, and I gave Chris a hi-5 on his way to the lawn stage...pretty cool! I was amazed at the variety of people there. Every age group, every ethnicity, all there belting out their favorite Coldplay songs. It was really quite amazing, the most diverse crowd I've seen at a concert. [thanks Freyster98]

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

In a sure sign of the apocalypse, Pitchfork, that infamous indie rock trendsetter, has given the new Coldplay live album (which was released on 15th May) a 6.8 out of 10, which in Pitchfork terms equals a pretty frackin' high score, reported Graffiti Magazine earlier today. After you've put your eyeballs back in their sockets, you can read the review they were referring to:

When most of the world first met Chris Martin, he was a sad dude wandering around a beach in his windbreaker and singing about everything being yellow. If Coldplay started out as one of many earnest post-Britpop bands in the late 1990s, they've beaten the odds to become one of the biggest bands in the world, the kind whose album releases become events and whose impact reaches beyond the confines of a genre, country, or audience.

Coldplay are, in short, the kind of band that can give away a live album gratis. LeftRightLeftRightLeft is free to anyone with a ticket at their live shows and anyone with an internet connection at their web site. While I'm sure there's a suit somewhere tearing his hair out over this, it's not quite as ballsy as Prince giving away free copies of Musicology or bundling Planet Earth with the London Daily Mail. On the other hand, you might want to listen to LRLRL more than once.

Seriously, they could be selling this shit. After all, Live 2003 got a full release complete with a DVD, and it doesn't even approach the confidence and dynamics of LRLRL, which showcases a band much more comfortable and commanding on stage. All the big moments they've tried to create in the studio finally come alive on these tracks: those tectonic shifts that push opener "Glass of Water"; the mechanistic jam of "Clocks", especially when Guy Berryman re-creates the vocal melody on bass against Martin's cascades of piano notes; the communal grandiosity of "Viva la Vida". Despite a fairly conservative tracklist, LRLRL sounds like the band finally coming into its own, presenting as a live act rather than a studio band.

Much of the credit goes to the audience-- those thousands of fans singing devotedly along with Martin and exploding during the big moments. Maybe that's why LRLRL is a giveaway: The crowd may be legally obligated to co-billing, especially that woman singing herself hoarse for a few notes on "The Hardest Part/Postcards from Far Away". Here's a quick before-and-after demonstration: The opening lyrics to "42" are some of his worst, and Martin alone can't save them. But hearing him sing those same inane lyrics with a couple thousand people backing him up make that mood-setting melody sound pretty good actually. LRLRL owes its life to the audience, whose handclaps give "Viva la Vida" the sense of heraldry missing from the album version and whose insistent singing on "Fix You" defuses the song's Messianic rumblings.

Of course, the crowd can't rehab all of Coldplay's material. "The Hardest Part/Postcards from Far Away" is a middling piano ballad that feints toward "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" territory but runs straight for Billy Joel. And ending with "Death and All His Friends", especially after "Fix You", seems particularly anticlimactic. Martin no longer has to cajole the crowd into participating, as he did on Live 2003; instead, the band seems utterly confident the audience will hang on every word and note. Even so, he does deliver some overeager stage banter. "This is the moment in the concert when we show you how good our band really could have been," he says by way of introducing drummer Will Champion, who sings the short, strummy "Death Will Never Conquer". Champion does a fine job, sounding late-Poguish and completely at ease, but Martin's comment seems little more than hollow self-deprecation, only pointing to his reputation as the band's handsome, actress-bagging, Jeff Buckley-copping frontman. And just try not to wince when he alters the lyrics to "Fix You" and renders the song self-referential: "five hundred meters from the band at the Coldplay show." You can't touch the hem of his garment from that distance, but those are still pretty good seats.

Coldplay are the biggest band in the world because they believe themselves to be, which is the kind of titanic self-actualization typically associated with salesmen and self-help books. But they are humble in their hubris: Not only do they provide a service-- essentially giving listeners what they want-- but in this case, they're doing it without charge. Ironically, those contradictory qualities mean the band may be wasted in a studio, Eno notwithstanding. LRLRL suggests that Coldplay songs truly live only in vast concert halls and smallish arenas, where they are performed for, and arguably by, a captivated audience.

Discussion on this review is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks MasoKnight]

Check out coldplay.com for a new blog entry: #42 has no idea who Susan Boyle is

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

Three days off in a row is a phenomenon practically unheard of in the touring world. The fact that we're so unused to the idea of spending this much time away from the show whilst still "on tour" means that the phrases "long time no see" and "what did you do in the break?" are being bandied about with ridiculous regularity at the Pittsburgh gig. You'd think we'd just come back from summer holidays or something.

Now obviously, nobody likes cancelling shows. The reason that every one of us is here is to do the gig. I have to say though, that I am glad that common sense prevailed over the urge to soldier on regardless. I'm also pleased that the commitment to play a make-up show was without question. To all the folks who didn't get a night out on Wednesday, the old adage will doubtless hold true - the best things will indeed come to those who wait...

As the vehicles draw near to the Pittsburgh Becky, Franky's missus-to-be makes an observation: "Is it just me, or has there not been a single other car for miles?" She's absolutely right. It feels as though we're driving into Area 51. Our driver informs us that it's because we're on a new road - and it's a toll road at that. We pull into the toll booth and wait for the price. It's fifty cents. That's around thirty pence for your own highway. I'd call that a bargain...

Chris kicks off the show by asking the crowd whether they're the current Superbowl champions. It would appear that they are. It would also appear that they're damn happy about it, too. When the fellas reach the C-Stage out in the lawn, they're still chanting. At first, Chris can't understand what they're on about.....

After a difficult couple of shows (which owed a lot of their success to crowd enthusiasm) tonight is a very welcome return to fighting form for the chaps. The crowd here too, are plenty loud. Notably so, in fact. Good to see the band firing on all four again and giving as good as they get.

We climb back into the vehicles and head back to NYC for the day off. Each evening, by email, we get a "Day Sheet" from Franksy giving us times and details for the upcoming day or two. Tonight's contains the results of "Britain's Got Talent". Evidently, this is as important to the band as what time we're meeting in the lobby for the next gig. Also, I appear to be the only person on earth with no idea who Susan Boyle is.

As Will is staying in a different spot to us with his family, he ends up in his own vehicle. He texts that he's lonely in a car by himself and that he's coming to the hotel bar anyway for a quick one before getting "home". We pass his vehicle at some traffic lights and see only a white pair of sneakers (listen, we're in the states, so I'll call 'em what I like) in in the tinted window. Evidently, he's over the isolation and has proceeded directly to spreading out.

Somehow he beats us there and sits making friends with the locals whilst waiting for us to pull up. Me, being the party boy I am, I head directly for the elevator. 'Night folks.

It's a "chores" day off today. I have laundry to collect, I also wander around the corner to get a haircut. In follicle terms, male pattern baldness has me pretty much covered (or rather, doesn't). The edges need a little buzz-cut from time to time though, so I head off to the nearest basement hair place. Now the guy who shows me to the chair was either speeding heavily, or training for some kind of Olympic gum-chewing event. Worryingly, for someone I'm about to let near my head with a motorised cutting instrument, he speaks exactly like the kidnapper from The Silence Of The Lambs. Still, at least it was over quick....

I'll miss NYC when we finally decamp.

R#42

Live Nation will eliminate service fees on more than five million lawn tickets and hundreds of concerts for its amphitheaters in a one-day promotion June 3. The 24 hour sales event is being billed as the biggest ticket promotion ever, which would be hard to dispute.

"No Service Fee Wednesdays," begins June 3 at 12:01 a.m., offering fans some of the lowest prices of the summer with no ticket service fees on any LiveNation.com-ticketed amphitheater show, and only at LiveNation.com. A source at Live Nation says service fees typically average about one third of the total ticket cost.

The Wednesday discount will apply to 14 shows (including No Doubt, Kid Rock, the Warped Tour and Nickelback) at the First Midwest Amphitheatre in Tinley Park and four concerts (Coldplay, Dave Matthews, Aerosmith) at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wis. The nationwide program will lower the price on 5 million tickets.

Throughout the rest of the summer, Live Nation will offer a variety of "No Service Fee Wednesdays" specials at LiveNation.com. This promotion is not valid in combination with other special pricing offers and is subject to availability. Tickets without service fees are available at all Live Nation-ticketed amphitheaters for concerts including blink-182, Coldplay, No Doubt, Nickelback, Depeche Mode, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Crue Fest, Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick, Kid Rock/Lynyrd Skynyrd, Phish, Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addition, the Dead, Rascal Flatts, and many others.

Live Nation has already been tackling the issue of service fees with its in-house ticketing operation launched at the beginning of this year. "We know the fan has been frustrated by the series of successive fees in the purchase process," Live Nation Ticketing CEO Nathan Hubbard tells Billboard.com. "There is attrition in the sales flow once you see your third page with some additional fees. The fan told us they just want to know up front how much the cost of the experience is going to be. We didn’t address that problem completely, but the first step was moving from fan's paying a service fee, you might pay a shipping and handling fee, maybe a print-at-home fee, delivery fee, etc, to consolidating it into a single up-front fee that is there as you cart your inventory."

Hubbard says Live Nation Ticketing has sold more than five million tickets since launching in January.

Source: Various

On Bank Holiday Monday, Xfm threw caution to the wind and decided to name the Top 100 Best British Songs Of All Time. Taking in votes from the listeners and Xfm DJs, they compiled what they think it the definitive list of the greatest songs from Blighty.

Coldplay featured three times in the list, courtesy of songs Yellow, Viva La Vida and Clocks which came in at 36th, 70th and 82nd positions respectively. And for the record, here's what the final line-up was... (mustve been an XFM Manchester poll then...!)

1. Oasis - Live Forever

2. Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger

3. Oasis - Wonderwall

4. The Stone Roses - I Am The Resurrection

5. Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart6. The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony

7. The Who - My Generation

8. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor

9. The Clash - London Calling

10. Oasis - Champagne Supernova

11. The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

12. Muse - Knights Of Cydonia

13. Pulp - Common People

14. The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter

15. Blur - Song 2

16. The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset

17. The Jam - A Town Called Malice

18. The Beatles - Hey Jude

19. The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil

20. The Stone Roses - Fool's Gold

21. Blur - Parklife

22. David Bowie - Life On Mars

23. The Smiths - This Charming Man

24. The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored

25. Radiohead - Paranoid Android

26. The Jam - Going Underground

27. Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict A Riot

28. Radiohead - Creep

29. Muse - Plug In Baby

30. Elbow - One Day Like This

31. The Beatles - Come Together

32. The Rolling Stones - Paint It, Black

33. The Who - Baba O'Riley

34. Manic Street Preachers - Motorcycle Emptiness

35. Muse - Time Is Running Out

36. Coldplay - Yellow

37. Manic Street Preachers - A Design For Life

38. New Order - Blue Monday

39. John Lennon - Instant Karma!

40. Muse - Hysteria

41. Oasis - Supersonic

42. The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now

43. Snow Patrol - Run

44. The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again

45. David Bowie - "Heroes"

46. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

47. Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen

48. The Undertones - Teenage Kicks

49. David Bowie - Jean Genie

50. The Libertines - Don't Look Back Into The Sun

51. Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love

52. Stereophonics - Dakota

53. The Jam - That's Entertainment

54. Oasis - Cigarettes And Alcohol

55. Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees

56. Muse - Supermassive Black Hole

57. The Beatles - All You Need Is Love

58. Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The UK

59. Muse - Starlight

60. Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars

61. Oasis - The Masterplan

62. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

63. Muse - Feeling Good

64. The Specials - Ghost Town

65. Ash - Girl From Mars

66. The Stone Roses - She Bangs The Drums

67. The Who - Who Are You

68. Oasis - Slide Away

69. The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

70. Coldplay - Viva La Vida

71. Arctic Monkeys - When The Sun Goes Down

72. Oasis - Rock 'N' Roll Star

73. The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight

74. Primal Scream - Rocks

75. Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love With Someone...

76. Ocean Colour Scene - The Riverboat Song

77. Primal Scream - Loaded

78. The Beatles - Revolution

79. The Cure - Close To Me

80. The Kinks - Lola

81. Feeder - Just A Day

82. Coldplay - Clocks

83. David Bowie - Space Oddity

84. The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work

85. Blur - The Universal

86. Feeder - Buck Rogers

87. The Rolling Stones - (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

88. The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

89. Radiohead - Karma Police

90. Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall Part 2

91. The Stone Roses - Made Of Stone

92. Blur - Country House

93. Stereophonics - Pick A Part That’s New

94. The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar

95. Radiohead - High And Dry

96. The Jam - Eton Rifles

97. The Rolling Stones - Ruby Tuesday

98. The Stone Roses - Waterfall

99. Paul Weller - You Do Something To Me

100. The Kinks - You Really Got Me

Source: XFM

Cyclic Defrost Magazine spoke to Jon Hopkins a few weeks ago, and in the interview Jon talks about working and touring with Coldplay. Here is the Coldplay section of their article:

Cyclic Defrost: Now obviously you’ll be in Sydney soon, performing this live. Have you been performing this material live already?

Jon: I have, I’ve done a huge amount of touring actually since June. I was opening for Coldplay for a lot of last year, and in Japan I opened for them this year as well. And it’s just been great — it’s an unusual way to do your first tour! But it’s been an amazing experience, and certainly taken care of the nerves a bit. If I can play 40 ridiculous arena shows then I should be able to deal with anything else really. Although strangely I still get nervous when I’ve got 2 or 300 people and it’s my own show.

Cyclic Defrost: Now, obviously there are some other big name connections as well. So I was wondering how the connection with Brian Eno, who’s responsible for bringing you out, how did that come about?

Jon: Quite surreal actually — I have this friend called Leo Abrahams, who’s a guitarist and a brilliant composer, and he was in a guitar shop, just trying out some different guitars and playing some amazing stuff as he does, and Brian happened to be in there as well, and was, without him knowing, listening — and he introduced himself afterwards and took Leo’s number. And about a year later he called him up out of the blue and invited him in for a jam. And they were playing for a good two years and he did loads of stuff with Leo, and then Leo played him some of my second record and he invited me in for a jam. And on the very first day we came up with some of the stuff for Another Day on Earth and then it just went from there. That was about 5 years ago now, and we’ve stayed in touch, and he’s got me involved in most of the most interesting things I’ve worked on really. So, pretty cool!

Cyclic Defrost: Including I suppose the Coldplay connection as well. That must have initially be a spin-out to be working with somebody like that…

Jon: Well, very big spin-out actually. I’d always been a fan of their songs, and really admire that kind of songwriting where it’s very concise and, you know, being able to write melodies that the whole world can remember is more difficult than anything else really. So I was very impressed with them, and I thought there was room for an element of my kind of sound-making within their structures.

Read the full interview between Cyclic Defrost Magazine and Jon Hopkins here in Issue 23.

Jon Hopkins