Coldplay earlier this month announced details of a huge tour of North America, which will begin in Portland, Oregon on July 10th and will conclude on 9th August in Tampa, Florida. General tickets for most shows are now on sale. However, the presale continues today via Live Nation for three more of the shows, namely Carson, The Woodlands (Houston) and Tampa.

To check on all the dates, go to the Live Nation site here and if you're struggling for pre-sale passwords or just want general help (or looking for ticket swaps etc) please visit our pre-sale discussion in the Coldplay Live forum here, or click on one of the discussion links below:

July

10th - Portland, OR - The Amphitheater at Clark County - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

11th - George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

13th - San Francisco, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

16th - San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 13th Feb (presale 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

18th - Carson, CA - Home Depot Center - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

21st - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

22nd - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

24th - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

25th - East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley Music Theatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

29th - Venue TBC (poss. Molson Amphitheatre), Toronto, ON - on sale 27th Feb (presale unknown) [discussion] [wiki] *

August

3rd - Mansfield, MA - Comcast Center - on sale 14th Feb (presale 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

6th - Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion - on sale 13th Feb (presale 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

7th - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 13th Feb (presale 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

9th - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

*TORONTO UPDATE: Coldplay's show in Toronto on 29th July was due to go on sale on 13th February. However, due to delays with being able to announce the venue, the on sale date has now been moved back to 27th February (the venue will also be confirmed prior to the 27th).

Check out coldplay.com for a new blog entry: #42 reports back from a magical night in London

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks svenky & coldplay12] and also the Coldplay Live - War Child thread here [thanks jenjie

Well bugger me - we made it! Obviously, now it's done it seems like it was nothing, but going into it, it felt like there was a lot of potential for trainwreck. We've done a complete lap of the planet in just over a week, a bunch of awards show madness, a quick Japanese tour and topped it all off with a mad dash across town into a charity show, getting a whole gig's worth of gear set up in a matter of hours for an absolute belter of a night.

The Brits rehearsals pass in a blur. There's an eight hour gap between dress rehearsal and the show, so there's a move to bail for the hotel. I decide to wait for the second van and kill some time in the dressing room. On the drinks table is a brochure for a bunch of free spa treatments available in the backstage area. Now obviously, these are intended for pop superstars and not grimy roadies, but hell, the band left ages ago. I'm tempted by the spray tan purely for the comedy value, but eventually chicken out, settling instead for a neck and shoulders massage to chase away the long hauls.

After thirty minutes of having my spine re-arranged, I feel so relaxed I can barely stay awake long enough to get back to the hotel. I book an alarm call so I'm ready for the 6pm van back to the gig. Needless to say, I pick up and put down the phone and head back off into the land of nod. By sheer fluke I'm awakened by traffic noise and dive out the door into a cab.

The Brits performance goes pretty well, I think - not that I'd know, as from my spot I can just about see the back of Guy's bass rig and nothing else. The bass rig did very well though, I thought...

Time then to heave all the gear over to Shepherd's Bush. Out the back of Earls Court, U2's crew have kindly let us jump the queue and bring our truck in first. They even give us a hand loading it up - what wonderful gents.

So then, the Shepherd's Bush Empire show for War Child.

I haven't done a gig inside Shepherd's Bush Empire for years. Back when I was last in here, it was the biggest gig I'd ever done. Today though, it looks very small indeed. It's essentially a theatre. What could be more sensible then, than trying to cram two arena bands onto the tiny stage?

The Killers are first up and in perfect Vegas style, they have a wonderfully palm-tree laden stage set. I've never seen these guys live before and they are blindingly good. Indeed, when they steam into Somebody Told Me, the response from the crowd is so huge that it feels worryingly like our fellas' show will just be an after-thought.

As ever in situations like this, the setlist changes several times in the approach to showtime. Whilst the Killers are on, the tiny corridor beside the stage becomes our crew office as we pore over the current incarnation of the plan and work out just how we're going to make it work. Will passes through on his way for a watch of the Killers. He leans in to ask Bash a question (entirely unrelated to the gig) and in the belief that he's come with information on just what the hell might happen later, he's immediately surrounded by the entire crew, who crowd him like cattle round a farmer with a feed-bag. He's as non-plussed as the rest of us. We do know that the setlist we have in front of us has had Yellow and I'm A Believer dropped from it though.

The changeover actually goes very smoothly. Credit undoubtedly to The Killers' wonderful crew and the calm forethought of Kurt our stage manager. Pretty soon, the fellas are on and it's clear that it's going to be a special night.

Pretty soon too, the setlist is all but a memory. Chris shouts across the stage that they're going to do Yellow after all. To me, it makes sense. Just as the last time I worked on a gig here it was the biggest thing I'd done, so too did Coldplay play here in 2000 and I bet it felt huge to them back then. Almost a decade later here they are absolutely blowing the roof off the place with the same song.

The roof went on to go some distance further as the evening (or rather the morning, it being around 1am by this point) progressed. The encore began with a joyous and celebratory romp through Viva La Vida. The sound of a crowd roaring this back at the stage never fails to impress. There's something though, about the fact that in a venue this size you can actually see the whites of the eyes of the person furthest away from the stage that means that it feels like the biggest New Year's Eve singalong ever. Not bad for February, I guess.

Chris has promised the best encore of all time and his first weapon to back up those claims is Gary Barlow from Take That. The fellas have been dropping a short version of this into the live set for a while now, so it was pretty inevitable that they'd give this one a shot. The crowd greet Gary with a riotus reception and the party is into full swing. Jon Hopkins is at the piano and it's one big 1am drunken singalong.

The final blowout comes in the shape of the Killers' track All These Things That I've Done. Suddenly the stage is quite simply awash with folks. The Killers have come up and have plugged into Coldplay's gear, taken over the drumstool and the piano. Bono, from young Dublin hopefuls The U2s has nonchalantly walked on to deafening applause. Chris has dragged Gary Barlow back onstage. It's noisy, it's chaotic - in places, quite frankly it's a complete fucking mess, but this is exactly as it should be and it's completely excellent.

I remember weeks ago in the Bakery, Chris talking about doing this gig and mentioning the idea of inviting guests on for a big finale. "It'd be great to turn it into just one big ol' Brits party" he said. Well, they've not just had a party, they've had something to celebrate. It was an absolutely belting gig.

Roadie #42

Lionel Richie has revealed that he would love to team up with Coldplay.

The 'All Night Long' singer admitted that he hopes to meet the band at tonight's Brit Awards. "I’d love to work with Coldplay, that could happen. It would be great," he told The Sun. The singer, who has previously duetted with Enrique Iglesias and Dutch jazz artist Trijntje Oosterhuis, added that he would like the British rock act to contribute to his next record. "If they could do something on my next album that would be very cool."

Last night though, Coldplay did duet with Bono, The Killers and Take That's Gary Barlow all on the same stage at the same time - you can now see exclusive pictures and videos from Coldplayers who were inside the tiny venue here onwards. [thanks laura84]

Coldplay may have been left humiliated after their Brit Awards snub, but they certainly know how to bounce back in spectacular fashion, report the Daily Mail.

After losing out in four categories last night despite selling millions of albums and Grammy success, the group hot-fotted it over to the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire for the War Child charity’s 15th birthday. They performed a string of hits from Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends much to the delight of the crowd, which included Sienna Miller, Anna Friel and No. 1 fan Gwyneth Paltrow.

But the best was yet to come, with the group, who headlined alongside The Killers, bringing a couple of surprise guest onto the stage for their final songs. 'This,' Chris Martin announced, 'is going to be the best encore you’ve ever seen.' Gary Barlow emerged to perform Take That’s Back For Good with Martin on backing vocals and then Bono and The Killers joined in for Brandon Flowers’s All These Things That I’ve Done.

See more exclusive pictures and videos from those who managed to get lucky tickets here onwards. [thanks laura84]

Sienna could barely contain herself as she danced around and even indulged in a spot of air guitar from the audience. Gwyneth and Pet Shop Boys star Neil Tennant were among the many singing along throughout the entire concert. Courtney Love, Gemma Arterton, Natalie Imbruglia, Sophie Dahl and X-Factor judge Louis Walsh also decided to pass up the official Brit Awards after-parties to support the charity.

More than 200,000 people applied for the opportunity to purchase the 2,000 £50 tickets.

Pictures: Getty Images

Report: Daily Mail Online

Coldplay performed with Take That's Gary Barlow, The Killers... and a special appearance from U2's Bono... all on the same stage at the same time!

Coldplay rushed from the BRIT Awards, from which they left empty-handed despite being up for four prizes, across London to perform at a charity show for War Child at the 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire. They were firstly joined by Gary Barlow - who had played their hit single 'Greatest Day' at the BRITS earlier - for a rendition of the boy band's classic song 'Back For Good'.

As he introduced the group, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked: "I think everyone agrees the band to see at the moment is Take That. We've just got back from Japan, lost all the BRITs, it's been a shit day frankly, but it's going to get better, please welcome Mr Gary Barlow!"

The War Child show was opened by The Killers - whose frontman Brandon Flowers had presented the Pet Shop Boys with their Outstanding Contribution To Music prize at the BRITs, before joining the pop duo on stage to close the ceremony .

The concert was closed with an impromptu collaboration between Coldplay, Flowers and U2 singer Bono who performed a version of The Killers track 'All These Things That I've Done'.

Coldplay's Setlist:

1. Life in Technicolor

2. Violet Hill

3. Clocks

4. In My Place

5. 42

6. Yellow

7. Lost!

8. Fix You

Encore:

9. Viva La Vida

10. Back for Good (featuring Gary Barlow)

11. All These Things That I've Done (with The Killers, featuring Gary Barlow and Bono)

See exclusive pictures and videos from those who managed to get lucky tickets here onwards. [thanks laura84]

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tipped Coldplay to clean up at the BRITs - even joking they'd be crowned Best New Female, report the Daily Record.

The Oasis frontman made his prediction on Johnny Vaughan's Capital FM Breakfast show - on which Liam's All Saints wife Nicole Appleton was guest presenter. He first tipped Coldplay - who were up for four BRITs - for Best Album, saying: "I'd go with the Ting Tings, but who do you think'll win? Coldplay. They win everything. They'll even win the Best New Female act, won't they."

He went on to say Girls Aloud tunes were "all right" but that Chris Martin's boys would beat them to Best Group, too. He said: "Coldplay have got to win it."

Of the Best British Male gong, he predicted: "Ian Brown is obviously the man, but I think Paul Weller should get it. His album is mega." Reminded by Vaughan that Will Young was also in that category, Gallagher mocked: "Come on."

Gallagher tipped Duffy to win Best British Female. But he seemed confused about the Best Live Act nominees, asking: "I've never heard of Scouting For Girls - who are them lot? "It got to be The Verve mate - but I think Coldplay will win it too."

Coldplay were snubbed at the Brit Awards with the band leaving empty-handed despite being nominated for four gongs.

Although the group bagged a handful of Grammys they failed to live up to their hype on this side of the Atlantic. Their latest album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends topped the global sales chart last year with 6.6 million copies. But it lost out to Duffy's Rockferry while the title single also missed out to Girls Aloud's The Promise.

While their commercial success is certain, Coldplay's style has received mixed reviews and, while nominated for best album at the Brits, they were also up for the worst album gong at the NME Awards later this month. It was Elbow who walked off with Best Band category, while veteran rockers Iron Maiden ended Coldplay's final hope of an award by scooping Best Live Act.

Former Style Council and Jam frontman Paul Weller took the award for best British male, beating Will Young, The Streets - aka Mike Skinner, James Morrison and former Stone Roses singer Ian Brown.

The award for Weller was far from unexpected - William Hill closed the book on him over the weekend after a deluge of bets. Florence & the Machine were named critics' choice. In the international categories, the Kings of Leon won best album and best group, while rapper Kanye West took best male. Katy Perry was named best international female.

Reaching number one in more than 30 countries, Viva La Vida was seen as a shoe-in for Best Album. Their previous three albums - X&Y, A Rush Of Blood To The Head and Parachutes - have sold more than 30 million copies. The group are currently on a huge world tour, which began last year and culminates this September with two nights at Wembley Stadium. It is nine years since the band first earned worldwide fame with the release of Yellow, which quickly became the summer's anthem of 2000.

Full discussion on Coldplay at the Brit Awards 2009 at the Coldplay forum here [thanks mayurshikotra & mynickismyname]

Coldplay's Chris Martin tonight has the opportunity to add to the three shiny new Grammys on the mantlepiece of his lavish London mansion. But refreshingly, the rock superstar with an A-list Hollywood wife has not lost sight of the most important people in the band’s incredible success — the fans.

In the year that has gained the band gongs and sales records all over the world, Chris plans to give away a FREE live album to people who go to their huge shows this summer. He hopes the gift will thank fans for their support and for parting with their hard-earned cash in difficult financial times. Chris says: "What we want to do is try to giveaway a live album for free. We’re playing a lot of shows in the summer and I think what we would like to do is — bearing in mind the recession we are in — record the live album then give it as a gift. We are just trying to work out how to do that. It’s obviously a bit tricky in terms of record contracts and things but it would be great. It’s a way of saying thank you."

Read the full exclusive interview with The Sun at the Coldplay forum here [thanks melanieau]

Following six rounds of daily voting, Coldplay's single Viva La Vida has made it to the Brits 2009 shortlist to appear at the awards ceremony later today. However, the work doesn't finish there. This from Anchorman recently:

It's been announced that Viva La Vida has made the final five for the Best British Single at the Brits. Thanks so much for all of your votes which helped to get it there. We'd be very grateful if you'd take the time to vote for the track, to help it win. To vote, please call - 09016 16 18 01 - Calls cost 35 pence from UK landline. Lines close at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday 18 February. For more details, please visit: http://www.brits.co.uk/news/british-single-phone-line-vot/

More on this exclusive news at the Brits voting thread here onwards. Thanks to everyone who has voted so far... make sure you're counted in the final televised round tonight at 8pm GMT!

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

February 17, 2009 - submitted by Milan Miric, Serbia and Montenegro

Q. Dear Oracle, I know that many fans will ask this question,but given that I am from a country a bit far away and the post is REALLY slow, I just wanna make sure that my postcards made it to the band, and if they did, what the impressions were... Me and my friends sent about 4-5 postcards and one of them, the most authentic one was a picture of the guys as the girls from Sex and The City - with their faces instead of the girls'. The other authentic one has butterflies which say Serbian Reign of Love and Lovers in Serbia... Is there a way that you could at least tell me whether they got there on time? It would mean the world to me... Thanks a lot... Much love from Serbia. Milan...

The Oracle replies:

Yes those cards definitely did make it. Apparently the Sex and the City card raised some laughs! We can't confirm we received every one, as there were so many, therefore this is the only question I can answer about it.

February 17, 2009 - submitted by Hans, Germany

Q. "The next one you pick up is where we tour up next year" ... "oh fuck". Which country is it which will have the 100% pleasure of seeing Coldplay live in 2010 ? ;-)

The Oracle replies:

Oh dear Hans, Will didn't say that! The next card that Will picked up was from NORFOLK! I can see how you might have misheard. Of course it doesn't mean they're touring Norfolk before anyone writes to check... it was all for fun!

February 17, 2009 - submitted by Joanna, United States of America

Q. I noticed that Coldplay's new video for Life in Technicolor ii contained puppets of the band. Beck's video for Nausea contained puppets as well. Did the band take this idea from Beck, or was it just a coincidence? Please let me know, this is really bugging me.

The Oracle replies:

In fact Supergrass did it before Beck and I'm sure they weren't the first either! No one holds the exclusive copyright to use puppets in videos; it's just a co-incidence.

February 17, 2009 - submitted by Savanah, United States of America

Q. ello chaps, okay so I was just scrolling through your questions, & I read one that said Yellow was about a meteor shower, well I was watching 60 mins last sunday before the Grammys and Chris was talking about how he didn't know what the song was about? thanks :)

The Oracle replies:

"Inspired by" does not mean about....

Coldplay and Welsh singer Duffy will be hoping to add to their Grammys success as they head the field at the 2009 BRITs on Wednesday night with four nominations apiece. Organizers have highlighted the global impact of British music in 2008, underlined by a flurry of Grammys, the industry's most coveted honors, earlier this month.

In the wake of those awards, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger hailed "a great period for home-grown talent," telling the Sun newspaper: "What's so refreshing is the different styles that have been recognized. Coldplay, Duffy, Adele and Radiohead make up an eclectic bunch, proving there's a lot of fresh British talent out there."

Coldplay are up for best British group and best British album, considered the most prestigious prize at the BRITs, for their multi-million selling record "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends." The group is also competing for best British single and British live act.

Full discussion on Coldplay at the Brit Awards 2009 at the Coldplay forum here [thanks mayurshikotra & mynickismyname]

At the BRITs, Coldplay and Duffy are followed by Adele, indie pop band Scouting For Girls and alternative rockers Elbow, who all appear in three categories. The BRITs' recognition of Duffy, a relative unknown 12 months ago, caps a year during which her debut album "Rockferry" was Britain's top-selling record in 2008 and boasts worldwide sales of nearly 4.5 million copies. She has been nominated for best album, best single for "Mercy," British female solo artist and British breakthrough act. The best British single award is chosen by live public vote on the night of the awards ceremony.

In the international categories, the same five artists are competing both for best international group and international album -- AC/DC, Fleet Foxes, the Killers, Kings of Leon and MGMT.

Four other British acts -- Ting Tings, Radiohead, Girls Aloud, and Estelle -- land two nominations apiece in this year's BRITs list. BRITs organizers have announced that Take That and Coldplay will appear at the awards ceremony on February 18th, joining Pet Shop Boys, U2, Kings of Leon, Duffy and Girls Aloud.

Hosting the event, held before an audience of over 10,000 people at London's Earls Court, will be Australian star Kylie Minogue.

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Following six rounds of daily voting, Coldplay's single Viva La Vida has made it to the Brits 2009 shortlist to appear at the awards ceremony this coming Wednesday. However, the work doesn't finish there. This just in from Anchorman:

It's been announced tonight that Viva La Vida has made the final five for the Best British Single at the Brits. Thanks so much for all of your votes which helped to get it there. We'd be very grateful if you'd take the time to vote for the track, to help it win. To vote, please call - 09016 16 18 01 - Calls cost 35 pence from UK landline. Lines close at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday 18 February. For more details, please visit: http://www.brits.co.uk/news/british-single-phone-line-vot/

More on this exclusive news at the Brits voting thread here onwards. Thanks to everyone who has voted so far... make sure you're counted in the final televised round!

The Brit Awards 2009 - ITV1, 8pm

The Brits have a cruel history of sending big names home empty-handed. Last year Leona Lewis was tipped to clean up — she left with nothing. Lily Allen was favourite to land a clutch the year before — she didn’t. And Craig David famously earned nine nominations before leaving with a scowl and a promise never to return.

This year word is filtering through that Coldplay could be the most high-profile casualty yet. A Brits source said: “Coldplay are buzzing about the awards. They love being a part of the biggest night in British music and have been looking forward to it. They have just arrived back from Japan after another long stint on the road and want to enjoy a successful night on home soil. Leaving with nothing would really hurt the band. After the year they have had it would be a real slap in the face to see someone else walk off with the awards.”

Coldplay are nominated for Best Group, Best Live Act, Best Album and Best Single. The lads deserve to fill the mantelpiece of their north London bakery HQ with silverware for a year spent touring, releasing free material for fans and entertaining millions. But those qualities don’t always tickle the Brits Academy.

If Scouting For Girls win Best Live Act I am leaving the country. It’s close between Coldplay and Take That for Best Group. Of all the categories, man band fan Chris would mind missing out to them the least of all. Best album is tighter than Rod Stewart — with Duffy, Elbow and Radiohead all in with a strong shout.

So that leaves Sun readers to save the day. And I am urging you to vote like you have been buying Coldplay records to save Chris and co from an unfair humiliation at Earls Court tomorrow. Viva La Vida is the best single by far in the British Single category and they should romp home with your support. Get on the phone and vote NOW.

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

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Following six rounds of daily voting, Coldplay's single Viva La Vida has made it to the Brits 2009 shortlist to appear at the awards ceremony this coming Wednesday. However, the work doesn't finish there. This just in from Anchorman:

It's been announced tonight that Viva La Vida has made the final five for the Best British Single at the Brits. Thanks so much for all of your votes which helped to get it there. We'd be very grateful if you'd take the time to vote for the track, to help it win. To vote, please call - 09016 16 18 01 - Calls cost 35 pence from UK landline. Lines close at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday 18 February. For more details, please visit: http://www.brits.co.uk/news/british-single-phone-line-vot/

More on this exclusive news at the Brits voting thread here onwards. Thanks to everyone who has voted so far... make sure you're counted in the final televised round!

If you've been MIA today and haven't yet heard the 'Postcards From Far Away' Project news - it's that the feedback that Coldplay fans have been waiting for since sending out postcards from around the world is now online. Watch the video of Coldplay reading fans' postcards now at www.coldplaying.com/postcards. There is also a short story behind the delivery of the postcards, which comes courtesy of Coldplay's fan liaisor, Debs Wild:

Ok so now we have the video, I can talk about the day if you like. When I got there to arrange all the postcards (I don't know how many there were in the end, i didn't count, sorry!), Will was already in the room and he kept wandering over asking Q's. I was shooing him away. Then Guy came along and did the same, and then Jonny. It was no easy feat keeping them from picking up cards and asking about the project. Finally I got some time alone to make sure each card could be seen when you walked around them.

I sat at the table as they ate lunch when Chris arrived. Ever the comedian he walked in and shouted "Any post?"

He was also impressed but again, I coaxed him away. After lunch the band got some proper time to have a look at the cards. I'd always wanted the video to be set to the song and I realize it means that it's a short film but I think it's perfect. Thanks to Roadie #42 and his assistant cameraman for the filming. I'm not sure if you'll be able to spot your cards but I can vouch for the fact they spent a long time looking at them all.

They were absolutely blown away by the project, the effort, the handwriting, the locations, the creations and special mention to the Studebaker car with VIVA on the side as that was one of the first cards that everyone who was there picked up!

I obviously saw all the cards many times and can remember them all I reckon. I recall Ian's Manchester card, the caricature of Chris (it didn't offend but gave us all a laugh), the countless beautiful butterfly cards (including confetti from shows and one that scared me to death when I opened it; butterflies FLEW out!), the montage photo cards (including "Phil is Hot"), VIVA, cartoon drawings, live photos, George W, recreating Viva video, Johnny Cash, Christmas cards, hand stitched... the list goes on.

They all kept saying how brilliant and talented their fans are and shared cards with each other. As you can see they were in a jovial mood and it ended with the LiTii puppets joining in. They were sat with postcards on their laps and of course gave the thankyou speech. It was so great to see cards from Peru, Chile, Finland, Paris, Croatia, Australia, States... well you know, you sent them!... from EVERYWHERE!

Thanks for doing it guys it was a lovely idea and really appreciated.

Sorry if you don't spot yours or if I didn't mention it but that doesn't make it any less amazing. You're all fantastic! x

Once again on behalf of Coldplaying a big thanks and thumbs up to the organisers of the project - ApproximatelyInfinite, Lore, Zemy101, everyone who sent in a postcard(s), and of course Debs Wild, Roadie #42, Anchorman... and Coldplay!

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

February 16, 2009 - submitted by Jean, Canada

Q. Respected Oracle, During the Twisted Logic tour, at the conclusion of "The Scientist", one could hear an added part that was, in fact, a recording of "The Scientist" played backwards. If you take this recording, and play it backwards, it sounds exactly like "The Scientist" from the album. Can you explain how Coldplay pulled this off?

The Oracle replies:

I'm not sure how you mean pulled this off? Basically what you heard was, as you say, the track played backwards, not the band playing live. As the video (by Jamie Thraves) was a reverse narrative, Chris did actually have to learn the song backwards. There's a version of the video available on The Scientist DVD single that plays it running backwards.

February 16, 2009 - submitted by Siya, South Africa

Q. Yellow (Hallo).......Watching the video for Yellow , one can easily think it was shot in ONE TAKE. Was it, or is it just cleverly shot?? Well, either way its cleverly shot.....please answer, otherwise am banging my head against the wall here......no wall deserves that! Tx

The Oracle replies:

It was actually all down to clever techniques. It took about an hour to shoot and they ran through the song 5 times*. After the film was processed it went through a process called gradual grade that gave the impression of the day changing. *Another interesting bit of information is the track was running at double speed, as was the camera. What you see is the film at its normal speed giving the effect of it looking slightly slower than normal.

Coldplay have announced the support acts that will join them on tour during February and March, as they visit Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. Here's Anchorman, who says Mercury Rev [pictured] are ace, with more details:

We're pleased to announce the roster of support acts for Coldplay's upcoming shows in February and March. The full bills are as follows (click on the names to visit their MySpace and hear some tunes):

Australia

1. Decoder Ring

2. Mercury Rev

3. Coldplay

New Zealand

1. Hollie Smith

2. Mercury Rev

3. Coldplay

Hong Kong/Singapore/Abu Dhabi

1. Mercury Rev

2. Coldplay

Coldplay's "Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends" was the top-selling album worldwide in 2008, industry figures showed Monday. The group's fourth studio album sold 6.8 million units worldwide, said the London-based International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents the recording industry worldwide.

"Viva La Vida" sold more downloads than any other album in digital history within a month of release, the IFPI said. Earlier this month, Coldplay, who describe their music as "very heavy soft rock" won three Grammy Awards in the United States, including best rock album. They are nominated for three Brit Awards in Britain.

Coldplay are about to start a tour of Australia before playing North America and a series of European stadium dates later this year.

More on this exclusive album chart news at the Coldplay forum here

UK Bookmakers have suspended betting on the Brits amid fears that the result could have been leaked. They took the unusual action after a flurry of bets in just a few hours were placed on veteran rocker Paul Weller to win Best Male Solo Artist at various William Hill shops.

Each bet was around £50 and was placed at different branches around London, making them virtually untraceable. Weller's odds have now been cut from 5/1 as an outsider to 1/5 as the favourite. Other major bookmakers, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Tote, have now all followed William Hill's lead - with some sources claiming that the winners' information may have been leaked.

However, punters can still place a bet on who is likely to win the Best Single, the only award voted for by the public. Girls Aloud are faves at 13/8, with Duffy 7/4, Coldplay 3/1, Leona Lewis 8/1 and Scouting For Girls 14/1. The live show is on ITV1 at 8pm on Wednesday.

Following six rounds of daily voting, Coldplay's single Viva La Vida has made it to the Brits 2009 shortlist to appear at the awards ceremony this coming Wednesday. However, the work doesn't finish there. This just in from Anchorman:

It's been announced tonight that Viva La Vida has made the final five for the Best British Single at the Brits. Thanks so much for all of your votes which helped to get it there. We'd be very grateful if you'd take the time to vote for the track, to help it win. To vote, please call - 09016 16 18 01 - Calls cost 35 pence from UK landline. Lines close at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday 18 February. For more details, please visit: http://www.brits.co.uk/news/british-single-phone-line-vot/

More on this exclusive news at the Brits voting thread here onwards. Thanks to everyone who has voted so far... make sure you're counted in the final televised round!

Coldplay played the fourth night of the 2009 Viva La Vida tour before heading back to the UK to play the War Child Gig in London. They were at the Kobe World Kinen Hall in Osaka on the second of two consecutive nights there. The setlist changed slightly... Speed Of Sound was moved into the acoustic session.

More on this concert including reviews, videos and pictures here onwards [thanks yumi]

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Cemeteries of London

Chinese Sleep Chant

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (partial techno remix)

Talk (partial techno remix)

The Hardest Part (Chris solo piano)

Postcards From Far Away (Chris solo piano)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Speed of sound

I'm A Believer

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

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The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist

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

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

February 12, 2009 - submitted by oscar, Guatemala

Q. Dear Oracle!! How may Grammys has Coldplay won in 10 years of career?

The Oracle replies:

They have won a total of seven Grammy Awards. Apart from last week's three (see news for which awards they received) they gained one for Parachutes (Best Alternative Album). Another year they collected two, one for In My Place (Best Rock Performance...), the other for A Rush of Blood, (Best Alternative Album). They also achieved Record of the Year with Clocks.

February 12, 2009 - submitted by Tony, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, Can you start answering interesting questions and not just ones that can be easily answered via google, or youtube...

The Oracle replies:

Why didn't you start by asking one then? Only joking. You can't dictate who would rather use a search engine or me. That said it is sometimes rather perplexing...

February 12, 2009 - submitted by Ana, United States of America

Q. Dear Mr.Oracle, whats the best way to get really good seats at a Coldplay concert? a) calling on the phone,the moment they go on sale b) online with fast internet c) camping outside the box office to be first in line. d) divide into teams so we can do all of the above. please answer me! i need these tix!

The Oracle replies:

You know I always forget about the box office option. I use online but like to know where the seats are and that can take time. You could be throwing the seats back into the pot to try for better ones and find it sold out in the meantime! I once had seats for a band right at the back bought online. I called the agent up and started to book two more. She quoted me same price for similar area and I asked "don't you have anything nearer the front?" It turns out that yes she did, 4th row in fact and they were cheaper! Best seats seem to refer to having the best overall view of the show but as we fans know, we want to be in close proximity to the stage! I therefore reckon that D is probably the best way to get good seats. Failing that A followed by C and the most popular B would be my last favourite - even though yes, I've admitted to using it the most.

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

February 13, 2009 - submitted by Jean, Canada

Q. Dear Oracle, At 1.45 of "42" (the song), one can hear something that sounds like somebody saying "Patrick". It struck me right away but I never found a meaning to it. Then, upon my first listen of "Prospekt's March", I shockingly noticed a similar sounding "voice" at .09 of "Rainy Day"... that's when I realized that "42" and "Rainy Day" are both Track #4s on their respective albums. That's when it struck me to see if the "voice" occurred at the same time relative to the beginning of the album (0.00). Turns out they don't (occurring at 9.46 and 11.30 respectively). You'd think that I'd have abandoned hope for a meaning at this point, but no... My question is what does this all mean?

The Oracle replies:

There are so many sounds, noises, murmurs, talking etc in many of their tracks. There's no hidden meaning behind it. The Beatles did the same and I know Coldplay loved that and so are happy to leave that kind of stuff in too.

February 13, 2009 - submitted by Mark, Australia

Q. Hey Oracle I am immensely looking forward to the Coldplay concert when they return to Perth in a fortnight, but I have a problem. Since they last came to Perth I now have two young toddlers, neither who will go to sleep for anyone but their parents. So what time approximately will Coldplay actually get on stage for their Australian concerts - as we may need to get the kids to sleep before rushing off to the venue. Cheers

The Oracle replies:

Well Mark, we have a thing called Supernanny who would challenge your theory that "neither will go to sleep for anyone but their parents". Those little uns can get to sleep without you; they just want you to think they can't. I know they can be stubborn when they want to be and even when tired, stay awake if it does the trick. Don't give in. Bedtime is bedtime no matter who's putting them there. You need to take control and enforce different sleeping rules. Ahem, anyway if they're young they are probably in bed by 7pm so depending how far away you live from the venue, it should be possible. They're usually on around 9 but of course that can change. Don't put yourself at risk by rushing; perhaps practice with whoever will be looking after your children over the next two weeks.

February 13, 2009 - submitted by Mario, Portugal

Q. I oracle, I want to know, and since you know everything what can I do to send a new lyric an a new song to Chris, for he use in a concert/album?...it's a special song because was wrote with words of Coldplay's music.

The Oracle replies:

Hello, I'm ever so sorry but we don't accept lyrics for consideration as the band do like to write their own material. Don't give up; maybe you could perform it yourself?

Reviews of Coldplay in Japan are at a premium but there are some stunning pictures of the band rocking the Saitama Super Arena a couple of days ago. A selection of them are below (click more), and the full album is at Flickr here [thanks me_vs_everyone182]

Flash and Live Nation have announced that tickets for Coldplay’s first Middle East performance in Abu Dhabi will be on sale on February 15.

They will perform at Emirates Palace Hotel on March 28. Tickets will be available online at ticketingboxoffice.com and boxofficeme.com. A limited number of offline tickets will be available at Virgin Megastores. The four-member British band just won three Grammys for their fourth album Viva la Vida.

Tickets: Coral standing, Dh295

Diamond standing, Dh795

VIP Parking Pass & Diamond Standing Ticket, Dh895 (limited number)

Pearl seating, Dh495

Note: Subscribe to the Coldplaying Twitter account and get live updates next week from INSIDE the Coldplay/The Killers exclusive War Child Gig on 18th February from the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London...

Tickets for the majority of Coldplay's upcoming North American Viva La Vida tour dates 2009 are on sale throughout this weekend following two days of presales.

The official ticket outlet for this tour is LiveNation. To check on all the dates and to buy tickets, click here. If you're looking for general help, ticket swaps or see who else has got tickets for the shows etc, please visit our discussions in the Coldplay Live forum here, or click on one of the discussion links below:

July

10th - Portland, OR - The Amphitheater at Clark County - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

11th - George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

13th - San Francisco, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

16th - San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 13th Feb (presale was 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

18th - Carson, CA - Home Depot Center - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

21st - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

22nd - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

24th - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

25th - East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley Music Theatre - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

29th - Venue TBC (poss. Molson Amphitheatre), Toronto, ON - on sale 27th Feb (presale unknown) [discussion] [wiki] *

August

3rd - Mansfield, MA - Comcast Center - on sale 14th Feb (presale was 13th) [discussion] [wiki]

6th - Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion - on sale 13th Feb (presale was 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

7th - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 13th Feb (presale was 12th) [discussion] [wiki]

9th - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre - on sale 21st Feb (presale 20th) [discussion] [wiki]

*TORONTO UPDATE: Coldplay's show in Toronto on 29th July was due to go on sale today (13th Feb). However, due to delays with being able to announce the venue, the on sale date has now been moved back to 27th February (the venue will also be confirmed prior to the 27th).

The Sun are the latest UK media source to offer you a chance to see two of the planet's greatest rock bands play at a one-off gig in aid of War Child. The Killers and Coldplay are coming together on Wednesday, February 18 for an exclusive gig at the newly renamed O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, in front of just 2,000 lucky music fans.

Tickets to the show, taking place immediately after the BRIT awards, have sold out - but The Sun have managed to get our hands on not one, but TWO pairs to give away to lucky winners.

To stand a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer one simple question. Just click the link here and you could be the lucky winner. Competition ends Monday February 16, 2009 at 12.00pm (GMT).

The night celebrates War Child’s 15th Anniversary and the release of their new album ‘Heroes’ (released on Feb 16 on EMI’s Parlophone label).

Coldplay fans get excited - ninemsn have got the ultimate Coldplay prize to give away... they're giving you the chance to score a double pass to see Coldplay and attend a 'Sound Check Party' (in your city) where you’ll get to see the band preparing for their performance, take a tour around the back stage area and meet the band.

With seven Grammy nominations and 120,000 tickets sold for their 2009 Australian tour, Coldplay is one of the must see concerts of the year! For your chance to win this fantastic prize, agree to the terms and conditions at the ninemsn website and follow the prompts to enter.

You'll need to be a ninemsn member, answer the following question in 25 words or less: "what would you say to Coldplay if you had the chance to meet them and why" and then fill in a competition entry form. The major prize does not include: any transportation between the traveller's residence and the concert venue.

More on this competition at the Coldplay forum here [thanks Cobalt]