A new book Access All Areas with Dave Hogan was launched today at the 2008 Q Awards. It contains autobigraphies/personality information as well as lots of pictures of celebrities that Dave Hogan has photographed, including Coldplay.

You can buy the book via Amazon here

Product Description:

Dave Hogan began his photography career at Stringfellows over 25 years ago and has since shot every major pop, rock and film star and red carpet event including Live Aid and Live 8.

He is Getty Images’ and The Sun’s celebrity photographer. Access All Area’s is more than just a collection of his most famous photographs. Accompanying some of the most iconic images in the entertainment world today are the stories behind the shots, this is one of the most fascinating books of the year from the man with unprecedented access to the most famous stars of their time. This book is a fascinating roller-coaster ride through his 25 year career photographing stars from Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, U2, Duran Duran, Madonna, Britney Spears (yes that kiss was one of Dave Hogan’s shots!), Kylie Minogue and many more.

A cultural stroll through the last three decades with amazing imagery and even better the stories behind the camera. Dave Hogan was famously run over by Madonna and appeared on the front page of The Sun with the legendary headline ‘Maimed by Madonna’. Hogan’s career is packed with fascinating stories and is an insiders view into the world of entertainment.

Product details:

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Green Umbrella Publishing (6 Oct 2008 UK) (1 Jan 2009 US)

Language English

ISBN-10: 190622997X

ISBN-13: 978-1906229979

Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 24.4 x 1.3 cm

Coldplay, Elbow and TV On The Radio have been added to the new series of Later With Jools Holland on BBC2, and Coldplay's turn is tonight on BBC2 at 10pm, fresh from their return from the European leg of the Viva La Vida tour. The show is then repeated on Friday 10th at 11.30pm on BBC2.

Coldplay, The Hold Steady and Glen Campbell play on October 7, while Elbow join David Gilmour on September 23. October 14 stars Kaiser Chiefs, Seasick Steve, The Streets and TV On The Radio, with Friendly Fires on October 21. The series starts on September 16 with Kings Of Leon, Metallica and Fireman.

More discussion on this here [thanks mimixxx & Jpw48]

Blurb:

Coldplay perform tunes from their fourth album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, The Hold Steady play numbers from their critically-acclaimed album Stay Positive, and former Zero 7 singer SIA relays a couple of tunes from her album Some People Have Real Problems.

Also featuring Glen Campbell who, after nearly fifty years in music, has just released his 72nd album featuring cover versions of songs by Travis, Foo Fighters and the Velvet Underground.

Memphis stand-up bass star Amy Lavere makes her TV debut and Indiana's own singer/songwriter John Mellencamp performs a number from his T-Bone produced new album Life, Death, Love and Freedom.

Broadcasts:

07 Oct 2008.......... 22:00.......... BBC Two

07 Oct 2008.......... 22:00.......... BBC HD

11 Oct 2008.......... 23:30.......... BBC Two

11 Oct 2008.......... 23:30.......... BBC HD

Coldplay have tonight announced a new show at the Honda Center, Anaheim (California), making it the penultimate show of the 2nd US leg of the Viva La Vida tour, preceding Phoenix on 26th November.

Coldplay last played there on 6th and 7th February 2006 during the US leg of the Twisted Logic tour, promoting the third album X&Y. The Honda Center, previously known as the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and colloquially called the The Pond, is an indoor arena in Anaheim, California. Honda later acquired the naming rights to the arena for $60 million over 15 years which changed its name in October 2006.

Official announcement from Coldplay.com tonight:

Good evening. Some news just in from our Orange County bureau; Coldplay are to play the Anaheim Honda Center on November 25th. Tickets will go on sale this Saturday (Oct 11th) at 10am local time from here.

Anchorman

Who's going? Let us know in the dedicated Anaheim discussion thread here [thanks DanielColdplay22]

Double award winners Coldplay wowed the crowds with some of the best on-stage gags and speeches of the awards. As drummer Will Champion collected the award for best act in the world, he responded to Adam Ant’s crack that the band had stolen their sartorial ideas from him. “Thanks to Q for inviting Adam Ant and making us all look like fucking wankers,” Champion said.

Chris Martin made it clear that he still carried a torch for Cerys Matthews, despite being married to one of the world’s most famous actresses. After collecting the best act title, Martin said: “About eight years ago we supported Catatonia and you let me hold your cigarette. I thought ‘maybe there is a chance’.” Unlucky in love Cerys shot back: “There is a chance!”

After hearing that David Gilmour and Rick Wright had wanted to play Glastonbury, Martin took a swipe at Noel Gallagher’s Jay-Z dissing comments earlier in the year. Martin told guest: “Pink Floyd at Glastonbury? I’m not having that. Chatting to a reporter on the red carpet, Martin joked: "You should never count your chickens before they've been put in a KFC." Asked what the band would be doing next, he said: " Opening a restaurant and a couple of farms."

Read more on this here onwards and see pictures of Coldplay at the ceremony today here [thanks Larry]

Coldplay have scooped two prizes at the Q Awards ceremony in London, including best album for Viva La Vida or Death To All Their Friends. Coldplay also won best act in the world today.

Picking up the best album prize, Chris Martin warned the crowd he was going to bore them, before launching into a rambling acceptance speech. At one point, he declared Coldplay were “the greatest band in the world”, before adding bashfully: “U2 are on holiday”.

Welsh star Duffy picked up best breakthrough, while Keane won best track for comeback song Spiralling. The music magazine also honoured veteran artists including Grace Jones, who was named Q idol, and Glen Campbell, winner of the legend award.

More on this here onwards, including lots of new pictures of Coldplay attending the ceremony [thanks thegreatone2003uk, mimixxx, coldplay12, Larry & Lore]

From Coldplay.com

Good evening. We have just uploaded a video clip of Coldplay performing a new song, Glass Of Water, at last night's show in Antwerp. Click here to watch it.

Anchorman

What do you think of the song? Let us know here [thanks onehundredmileslong & Lore]

Prospekt delivers exciting new news on Coldplay's forthcoming Prospekt's March EP

If you haven't already heard at the end of last week, Coldplay are to release a special version of new single 'Lost' which features US rapper Jay-Z. In a message on their website, the band said the song was part of series of “musical moves that we have not previously attempted.” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has previously made guest appearances on Jay-Z's own material.

In addition to the Jay-Z remix, the band will release a new EP in November entitled 'Prospekt's March'. However, Coldplay are now reporting that the EP contains eight songs, rather than the originally announced five, that were not completed in time for the deadline of their latest album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'. The EP's tracklisting is as follows:

'Life In Technicolour II'

'Postcards From Far Away'

'Glass Of Water'

'Rainy Day'

'Prospekt's March / Poppyfields'

'Lost +'

'Lovers in Japan (Osaka Sun remix)'

'Now My Feet Won't Touch The Ground'

Share the good news here and read more for Prospekt's note. [thanks crackerjack]

Coldplay, Adele and Muse are among the artists expected to attend this year's Q magazine awards later. Coldplay have crowned their comeback by leading the field in the shortlist for this year’s Q Awards as the band with the most nominations.

Coldplay are up for four awards at the ceremony, including best album and best act in the world today. Their other nominations come in the best track and best video category for their song Violet Hill. The group's most recent album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, has already sold in excess of 5,000,000 copies worldwide since its release in June.

You can catch all the latest stars as they arrive at the 2008 Q Awards with Russian Standard Vodka with the live red carpet webcam. The Q team will be lining the entrance to the Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday to catch the stars - and their consorts - when they step from their limos at the greatest music event of the year. The webcam is due to go live from around noon on the day so come back then to see who arrives with who - and what they are wearing.

Join in the fun at our Q Awards thread here [thanks mimixxx]

Guy Berryman forms a side project which is released on October 6

Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman is set to release an album with A-Ha's Magne Furuholmen and Mew's Jonas Bjerre. The collective, The Apparatjik, have soundtracked the new Bruce Parry BBC2 TV show 'Amazon' with their song 'Ferreting', reports The Sun.

The song appears on the forthcoming compilation album, 'Amazon Tribe: Songs For Survival', set for release on October 6. William, Hot Chip and KT Tunstall have also contributed songs to the soundtrack album.

Coldplay played their last concert of the current European tour at Antwerp's Sportpalais in Belgium tonight... and they saved the best until last, debuting a brand new song, Glass Of Water, due to be released in November as part of the Prospekt's March EP. More on this concert here onwards and images at the gallery here [thanks Lauve & Carlaatje]

Setlist: [thanks Remcoowtje]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Speed Of Sound

Cemeteries Of London

Chinese Sleep Chant

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (piano - Chris)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

The Scientist (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - Will singing)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

Glass Of Water

Yellow

The Escapist

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

Picture credit: robwalbers.com

Details as far as I can remember:

I just got back from the concert, it was amazing. GLASS OF WATER was BEFORE yellow on the setlist! AND ALBERT HAMMOND JR. PLAYED ALONG ON GUITAR!

edit: YES, it rocked! It's an uptempo song, Chris played the piano and AHJ played along on guitar, very cool song that blows you away.. aaaaaaaah I can't believe they played it I was so happy when chris started telling they were going to play a new song

Drums were a bit like Cemetries Of London but a bit heavier, chris was on piano and that gave the song that extra bit of melody, albert hammond jr. played power chords along with John. It was quite a long song with a sudden pause at the end and then again a burst into some wild riffing.. I loved it and so did the audience! (and indeed some slow parts that reminded me of DAAHF) [thanks Remcoowtje]

More questions answered by The Oracle...

October 3, 2008 - submitted by Nori, Hungary

Q. Dear O, has any of the boys ever been offered a role in a movie? Would they accept it if they found the script good enough?

The Oracle replies:

Chris was offered a role in a huge film but the guys aren't actors, they're musicians and so won't be considering a career change at this point!

FYI: I'm not going to reveal which film because that wouldn't be fair to the actor who eventually played the role; he might think he was the first and only choice!

October 3, 2008 - submitted by Marvin, Malaysia

Q. I'm anxious to know, which Oasis songs did Coldplay try out in their soundcheck ? I love Coldplay, and Oasis too. DO you think Oasis' new album will be a good one ?

The Oracle replies:

Well Marvin, they played around with Cigarettes and Alcohol in a recent soundcheck. I already KNOW the new Oasis album is a good one, I was pleasantly surprised, I'd given up on them years ago, but it's a return to form.

October 3, 2008 - submitted by Fufu, Indonesia

Q. Why did Coldplay translate "Viva La Vida" to "Death and all His Friends" and not "Live the Life?"

The Oracle replies:

They didn't. I think you are misunderstanding the title. The full album title is:

Viva La Vida

or

Death And All His Friends

They're not saying that Death.. is what Viva la Vida means, it's more of an alternative title.

October 3, 2008 - submitted by Ryan, United States of America

Q. Oracle,

Why do people who live in England who are studying math say, " my Maths" ?

The Oracle replies:

Mathematics sounds like a plural noun and so over the years we snuck in the s when we shortened it.

Coldplay played their second of two concerts at the Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands tonight. More on this concert here onwards and images at the gallery here

Setlist: [thanks Remcoowtjie]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Speed Of Sound

Cemeteries Of London

Chinese Sleep Chant

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (piano - Chris)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

The Scientist (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - Will singing)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Reign Of Love

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

Yellow

The Escapist

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

This is a letter from Chris Martin, which was posted tonight from Rotterdam at coldplay.com, outlining the tracklisting for the forthcoming 'Prospekt's March' EP, and some more information on the Lost! EP, which will involve a collaboration with Jay-Z.

Discuss this news here [thanks DannyIG]

Oct 08

Rotterdam

Dear Coldplay fans and friends...

First of all, thankyou for the incredible year you have been giving us so far; from asking for our songs on the radio, to buying an album, to coming to a show; we owe you in a big way. As audiences you have been incredibly awesome to play for, and I might add that your singing has been in excellent form.

In the spirit of trying to do things a bit differently and keep everything fresh, we are going to do a few musical moves that we have not previously attempted. Firstly, in a few weeks we are going to release a version of Lost! which has a guest experience on it in the form of JAY-Z.

Then in November, we are happy to announce we are putting out an E.P. called PROSPEKT'S MARCH. It contains five songs that were not finished back in May (our deadline for Viva La Vida) but that have just been completed. They are:

1. Life In Technicolor ii (which is a song)

2. Postcards From Far Away

3. Glass Of Water

4. Rainy Day

and

5. Prospekt's March

We are very proud of these and are pretty excited to release them. They have been the subject of many discussions and arguments; some might be considered too catchy or too heavy for Coldplay songs but in our minds they complete the VIVA LA VIDA picture.

If you want to get the E.P. you can download it or order it from the internet or you can get it in a special edition of the album called "Viva La Vida: Prospekt's March Edition".

The version of Lost with JAY-Z on it will also be on this.

We really hope you enjoy it and we look forward to singing these songs with you in cities across the world.

thanks for reading - sorry about the handwriting.

love CHRIS

A reminder that Daystretcher 24/7 are giving you and 3 friends the chance to see Coldplay LIVEW at the world's most popular venue - The O2 Arena, London, this December - and the competition is now open to non-UK residents! (*travel expenses, accommodation etc. for non-UK residents is not covered).

The lucky winners will be watching the gig in style from our very own PRIVATE VIP SUITE at the arena. The best thing is, it's FREE to enter, absolutely no purchase is necessary, all you have to do is register a few details on our website and you're done!

They're giving away 10 sets of 4 tickets, so that's 40 tickets up for grabs. Get all your mates to enter themselves and increase your chances! To enter, and to find out more info, visit the 247 website here

Further to yesterday's tour schedule news from various sources, official word has now been published. Coldplay.com has informed us as follows:

Good afternoon. Due to scheduling reasons beyond Coldplay's control, some dates on the UK tour have had to be repositioned. The dates which have moved are as follows...

- Dec 7th show in Sheffield will now take place on Nov 29th

- Dec 5th show in Glasgow will now take place on Dec 9th

- Dec 10th show in Liverpool will now take place on Dec 7th

- Dec 18th show in Belfast will now take place on Dec 23rd

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this rescheduling. Refunds are available at point of purchase but all original tickets are fully valid for the rescheduled date. We hope we'll still see you all there.

Anchorman.

More discussion on these changes can be found here [thanks Mr Kipling, Narna the Monkey Boy, Jenjie & timjacko]

From the Sheffield Telegraph online:

Coldplay fans will get to see the band earlier than they thought after "scheduling reasons" brought forward a Sheffield Arena show. The multi-million-selling band will now play on November 29 instead of the original December 7 fixture.

Refunds, from the point of purchase, are available for those who cannot make the new show – otherwise all original tickets are valid for the rescheduled date.

More news on the other changes reported yesterday as soon as we get it.

Coldplay played their first of two concerts at the Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands tonight. Added to the setlist were Trouble and Amsterdam. More on this concert here onwards and images at the gallery here

Setlist: [thanks ShaftX]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Speed Of Sound

Cemeteries Of London

Chinese Sleep Chant

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

Trouble (partial - Chris)

Amsterdam (partial - Chris)

The Hardest Part (piano - Chris)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

The Scientist (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - Will singing)

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

Yellow

The Escapist

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

Chris welcomed everybody with a warm "Dank je wel vrienden", dutch for "Thank you friends" and it was the start of a cool night. After a small part of talk Chris asked people what they wanted to hear. Someone screamed Trouble, and Chris started right away. After that he started playing a bit of Amsterdam, although he forget the lines.. it was actually funny. The acoustic version of The Scientist was also a moment of "Oh shit". He wanted to sing something else while te crowd was singing it correctly.. Chris laughed and respond that the crowd knew the lines better than him.

At the end of the show Chris said they were going to do something they never done before. Chris called one of the guys who walk with Heineken beer in the crowd onto the stage, and he ordered beer for the whole band. They started playing Yellow as end of the first night in Rotterdam! [thanks ShaftX]

Further to our announcements earlier about the alteration to Coldplay's Liverpool concert date, it now appears that several dates within the UK tour have changed, some quite drastically. So far, they involve concerts at Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow and Belfast. So far Manchester, Birmingham and London remain unaltered. Anchorman/Messenger at the official site will be publishing a message with full details shortly.

Change summary (so far) as follows:

1) The single date at the Sheffield Arena has been moved from 7th December to 29th November.

2) The first Glasgow date at the SECC is now the second date, and will take place on 9th December.

3) As previously announced, the Liverpool date changes from 10th December to 7th December.

4) The Belfast concert on 18th December is now the following week, on 23rd December (as confirmed by the Odyssey Arena website).

More discussion on these changes can be found here [thanks Mr Kipling, Narna the Monkey Boy, Jenjie & timjacko]

Please check your ticket vendor for latest information regarding ticket use. If you bought your tickets via SeeTickets you can check their latest UK tour schedule so far by clicking here (not inclusive of Belfast or Dublin).

Further to our announcement earlier about the alteration to Coldplay's Liverpool concert date, it now appears that several dates within the UK tour have changed, some quite drastically. So far, they involve concerts at Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow as follows:

1) The single date at Sheffield's Arena has been moved from 7th December to 29th November.

2) The first Glasgow date at the SECC is now the second date, and will take place on 9th December.

3) As previously announced, the Liverpool date changes from 10th December to 7th December.

For the latest UK tour schedule click here. Please check your ticket vendor for latest information regarding ticket use.

More details on these changes can be found here [thanks Mr Kipling & Narna the Monkey Boy]

Coldplay's forthcoming concert at Liverpool's new Echo Arena scheduled for 10th December has been moved forward to 7th December, according to an email thought to be from SeeTickets. Both Echo Arena and Coldplay.com have not yet confirmed this change. Here the purported email announcement:

Due to scheduling reasons beyond our control some dates on the Coldplay UK tour have had to be repositioned. The show in Liverpool has now been moved from the 10th of December to the 7th of December. Your tickets are valid for the new date.

Refunds are available on return of the tickets. All refunds will need to be claimed by 30/11/2008 Unfortunately refunds cannot be issued after this date. We recommend that you return your tickets to us by a secure postal service to See Tickets, Room 4, Norfolk House 47 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 2AB, with a copy of this letter/e-mail. Refunds cannot be made for tickets not received by our office. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this rescheduling and look forward to seeing you on the new date.

More on this here [thanks Mr Kipling]

A big thankyou to everyone who voted for Coldplaying.com in the BT Digital Music Awards 2008, which were held last night. This site just missed out on the award, but are proud to have made the final 5 shortlist for Best Unofficial Music Site in the world.

Best Unofficial Music Site

Winner: AvrilBandAids.com – Avril Lavigne fansite, Canada

Shortlist:

Coldplaying.com – Coldplay fansite, UK

LPzion.org – Linkin Park fansite, Poland

MuseLive.com – Muse fansite, UK

SOADfans.com – System of A Down fansite, Egypt

Meanwhile, it was good news for Coldplay and Coldplay.com, who both won awards. This just in from Anchorman:

Good evening. News just in from the BT Digital Music Awards ceremony in London - Coldplay.com has been named Best Official Website. This award was voted for entirely by the public, which means we owe you folks an enormous THANK YOU for clicking and voting for us. Myself, Prospekt, the Oracle, Roadie #42 and the Messenger are all extremely chuffed that you like what we do.

Coldplay also picked up the Best Rock/Indie Artist award, another category which was voted for by fans - so again, a massive thanks for that. Right, we're off to crack open something cold and fizzy...

Coldplay and Duffy have left ex pop princess Britney Spears behind them, with the most nominations

Coldplay and the singer Duffy are dominating this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards in nominations, which is to be expected because they are sitting at the top of all of the charts. Behind them, with three nominations is the comeback Britney Spears, for whom many say is returning to her old fame.

Coldplay, as well as the Welsh singer Duffy, were nominated for the best album of the year, best performer, and “most addictive track”. “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” by Coldplay has been amongst the best selling albums for months, and Duffy’s album “Rockferry” enchanted many people with sounds from the past.

You can vote for Coldplay by clicking here

Coldplay say they will release an EP of new material after 'Lost!'

Despite Coldplay announcing the release of a digital EP for November, a spokesperson for the band has told NME that they will still release another EP of new material in 2008.

Earlier this month Chris Martin said the band would release an EP of new material entitled 'Prospekt's March' before 2008 ends. Yesterday (September 30) the band announced that they would release 'Lost!' – a digital-only EP headed up by the title track, which appears on their recent album 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends', on November 10. Coldplay's spokesperson has since told NME that despite the announcement of the 'Lost!' EP, 'Prospekt's March' will still be released before the year is over.

More discussion on this here

More questions answered by The Oracle...

October 2, 2008 - submitted by Maria, Italy

Q. how can i contact "roadie 42#blog"??? the person who write the articole about italan concerts put the link ok an italian fanclub forgettin us of coldplayitalia (the very firts coldplay italian community) ... we created some nice gold paper crowds for the gig and Coldplay rellay like it! they also called "coldplayitalia" during the gig, and Francesco too ... we're just a little bit decepted after reading last blog! can I contact him? thanks a lot oracle!

The Oracle replies:

Ah yes, well actually the balloons are credited to the correct site but it was (wrongly) assumed that the crowns came from the same source. We'll get something added for you guys too!

October 2, 2008 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom

Q. I think Coldplay should cover Alphaville's "Forever Young" - Do you think the band would agree?

The Oracle replies:

I loved Alphaville's Big In Japan when I was at school... anyway, I digress. In answer to your question hopefully not! I can back this up with a tenuous link.

Even though Alphaville* recorded the original, Youth Group** covered it a few years back. They're an awesome band from Australia and supported Coldplay whilst there on the Twisted Logic tour. I think their take on it is awesome and it earned them a number 1 single for weeks! Two great versions are enough surely?

October 2, 2008 - submitted by Maeva, France

Q. Dear Oracle !

A few days ago, I was watching Coldplay's 2003 live and a question popped into my head : how do the band choose the place where they record their live show for the DVD? And do you know in which country this tour will be recorded ?

The Oracle replies:

Usually the decision is based on a few factors. The Live 2003 venue was chosen due to its size, they wanted a relatively intimate feel, which can be difficult given the size of arenas!

There's no official word on a DVD and as you know, Anchorman's the man to watch for such news.

October 2, 2008 - submitted by Jimmu, United Kingdom

Q. Do you know who will be supporting Coldplay on their forthcoming UK tour? Doves would be great if poss!

The Oracle replies:

I do have an inkling of who yes, but I can't possibly announce it. I am not the Anchorman you see, but am sure he'll be telling y'all soon. It's not Doves again though. 'Again?' I hear you ask, well sorry if you missed that back in July 2005.

More questions answered by The Oracle...

October 1, 2008 - submitted by Jen, United Kingdom

Q. One of the questions today started me thinking. If the band play a track by another artist, or use part of it when on tour, do they have to pay any kind of royalties to the other artist?

The Oracle replies:

Live music venues have a license to play music and for example in the UK, they pay to be a member of the PRS (Performing Rights Society), which acts as a collection agency and then distributes royalties to the artists. Any band that plays live may also have to provide a set list of songs performed.

October 1, 2008 - submitted by Sia, United States of America

Q. Why are singles like "Such a Rush" or "Murder" called B-sides?

The Oracle replies:

Traditionally individual track releases were 7" vinyl with the single on one side - the A side and an extra song on the flip - the B side. The term has stuck around even with the emergence of CD singles.

For the person who asked what an EP is, it's short for Extended Play. Basically it's got more tracks on it and is longer than a single but is too short to qualify as an album.

October 1, 2008 - submitted by Valerie, Netherlands

Q. I am desperate!! I booked tickets to the Coldplay concert for 2 October in Rotterdam about six months ago. I've now just been informed by the ticket sellers that the ticket suppliers haven't delivered, so for me the concert is off. Given that I booked my tickets through a link given on the Coldplay messenger site, I feel desperately let down. I've been looking forward to this concert for months and now at the last minute, I find out I won't be going, even though I've paid for the tickets. I don't want my money back!!! I want to see Coldplay!! Is there no recourse for people like me? I thought I was in a good position because I was a member of the Coldplay fan club, but it seems I am now in a worse position than anyone else at all! Can the oracle help me with this?

The Oracle replies:

Firstly are you sure you used the link given in the Coldplay Messenger (there is no fan club)? If you did we're talking about a bona fide outlet. It's not your fault if their suppliers have let them down but remember if this were true you wouldn't be the only person affected would you? If they have taken your money and you have a booking confirmation I would say the concert should not be off for you. The ticketing company can't give everyone refunds and risk having a venue half empty due to a problem. Gather all the information you have together and call them. Explain that you would like to speak to a manager and ask that you can collect tickets on the door. They may have made a mistake with duplicates, as I cannot accept the excuse they gave to you. If this does not work email me at theoracle@coldplay.com.