Coldplay.com has a chat with Guy in Budapest during their tour there yesterday (23rd September). (Enjoyed this interview? Click here to vote for the official site in the latest BT DMA Awards!)

Hello Guy. How's it going?

It's going really well, thanks. I'm in Budapest right now, which is uncharted territory for me. It's very exciting to be in a new country.

Will you have time for a look around?

Well, we're leaving at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon to go to Vienna, so I'm going to have the morning to hit some antique shops and some book shops and pick up as much clutter as I possibly can.

Is that your standard plan when you're on tour?

It is. I bought a gramophone in Prague earlier today, as well as some photograph books by some Czech photographers. I like to try and find things that you can't get in England.

Do you get home at the end of a long tour with boxes of stuff?

Yes, loads. Lots of books, particularly.

Does the gramophone you bought work?

It does indeed. I need to get some better records for it, though. The one I had it tested with was quite dirty and crackly.

Does it play 78s?

I think so, yeah.

Perhaps you should get on the phone to Parlophone and see if they can press up a special 78 version of Viva La Vida.

Actually, that's not a bad idea!

So it seems like you're taking an awful lot of pictures at the moment.

Absolutely. I take pictures everywhere I go, whether it's on holiday or at home, just of anything that interests me. But I'm definitely planning on taking pictures until the end of this tour and then putting all the best ones together for some sort of publication. Whether that comes out soon or in ten years, I don't know. We'll have to see.

Presumably the band are quite relaxed when you're around with your camera.

Exactly. So I get a lot of candid stuff that other people wouldn't get.

What sort of camera do you use?

A Leicah M7. It's a film camera.

Old school!

Absolutely. You can't beat it.

Do you wait until you get home to process the films?

Yeah, I generally shoot all the way through the tour, then when we get back I'll drop all the films at the lab.

Must be quite exciting when you pick up a batch.

It is! It's like Christmas morning.

Why have you stuck with film and not moved over to digital?

Just because I believe that with digital photography you take too many shit pictures that you put no thought or effort into taking. Plus, everyone takes pictures on digital these days, so it's hard to take pictures which stand out as being different.

What's this about you trying to take pictures with your feet?

Well, I haven't quite managed it yet, but I'm trying to set up some cameras at the front of house which I can trigger remotely. I'm just modifying some infra-red stuff to put onto my foot pedals and take pictures from the back of the room whilst we're all on stage. I think that's just a few days away from being completed now.

Do you learn much from the photographers that take pictures of the band?

Not really. I think the best way to learn photography is to just do it. You can read books, but really it's about practice, and seeing what different results you get from what different settings.

Do you have a favourite photographer?

There's so many. I've got hundreds and hundreds of books on photographers. I take ideas from all of them, not just one person.

Is it something you'd like to do professionally?

To be honest, I'm enjoying being creative without having any pressure. I'm just taking pictures for myself. The idea of having a client and having to do photographs for a specific thing is not something which particularly appeals to me.

We see you guys had your friend Magne from A-ha on stage with you in Oslo. How did you all meet?

We met A-ha in Barcelona quite a few years ago and we've stayed in touch with them, particularly Mags. He's always very hospitable to us when we come and visit Norway.

It looks like his version of Hunting High And Low with Chris went down incredibly well.

Oh, it did. Obviously it's A-ha's home crowd, so they were very receptive indeed.

And you formed Apparatjik with Magne to make a song for the Amazon programme. How did that come about?

It was actually the idea of a mutual friend of ours, Martin Terefe, who's a producer. We wrote and recorded that song in a very small studio in Copenhagen in about three hours, so we were quite surprised to see it being received so well. I haven't even heard the final version of it. And I'm still not sure how the band name is pronounced!

The other chaps have said this is the best tour Coldplay have done. Would you agree with that?

Yeah, it's been going really well. Everyone's been making the most of the cities that we're in, the crowds have all been amazing and I think we're playing together as well as we ever have done. It's been really great. We're in that phase where it's just so much fun going on stage because we don't have to worry about anything other than just enjoying it. You get that muscle memory thing where playing becomes almost a sub-conscious thing. It's a really lovely feeling.

What sort of bass guitar do you use?

It's a Fender Precision Bass. I have flirted with others, but you always go back to the one you love.

On past tours, the band have used sound-checks to work on new songs. Is that something you've been doing this time?

Not yet, because there's actually still a few songs that we've already recorded which we're trying to work out how to play. So we haven't quite got to the stage of working on brand new stuff yet. I think there's also a danger of trying to write too much when you're on tour, because you go into the studio with these pre-conceived ideas of how it's going to sound, which can be quite stifling when you come to being creative in the studio. So I'm hoping we actually avoid that a little bit this time.

We hear from #42's blogs that you've been playing Oasis songs instead.

Yeah, Oasis did make an appearance the other day. AC/DC quite often gets played too. And we muck about with various other things - I might play the drums and Will will play the bass and we'll play some Stone Roses or something.

Sounds like you've been having fun.

Yes, I think it's fair to say we're all having a jolly old time.

Discuss this interview here onwards [thanks coldplay12 & mimixxx]

Coldplay's single concert at the Budapest Arena in Hungary took place tonight. More on this concert here onwards and images at the gallery here.

Setlist:

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 (partial - 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

-------

Yellow

The Escapist

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

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

More questions answered by The Oracle...

September 23, 2008 - submitted by Carolyn, United States of America

Q. Why didn't you pick Bridges in a Bottle to open for your Philly concert? They got so many more votes than the band you chose.

The Oracle replies:

What would have been the point in the band picking the one with the highest votes? They needn't have been involved at all if that was the case. There were some good bands and the standard was high in the top ten, especially the top 5 after voting. At the end of the day the competition was to whittle down the list with public voting and then the band picked their favourite. They were just following the rules.

September 23, 2008 - submitted by Craig, United States of America

Q. Will the Timeline be updated with news or serve as Coldplay's historical archive? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

Now we're in full swing, yes the Timeline will serve as an archive. We may add to it in the coming months but the website content is now archived itself in POST (movies, photos, blogs, interviews and journals).

September 23, 2008 - submitted by Cindy, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, since you are all knowing and so wise, do the guys ever take your advice? If so, can you advise Chris to start listening to Coldplay more often? I'm thinking this is why he sometimes forgets lyrics, just a thought *smile*

The Oracle replies:

They get it even if they don't ask for it! And have been known to take it, or so it would appear. On one occasion I recall the words "Good advice" were proffered.

Chris did admit a few months ago that they would need to learn how to play Trouble again. Always seems to give him a spot of er, trouble! Tee hee.

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Coldplay's single concert at Prague's 02 Arena. More on this concert here onwards and images at the gallery here. They played Fix You twice to apologise for the 'crap sound'. [thanks budvarka]

First pictures of this concert came from Czech media outlet blesk.cz.

Setlist:

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 (partial - 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

-------

Yellow

Fix You (second performance)

The Escapist

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

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

A reminder that BBC2 will run the second part of its major new TV series, Amazon. The show will follow presenter Bruce Parry as he travels the length of the Amazon, from its source to the sea. For an exclusive preview of the second programme, here (UK only).

The music which will soundtrack the end credits is a song called Ferreting, which was recorded by a new band formed especially for the project, Apparatjik. That group features Magne F from A-ha, Jonas Bjerre from Mew and Coldplay's very own Guy Berryman. Ferreting is also the opening track on the fundraising album which accompanies the series, Amazon Tribe - Songs For Survival. You can hear a clip from it at the album's MySpace page, here.

The album is out on October 6th, but you can already pre-order it from HMV, Play and, of course, Amazon Or, if you're in the UK, you can download any of the tracks (including Ferreting) from iTunes now.

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Coldplay, as was predicted, will be appearing on the Saturday Night Live show on 25th October 2008, we can exclusively reveal.

As yet it is unknown whether it will be a live performance or an interview, or both, but here is the blurb attached to that show, released today:

John Hamm will be the guest host of Saturday Night Live on October 25th. 2008. He will be accompanied by musical guest Coldplay. John Hamm is an actor, known best for his roles on television. John Hamm was born Jonathan Daniel Hamm on March 10th. 1971. John Hamm is currently starring on Mad Men and was nominated for a 2008 Emmy Award.

More on this appearance here [thanks BostonSportsTD]

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

More questions answered by The Oracle...

September 22, 2008 - submitted by Jen, United Kingdom

Q. When the Oracle retires, what Coldplay memory will you treasure?

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm I think there must have been a little conspiracy to get this question answered as it can't be a co-incidence that so many have asked the same question in the same day! That's not why I am answering it by the way. The Oracle isn't easily led. There are too many amazing memories, first gig, first chart entry, first number one album, first Brit. The list goes on. I am going to choose something very current from this tour. You may have read in Roadie #42's blog about mobile phones being the new glow sticks. Well I have a very short video of that on my phone. It's such a goosebump inducing moment and one I would share with grandchildren were I to have any but that's not likely so am hoping great nieces and nephews will suffice? (FYI: That's directed to the many who asked about grandchildren specifically!)

September 22, 2008 - submitted by Vetle, Norway

Q. O Oracle! Would thou please answer this question and my spirit shall surely be calm; Me and two of my friends have just started a band, but we have not found a name yet, and since I really like the name Coldplay, and you've already taken it, we want compensation for it! Do you have a nice name for us?

The Oracle replies:

Maybe you should just look more closely at what you asked me? There's a couple of possible band names right there in your question. Calm Spirit, Spirit, Dead Calm, Compensation or maybe Me & My Two Friends?

September 22, 2008 - submitted by Brett, United States of America

Q. Do you think its fair to say that The Roots are one of the greatest bands that doesn't get enough respect?

The Oracle replies:

I think it's fair to say that in your opinion it's true. The Oracle was lucky enough to see The Roots in a fairly small venue in the U.K about 10 years ago. They were fantastic. I can't agree with the statement myself though because any band to have a career spanning over 20 years, who are still signed, selling records and shows are doing alright in my book. For every Roots there's dozens of great unsigned bands that will never get a break. That's how I roll.

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Calling all Coldplayers! Next weekend (27th/28th September), will be Coldplay's weekend on the music channel, VH1. Here is their 'blurb' for the weekend promotion:

Formed in 1997, alternative rock band Coldplay has risen far and fast in 10 years to be considered the anointed heirs of U2 for the title of best band in the world. Coldplay's misty and melodious sound prevails with passion, charm and strength of character that connects audiences warmly to their room of sanity.

Viva La Vida - Or Death And All His Friends was released in 2008 appears to solidify their musical dominance with "Viva la Vida" so VH1 sits back in meditative transcension for an entire weekend of hits like "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Speed of Sound", "Fix You", and the Grammy Award-winning "Clocks".

More on this weekend essential TV viewing here [thanks Lys_Loves_Coldplay]

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Travis don't want Coldplay's success, report DigitalSpy. The 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?' rockers have seen their record sales flounder in recent years, while the Chris Martin-fronted group have become worldwide favourites, but the Scottish band insist they don't want to be in the position of their friends.

Travis frontman Fran Healy said: "If we'd only sold 40,000 records I would be hacked off. Chris and I are very different people. The guy doesn't sleep - he's incredibly determined. "To be a giant, giant thing like that is incredibly difficult to manage and it's not something I'm attracted to."

The band achieved recognition with their album 'The Man Who' and Fran admits they found their fame weird at first.

He added to gossip website DigitalSpy: "The thing people don't realise about us is that we've always been out of vogue. We make great records that are slightly out of fashion - and 'The Man Who' was no exception.

"But something happened with 'The Man Who' and it got played on the radio and people really liked it. It was odd for us, a band who'd been slightly out of vogue, to suddenly become really successful."

See a special Coldplay show in New York - win tickets to Yahoo! taping

Are you a Coldplay fan living in the New York City or New Jersey area? Would you like to come along to a secret and very exclusive taping of a live performance with Coldplay? If so, then the good people at Yahoo! Music and Capitol Records are requesting the pleasure of your company at Nissan Live Sets in NYC, featuring Coldplay. The details are as follows...

Date: Wednesday October 22nd, 2008

Arrival Time: 6.30pm

Location: A super-secret place in NYC!

Yahoo! have 250 pairs of tickets to give away to the show. If you'd like to win a pair, then simply email Invite@YahooLiveSets.com with your name, number and location, before October 15th. If your email is one of the 250 randomly picked winners, we'll contact you to let you know. On the night, you might even get to take part in an on-camera Q&A with the band. Please only enter once. You must be at least 13 years old to attend. Fans under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The prize is just the pair of tickets, not transport or accommodation. This invitation is not transferable unless you ask particularly nicely and get the express permission of Yahoo!. Yahoo! reserves the right to rescind any invitation, at any time, in its sole discretion.

More on this competition here [thanks Christa1]

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

The headliners for the next Glastonbury Festival are being finalised earlier than ever and will be confirmed "pretty soon", organisers have told BBC in an online article this morning.

Three months after this year's event, Emily Eavis said they were talking to "a few" stars about headlining in 2009. She declined to name them, but did say: "It's not Coldplay, it's not U2 and it's not the Rolling Stones."

She also said Franz Ferdinand and The Ting Tings would be "somewhere on the bill" after playing a show for locals. "We are completely fired up about next year at the moment," she said.

Ms Eavis, the daughter of festival founder Michael, said she had never known organisers to be talking to headliners so early. "But we have. And because our tickets go on sale on 5 October, we've brought it forward. "So we're ensconced in chat about next year and there's a lot of good feeling after such an amazing festival [this year]." No headliners are booked yet, but Ms Eavis added: "We're talking to a few people at the moment and I think pretty soon we'll have some stuff sorted."

The festival broke new ground by booking US rap star Jay-Z to headline this year - a controversial move, but one that turned out to be a success. Asked whether Glastonbury was looking to do something different again, Ms Eavis replied: "We can't repeat that can we? That was amazing. "Unfortunately you can only do something like that once." Referring to next year's headliners, she added: "We've got a real mixture actually at the moment."

Bookmaker Paddy Power is taking bets on who will headline the Saturday night at Glastonbury 2009. Radiohead are 4/1 favourites, with Coldplay, Oasis and Muse close behind. Franz Ferdinand and The Ting Tings, meanwhile, performed at the Equinox Party at the festival site in Pilton, Somerset, on Friday. Ms Eavis described the show as "a little taster" for next year. "It's good for the village to get things first," she said. "I'm sure we'll expect to see them somewhere on the bill [in 2009]."

Tickets for next year's festival will be available to buy, or reserve for a £50 deposit, from 5 October. The passes will cost £175 and all fans must have registered their details with the festival before they can book their places.

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Further to Virgin Radio's exclusive competition announcement that we reported on Coldplaying yesterday, there is good news for those who don't win - Absolute Radio (formerly Virgin Radio) will be broadcasting the Munich concert on 26th September in its entirity. Here is their announcement:

Christian has devised a cunning prize plan: a behind the scenes tour backstage; sit in on their soundcheck; watch the gig; and fly back to the UK with the band. To my innocent eyes, it seems the only downside is that you will be accompanied by Christian. Not surprisingly, this great prize is being offered on his show next week. And for everyone else, Absolute Radio will be playing out Coldplay's Munich gig in it's entirety. Stay tuned for dates and times, as well as more exciting Absolute Live music.

More on this here onwards [thanks David Watts]

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

Last night, Coldplay performed at the Oslo Spektrum in Norway. As many artists have done when performing in Norway, Coldplay gave a nod to one of the most successful Norwegian bands ever. However they didn't stop there.

During the first encore, Chris Martin mentioned A-ha as 'one of our favorite bands of all time' and invited Magne Furuholmen to join them on stage to play 'Hunting High and Low.' Chris also said that Magne is 'the best keyboard player in the world.'

Related links:

'Lenge leve live' (Dagsavisen)

Coldplay is back in Oslo Spektrum (Oslo Spektrum)

Coldplay And A-ha Collaborate (XFM)

A-Ha Guy's an Eighties baby (The Sun)

- Coldplay-bassist og a-ha-Magne med nytt band (VG)

Coldplay form A-Ha 'supergroup' (Yahoo Music)

Coldplay team up with A-Ha and Mew (NME)

- Coldplay, Mew og A-ha i ny supergruppe (Budstikka)

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

The Top 20 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city in U.S. dollars and includes the average ticket price for shows in North America. The previous week's ranking is in parentheses. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.

1. (1) Kenny Chesney; $2,100,589; $73.91.

2. (2) Coldplay; $1,674,011; $83.71.

3. (3) Neil Diamond; $1,601,822; $86.61.

4. (4) The Police; $1,305,493; $91.64.

5. (5) Dave Matthews Band; $1,229,128; $49.49.

6. (6) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; $1,155,079; $66.75.

7. (7) Rascal Flatts; $951,319; $47.37.

8. (8) Jonas Brothers; $790,259; $44.28.

9. (9) Journey; $650,078; $53.26.

10. (10) John Mayer; $598,370; $41.37.

11. (11) "American Idols Live"; $574,080; $57.58.

12. (12) Rush; $558,484; $64.08.

13. (14) James Taylor; $521,789; $51.00.

14. (13) Tim McGraw; $497,620; $48.46.

15. (15) Motley Crue; $479,521; $42.41.

16. (17) Brad Paisley; $428,881; $34.80.

17. (18) "Vans Warped Tour"; $400,701; $27.00.

18. (19) "Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival" Slipknot / Disturbed; $383,959; $32.18.

19. (20) Robert Plant and Alison Krauss; $373,038; $68.58.

20. (New) Steely Dan; $322,185; $75.34.

Source: The Canadian Press

Coldplay's single concert at Oslo's Spectrum. Once again, no live debut for 'Glass Of Water' tonight, but a surprise as an early cover - Hunting High and Low - was played (download via rapidshare here), with Chris Martin singing with Magne Furuholmen from 'Aha' playing piano. More on this here onwards [thanks wilfu & leeds113]

You can view some exclusive Norwegian media videoclips of tonight's concert here and here

Setlist:

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 (partial - 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

-------

Hunting High and Low (Chris singing with Magne Furuholmen from 'Aha' playing piano)

Yellow

The Escapist

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

Cast your daily vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site at the 2008 BT Digital Music Awards

More questions answered by The Oracle...

September 19, 2008 - submitted by Rita, Brazil

Q. Was it because I am latin that my camera (which is NOT professional!!!!) was taken before the Barcelona concert while the others over 1000 cameras could take a picture of Coldplay during the show??????? Maybe my camera is very special, right? Great show, by the way.

The Oracle replies:

I'm sorry to hear that but the reason will be that it's the policy at all gigs that cameras and recording equipment aren't allowed. It usually says this in the terms and condition either on the ticket or at the time of purchase. Most venues turn a blind eye and are more interested whether you have food or drink concealed. With the advent of mobile phone technology they can't take phones away so most people take photos and videos using their mobiles. Many artists have personal strict rules enforced at live shows which means security are very busy warning people or confiscating cameras. I assume you got it back as they have the facilities to leave your cameras during the show.

September 19, 2008 - submitted by Jim, United Kingdom

Q. In the television advert for 'Ocean Village' on ITV1 in the UK, the music seems to be a complete rip off of a Colplay song, only played in a 'lounge-music' style.

Has anybody else heard this and wondered if it has permission to use this, or is just a cheapo attempt to recreate Coldplay magic? Thanks, Jim.

The Oracle replies:

It's very typical in advertising to recreate popular songs. There's also one for Preston college that's so similar to Viva la Vida but even though it's a rip-off, they're not technically breaking any copyright laws.

September 19, 2008 - submitted by Elyse, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle,

I need your advice because I can't seem to find a way to fix my problem. I have a friend that began to have feelings for me 2 years ago. At that time I found out that he liked me, I almost immediately made it clear to him that nothing would ever happen between us. Yet, 2 years later, he still cannot seem to let it go. He still tries to convince me that I should be with him and when he drinks, he continually confesses his love to me. Sometimes, he is very hurtful to me and says this is because he is frustrated that he can't be with me. It really frustrates me that after such a long time, he has made no progress in getting over me. Another problem is that I genuinely think he is a nice person and still want to maintain a friendship with him. But, even more, I would like him to move on from me.

Thanks for your help!

The Oracle replies:

Maybe you could start by making sure you're not around him when he's under the influence of alcohol. If he is a true friend he should respect what you tell him about your feelings. It will be hard to maintain a relationship with another man if this friend is on the scene so ask yourself what the friendship gives you. I'm sorry to say that you probably can't maintain a friendship with this guy if he continues acting in this way. Unrequited love is hard to accept and maybe by distancing yourself, maybe for a short while, it may be the thing he needs to move on. It will be hard for you both but perhaps the more he sees you, the more he thinks there is always a chance of something more.

Pink claims a first Hot 100 number one in her own right as Estelle’s American Boy accelerates into the Top 10 after being made available again as an individual download on iTunes.

Coldplay’s Viva La Vida exits the Top 10 after more than three months, dropping 7-14, but the UK retains a dual interest in the 10 with M.I.A.’s Paper Planes rising one place to a new peak of four and Estelle’s American Boy racing 53-9 in a remarkable turnaround in chart fortunes.

UK interest on the chart is led by Coldplay whose Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends drops 12-15, while Leona Lewis’s Spirit slips 20-22 as Duffy’s Rockferry halts its chart decline to move 33-30.

The second of two concerts at Stockholm's Globe Theatre. Again, no 'Glass Of Water' tonight, but Chris played the opening parts to Amsterdam for the first time since November 2005. More on this concert here onwards [thanks melanieau & Starlight Chaser]

Setlist: [thanks bergstrommarn]

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 (partial - techno version)

Amsterdam (partial)

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 (outro)

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

They (or Chris to be exact) played the opening parts of Amsterdam! Jesus, I think I've died and gone to heaven. That could have been one of the best moments of my life. Amazing gig, slightly better than yesterday due to already mentioned fact. I'm holding my fingers crossed for an even better - if that is even possible - show in Oslo tomorrow. [coldplayer]

We only got one extra song while they got three last night. Bummer but it was great otherwise! Mumsy's nose begs to disagree as the person to her left and the one in front of her both badly needed an introduction to soap, water and deo.

More questions answered by The Oracle...

September 18, 2008 - submitted by Zac, United States of America

Q. Will we ever be able to download the techno version of "God put a smile upon your face" that they played in their concert?

The Oracle replies:

Right now there isn't a recorded version of this song. At original rehearsals for the shows, the track wasn't given the techno treatment - I prefer to say it was given an '80's overhaul. At the moment it's performed on what is known as Stage B, which has also seen many changes. The most notable being that Will ditched a traditional drum kit for an electric one. This lends itself to this interpretation of GPAUYF well.

September 18, 2008 - submitted by Ruan, Brazil

Q. Dear oracle, do you think that people in "Family Guy" can hear Stewie? I know the dog can, but what about the others?

By the way,is Stewie's accent british?

Thank you, master!

The Oracle replies:

Ah this is a question I used to ask myself. Luckily being an Oracle I was able to answer. For most of the episodes it would seem that only Brian (the dog) can hear and understand everything he says but there's odd bits of evidence in episodes where it appears that other members of the Griffin family can hear him too. It doesn't happen often so the explanation is either that they can but choose to ignore him, or perhaps what they hear is his baby voice. As he's a 1 year old, him being the articulate English speaking character we hear is not likely. But then, I have never seen a talking dog, well, except on That's Life.

Last night Mia and I, and her old swimming friends Ida and Anna went to Globen Arena (incidentally, we live right next door), and saw Coldplay. I'm a casual Coldplay fan at best, and generally don't even listen to them unless someone else puts them on. Sometimes I think it's a bit gay to be a Coldplay fan, no? Last night was not gay.

Ida and Anna came over around 6pm, and since we only had a two minute walk to the Globen (which, resembles and enormous white golf ball), we had some dinner first. I prepared the finest curry I've ever eaten, and redeemed myself for my lackluster effort at Mia's friend's house the week before with Ryan. They girls supplied some wine. The three of them chatted in incomprehensible Swedish while I lounged on the couch looking at photos from New Zealand and wishing I could go back there, like now.

The one and half glasses of red wine I drank merely put me in somber, sleepy mood, and I spent the first half hour of the opening act (who happened to be the drummer from the Strokes - pretty sweet), yawning my brains out. As usual, there was about a 45 minutes delay between sets, and Coldplay finally came out around 9:30. Someone, Ryan maybe, or maybe Nate told me that they put on a good show - it didn't disappoint.

Chris Martin must be on speed or something, because he didn't sit still for the entire concert and was full of boundless energy. Even playing his piano he was jerking and gyrating around. The band truly looked like they were having an immense amount of fun. The songs were played with enormous energy, second only to Dave Matthews and his namesake Band in my opinion. In hindsight, it was probably the best 'stadium' concert I've ever been to. Well, maybe a close second to U2, my first concert in Philly with Nate and Dane. But anyway, it was surprisingly awesome.

And the audience was insane! They sang along to every song with remarkable clarity. During the brief intermission before the first encore, they were chanting and stomping and the whole place felt like it would cave in. Quite impressive.

At one point, the whole band ran off the stage and sprinted across the floor towards the back of the arena and proceeded to climb up the stairs to the lower level of seats, just under where we were seated. According to Martin, "We can't fly all the way to Sweden and not come visit the back!" They played two songs from right in the audience, and both included a harmonica.

Metallica's new album "Death Magnetic" captivated a lot of music buyers this week. The band's critically acclaimed new effort soared to the top of the Canadian album charts this week, selling 81,000 copies in its debut, according to Nielsen SoundScan data, Canoe.ca report today.

It marks the second best debut of the year, right behind Coldplay's "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends", which racked up 90,000 copies when it was released in June. However, Metallica hit those numbers on just a three-day sales window -- the album was out last Friday to accommodate a worldwide release date. They also grabbed the No. 1 spot south of the border, selling 490,000 copies of "Death Magnetic" in the U.S.

In the Canadian album chart, the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida," and Slipknot's "All Hope is Gone" all remained at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

Further to Chris Martin's text message, articles are starting to emerge on new material being written during the European tour.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin is working on songs for the band's next record before shows on their current tour, according to a blog post on the official Coldplay website by a writer identified as "Roadie Number 42", KBS Radio in Canada reported tonight. The post states, "We arrive at the shiny, new O2 arena in Berlin mid-afternoon. Now that the set has settled for a while, you'd think that maybe they'd knock soundchecks on the head for a bit. What does Christopher Martin do today? He gets up on stage and starts writing stuff for the next record."

Martin told BBC Radio last month that the band will release an EP called either Prospekt's March or Prospekt's Songs on December 26th of this year. The EP will contain material left over from the sessions for the group's latest effort, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.

The vocalist added that Coldplay hopes to record and release a full, brand new album by the end of 2009. Viva La Vida... sold 721,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at Number One on the Billboard album chart in June. The CD is approaching sales of two million copies.

"Roadie Number 42" also wrote that the members of Coldplay don't seem annoyed by what he calls "eBayers," people who ask the band to sign multiple copies of their CDs, which they then put up for auction online. "42" writes, "It's a shame really, as the guys have been lovely to every fan I've seen them meet, but you can see how the pretenders could make the whole experience more wearing...certainly it seems to bother me and the fellas' security much more than it bothers the guys themselves."

More questions answered by The Oracle...

September 17, 2008 - submitted by Michael, Nicaragua

Q. Since "Viva La Vida" its a title in spanish.. do you think maybe Coldplay would ever release a single in spanish?? Chris' spanish is so funny...

The Oracle replies:

As you can probably tell Chris isn't fluent in Spanish so for a band with English as their first language it wouldn't really make much sense to release a full song in Spanish. The lyric Viva la Vida doesn't actually appear anywhere in the song either so it's just a title.

September 17, 2008 - submitted by Allie, United Kingdom

Q. We've heard Jonny and Will sing. When do we get to hear Guy sing (if ever)?

By the way, he seems like quite the dancer. I just recently watched The Hardest Part music video, and out of all of the band he seemed like he was having the most fun.

The Oracle replies:

On the last album and tour Guy sang backing vocals and continues to do so on this record/tour. His dancing actually started with the Speed of Sound video when the director Mark Romanek encouraged Guy to become less static and to find his groove. His direction worked as you can see in the result. In The Hardest Part he became even more animated.

September 17, 2008 - submitted by Fernando, Brazil

Q. Was the song The World Turned Upside Down belong to the X&Y album? I think that the first name of this song was X&Y.

The Oracle replies:

It was actually a b-side track on the single Fix You and didn't feature on the album. X&Y was track 6 on the album.

A text message from Chris (via coldplay.com)

September 17, 2008 4:27 pm

Chris sends a text from Sweden

just landed in stockholm spent yesterday writing writing writing and eating cake tour so far best one we ever did audiences wonderful and catering also we are trying to find the right night to play glass of water which is good heavy and recently finished please excuse the lack of punctuation there are no full stops in sweden chris

More on this at the Coldplay Live forum here [thanks timjacko]

Music fans to help decide who wins online gongs

Coldplay, Radiohead and Bloc Party have received multiple nominations for this year's BT Digital Music Awards, NME report today. Coldplay are up for Best Indie/Rock Act and Artist Of The Year. You can vote here. You can also vote for Coldplaying.com in the Best Unofficial Music Site category here. Voting is limited to once per day.

Taking place on October 1 at London's Roundhouse, the awards focus on digital music entertainment, with online music industry-based categories, such as Best Music Community and Best Artist Promotion, in amongst more conventional awards such as Best Pop Act and Best Indie/Rock Act. The Ting Tings, Alphabeat, The Futureheads and Kylie Minogue are amongst the other acts in line for gongs, which are decided by combining the votes of the BT panel judges and the votes of music fans in a 50/50 split.

The nominations in the music-based categories are as follows:

Best Pop Artist:

Alphabeat

Kylie

Sam Beeton

The Hoosiers

The Ting Tings

Best Rock/Indie Artist:

Bloc Party

Coldplay

Ida Maria

Radiohead

The Futureheads

Best Urban Artist:

Akala

Beardyman

M.I.A.

Roots Manuva

Wiley

Best Electronic Artist or DJ:

Basshunter

Bjork

Hadouken

Pendulum

Sam Sparro

Best Audio Podcast:

Book Slam

Clash Podcast

Fabric Podcast

Hospital Records Podcast

Tune Up

Best Video Podcast:

Flyposter

Philharmonic Orchestra Video Podcasts

Rockstar Tutorial Now Play It

The Zutons Podcast

Tune Up

Best Radio Station:

BBC 6Music

BBC Asian Network

Gaydar Radio

Passion For The Planet

Planet Rock

Best Music Store:

7 Digital

eMusic

iTunes

Music Station

Napster

Best Music Magazine:

Clash Music

Drowned In Sound

I Like Music

NME.COM

Resident Advisor

Best Music Community:

Bloc Party Marshals

Download Festival Community

Drowned In Sound

Get Closer

NUMU

Breakthrough Artist Of The Year:

Basshunter

Hadouken!

The Hoosiers

The Script

Vampire Weekend

Artist Of The Year:

British Sea Power

Coldplay

Kylie

Leona Lewis

Radiohead

Best Music Hardware:

Gibson 'robot' guitar

Motorola ROKR E8

Ripserver