Coldplay have crowned their comeback by leading the field in the shortlist for this year’s Q Awards as the nominees were announced today.

Among their haul of four nominations in the annual celebration of the year’s greatest music is a chance of winning the title of Best Act In The World Today, a prize they last won in 2005 as they basked in the glory of X&Y. To land the trophy in 2008 they face competition from Oasis, Muse, Metallica and Kings of Leon.

Coldplay also compete in the prized Best Album category for their global chart-topping album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends as well as Best Track and Best Video for Violet Hill. The band’s fourth release lines up against self-titled albums by Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend as well as The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets and Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!! by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds. The awards take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane, London on October 6 and will, as always, draw an array of glittering names from the world of Q.

If you’d like to vote for Coldplay (or, indeed, another act) to win any of the awards, click here to head over to Q’s site. If you vote, you’ll also be entered into a draw to win tickets to the ceremony.

More on this news and read the full list of nominees here [thanks mimixxx]

You can now watch Coldplay perform tracks during an intimate live gig for Radio 2 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London. The video of Coldplay's Radio 2 gig will be available until Monday 8 September, 2359. (hurry!)

Watch the full gig online (UK residents only... BBC rules not mine) here

The news that Coldplay will be releasing a new EP at the end of this year and a new album at the end of 2009 is finally filtering through the WWW, despite no official announcement from the official website on Monday.

Below are just some of the articles written across the world by the likes of NME, BBC, Gigwise et al. It might take you a while to read them all!

To summarise, Coldplay confirmed that they will be releasing an EP before the end of the year, followed by a new album at the end of 2009. Chris Martin announced the decision to release the EP only months after Coldplay's fourth studio album, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends. He told BBC 6Music: "We're going to put an EP out at Christmas called Prospekt's March and we're going to release an album next December to end the decade."

Coldplay confirm new EP and album

Coldplay to release new EP this year

Coldplay announce EP and album release plans

Coldplay reveal album details

Coldplay confirm EP and new album plans

Coldplay Confirm New Album and New EP!

Coldplay are due to release a new EP in December

Coldplay Confirm Two Releases

As previously reported, the band recorded so much material with producer Brian Eno during the writing of Viva La Vida that they had more than enough for one album. Chris previously revealed that the 2009 album will feature 'Lunar', a collaboration with Kylie Minogue that was deemed "too sexy" to be on Viva La Vida. Prospekt's March is due for release on December 26.

Coldplay caused chaos at the BBC after their road crew forced HQ Broadcasting House to be evacuated TWICE.

As fire alarms went off, Radio 3 and Radio 4 were briefly pulled off the air while grumbling staff were made to assemble on pavements outside the building in central London. The band were there on Friday to record a live show put out the next day. Lighting technicians got the blame. What made it worse was they had insisted their preparations wouldn’t interfere with the building’s safety systems.

You may remember Roadie #42 commenting in his latest blog:

There was a particularly amusing roadie tale doing the rounds as stage-time approached this evening, though. Apparently, the lampies loaded in and started programming the previous night. Now, when pointing beams of light, it's much easier to see them if there's a bit of "fog". Apparently, Sparky (our lovely lighting man) dutifully checked that there would be no trouble with smoke detectors. After being assured that all was well, he pumped out a rather generous amount, ready to get to work. Somewhat inevitably, the BBC's smoke detectors had a major panic attack.

This led to the whole building being evacuated. Apparently the BBC chaps were most apologetic to him and took the heat (probably not the best phrase under the circumstances, I agree...). They assured all concerned that their errant fire alarm system had been recalibrated and that all would be well. The fire chief was less than sure and insisted that before he leave, the smoke machines were fired up again. Needless to say, alarm bells and flashing lights ensued and all and sundry were out on the pavement once again. Apparently, the result of all this fun and games was that Radio 3 and Radio 4 ended up being off air for some time. Now if this man's smoke machine trigger-finger can bring down two national radio stations, empty an entire building and summon half the London Fire Brigade, you really do have to wonder what it was he did that earned him the nickname Sparky...

More pictures from Coldplay's recent radio interview with Steve Lamacq at BBC6 Radio have been released by the BBC (read more for full set):

More on the pictures here onwards [thanks mimixxx]

Setlist:

1. Life In Technicolor

2. Violet Hill

3. Clocks

4. Cemeteries of London (debut on tour)

5. Chinese Sleep Chant

6. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

7. 42

8. Don’t Panic

9. Yellow

10. The Hardest Part (piano)

11. In My Place

12. Speed Of Sound

13. Viva La Vida

14. Lost!

15. The Scientist

Acoustic (?) Encore

17. Death Will Never Conquer

18. Politik

19. Lovers In Japan

20. Death And All His Friends

2nd Encore

21. The Dubliners

22. The Escapist

Well, just one word about this show : it was H-U-G-E !! I didn't meet any of you guys, but whoo, I'll never forget this evening !!!! I never realized how GREAT Chris Martin's voice is... And I was standing in the first rows with a perfect view at the band ! And the butterflies, and the harmonica, and the little Gnossienne from Satie at the piano, and Chris being topless, and the not so bad French speaking, and the little jokes, and... and everything else ! I'm flying on a little cloud since, and it is really hard for me to focus on work right now ! It was worth every hour of wait, standing, feet hurting, thirst and tiredness. That was the best show I have ever seen ! [thanks Eliness]

More on this show here onwards and pictures in the gallery here [thanks Chavi & Carlaatje]

More from the Oracle...

September 1, 2008 - submitted by Linnea, Sweden

Q. At the blog Roadie #42, there is a picture of Chris reading, what is the title of the book?

The Oracle replies:

Well, Chris said on the radio this weekend that it could have been The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama but it certainly doesn’t look like it! There’s been a lot of interest over this particular photo as if it’s the only book Chris has ever read. There’s always a lot of book reading on tour so we can’t be sure, though I heard that particular one might be Oscar Wilde.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by Yolanda, Mexico

Q. Ok is there really something or someone of Coldplay in the song by Nelly Furtado: All Good Things Come To An End?

The Oracle replies:

This is another collaboration that hit trouble when it came to being released. Chris was heavily involved in the writing, performance and recording of this song. Again a version was leaked onto the internet but his vocals were removed from the official release.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by Krine, France

Q. During Yellow, in concert, there are big balloons, like in the next tour? (thanks for the show on BBC and thanks you, Oracle).

The Oracle replies:

The balloons appeared during the last tour and the band don’t tend to repeat any effects so you won’t be seeing those again. There are other visual delights on this tour but if you loved the big yellow balloons during Yellow, you can see plenty of photos and videos of them online.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by mayte, Peru

Q. How much you guys know about latin american culture? and why don’t you visit machu picchu in Peru?

The Oracle replies:

Collectively they know quite a bit. Also the Oracle has been to Machu Picchu twice.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by Adam, United States of America

Q. Is there any place I can obtain the version of song Dry Your Eyes with Chris and the Roots? I have not been able to find it anywhere.

The Oracle replies:

Chris sang the chorus on the original demo of Dry Your Eyes by The Streets not The Roots. There was an unofficial copy floating around on the internet at the time, which was also played on a U.S radio station. As it hadn’t been given the green light it caused controversy when it was revealed that this version was to be ditched and wasn’t intended for public delectation.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by Ivka, Slovakia

Q. What are those coloured streamers on Chris’ fingers? (kind of material..?)

The Oracle replies:

This isn’t relevant any longer as Chris only wore the coloured tape (electrical tape) during the Twisted Logic tour. It tied in with the X&Y Baudot code of coloured blocks on the album’s cover.

September 1, 2008 - submitted by karina, Australia

Q. Is it true Coldplay are going to do a duet with Kylie Minogue???

The Oracle replies:

This song has already been recorded months ago. It hasn’t been played out anywhere yet nor has it been announced officially where you’re going to get to hear it. Sit tight and all will be revealed… eventually.

The show isn't until tonight, but the big news from Coldplaying.com so far is that Cemeteries Of London has been soundchecked by Coldplay in Strasbourg today, and there is a great possibility they may play it live tonight. The track from the new album Death And All His Friends has never been played live... yet.

Chris Martin has described it as their "ghost march" and he is clearly trying to tackle the big questions as he sings about a supernatural and religious quest. This, along with a few other tracks, brings to mind the resonant 1980s stadium rock of bands like U2, Genesis, Simple Minds and Marillion.

Pre-Show Updates from Chavi:

11.30: We're at the venue and spoke to a roadie, fuckin excited!

12.47: They came in but didn't stop, phil was there too

13.04: (Answer to mimi's question) I waved my banner, hope they read I screamed Phil and will Like mad when they got out the car, I think they both smiled yay

13.43: They're doing soundcheck right now, only playing Violet Hill, frustrating cause we can't get in

14.24: Just saw Guy cause he went out to smoke, bit hid behind a car, I'm a bit sad have to go back in the queue people are starting to gather

14.36: We can't get closer because of security tried to give flyers to roadies but wouldn't come and take em bummer!

15.27: Holy shit! they went back for souncheck and played CoL! they fuckin read my banner which says: 'play the amazing cemetries of london please' weeeeeee

23.36: Cemeteries Of London has made its live debut in France... setlist to follow!

More exclusive updates on tonights show here and here onwards [thanks Carlaatje & Chavi]

Michael Stipe has heaped praise on Coldplay, saying a band as good and genial as them is a rarity.

He gushed in the BBC6 interview on Saturday: "For me, having been around for 28 years, doing this, I’m thrilled when a band like Coldplay come along. I think great! Here are some contemporaries I respect what they do and they’re really smart fun people great people to be around and they’re very close friends."

Elsewhere in the interview, Coldplay revealed that their fifth studio album will be released in December 2009 to cap off an incredible decade for the four-piece. The band's frontman Chris Martin made the revelations in a very special interview with R.E.M's Michael Stipe on BBC6music over the weekend.

Asked by Stipe if it was true that new material was on the horizon, Martin responded: “We’re going to put an EP out at Christmas called 'Prospekt's March' and we’re going to release an album next December to end the decade."

Yesterday two of the biggest bands in the world went head to head on BBC 6music as Coldplay chatted to REM's Michael Stipe [pictured] live in the studio with Steve Lamacq.

Following reports that Coldplay planned to release a record this year it fell on Stipe to get to the bottom of the rumours: “Is it true?” he asked. To which Martin replied: “We’re going to put an EP out at Christmas called Prospekt's March and we’re going to release an album next December to end the decade.”

Martin then turned to Will Champion and asked: “Is it [the EP] called Prospekt's March or Prospekt's Song?” Before adding: “Lets ask Michael Stipe!”Stipe preferred Prospekt's March and the band agreed. This EP will come only months after Coldplay's 4th studio album Viva La Vida which was released in June this year. But as previously reported, the band recorded so much material during the writing of Viva La Vida they had more than enough for one album.

Both REM and Coldplay were gearing up for shows in London last night (Saturday 30th August). Coldplay played the BBC Radio Theatre and REM closed their show at the Twickenham Stadium. The two acts have been friends for years and Stipe gave a full endorsement of Coldplay’s music: “For me, having been around for 28 years, doing this, I’m thrilled when a band like Coldplay come along," he said and then continued gushing: "I think great! Here are some contemporaries I respect what they do and they’re really smart fun people great people to be around and they’re very close friends.”

Source: http://musicccnews.blogspot.com

Here are more answered questions from The Oracle...

August 29, 2008 - submitted by Simon, Netherlands

Q. Why did Coldplay wrote an Ode to Deodorant?

The Oracle replies:

Your question seems imply that you think Ode to Deodorant was a joke. I know that the lyrics do seem a little whimsical but I can assure you it was a serious composition. It would be like asking why Coldplay wrote Yellow? They just did.

August 29, 2008 - submitted by CJ, South Africa

Q. Just wondered if someone knew the hidden track’s name on the album X&Y is NOT Til Kingdom Come but is in fact Make Trade Fair no one seems to know that did you know that oracle?

The Oracle replies:

There isn’t a Coldplay track called Make Trade Fair so it’s not that I or anyone else didn’t know. It’s simply not true. I’m not sure where you got your copy from, but if it says Make Trade Fair on it, it can only be a reference to the cause of the same name that the band are associated with.

August 29, 2008 - submitted by Patrick, United States of America

Q. I just got a Martin D-18 for my birthday from my girlfriend…she’s amazing…what acoustic pickup would you suggest putting in it?

The Oracle replies:

How about a Fishman bridge pickup with single volume control?

August 29, 2008 - submitted by Jody, United Kingdom

Q. On which beach was the video for Yellow filmed?

The Oracle replies:

It was Studland Bay, which is a few miles north of Swanage. The area is part of the National Trust and is renowned for being one of the most beautiful beaches in England.

August 29, 2008 - submitted by Cemre, Turkey

Q. Hey Oracle, I just wanted to ask about the song “Under The Tracks”. It’s known as a Coldplay song, but we all can understand that it’s not Chris singing. Who is singing then? And is it even a Coldplay song?

The Oracle replies:

You’re right Cemre, it’s not Chris and it’s not Coldplay. This is a myth that has been knocking around for a few years. The actual artist who recorded it is Creeper Lagoon.

August 29, 2008 - submitted by Paul, United States of America

Q. And I dont want to start a discusion… But how come are you inspired in a Latino Picture for this new album and you are no doing promotion in Latino Countries, maybe your planing to go to Mexico…but there more countries where you have a lot of fans in Central and South America.

The Oracle replies:

During the last world tour - Twisted Logic Tour - there were no Latin American dates. The following year Coldplay started to record the 4th album. Initially they intended to showcase some new songs and chose to do that in Latin America. It ended up being a one off special tour without the new songs. They didn’t visit anywhere else, but came back and continued recording Viva la Vida but this time with more influence from the countries they had visited. There are many countries that are waiting for a tour and not everyone will get to see them. Keep checking as new dates pop up all the time.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by doofuss, Sudan

Q. I need a name for an elephant please help me!

The Oracle replies:

May I humbly suggest Leonard Edgar Funt (L. E. Funt)? You could call him Lenny for short, which makes a nice change from Nellie.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by Krupa, United States of America

Q. “Two thousands miles, is very far from here. I think of you, where ever you go..”

What is the name of this song and where can I buy it?

The Oracle replies:

2000 Miles is a cover of The Pretenders classic that Coldplay covered in 2003. It was available as download only and ended up being the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales donated to Future Forests and Stop Handgun Violence campaigns. You can find it on the Internet via search engines.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by Joanna, United Kingdom

Q. Guy did the London Marathon back in April, how many hours training did he put in to get to the fitness of being able to run a race like that?

The Oracle replies:

Wearing number 36989 Guy crossed the finishing line with his trainer Dan after 3 hours 59 min, which is amazing as Guy only decided he wanted to do it mid February. That’s 9 weeks before race day but only six weeks of full training, as they needed 2 weeks to warm down before the race. Training consisted of one long run per week starting at 10 miles and building up to 20 miles 2 weeks before the race. They also did 2 shorter (3- 5 mile) fast runs per week and 1 medium distance run (6-8 miles) of varying pace. They ran for Kith & Kids.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by ben, United Kingdom

Q. We have the band coming on our radio show this Saturday. What question would you ask them?

The Oracle replies:

Hi Ben. It’s their 10th anniversary this year of first gig, the Safety E.P, being played on the radio, getting spotted… I’d ask them which teletubby they each represent. I jest of course! How about how their dreams as aspiring students back in 1998 compares to the reality of their success? And send my love.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by Tom, Ireland

Q. Why do Coldplay like a-ha and Muse so much? U2 are better than them.

The Oracle replies:

That’s your opinion and of course you’re entitled to it. The thing is, it’s shared! Coldplay LOVE U2 and always have. Chris obsessed over The Unforgettable Fire. The first album Will bought was Rattle & Hum on cassette. They have been guests at Bono’s house as well as at their shows. I mean don’t get me wrong they do love a-ha and Muse and many more great artists.

August 28, 2008 - submitted by Mike, United States of America

Q. What weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of gold??? The answer is not what you think.

The Oracle replies:

It’s no fun if you add, “the answer is not what you think”. Immediately the reader assumes the answer is not “they’re the same” or “gold”. This means one could just guess a pound of feathers is heavier, which of course in this case, is absolutely true.

Coldplay downloads have broken through significant sales milestones in the States to underline a new era of multi-million-selling singles.

According to Joseph Murrells - the late musicologist whose Book Of Golden Discs was the first volume to track worldwide million sellers - The Beatles’ I Want To Hold Your Hand is the biggest selling single by a UK act in America, with sales of more than 4.9m there. Viva La Vida by Coldplay is chasing hard, and races past the 2m mark, with sales last week of 86,000 taking its career tally to 2,027,000. By far the biggest seller of Coldplay’s career, Viva La Vida holds at number seven on downloads, airplay and the Hot 100.

Viva La Vida has, of course, been a major hit in the UK, but few here could recognise Paper Planes, the maiden US hit single by Londoner M.I.A.. The track climbs 4-3 on the download chart this week, with sales of 124,500 allowing it to pass the 1m sales mark at 1,011,500.

Meanwhile, Natasha Bedingfield’s Pocketful Of Sunshine is a week or so away from joining Viva La Vida in the 2m club. Although dipping 34-39 on the download chart, it sold 33,000 copies last week to take its sales to 1,978,000.

Estelle should by now be celebrating the millionth US sale of her American Boy single but it was withdrawn from sale as a stand-alone download last week, and consequently plummets 6-59 on the download chart (22,000 sales were made before it was pulled, taking its career tally to 934,500). It also tumbles 11-37 on the Hot 100. Deleting the song from iTunes and other virtual record stores was a move calculated to drive potential buyers to buy Estelle’s album, Shine, but in these credit crunch days punters need to know more than one song by an artist before handing over their cash, and the album actually dives 124-158, on sales of just 4,000 copies. To make matters worse, an opportunistic cover of American Boy by an anonymous studio act known as The Studio All Stars takes up the sales slack, shifting 30,500 copies to debut at number 43 on the download chart and number 85 on the Hot 100.

At the top of the Hot 100, incidentally, history is made by T.I., whose Whatever You Like single catapults 71-1, the biggest jump to the summit in chart history. The track’s previous chart placing was based entirely on airplay but last week it was released on download, with pent-up demand securing it a first week sale of 205,000. The 10 biggest moves to number one in chart history (all from outside the Top 40) have occurred since 2002, most of them in similar circumstances.

On the albums chart, The Jonas Brothers remain at number one with the aptly-titled A Little Bit Longer, though its sales dive 72% to 147,000.

Of a year’s best total of 33 debuts on the Top 200, two are by British acts. Amy MacDonald’s self-titled debut arrives at number 92, on sales of 6,000. And Stereolab chalk up their fifth chart entry, with Chemical Chords easing to number 170 on sales of 3,800.

Source: http://www.musicweek.com

Coldplay's hour-long gig at the BBC Radio Theatre in London is over. They played:

1. Life In Technicolor

2. Violet Hill

3. Clocks

4. Viva La Vida (dedicated to Terry Wogan)

5. 42

6. The Hardest Part aka. Ego Trip (Chris M. acoustic)

7. Chinese Sleep Chant

8. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno v-v-v-ersion)

9. Yellow (dedicated to Radio 2)

10. Lost!

11. Trouble

12. The Scientist (full version)

13. Lovers In Japan (dedicated to Dermot O'Leary)

encore

14. Death And All His Friends (dedicated to Phil Harvey, the 5th member of Coldplay)

15. Strawberry Swing (not aired on radio)

Listen again to the whole gig via the BBC iPlayer webstream or download in MP3 format via megaupload [thanks fixed & open6l]

More audio/visual links, pictures and reviews to follow... eyes and ears peeled!

Guy Berryman's setlist from the BBC Radio gig. "What If" was dropped for "Trouble" which Chris immediately followed with "The Scientist", much to the surprise of his bandmates. After the radio show ended, Coldplay returned to the stage to close with "Strawberry Swing". [thanks Jeff]

Two new Coldplay interviews have aired today in the UK, the first one on BBC Radio 2 with Dermot O'Leary and the second on BBC6 Music. During the second one Chris Martin confirmed details of future Coldplay releases to a well respected Steve Lamacq.

An EP entitled 'Prospekt's March' will be released on 26th December 2008 and the band will then wrap up the decade with a full length release in December 2009. Both releases have no further details as yet.

We reported a month ago here at Coldplaying.com that the band had finished working on some songs that will be released in EP format sometime in March next year, so it appears that this EP has been brought forward by three months. It also appears that the news we reported back on June 2nd about a new album release in 2009 is correct.

Listen to: Dermot O'Leary interview [Thanks Cris_Santos]

Listen to: Steve Lamacq interview [Thanks Cris_Santos]

More discussion on the exclusive news about the new releases from the Steve Lamacq interview here onwards (if you liked Chris's hair here's a warning: he's shaved his head).

A final reminder that tonight, Coldplay will play a special concert for the BBC, which will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. The show will take place from 7-8pm (BST), with build-up on both Radio 2 and Radio 6 (The first one is from 1400-1700 on Radio 2 and the second from 1600-1800 on BBC6 Music). Click here for full details and to listen live online, wherever you are. The BBC will also be showing video of the gig on the site afterwards.

The concert will take place in London's BBC Radio Theatre, a venue which was opened in 1932 and visited shortly afterwards by King George V and Queen Mary. "Their Majesties were greatly struck by the hall, which is among London's finest, with an audience capacity of 700," reported the Daily Telegraph at the time. It is not clear whether any royalty will be attending Saturday night's show.

Keep in touch with the gig as it happens with us at Coldplaying here. You can listen to both the Radio 2 and Radio 6 webstreams via the Coldplaying toolbar - which you can download here prior to the live gig and interviews.

Dermot is back - joined by Coldplay and Little Jackie. If you have questions for any of them, email Dermot.

Lammo [steve Lamacq] sits in for Lauren Laverne this Saturday and talks to REM's Michael Stipe and Coldplay.

Coldplay, Elbow and TV On The Radio have been added to the new series of Later With Jools Holland 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.

If you would like to be part of the audience, you can register your interest here

A reminder that Coldplay’s three albums, Parachutes, A Rush of Blood To The Head and X&Y will be re-released on vinyl from Monday 1st September 2008.

All three albums are available for pre-order at amazon.

Order Parachutes: UK | US

Order A Rush of Blood To The Head: UK | US

Order X&Y: UK | US

2008 Concert Volunteer Application - Support Oxfam at the new Coldplay shows!

Oxfam America are looking for volunteers to help out at Coldplay shows in the US - there are still spots available for most Coldplay US shows - inlcuding the following newly announced ones:

Wed Oct 29 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Gardens

Fri Oct 31 - Washington DC - Verizon Center

Sat Nov 1 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center

Wed Nov 5 - Altanta, GA - Phillips Arena

Fill in the form here for your application. If you wish to apply to more than one concert please fill out one application per concert. An Oxfam America organizer will respond to you as soon as possible and will send more exact schedules along with other instructions to those volunteers who are selected and reconfirmed. Spaces are limited. Volunteers typically arrive 1-2 hours before the concert and stay about an hour after the concert.

There is more information on this here (Oxfam America have posted an update here on Coldplaying.com regarding the new added shows.)

They need your help in Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic and Hungary

This just in from our friends at Oxfam...

Hello. As you know, Coldplay have shows coming up around Europe. Oxfam volunteers have been invited to campaign every step of the way, talking to 100,000s of people about how they can take action to overcome poverty. There are still a few places available for volunteers in Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic and Hungary. You could be one of them.

Volunteers receive a free ticket to the show, in return for working hard and spreading the word for about three hours prior to the show. What better way to spend an evening? Join the other dedicated volunteers in doing amazing work to fight poverty, and then watch Coldplay put on an amazing live show!

We'll convert your precious time into life-saving work around the world. Oxfam works to overcome poverty and injustice in a variety of ways. The three main streams of this work are Emergency response, Development work and Campaigning for lasting change. Campaigning at music concerts is one way to give people the opportunity to get involved. The Make Trade Fair campaign has previously been hugely successful, when it was on the road with Coldplay. This time out, Oxfam volunteers will be asking Coldplay fans to show their support by making a Health and Education FOR ALL pledge.

If you want to read more about how it has been going so far, check out the Oxfam tour blog. If you are interested in volunteering, email Pete Lusby, Oxfam's on-tour coordinator at plusby@oxfam.org.uk - thanks!

The nominees have been announced for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards which will air on Sunday September 7, 2008 at 9:00pm (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT). Coldplay’s ‘Violet Hill’ has been nominated for Best Special Effects at this year's awards.

The “Moonman” contenders for this year’s professional categories are in. The list of “2008 Video Music Awards” nominees for “Best Choreography,” “Best Editing,” “Best Special Effects,” “Best Cinematography” and “Best Art Direction” include a top-notch group of musicians including Coldplay, The White Stripes, Weezer, Adele and Eryka Badu.

MTV’s 25th annual Video Music Awards will be hosted by comedian/actor Russell Brand, the mouth of Britain. Lil Wayne , Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, Pink, Rihanna, and Paramore have already been confirmed to perform at this year’s show.

The “2008 MTV Video Awards” nominees for “Best Choreography” include British newcomer Adele, Chris Brown who finds himself nominated for both “Kiss Kiss” featuring T-Pain and “Forever,” Gnarls Barkley and Pussycat Dolls.

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Chris Brown featuring T-Pain

“Kiss Kiss”

Exclusive

Jive Records/Zomba [CC]

Director: Erik White/Chris Brown

Choreographers: Flii Stylz

Gnarls Barkley

“Run”

Label: Downtown / Atlantic Records

Album: The Odd Couple

Director: Happy

Choreographer: Mikey Rooney

Chris Brown

“Forever”

Exclusive The Forever Edition

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Joseph Kahn

Choreographers: Tone & Rich

Adele

“Chasing Pavements”

19

XL/Columbia [CC]

Director: Matthew Cullen

Choreographer: Marguerite Derricks

Pussycat Dolls

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Choreographer: Robin Antin & Mikey Minden

BEST DIRECTION

Panic at the Disco

“Nine In The Afternoon”

Label: Decaydance / Fueled By Ramen

Album: Pretty. Odd.

Director: Shane Drake

Linkin Park

“Shadow of the Day”

Minutes to Midnight

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Joe Hahn

Rihanna

“Take A Bow”

A Good Girl Gone Bad

SRP/Def Jam

Director: Anthony Mandler

Erykah Badu

“Honey”

New Amerykah

Universal Motown [CC]

Director: Erykah Badu/Mr. Roboto

Pussycat Dolls’

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

BEST EDITING

Death Cab For Cutie

” I Will Possess Your Heart”

Label: Atlantic Records

Album: Narrow Stairs

Director: Aaron Stewart-Ahn / Shawn Kim

Editor: Aaron Stewart-Ahn / Jeff Buchana

Manager: Jordan Kurland

Katy Perry

Song: I Kissed A Girl

Album: One of the Boys

Label: Capitol

Director: Kinga Burza (pictured above, left)

Editor: Tom Lindsay

Weezer

“Pork and Beans”

Weezer

DGC/Interscope [CC]

Director: Mathew Cullen

Editor: Jeff Congiglio/Colin Woods

Ne-Yo

“Closer”

The Year of the Gentleman

Def Jam [CC]

Director: Ms Melina

Editor: Clark Eddy

Erykah Badu

“Honey”

New Amerykah

Universal Motown [CC]

Director: Erykah Badu/Mr. Roboto

Editor: T David Binns

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Death Cab For Cutie

” I Will Possess Your Heart”

Label: Atlantic Records

Album: Narrow Stairs

Director: Aaron Steward Ahn / Shawn Kim

Cinematography: Shawn Kim & Aaron Stewart-Ahn

The White Stripes

“Conquest”

Icky Thump

Third Man Records/Warner Bros. Records

Director: Diane Martel

Cinematography: Wyatt Troll

Pussycat Dolls

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Cinematography : Christopher Probst

Erykah Badu

“Honey”

New Amerykah

Universal Motown [CC]

Director: Erykah Badu/Mr. Roboto

Cinematography: Crash / carston gopinath

Katy Perry

“I Kissed A Girl”

Album: One of the Boys

Label: Capitol

Director: Kinga Burza

Cinematography: Simon Thirlaway

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS

Missy Elliott

“Ching A Ling”

Label: Goldmind / Atlantic Records

Album: Step Up 2 The Streets Original Soundtrack / Block Party

Director: Dave Meyers

Special Effects: Special Effects: Les Umberger under Elicit Effects

Linkin Park

“Bleed It Out”

Minutes to Midnight

Warner Bros. Records [CC]

Director: Joe Hahn

Special Effects: Ingenuity Engine: David Lebensfeld & Adam Catino

Coldplay

Song: Violet Hill

Album: VIva La Vida

Label: Capitol

Director: Asa Mader

Special Effects: Gregory DeMaria

Erykah Badu

“Honey”

New Amerykah

Universal Motown [CC]

Director: Erykah Badu/Mr. Roboto

Special Effects: X1 FX

Cinematography: Crash / carston gopinath

Kanye West featuring Chris Martin

“Good Life”

Graduation

Hip Hop Since 1978/Roc-A-Fella [CC]

Director: SoMe, Jonas & Francois

Special Effects: SoMe, Jonas & Francois

BEST ART DIRECTION

Gnarls Barkley

“Run”

Label: Downtown / Atlantic Records

Album: The Odd Couple

Director: Happy

Art Direction: Happy / Kells Jesse

Manager: Jeff Antebi

MGMT

“Electric Feel”

Oracular Spectacular

Red Ink/Columbia

Director: Ray Tintori

Art Direction: Sophie Kosofsky

Pussycat Dolls

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Art Direction – Marcelle Gravel

Katy Perry

I Kissed A Girl

Album: One of the Boys

Label: Capitol

Director: Kinga Burza

Art Direction: Benji Bamps

The White Stripes

“Conquest”

Icky Thump

Third Man Records/Warner Bros. Records

Director: Diane Martel

Art Direction: David Fitzpatrick

GENERAL CATEGORIES (PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Britney Spears

“Piece of Me”

Blackout

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Wayne Isham Pussycat Dolls

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Jonas Brothers

“Burnin Up”

A Little Bit Longer

Hollywood Records

Director: Brendan Malloy/Tim Wheeler The Ting Tings

“Shut Up and Let Me Go”

We Started Nothing

Columbia

Director: Alex & Liane

Chris Brown

“Forever”

Exclusive The Forever Edition

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Joseph Kahn

BEST ROCK VIDEO

Paramore

“crushcrushcrush”

Riot!

Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane Drake

Foo Fighters

“The Pretender”

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

RCA

Director: Sam Brown

SlipKnot

Psychosocial

All I Hope For Is Gone

Roadrunner

PR Brown

Fall Out Boy

“Beat It”

LIVE in Phoenix

Island Records

Director: Shane Drake

Linkin Park

“Shadow of the Day”

Minutes to Midnight

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Joe Hahn

BEST DANCING IN A VIDEO

Ne-Yo

“Closer”

The Year of the Gentleman

Def Jam

Director: Ms Melina

Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland

“4 Minutes”

Hard Candy

Warner Brothers Records

Director: Jonas & Francois

Pussycat Dolls

“When I Grow Up”

Doll Domination

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Chris Brown

“Forever”

Exclusive The Forever Edition

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Joseph Kahn

Danity Kane

“Damaged”

Welcome To The Dollhouse

Bad Boy Records

Director: Syndrome

BEST NEW ARTIST

Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown

“No Air”

Jordin Sparks

19/Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Chris Robinson

Tokio Hotel

“Ready, Set, Go!”

Scream

Cherrytree/Interscope Records

Director: Warwick/Haering

Katy Perry

“I Kissed A Girl”

One Of The Boys

Capitol

Director: Kinga Burza

Miley Cyrus

7 Things

Breakout

Hollywood Records

Director: Brett Ratner

Taylor Swift

“Teardrops On My Guitar”

Taylor Swift

Big Machine Records

Director: Trey Fanjoy

BEST POP VIDEO

Jonas Brothers

“Burnin Up”

A Little Bit Longer

Hollywood Records

Director: Brendan Malloy/TiM Wheeler

Tokio Hotel

“Ready, Set, Go!”

Scream

Cherrytree/Interscope Records

Director: Warwick/Haering

Britney Spears

“Piece of Me”

Blackout

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Wayne Isham

Danity Kane

“Damaged”

Welcome To The Dollhouse

Bad Boy Records

Director: Syndrome

Panic At the Disco

“Nine In The Afternoon”

Pretty. Odd.

DecayDance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane Drake

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO

Lil Wayne

“Lollipop”

Tha Carter III

Cash Money Records/Universal Motown

Director: Gil Green/D. Carter

Kanye West featuring Chris Martin

“Homecoming”

Graduation

Roc-A-Fella/Hip Hop Since 1978

Director: Hype Williams

Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos

“Superstar”

Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool”

1st & 15th/Atlantic Records

Director: Hype Williams

Mary J. Blige

“Just Fine”

Growing Pains

Geffen Records

Director: Chris Applebaum

Flo Rida featuring T-Pain

“Low”

Step Up 2 The Streets Original Soundtrack/ Mail On Sunday

Poe Boy Ent./Atlantic Records

Director: Bernard Gourley

BEST FEMALE VIDEO

Britney Spears

“Piece of Me”

Blackout

Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Wayne Isham

Rihanna

“Take A Bow”

A Good Girl Gone Bad

SRP/Def Jam

Director: Anthony Mandler

Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown

“No Air”

Jordin Sparks

19/Jive/Zomba Label Group

Director: Chris Robinson

Katy Perry

“I Kissed A Girl”

One Of The Boys

Capitol

Director: Kinga Burza

Mariah Carey

“Touch My Body”

E=MC^2

Island Def Jam Music Group

Director: Brett Ratner

BEST MALE VIDEO

Lil Wayne featuring Static

“Lollipop”

Tha Carter III

Cash Money Records/Universal Motown

Director: Gil Green/D. Carter

T.I.

“No Matter What”

Paper Trail

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Self/James Lopez

Chris Brown

“With You”

Exclusive

Jive Records/Zomba

Director: Erik White/Chris Brown

Flo Rida featuring T-Pain

“Low”

Step Up 2 The Streets Original Soundtrack/ Mail On Sunday

Poe Boy Ent./Atlantic Records

Director: Bernard Gourley

Usher feat Young Jeezy

“Love In This Club”

Here I Stand

LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: The Brothers Strause

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/

Check out coldplay.com for a new newsreel entry: Post is go!

Good evening. We're very pleased to announce the launch of a new section here on Coldplay.com. Post is a place where all the pictures, videos, interviews and blogs which appear on this website will now gather together, in one handy place. Post also contains some things that are new to the site, such as the official band biography for the current album and some more exclusive pictures (like the one of the band with an elf prince in the Brixton LiveBlog gallery).

Should you be looking for the Oracle, you'll find a button at the bottom of the front page and one on the navigation bar, pointing you in the general direction of their impressive wisdom.

Anchorman

More Oracleisms...

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Kathy, United States of America

Q. Heard a song today on XM Radio with Coldplay and Michael Stipe about God’s Love…What is the exact title and where can I find a copy of it ?? Thanks

The Oracle replies:

The track is called In the Sun. It was originally by Joseph Arthur but Michael chose it as the song to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina. It was released exclusively via iTunes back in February 2006 and you can still get it there.

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Alhely, Mexico

Q. As we all know, the free show on Brixton Academy in London was broadcasted so that everyone could “be there”. will any other show of Coldplay is going to be broadcasted? Please say yes!!!

The Oracle replies:

This Saturday (30th August) the band will perform an intimate show for Radio 2 at the BBC Theatre in London. It will be broadcast live on Radio 2 from 19.00. For more information about the show, transmission and band chats, visit the Radio 2 website.

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Tom, Peru

Q. Is true that exist a strong rivalry between Coldplay and Keane? Something similar to Blur vs. Oasis, or more friendly like Beatles vs. Rolling Stones?

The Oracle replies:

They are friends and mutual fans. It’s nothing more than healthy competition between bands. If we’re comparing it’s definitely more Beatles/Stones but not versus, more a &. There’s more than enough room for both don’t you think?

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Chris, United States of America

Q. I read somewhere that Guy was the 4th richest man in the U.K. under the age of 30. Aren’t the other guys just as affluent, or does he just come from a wealthy family?

The Oracle replies:

It seems a little personal to me but as it was published what the heck… Guy is under 30 and the rest of the band are not, so there you go, simple explanation. [A few of us beg to differ]

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Leah, Australia

Q. Hey Oracle, I’m wanting to become an artist (musician) and get signed to a label. I have some songs recorded and was wondering whether I should share these on MySpace so that people can hear my music or whether I should send the songs I want to release to the labels first, before I put my songs on myspace? I want people to hear my music, but I also want to get signed. Can you help?

The Oracle replies:

Stick them up on MySpace but remember that unless you are out there gigging and getting a fan base the labels probably won’t get to hear of you. It would take a great amount of luck to be discovered on MySpace and get a deal as a result. To be perfectly frank, it rarely happens that you get signed by sending a demo to a label either. It’s hard work to build up a following and reputation and of course you have to be great at what you’re doing too.

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Jasmine, United States of America

Q. I’ve heard rumors of Coldplay bring a globe from Parachutes with them on tour in the past, and I’ve seen them with an old tv set on stage for Viva La Vida. Is it a habit of theirs to bring props with them on tour? If so, what other objects have they brought along before, and is there some sort of meaning behind them? Thanks, Oracle.

The Oracle replies:

Back in the days of the Parachutes tour they did indeed have the globe lamp lit on the piano. They only had a backdrop in those days and a simple light show. These days there’s an elaborate set so there’s not what you’d call props. The globe was one of several that are now housed in a storage unit. The fact the globe became the cover for the Parachutes album was more of a last minute panic rather than a pre-determined decision.

August 26, 2008 - submitted by Camila, Brazil

Q. Why the oracle do not answer questions on weekends???

The Oracle replies:

I don’t work 24/7 as I need time to do the laundry, deal with domestic matters and of course recharge my oracle batteries.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Marine, France

Q. Will Coldplay take an orchestra on stage one day ?

The Oracle replies:

At the 2003 Grammys they performed Politik with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Fresh from topping the album and singles charts, Coldplay come to Radio 2 to play an intimate gig in the BBC Radio Theatre in London. Keep in touch with the gig as it happens with us at Coldplaying here

You can hear the concert on Saturday 30 August, 1900h to 2000h. During the build up to their show, the band will be chatting to Dermot O'Leary on Radio 2 and Steve Lamacq on 6 Music. And in the week after the event you’ll be able to watch video of the band’s performance, and see photo galleries. The BBC said, "Thank you to everyone who entered our ticket giveaway, which is now closed. Listeners who have secured a place will now have been contacted."

You can listen to the Radio 2 webstream via the Coldplaying toolbar - which you can download here prior to the live gig and interviews. If you have any problems with the toolbar please log them here as soon as possible.

Coldplay held on to fourth spot in the UK album chart this week with the new album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. In Ireland it holds at number three. The single Viva La Vida is ninth in Ireland. More on the UK album chart success here [thanks mimixxx & mayurshikotra]

Viva La Vida (single) continues to hold its own in the US by moving up one spot from No. 6 last week to No. 5, after 15 weeks on the Billboard singles charts. The Album is currently at no.7 on the Top 10 Billboard Albums Charts. On Billboard's pan-European charts, the Coldplay album is in a ninth week at No. 1 on European Top 100 Albums, and the album also remains in top spot in France [thanks emilien]

Coldplay leapt up the concert chart (event ranking) this week thanks to the new US shows that were announced, Coldplaying can reveal. They formerly held the number eight spot; this week they're at number five.

Full details of Coldplay's chart success over the last two months here [thanks coldpatrix]

You can can win tickets to see Coldplay live in Paris on 9th and 10th September courtesy of an online French competition here

This is a NRJ radio contest, the same as the one for the Paris secret gig back in June. The questions you need to answer on the website are the same, and are multiple choice answers:

What's Coldplay new single?

Who painted the cover?

Where's the band from?

More on this competition here [thanks chavi]