More questions answered by The Oracle... (circa. 3700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
January 29, 2013 - submitted by Charl, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, I was just wondering if Coldplay ever considered sing 'para para paralympics' instead of Paradise at the amazing London 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony?
The Oracle replies:
No. Though Michael McIntyre* definitely thought they would. *Around the 8 minute mark.
January 29, 2013 - submitted by Danny Ackers, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle. So I seen MX tour at Manchester, Etihad... Which was fantastic - obviously, and managed to grab me some MX confetti. When I got it home I posed the question, what do these shapes mean? Where do they come from? Can you enlighten me with your knowledge? Thanks. Dan
The Oracle replies:
If you look at the artwork on the MX album, you will see the same symbols by the side of each song title.
Each confetti shape represents a song.
January 29, 2013 - submitted by Brenden, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle, A lot of people seem to be asking this, so I decided to ask it here. Any chance of an acoustic album?
The Oracle replies:
I would never say never. Before MX took the direction it took, the last album's sessions did start out with the idea of making an acoustic record. Obviously that didn't work out and for that reason I doubt the next album will be acoustic. I'm sure we will hear acoustic Coldplay again but whether that's recorded or performance (or both) remains to be seen. Just to let you know, it will be a long time before any details of new material are reported here. I have no idea as yet what the future holds - sound wise.
January 28, 2013 - submitted by Jule
Q. Hello, a few days ago you said something about a folder with icons and images you could download from coldplay.com which was called Coldplay Tour. Can I still download it? It would be nice if you answer. Thank you and nice greetings!
The Oracle replies:
This is the link for the MX digital tour pack.
January 28, 2013 - submitted by Clodagh
Q. Morning Oracle! I came across this article about rock star demands... I find this hard to believe "Coldplay demand eight stamped local postcards wherever they go" and as for dreary ... how very dare they!!
The Oracle replies:
I object to their use of the word "demand" more than "dreary". It's an item on their rider - it's hardly a demand. If they think it's dreary for a band to want a local postcard as a memento of where they tour then so be it but it's all media titillation so let's take it with a pinch of salt. I happen to think it's a really good idea. The band have been requesting stamped postcards since their first ever tour. It started with 4 - I didn't realize it had doubled.
January 28, 2013 - submitted by Carolina
Q. Hello there! Hi Oracle, I was listening in my art class to Violet Hill, when I realize that when Chris is singing "From the windows they were watching while we froze, down below ..." It sounds hillarius because it sounds like Chris private parts are frozing! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha What do you think? Have you ever think it? Cheers from Puerto Vallarta Mexico! With Love Your best fan Carolina.
The Oracle replies:
I can honestly say that I have NEVER thought that - ever. I probably will every time I hear it now though so thanks for that. p.s I hope you're not listening to music secretly in class.
January 24, 2013 - submitted by Paula
Q. Hi Oracle! A few months ago I downloaded from coldplay.com a folder with icons an images, it was called Coldplay Tour. Moreover in this folder there was a PDF archive with the lyrics from Mylo Xyloto songs, I would like to know who wrote the lyrics. Maybe Chris? Kisses. PS: Please answer me
The Oracle replies:
All the lyrics you see within that folder are handwritten by Chris.
January 24, 2013 - submitted by Mark
Q. Hey Oracle, I was wondering how does the band know which song they wrote will be successful amongst all others. I mean, do they consider certain tastes or points of view before deciding?
The Oracle replies:
I wouldn't use the word successful but personally having worked in the music industry for over 15 years, I can say you do get a feel for what will make a single and what will sound good on the radio. You can also tell (especially when you know a band really well) what will work live. Hearing Charlie Brown for the first time in the studio, myself, Roadie #42 and Anchorman all commented how we could already visualize the crowd jumping up and down. Band, manager and record label have the same instincts to trust which songs will work and do ask for opinion but ultimately the album is down to the band to decide which tracks are in/out and whether they "fit".
January 23, 2013 - submitted by Sebastien, South Africa
Q. Oracle I was wondering what the book on the shelf titled "Coldplay" in this clip was?
The Oracle replies:
When I saw what this clip was, I muted it right away because would you believe I have NEVER even heard the original... Anyway, I recognize the book to be Coldplay Complete Chord Songbook.
January 23, 2013 - submitted by Brisa
Q. Hey!! What are the guys doing now? Are they resting?
The Oracle replies:
Sort of though I don't think Chris EVER rests!
January 23, 2013 - submitted by Dasha
Q. Hi Oracle!!! I found on Google map Chris' house (link removed) and saw a man with a child (link removed).
Maybe this is Chris and Moses?
The Oracle replies:
I have removed the links you provided. IF that was Chris' house it wouldn't be appropriate for me to publish it given the actual address was visible in the toolbar. However, I will answer you. I know that street very well as it's quite close to where I used to live but it is not where Chris lives. I can see why you think that photo is Chris as it does look like him but I'd very much doubt it.
January 22, 2013 - submitted by AlexLines, United Kingdom
Q. Hey Oracle, A while back I bought over 50 Viva chair headrests supposedly from the private Viva La Vida jet/plane. I was wondering whether you have any recollection of Viva headrests on the seats because it would be fun to find out if it was possible the boys really had napped against them? Many thanks.
The Oracle replies:
I'm assuming you mean the single use disposable covers for headrests, rather than actual headrests. I don't recall seeing any Viva ones despite quite a bit of travelling with the band during that period. I do have one from the X&Y tour. It's made from a flimsy material and was attached by velcro. The ones you bought will be unused and therefore I'm afraid the band will not have napped on them.
January 22, 2013 - submitted by Caitlin, United States of America
Q. Hey over there in the UK! I'm a senior in high school and a member of National Honors Society. I am creating a video speaking out against drugs and alcohol through a video of testimonies answering what dreams drugs and alcohol could prevent from coming true. Could I possibly get your permission to use one of my favorite Coldplay songs Fix You as the music for my video? Thank you!
The Oracle replies:
This is one of the most popular questions I get asked. It's tricky because obviously many people want to use Coldplay's music for school projects, personal reasons or worthy causes and aren't showing it for any monetary value whatsoever but signed bands / songwriters do not own copyright to their songs so cannot grant permission.
You will have to contact EMI Records and Universal Publishing.
January 21, 2013 - submitted by Emil, Norway
Q. What happens to the instruments that Coldplay uses after the concerts? Are they using the same over again? And on previous tours, what happens to the bass, guitar and the drums when it's over? Example, what has happened to the instruments that they used in Tokyo from 2009?
The Oracle replies:
Apart from the instruments they auctioned during the end of decade sale, it depends. They do still use some of the same instruments in the studio / on tour but they have also acquired newer ones over the past 15 years. Jonny has guitars that he favours - one he sold in that auction he was pretty reluctant to let go of as one can get quite attached to instruments. His absolute favourite he's had over ten years and has played it on most of the albums and tours since A Rush of Blood to the Head.
January 21, 2013 - submitted by Nya, United States of America
Q. I was wondering how long this site has been around because I see that the dates on the Timeline notes are labeled, and I wanted to know if the band goes back and writes in the date or if the band had already written the notes on that date.
The Oracle replies:
Coldplay.com has been around for many, many years (we had a different url originally) but the Timeline isn't indicative of when the website started. The Timeline has been active just over 5 years in this format but yes, we have gone back into it to add things retrospectively.
Latest photos: of Chris Martin at Los Angeles airport (12 January 2013):
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