More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 2700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
May 17, 2012 - submitted by John, United Kingdom
Q. So unfair! I bought my tickets for Emirates concert in November taking a day off work to be on line at 9.00am to get best tickets. We have seen Coldplay many times and are massive fans. I wanted to take my teenage kids this time and were given ticket at the very back! Today - 17th May - better tickets are on sale! Have these good seats been held back so the ones at the back will sell first? If so, this is wholly unfair and seems wrong to penalise the genuine fans. It cannot be for the reason given to do with stage planning as the seats on sale today are not affected by the stage just on a lower level. Good seats should be sold on a first come first served basis, quite apart from the fact my tickets were paid for in November!
The Oracle replies:
I don't want to appear rude but it appears you didn't read the news piece that went along with the announcement of extra seats becoming available. The reasons and therefore the answer to your question lie within it.
May 17, 2012 - submitted by Oliver, Denmark
Q. Is it true that the Safety EP goes for £2000 because only 500 copies were ever made? Maybe you have the answer, Oracle? Thanks! Oliver
The Oracle replies:
It is true that only 500 copies were made and that does make the item very rare and therefore expensive. I have seen the Safety EP at various prices over the years, the most being £2500.
May 17, 2012 - submitted by Craig, United Kingdom
Q. Hi, Are the band playing the free concert in Glasgow George Square on the 8th of June?
The Oracle replies:
I'm not sure where you heard that but no, they're not. They're playing Sunderland the day before and London & Manchester the day after.
May 16, 2012 - submitted by James, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle: Just read Roadie #42 's latest blog and he said: "They're most definitely in the zone right now. There have been tinkerings, though with some possible setlist additions in soundchecks. One of the Viva album tracks that only got a rare live outing has had a workout. I really hope it makes it back into the setlist, it's one of my all time favourite Coldplay live tracks (particularly the ending when Jonny goes off into full on guitar hero territory)." Is it Yes and Chinese Sleep Chant?! If there is any chance of Chinese Sleep Chant at London I will be over the moon! Thanks
The Oracle replies:
I have been waiting for this question from the second the blog was published.
I don't want to spoil it because the song isn't actually in the set but may be as the dates go on. Yes was my favourite from Viva so we shall see if #42 and I have the same exquisite taste. I think it was only played once - or maybe twice due to the vocal being so very low. I really honestly have to say that I doubt Chinese Sleep Chant will be played on this tour though...
May 16, 2012 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom
Q. Hello O.. Urgent question! I have a ticket for 1st of June, I am thinking about buying a second ticket for a friend... They are both pitch standing tickets, but the tickets says we should enter at different locations...mine is turnstile E and the other is L. we would be queuing for a long time to get to front row... but I don't want to queue separately. Can we both queue together at one entrance, or do we HAVE to stick to the designated entrance on our tickets? Many thanks.
The Oracle replies:
The reason you are given different entrances even for standing tickets is to alleviate the pressure at any one entry point rather than have a congested area. It spreads the queues out and is part of health & saftey measures. If all family, friends and acquaintances decided to just queue together and ignore their turnstile letter, it could lead to a surge in numbers. I have had to queue at a different entrance to the people I have travelled with (turned out I got in half and hour before them so was quite pleased) but we just had a pre-arranged meeting spot once inside. Of course, you could always phone each other once inside...
May 16, 2012 - submitted by Sofia, Portugal
Q. Hi! Is this Chris' handwriting? Thanks :) All my love for Coldplay, and Coldplay crew. Hugs from Portugal, waiting for may 18 in Porto :)
The Oracle replies:
Although the way that 'Chris' has been written is similar to the way that Chris writes it - in that the H and R are capitalized - I have to say that it's hard to say for certain. There are a lot of fakes around but as the guys sign a lot of autographs and theirs are not always neat, tidy or perfect.
If Chris wrote this, I can tell you that it written in haste let's put it that way!
May 15, 2012 - submitted by Karen, France
Q. Hello dear Oracle, I was wondering if the boys always rehearse a bit before each show. Thank you ! :)
The Oracle replies:
They rehearse before a tour plus there are intense production rehearsals to make sure all the lights, sounds, effects etc. work with the set and everything's running smoothly. They don't rehearse before each show though they sometimes pick up guitars in the dressing room and jam. There are of course soundchecks where they run through a song or two - if they attend. I've mentioned before that they're not always able to so the crew stand in for them. They always warm up vocally before every live performance though.
May 15, 2012 - submitted by Antonella, Argentina
Q. Hi Oracle! I was wondering, what song do you enjoy more when Coldplay plays it on stage? I think Politik is the most emotional and passionate. So, what do you think? Thanks for your time. We're waiting for you in Argentina!
The Oracle replies:
I totally agree. Ever since its first appearance it has remained my absolute favourite song in the set. I'm so sad to see it go and know that decision will not have been easy as it's one of Chris' favourites too.
May 15, 2012 - submitted by Ellen, United States of America
Q. What do the letters CK stand for??
The Oracle replies:
Car Kids; it was the name of a song recorded for the MX album. I first thought it eventually became Charlie Brown but as that name stuck from kicking around early during proceedings, it was a separate entity entirely.
May 14, 2012 - submitted by Jenn, United States of America
Q. Hi Oracle, Did the band ask the Beastie Boys for permission to cover their song at the Hollywood Bowl and Weanie Roast? Thanks! Jenn
The Oracle replies:
You don't need permission to cover a song if it's true to the original so no, they didn't. If anybody hasn't seen it yet, it's really worth watching.
May 14, 2012 - submitted by Hanna, United States of America
Q. Hey Oracle! Because I have nothing better to do with my time, I was reading all the wikipedia entries for the MX singles, and it said that Major Minus is one of the only songs to feature leading vocals by Buckland. Is that true, or is just another thing wiki got wrong? Thanks!
The Oracle replies:
I may be going blind but I can't see that "fact" anywhere on either the
MX wiki section or the Major Minus page. Wherever you're seeing it, Jonny has never taken lead vocals on any Coldplay song.
May 14, 2012 - submitted by Elise, Brazil
Q. There was a rumor that Brazilian model Cintia Dicker attended the Paradise video. There are photos on twitter with pictures of the band a shot of the video, that does not appear in any of the two already presented. There is another version of Paradise?
The Oracle replies:
Yes, as you have seen photos I can tell you there was another video but it was - we won't be seeing it. I for one am very happy the first was discarded because the elephant video is my favourite Coldplay video ever.
May 10, 2012 - submitted by Ragnhild, Norway
Q. How do you become a Coldplay roadie? What are their qualifications and their job?
The Oracle replies:
It's not really a question I can answer because to be honest, it would be better to become a roadie and see where it leads you rather than picking a band and wanting to be their roadie specifically. There are many different roles and jobs within the career path of a roadie depending on what part of the road crew you want to be in i.e. piano tech, guitar tech etc. Most of the roadies I know either started out in bands themselves or hung around live music venues helping out bands. Technical knowledge is vital in some positions so again, it depends on what kind of roadie you want to be. Roadies tend to get jobs by being recommended by their roadie mates and so it's word of mouth. I'd suggest that if you're serious about it, make yourself pretty indispensable and forget about having a girlfriend - you'll never see her. I'm half joking of course. Matt McGinn's Roadie book is the best place for you to start your research but you may also like this website.
May 10, 2012 - submitted by Amanda, United States of America
Q. Good day to you oh wise and all-knowing Oracle ~ I was wondering if we should bring and wear our Xylo-bands to shows going forward in the future or were they just for this tour? We went to the Hollywood Bowl show on Friday and then brought them with us to the Weenie Roast on Saturday hoping they would come on but to no avail... alas they stayed quiet and dark... thus my question came to be... do we bring them with us to shows going forward? Thank you for your time.
The Oracle replies:
If you're coming along to more than one show, you don't need to bring your xyloband as you will receive another. The reason it doesn't work once your outside the venue (apart from the odd rogue one) is they are activated during the show by radio control. Please remove the batteries and recycle them if you can.
May 10, 2012 - submitted by Marika, Czech Republic
Q. Hi Oracle, Is there any photo where Chris is wearing a suit?
The Oracle replies:
I have seen Chris in a suit but obviously only when the occasion calls for one. Here's a cracking photo of one such occasion. Scrubs up well doesn't he?
Various pictures and stage setup for the Coldplay show at the Dragao Stadium, Porto, Portugal (18th May 2012):
Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:
FEBRUARY 2012
8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]
9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]
10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]
12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]
16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]
17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]
21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]
MARCH 2012
2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]
4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]
APRIL 2012
17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]
18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]
20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]
21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]
24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]
25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]
27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]
28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]
MAY 2012
1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]
2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]
3 Los Angeles, CA @ American Idol show [discussion] [NEW!]
4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]
5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]
18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]
20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]
22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]
24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]
26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]
29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]
JUNE 2012
1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]
2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]
4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]
7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]
9 London, UK @ Wembley Stadium (Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012) [discussion] [NEW!]
9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]
10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]
22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]
23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]
25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]
26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]
28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]
29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]
JULY 2012
2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]
3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]
5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]
6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]
8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]
9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]
23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]
24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]
26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]
27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]
29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]
30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]
AUGUST 2012
1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]
3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]
4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]
7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]
8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]
11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]
28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]
30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]
SEPTEMBER 2012
2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]
4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]
6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]
12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]
14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]
16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]
19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]
22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]
NOVEMBER 2012
10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]
13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]
17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]
21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]
Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)
Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)
Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)
Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)
Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]
The new range of Coldplaying merchanise (unofficial of course to the official shop) has hit our stores, with our biggest range of goods so far. Prices are as low as they can be for a Cafepress shop so more people will be able to afford them. We don't take any profits for the sale of the merchandise as a result. Take a browse in one of the online stores nearest to you: UK | US | Canada | Australia | European (shipping is worldwide, but you can choose what currency to pay in) - simply alter the country dropdown menu at the top of the shop page. [thanks to TracieMorgan and zzz]
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