More questions answered by The Oracle... (circa. 3100 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
December 6, 2012 - submitted by Jake, Australia
Q. HEY!!! Coldplay's first Sydney show was spectacular and absolutely outstanding! Quick question: I noticed that for songs like Paradise, Charlie Brown, In My Place, Major Minus - that Jonny wasn't using his 2 regular 'MX graffiti' guitars, instead he was using a sunburst tele. Do you know why? Thanks! The whole Coldplay team are amazing!
The Oracle replies:
Thanks to Matt McGinn (Jonny's guitar tech) for this in depth response: "Well, that one (which is called 'Sunny' - they've all got names) is Jonny's total favourite. He's had it about ten years and has played it on most of the albums and tours since Rush Of Blood - it's actually the one he's holding if you look at the band photo from that album cover. There's just something about the two of them that seems to click. It sounds amazing, for a start. And he's really happy when he's playing it, as you might have noticed. I can't remember where he picked it up - maybe Chicago? - but, if you're interested, it's a '72 Thinline from about 1974. It's half hollow - so, semi-semi acoustic, I guess - and has a lot of really nice gouges in it from being thoroughly thwacked. All still original, as far as I know. I reckon it must've cost him about 2000 US dollars but God knows what it'd be worth now...
You can get a pretty good Fender copy/reissue these days for a lot less, off the peg, that might turn out lovely after a few years of playing it. That's the thing, any old guitar can be amazing if you love it enough. It - or should I say 'she', since, like ships, all guitars are girls - was sidelined for awhile and only used on 'Scientist' but then we got so soaked, boiled and frozen on the last European stadium run that all the other Tele's got in a total mess; impossible to tune, playing like old dogs etc. I decided to hand him Sunny out of desperation one night right before Fix You (I forget what town) and when he did the opening riff it was like a light coming on. He just looked round at me and we knew she had to come back for good. Glad you liked the Sydney gig - so did I!"
December 6, 2012 - submitted by Natalie, Australia
Q. Dearest Oracle, Chris played a snippet of My Happiness by Powderfinger in Brisbane and I wondered if he did that at each of the gigs in Australia, or just in Brisbane as Powderfinger came from Brisbane? Are all of the band members fans of Powderfinger, or is there another significance to Chris's piano solo on My Happiness? I just about died when he started singing that song, it was an awesome moment! Cheers, Natalie
The Oracle replies:
It's as simple as a tribute to a great Brisbane band whilst performing in Brisbane. Like the last question, it's a very Chris thing to do. It's quite usual for there to be a nod to a local legend.
December 6, 2012 - submitted by Olivia, Australia
Q. On the last leg of the Mylo Xyloto Australian 2012 tour - friends and I made a sign which read: Please Play Swallowed In The Sea. Mr Martin himself looked at the sign, smiled and bowed his head to us. We were optimistic to hope the band would play it for us. My question for you Oracle aswell as the crowd at the Brisbane performance - was it just the 5 of us at the front or did Chris sing one line of Swallowed in the Sea leading into their second to last song Fix You? Please confirm this - we would love to know whether we had wishful thinking or if in fact Mr Martin was teasingly acknowledging our sign!
The Oracle replies:
I saw your sign on the panorama photo so there's no doubt the band will have. Even though it's extremely tricky to work out exactly what Chris is saying I can certainly hear what sounds like one particular part of Swallowed in the Sea. I'd say that yes, he did reference your sign. That sounds like a very Chris thing to do.
December 5, 2012 - submitted by Jake, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle! What does Coldplay have to do with You and I Both? Look at this picture. What does it mean?
The Oracle replies:
That picture (of Jason Mraz) and text was a teaser for his VH1 Storytellers appearance back in June of this year. Jason also tweeted it and it was widely circulated. The song You & I Both was written about the break-up of his marriage. There was a Coldplay show that he went to without his wife (she was ill) that appears to coincide with his decision. I guess you could call it an epiphany.
December 5, 2012 - submitted by Stephanie, Australia
Q. Do the Car Kids in Hurts Like Heaven represent anyone?
The Oracle replies:
I know by "anyone" you mean Rihanna and the band* but that's not the case. *Not down to my skills as an 8 Ball predictor know-it-all, Stephanie asked me yesterday.
December 5, 2012 - submitted by S, United States of America
Q. Oracle, For the 12-12-12 concert, are Coldplay performing? Or is it just Chris? My friends are saying that Chris, Will, Jonny and Guy are going to be there, but the news feed says it just Chris. Who's right? Thanks, xx
The Oracle replies:
News feed! News feed is right. Always trust our News. I'm not saying don't trust your friends in general but in this case unless your friends are Will, Guy or Jonny, best to take it from us that it's just Chris. As per this site & the event's official website.
December 4, 2012 - submitted by Conrad, Germany
Q. Dear Oracle, Who is singing the backing vocals in the "2000 miles is very far through the snow..." part of 2000 Miles? It sounds like Chris singing lead and backing vocals. Thank you very much! Conrad
The Oracle replies:
It is indeed Chris singing both lead & backing vocals - and playing piano of course. Chris recorded this whilst on tour in the U.S - in New York I seem to recall. For those who haven't heard it, it's a beauty. It's on our timeline - click the 2003 December musical note icon.
December 4, 2012 - submitted by Alex , United States of America
Q. Hey Oracle, I was just wondering if the boys have ever performed Cemeteries of London live? Best, Alex
The Oracle replies:
Oh yes - many times. It sounded great - especially Jonny's guitar. This version is a pretty great recording - I am suspicious of how great the quality is in fact. If you want to watch a video, this footage was shot professionally so definitely worth a look.
December 4, 2012 - submitted by Tino, United Kingdom
Q. This is random, but who takes the longest in the dressing room? Haha
The Oracle replies:
They've got it down to a quick turnaround. You often see them not long before they're due on stage and they're not in their stage gear but they don't need to do much. Chris takes the longest (still, it's not long) because he adds paint to his skin and clothes.
December 3, 2012 - submitted by Jack, United Kingdom
Q. Dear Oracle, Is Coldplay going to have an end of tour auction? Also, I have seen some drum sticks from a coldplay gig at Coventry and I was wondering if any real art was done on drum sticks? And, Will there be a meet and greet in the next year?
The Oracle replies:
No; the last time was an end of decade sale rather than an end of tour auction. We're not repeating that but we had the exhibition that closed yesterday with 100% of the proceeds going to Kids Co.
December 3, 2012 - submitted by Jaroslav , Lithuania
Q. Dear Oracle, I wanted to question you why the band dosen't play Square One in the MX tour?
The Oracle replies:
Square One was very much an opener; that is to say that its place was perfect on the Twisted Logic tour as the first song of the set. It doesn't really fit anywhere else so hasn't been played since. Politik was an obvious opener too but that somehow works where they have placed it over the years.
December 3, 2012 - submitted by Mary, United States of America
Q. Hey Oracle, I was curious if the band's decision to add shows in NY for December had anything to do with the devastation hurricane Sandy caused? I don't know if it's just a coincidence but they released those dates shortly after the hurricane hit, and The Barclays center is 10 minutes from Rockaway Beach (my town) which was destroyed in it. Well I hope to hear back from you, thanks!
The Oracle replies:
No, we actually held off announcing the shows because of the devastation going on but those dates have been on the schedule for a while now. Tour dates may sometimes only be announced a matter of weeks before they take place but they can be on the itinerary for up to a year (or longer) in advance. Chris has just been added to the bill for a Sandy benefit concert. The fundraiser takes place on 12/12/12.
New Live 2012 screenshots (via EpixHD):
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]
4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]
5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion]
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]
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]
10 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy 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]
7 Los Angeles, US @ Shrine Auditorium (Stand Up To Cancer) [discussion]
9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [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]
12 Sydney, Australia @ MAX TV intimate show [discussion] [NEW!]
13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]
17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]
18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]
21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]
DECEMBER 2012:
29 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena [discussion] [NEW!]
30 New York, NY @ Barclays Center [discussion] [NEW!]
31 New York, NY @ Barclays Center (with Jay-Z) [discussion] [NEW!]
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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