More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 2600 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
May 9, 2012 - submitted by Trinity, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, Do the band always do sound checks before each show? And do they ever let members of the public in to watch (with a bought ticket obviously!) In the words of Coldplay "I'll see you soon!" (quite literally, in 21 days :D)
The Oracle replies:
The band don't always attend sounchecks; sometimes the crew step in and test the levels. There have been what are known as soundcheck parties where fans have won the chance to be there while the band soundcheck. There was also an occasion back in 2010 when the band were in Liverpool to play one of the Crisis gigs. Fans had been queuing outside in the snow so we decided to invite them in to watch and warm up a little. It was quite amusing as we had to usher fans out before the last song because we didn't want anything to give away the surprise of their special guest. Back For Good was quietly practised before Gary Barlow's arrival.
May 9, 2012 - submitted by Eline, Belgium
Q. I saw photos of Chris kite-flying. Does he always wear the MX-shirt? I thought it only was for concerts. Have a nice day! BTW: setlist is great! Please come to Belgium!
The Oracle replies:
The only time the guys wear stage gear is for on stage, video shoots, photo shoots and interviews. I would put money therefore on those photos being taken at one of the above - but obviously not a live show.
May 9, 2012 - submitted by Diana, Mexico
Q. Dear Oracle, I will get married on 3rd of August in Holland and I would love to walk through the aisle with Coldplay music. Which song would you pick ?
The Oracle replies:
Not knowing the length of the aisle or how long it will take you to walk it is making suggestion difficult. I'd plump for Postcards From Far Away if you think just under a minute is long enough.
May 8, 2012 - submitted by May, Netherlands
Q. Hey Oracle, I already tried Google. Is Green Eyes written by Chris or not? Because if you search it on Wikipedia it says: 'Green Eyes may refer to: Green Eyes, a song by Matt Lombardi written for Julie Marie Fort given to Coldplay for their album A Rush of Blood to the Head'. The idea that they didn't write it makes me a bit sad, since the song is so full of love, you know? It sounds so sincere. And I thought that it was written for Jonny and that girl, so... I'm really confused right now. If you answer, thanks a lot! And thanks a lot for reading this, anyway!
The Oracle replies:
This is an example of how Wikipedia isn't always 100% accurate and the old adage "don't believe everything you read" is true. As much as I do love Wiki, it looks like someone has added that entry - probably to name check themselves and a mate as neither are clickable links so not that prolific eh? If you delve a little deeper into the AROBTTH entry, it mentions the real fact that Chris wrote the song.
May 8, 2012 - submitted by Kirsten, United States of America
Q. Hello Oracle, I was on the Wikipedia page for American Idol and saw that Coldplay's performance this past week was pre-recorded. It this true? Or was Paradise and ETIAW performed live? Can't wait to see them in June!
The Oracle replies:
Anchorman announced fans could win tickets to American Idol's 3rd May taping. Even though the band's schedule last week was of course 3 nights at Hollywood Bowl on 1st, 2nd and 4th May leaving Thu 3rd free; it was indeed pre-recorded earlier on Thursday morning in front of a different audience. The live performance was edited in to the later programme.
May 8, 2012 - submitted by AJ Anable, United States of America
Q. I am an Actor with a demo reel and I have Cold Play Music in the background. I have been told that this is illegal and I also have been told that it is perfectly ok. I thought best to go to the artist directly. I have no intention of selling my reel but it is shown for commercial purposes. Thanks for your response.
The Oracle replies:
SARCASM ALERT: I'm thinking that anyone who still thinks that Coldplay is two words should perhaps receive some form of detention for not doing sufficient homework (also one word). Teasing aside AJ, I'm sorry to have to tell you it's not as simple as asking the band. It's correct that you cannot use anyone's music without permission although copyright is held with their publishers and record label so you actually need to redirect your request to Universal Publishing (UK) and Parlophone.
May 8, 2012 - submitted by Grace, United States of America
Q. So far in the preview of the video Princess of China, only Rhianna is in it... where is Chris and the rest of the band? :(
The Oracle replies:
What you've seen is not a preview of the PoC video; it's a stand alone video for the live shows only - hence it only featuring Rihanna as the band are there in the flesh. I'm not at liberty to give any details away but I will tell you that the entire band aren't in the PoC video - only Chris.
May 3, 2012 - submitted by Daniel, United States of America
Q. Hello! Do Coldplay's supporting acts such as Rita Ora or Frank Ocean travel together with Coldplay and spend time with the band? I'm a huge fan of all the supporting acts and I was just wondering if they're all close friends. Sorry if this question is worded weirdly, but thanks!!!
The Oracle replies:
When the band toured Latin America in 2010, the opening act did travel with Coldplay, as did everyone. Coldplay's crew, Bat For Lashes' crew and all personnel travelled on a chartered plane for convenience Plus it kept costs down. The band had built up a great rapport with Bat For Lashes on a previous tour so invited them to travel with the band party. To answer your question, no, it's not usual for the support bands to travel with the band. I'm pretty sure they're not close friends either. I read a hideous story the other day about security for a well-known artist telling the support act to face the wall rather than look at the megastar. I can assure you, no such behaviour goes on with Coldplay.
May 3, 2012 - submitted by Maryam, Bahrain
Q. Dear Oracle, I was on billboard.com and they had six albums for Coldplay. One of the was called Buddha Renditions Of Lounge. Is it real? if not, why is it not on billboard? p.s. Mylo Xyloto is not on the site either
The Oracle replies:
There are more listed when I access the site (13) but that's because it is showing results when you search for the word Coldplay. Buddha Renditions Of Lounge Coldplay is the title of a record that hasn't officially got anything to do with Coldplay; it's just far eastern versions of some of their tracks. Mylo isn't on there because they haven't updated it.
May 3, 2012 - submitted by Matiss, Latvia
Q. Hey Oracle, I've just noticed at one of Coldplay last concerts that they played Princess of China with Rihanna in it. I was at Rock Im Park last year and there they played it too but without Rihanna. And I just wanna know why Chris doesn't sing all of the song without Rihanna. The Rock Im Park version sounded really great!! Thank you so much!!
The Oracle replies:
Chris sang all parts at Rock Im Park because that was before the album had been released and there hadn't been any announcements about it being a duet. It didn't feel right so the song was dropped from the live set until now.
May 2, 2012 - submitted by Matthew, United States of America
Q. I saw this video and it said Chris Martin from Coldplay was in it. It's the Book People Unite video and I could not tell which character was Chris. Somebody told me it was Pinnochio, but I couldn't quite hear it. Is that correct, if not who is he?
The Oracle replies:
When I first visited the video, I saw the name Chris Martin but no mention of Coldplay so assumed, 'ah, it'll be a different Chris Martin" but then I heard his voice quite clearly. Indeed it IS Chris. Watching the video I'd say he's voicing the Wolf ( from the Three Little Pigs) flying the plane - definitely NOT Pinocchio.
That's a great find Matthew, thanks for sharing.
May 2, 2012 - submitted by Callum, United Kingdom
Q. What time will the shows in London be ending? Me and my friends need to get the train from Paddington to Bristol at 23.30. Will we have time to reach the train without leaving early?
The Oracle replies:
I haven't got the stage times set in stone but I won't lie, I think you'd seriously be pushing it if you left at the end with thousands of people all exiting at the same time with the majority wanting to get the same tube as you. I personally wouldn't risk it. It's about a 5 minute walk to the Underground station (Arsenal) from the stadium and a 25-30 minute tube ride to Paddington. If you wanted to be at your train with only 10 minutes leeway, you'd have to have left Emirates by 22.45 latest.
May 2, 2012 - submitted by Saurabh, United States of America
Q. The Hollywood Bowl site says that there are no cameras allowed so how are we expected to add to the live feed?
The Oracle replies:
I have addressed this already but I shall do so again because... it does not say there are no cameras allowed on their site. What it actually says is: "Flash photography, professional camera or recording equipment (including cameras with detachable lenses, any form of camera stand or audio/video recording devices), laser pointers or other electronic devices are prohibited." You don't need flash anyway as it ruins the shot. If you're taking a non-professional camera or a phone that takes pics - you'll be fine.
May 1, 2012 - submitted by Joshua, United Kingdom
Q. Oracle, It has recently been rumoured that the official Princess of China music video will be released during the London gig on 2nd June. Can you confirm this?
The Oracle replies:
I can't confirm when the video will be premiered but I can tell you that it wouldn't be at a show mid-tour. They will have already played London the night before not to mention Coventry a few days earlier. It wouldn't make sense to show it at their 3rd UK show so no, that won't be the case.
May 1, 2012 - submitted by Naomi, United Kingdom
Q. I have been looking all over the place for a live version of twisted logic. Could you possibly find one for me all knowing oracle? It would be greatly appreciated :)
The Oracle replies:
I'm pretty sure that the song was never actually performed live so I can't point you in any direction I'm afraid.
May 1, 2012 - submitted by Zuzana, Slovakia
Q. Dear Oracle, there is a reality show in our country called Hotel Paradise (which is not of very high quality, and that is quite an understatement). They are using the Coldplay song (Paradise, obviously) as their theme tune. Is it legal? I would be very surprised if it was approved by the band. Here is the trailer. Many thanks for replying!
The Oracle replies:
When you say "here is the trailer", that is all it seems to be. The music can be used in the trailer but it will not be the theme tune for the actual show - that would be a different case completely. As far as I can tell the theme tune is performed by Tereza Kerndlova and Slovak Miso Biely. The song it titled Vsetko sa da.
April 30, 2012 - submitted by Amber, United States of America
Q. Hello dear Oracle, I saw Coldplay perform on Friday April 27 in San Jose, California. Before they took the stage, there was a song playing on the speakers. The lyrics were something like, "How do I know if I love you" and then another line about "How do I know if I know you when you come out of the shower squeak to the touch and you smell like a flower". Do you know what this song is called? I've looked everywhere and I can't find it. Thanks very much!
The Oracle replies:
Yes, it's the song Chris tweeted about back on the 18th April, "check out How Do I Know by Here We Go Magic. I love it".
April 30, 2012 - submitted by Piyush, India
Q. Hi Oracle. I have noticed several pictures of a Coldplay Aeroplane (Coldplay written on the outer body) on the internet. I want to know if any such thing really exists officially or those picture are just photoshopped? although I do know that the band travels in a private chartered plane. Thanks.
The Oracle replies:
The band have never owned a plane. What you may have seen is a chartered plane that has been branded with Coldplay on it for the tour. That's quite usual.
April 30, 2012 - submitted by James, United Kingdom
Q. WILL THERE BE AN X STAGE?! Hello Oracle, I've printed off a seating plan for Coldplay's upcoming gig at the Emirates Stadium but there is no sign of the 'X' stage in the middle, will it be there?
Many Many Thanks :)
The Oracle replies:
As far as I know, the X Stage is the B stage which is situated at the end of one of the runways from the main stage. I have a feeling you are referring to the C stage, as that is positioned in the seated area at the back within the audience. That wouldn't appear on a seating plan. Apart from it being a surprise on the night, the seating plan from show to show isn't modified too much online.
April 26, 2012 - submitted by Sarah, France
Q. Hello Oracle, Have Coldplay ever thought of adding a feminine voice to their songs. I am not talking about a duet like they did with Rihanna in Princess of China, but about a feminine voice to sing one of their songs (existing or future) with them. Thank you for your answer!
The Oracle replies:
Other than Rihanna which is a duet, there actually has also been a recording with another female vocalist. Rainy Day from Prospekt's March features Emily Bart-Smith on backing vocals.
April 26, 2012 - submitted by Louise, United Kingdom
Q. What time will the boys be on stage for the Arsenal gig on 02 Jun. Also have tickets for the England game at Wembley, but don't want to miss any of your set ;)
The Oracle replies:
Probably around 9pm. If you get a tube from Wembley at 7.15 ish, you should get to the Emirates Stadium* just after 8, if not sooner. * It's not an Arsenal gig! None of the band support that team.
April 26, 2012 - submitted by Steven, United States of America
Q. Oracle, I really need some guidance. I'm a musician and I've been playing about five years. About two years ago, I could write a song in five minutes. And I'd have fun playing guitar doing it. Now I feel like I've had a writers block that has lasted forever. I really need help to get out of this rut and back writing music. I'm scheduled to start recording next Friday and I have no idea what to do. Please Oracle, any assistance would be great. Have a nice week!
The Oracle replies:
I don't totally believe in writer's block Steven. I think it means you have nothing to say. The thing about it is, once you can't think what to write you can almost panic causing that period of time to go on longer than it might have. The problem manifests itself as a block if you see it as such. I think the key is to relax. It may be that you don't think what you write will be good enough. Allow yourself to make crap music too and maybe from there a seed of a great idea will come. It's ok to fail. It's ok to not write. It's ok to take your time. I'd cancel the recording too because that's not going to necessarily help you get back into creating music if you sit doing nothing in the studio. Once you tell yourself you can't, you most likely can't. Believe in yourself - take all the pressure off. Try to do a little bit each day without feeling you have to but rather, want to. If you find yourself humming a tune or some ideas pop into your head, record them into your phone or whatever. If they stay just as that for a while, at least you'll have something that may be used again in the future when you get your mojo back. My last suggestion is that during the next couple of weeks, don't listen to other people's music. If you hear something brilliant, rather than motivate you, it may leave you feeling even more despondent.
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]
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]
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.