More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 2700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
June 14, 2012 - submitted by Melina, Mexico
Q. Is this the What If official video? Because the guy who is playing the piano doesn't look like Chris. Thanks! P.S. Hope you come to Mexico soon!
The Oracle replies:
I've never seen that video before and while 7,634,258 is an impressive number of views, it's nothing to do with us. Not only is the guy not Chris but there wasn't an official video for What If made.
June 14, 2012 - submitted by Zatch, Canada
Q. Hey Oracle, when Jonny said today in the live chat that "we know roughly when we want to start making the next record...", does this confirm a sixth studio album? Thanks from Canada!
The Oracle replies:
Any and everything is subject to change so it's far too early to speculate. I recall Chris saying that he'd written a song (Spanish Rain /Don Quixote) that would be a b-side for the next album yet it's never been recorded and isn't likely to be.
June 14, 2012 - submitted by Matts, Finland
Q. Dear Oracle, I'm coming to Stockholm show in August and we have decided with my friends that we are getting to the front row. As I was looking the photos from the tour I was wondering which would be the best place to enjoy the show. Closest to the main stage or somewhere alongside the 'catwalk'? Best regards, Matts
The Oracle replies:
I would certainly suggest along the catwalk or around the X Stage if you want a great view up close and personal. I'm a bit too old for all that standing though. Make sure you have plenty of water because even if the weather isn't warm* you may feel overcome by the heat of the crowds. * It may be wise to start offering up dances to the sun Gods as rain has been following the band on the stadium tour thus far!
June 14, 2012 - submitted by Rocio, Spain
Q. Hi Oracle! I was in Madrid last 20th of May, in that amazing concert that it was one of the best thing I've ever done!!! And at the end of Fix You Chris said: "Happy Birthday (someone).." Who's that someone??
The Oracle replies:
He said "Happy Birthday Mama Julia" - his wife's Spanish "mama" with whom she lived in Spain with as a teenager.
June 13, 2012 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom
Q. Hello, I am trying to find a Man's T-shirt for the 2005 tour, the December 16th date at Earl's Court was the first Coldplay concert my then boyfriend and I went to, we are now married with two children and I have been searching to try to find him a t-shirt from that tour but with no luck, please can you help me? Thank you
The Oracle replies:
Well, we don't really sell tees from tours gone by - maybe we should? I don't know how many are still available but I found this for you. Hope it helps.
June 13, 2012 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom
Q. Dear Oracle, My wristband just lit up all by its self, and it's still on now. Could you shed some light [bad pun] on this mystery? Thanks Sarah
The Oracle replies:
Well, I wish I could tell you some magical explanation or entice you down a fantasy road but in fact, it's not a strange phenomenon. There must be a glitch as that's not supposed to happen. I am hearing reports from all over that Xylobands are lighting up. My friend awoke at 4 a.m on Monday morning with hers flashing (she was delighted!) and indeed mine decided to light up 48 hours after a show. One lady's lit up in Wales followed by her son's... Spooky.
June 13, 2012 - submitted by Marielle, Canada
Q. Hello Oracle! Ive notice that some fans have more than one Xyloband on at a time. Is there a limit of how much you can have, do you to pay for the extra ones?
The Oracle replies:
I'm glad you brought this up. I went to the Emirates on Friday and Saturday nights. At the second show during Hurts Like Heaven I remembered that my Xyloband from the previous night was still in my possession and when I checked, there it was flashing away so I put it on. I was wearing two but had only taken one per show. I know other fans who have been to several shows wear their Xylobands from all gigs so it is hopefully that reason you see multiple ones adorning arms. We hand Xylobands out on the way in (ONE per person) but they are not included in the ticket price so if you don't get one, it may be down to luck, timing or the unforgivable... If anyone reading this has taken more than one on the way in to a show and seen people without - then shame on you if you did not give a Xyloband up to another fan in need. #justsaying. Please be fair and please share.
June 12, 2012 - submitted by Rachael, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle. I noticed that the drum machine Will uses during Up In Flames has quite a noticable gap between when the pad is hit and when the sound is emitted. How difficult does this make things for him? How does he overcome these difficulties? Thanks. Love, Rachael P.S. The second Ethiad show was brilliant. So good to see Warning Sign coming back! One of my favourites.
The Oracle replies:
Listening to soundchecks in stadiums is amazing because when they are empty the sound literally bounces off everything. Dan Green has to do an incredible job of working out variables to gauge what the difference will be when that stadium is full of several thousands of people. There are moments like the aforementioned drum machine where you can see/hear the latency (for that is its name). It's a factor many performers learn how to deal with. I also notice at the back of some large venues the screen appear to be showing everything out of synch but that again is the distance and time it takes for sound to travel making it look out of time. Pretty tricky to deal with but luckily the guys have an amazing sound system in place and their in-ear monitors will be geared to cope as much as possible.
June 12, 2012 - submitted by Bryan, United Kingdom
Q. I have a complaint to make about a recent Coldplay concert I went to at the emirates in London on 2nd June 2012! I payed £50 for a ticket and believe that this amount was not in my opinion acceptable! Basically the boys blew my mind and I feel the ticket should of cost more for the best night of my life! Can I please send you a further amount of money to show my appreciation? Brilliant! Bloody brilliant!
The Oracle replies:
Bryan, I think I love you. What an amazing thing to read on a damp, grey, miserable Tuesday in June (June and it's STILL raining!!) I suppose you could always save the extra money for when the #Coldplayfilm arrives? Or donate it to a charity of your choice. I agree though, it's worth every penny and more.
June 12, 2012 - submitted by Bernie, United States of America
Q. Why is it that the set list stays almost exactly the same the entire tour? It's a great set regardless but doesn't the band get tired of playing the same songs in the same order night after night? First time asking a question to the almighty Oracle so fingers crossed for a response!
The Oracle replies:
The production of a show can be very complicated and take a lot of time to prepare to get it perfect. This show particularly doesn't lend itself to much change. I am aware of a very few number acts who change their set during a tour so it isn't unusual not to - it's more usual in fact. A few songs have been replaced and moved around since the festivals last year and the latter end of the year's dates. The band buzz so much off playing the songs live to a different crowd every night that no, they don't get bored.
June 11, 2012 - submitted by Carolina, Mexico
Q. Hello, I was just watching this photo, are the two men standing alongside of the stage extension floating? There is one with an orange vest and another one all in black, at the left side of the runway... Greetings from Mexico!
The Oracle replies:
I asked Roadie #42 why those gents appear to have no legs. He informed me that "the crowd shots are made up of between 20 and 50 individual photos all stitched together. Occasionally on the joins, things get a bit odd. The best was the fella on the front row with three eyes, but the less said about that, the better..." A p.s. followed. "Didn't Lawnmower Death have an album called Got No Legs? Don't Come Running To Me..."? Not quite. Lawnmower Deth did record a track called Got No Legs? Don't Come Crawling to Me though.
June 11, 2012 - submitted by Meagan, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle, who is the guy that has been holding signs in the front row of 5 different panoramas?? Do the band know him? He must be so lucky to get to go to so many Coldplay shows!
The Oracle replies:
No, we don't know him. One of his signs said "I follow you" and as you can see, he does indeed! He has certainly put the effort in getting there early enough to get to the front too! Maybe he will write to me and reveal his identity...
June 7, 2012 - submitted by James, United Kingdom
Q. Dear Oracle, I was suprised/disappointed when Coldplay were not at the Diamond Jubilee concert, because Chris and Gary Barlow are friends and Coldplay were in London at the time, so was it that Coldplay were never invited to perform or they were and refused? Thanks
The Oracle replies:
Yes, Coldplay were in London at the time but performing their 3rd and final London show at the Emirates Stadium - that Gary Barlow attended on the first night. They were asked to but as you now know, they were unable to.
June 7, 2012 - submitted by Michael, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Guys Would really appreciate your help! What was the attendance at Coldplay's gig on the 4th of June at the Emirates? I would estimate it between 55,000-70,000 could that be right? Couldn't find information anywhere so would be desperate for an answer. Cheers By the way: That gig was the BEST thing I've ever been to :) !!!
The Oracle replies:
Just me I'm afraid Michael. I'm pretty sure it was just under 60,000. The huge stage set, runway and rigs take away a section of the stadium so even with the standing capacity on the pitch, it doesn't quite make it back up to the 60,361 it is on match days.
June 7, 2012 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay
Q. Hi Oracle! I was wondering what do you feel about the Princess of China video? It seems to be a lot of mixed emotions about it. Personally I can't find the connection between the video and the song's lyrics. Also I've been reading that a lot of people are questioning the fact that there are Ninjas in the video, which are originally from Japan so.. I guess there's no relevance in their appearance. Anyhow, hope you're doing well and I'll wait for a possible answer! Thanks!
The Oracle replies:
Videos aren't necessarily a literal visual translation of the audio. They may sometimes take a line or a theme but it's not set in stone. I think the PoC video is great by the way - like a short film. Looks very classy and I've always loved the song.
June 6, 2012 - submitted by Peter, United States of America
Q. Hello! I hope you're all excited about your upcoming trip to Boston we're certainly excited to have you here! I've been living in Boston (as a native of Ireland) for about 15 years, and it's a fantastic city. I own and operate an outdoor fitness company (boot camp), and I would welcome the opportunity to train you all while visiting here. I know too well that life on the road can be grueling, and can take its toll. The opportunities for exercise can be slim, and eating habits can be difficult to manage too. It would not only be a terrific way for you to get some daily or weekly exercise and fresh air, but we could also use it as a fun way to see the city and its sights while getting a great workout! Please let me know what questions I can answer for you. if you like, I'd be happy to provide you with a sample workout, so that you don't have to commit to too many workouts in advance! Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you! Peter.
The Oracle replies:
You may be surprised to learn that exercise opportunities are not slim and eating habits are not difficult because the band travel with their own personal trainer who puts them through their paces every day and their tour caterer provides the most amazing fresh, healthy, balanced meals and snacks.
Thanks for the offer but it's all covered. As the band tour for so long, their health is so important that exercise and nutrition is very much a part of that schedule.
June 6, 2012 - submitted by Aimee, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle, I'm really enjoying R42's HD panoramas of the crowds from Emirates' and other shows. All those smiling, happy people anticipating a stellar night! Tell me, how did this tradition start? I've seen OK Go and MGMT in the past year, and they take pics of their audiences too! Which band kicked it off? Thanks! x
The Oracle replies:
Many artists have been taking photos of their audiences for years. Digital technology has improved so much that in recent times sporting events and groups such as U2 & Take That have taken 360 degree shots of the crowd where you can zoom in and tag yourself for example. After the first night photo that Roadie #42 took, we loved it so much that it was decided to do one every night from the same point. Typically I'm not in my seat when I click to zoom. It's a great interactive tool but as for the first band to do it... I don't actually know but it wasn't OK Go or MGMT.
June 6, 2012 - submitted by Abby, Philippines
Q. Dear Oracle, In Coldplay End of Decade Clearout Sale, how and when did Jonny get into a neck brace? I'm just wondering. Thanks again. Abby
The Oracle replies:
That's not Jonny; it's Will. It's just a foam neck collar for characterisation purposes only.
May 31, 2012 - submitted by Gherardo, Italy
Q. Helloo! Why not make a DVD at the end of Mylo Xyloto Tour? Like Live 2003!
It would be great to see how the band has changed, and what kind of show has created. You should just do it, also for Xylobands !! They are f*****g incredible.
The Oracle replies:
I have no idea why, but every single question sent in by Italian fans this week (there have been a few) have all had swearing them! I have edited by inserting asterisks. Anyway, to answer your request, you're a little behind the news amico. There IS going to be a live film from the MX tour. We haven't got any details to reveal to you just yet apart from a film is coming. Hoorah!
May 31, 2012 - submitted by Mollie, United Kingdom
Q. Hey Oracle, I saw THIS on the news section and panicked- Final UK stadium tour tickets released 29 May 2012, 2:58 pm. Last chance to buy tickets for the upcoming shows. Does that mean this one is the final tour?!?!?!? or is it just our last chance to buy tickets?
The Oracle replies:
Fear not Mollie, it just means your last chance to buy tickets. It's not their final tour.
May 31, 2012 - submitted by Danial, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, I was wondering if on the stadium tour do we get a choice of what colour wristband we are given or are they allocated ? p.s. cant wait for Sunderland!
from Danial.
The Oracle replies:
The tour may be different (I don't know about that at all) but I'd say it'd be better to go along with what my mother used to say, "you get what you're given", rather than try and ask for a particular one.
May 31, 2012 - submitted by Sarah, United Kingdom
Q. Hello O Mighty Oracle, I'm going to the Emirates concert on the 2nd, but was wondering if Anchorman will be taking panoramas of all three London shows or just the one on the 1st? Very excited!
The Oracle replies:
It's not Anchorman who takes the photos. He posts them but it's Roadie #42 who snaps them. A panoramic shot will be taken before every show starts so there will be 3 of each of the Emirates.
May 30, 2012 - submitted by Tony, United Kingdom
Q. Hi,Oracle. I want to ask that which song Chris Martin sings here? I can't know the name of this funny song. Thanks.
The Oracle replies:
It has no name as it's not anything. It's just an on the spot "jam" to sing happy birthday to Jonny. Chris is making it up as he goes along. Good find so thanks for sending it!
May 30, 2012 - submitted by Boyeon, France
Q. Hi Oracle! I'm totally nervous about the gig on this friday at Emirates Stadium. It's the very first concert to me, but something's a bit complicating. I just can't understand how and where should I queue... I carefully read all terms on my ticket, but the only thing i've recognized, is that my ticket belongs to Turnstilles R Clock End. Still, whatever I've noticed, there's so many direction of queue that I cannot choose one. In Short, HELP ME!
The Oracle replies:
There will be plenty of stewards to ask when you get there so don't worry - someone will point you in the right direction if you can't find the right sign.
May 30, 2012 - submitted by Tom, United Kingdom
Q. Hello Oracle, Last night, I was at the Coventry concert, and may I just say, the boys absolutely rocked it! What an awesome gig! After seeing some of the Oracle's questions about Nice not being a good crowd, I hope we were good enough for you! Thankyou guys very much, I would happily come and watch you again tonight! Love Tom
The Oracle replies:
Er, there was ONE question that I mentioned the Nice crowd and I didn't say they weren't a good crowd. I was there and they were great! All I said that Turin's crowd was apparently better. Last night you were "incredible" so said Chris via their twitter page.
May 30, 2012 - submitted by Christine, United Kingdom
Q. Hi! Coming along to The Emirates on Monday - worried about being able to catch last train home.... are timings such that we will be able to leave the stadium and get to Central London stations by 11.30?
The Oracle replies:
I have tried to answer this a few times so Anchorman very kindly helped me out and announced all the timings for the UK shows. Please refer to that and you will be able to work out your individual journey needs accordingly.
May 29, 2012 - submitted by Thomas, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, I just watched the Hurts Like Heaven video from the European Stadiums (seeing them in Manchester on the 9th June) and noticed all the lasers. I was wondering, that with the stadiums being roofless, is there any problem with the lasers hitting low flying aircraft and such? Thanks!
The Oracle replies:
That's a very good question Thomas and a subject I was talking about in detail last week in fact. Lasers obviously do come with certain risks so there are stringent safety rules and regulations in place - they can't beam over a certain height if there's a risk to aviation. The same goes for beaming below the heads of the audience to protect them also. The lasers are all perfectly harmless at our shows. Enjoy Manchester!
May 29, 2012 - submitted by Nathan, United Kingdom
Q. What's the chances of Politik being added to the playlist for tonight. Bring it on Coventry!!!!!
The Oracle replies:
Not a chance at all Nate - if I may call you that. Will replied to the question in the recent Twitter chat of why it's been dropped from the set and his response was, "To use a football analogy, it's played 10 seasons in a row and it needs a rest".
May 28, 2012 - submitted by Sarah, Switzerland
Q. Dear Oracle I have some really nice shots from yesterday's show in Zurich and want to share them with you and all the fans. But how? Love Sarah
The Oracle replies:
You can share them by uploading them to our Live Transmissions section on this very website. Look forward to seeing them!
New photos of Coldplay performing at the Capital FM Summertime Ball, Wembley Stadium, London (9th June 2012):
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