Over the last few months we have seen many instances where fans have met Coldplay around their Bakery and Beehive studios in North London. This prompted Coldplayer oldmuckers pose the question on the forums, "Are the Bakery visits getting out of hand?"
As of 19th July, 64% of Coldplayers say yes, the visits were getting out of hand. Most recently there have been rumours that there is now a bodyguard standing by at the Beehive but this has not been substantiated.
The background...
So far during July, Coldplayers abcdefghijkANNA (new!), mayurshikotra, FixYou*, buckinpatroler2, and 100_dring have been spotted with the band near to Coldplay HQ. This is in addition to CJWG, oliv, danny_sivo, PakitoGarvi, cuponcito, ColdplaySheffield and Placebo88 from May and June and many more going back even earlier.
Thanks to everyone who has voted and made a contribution to the discussion so far; below are some of the comments from that thread, as are the latest poll results, and of course some new photos of fans with Coldplay near the Bakery just yesterday (Thursday 18th July)...
The opening argument...
Oldmuckers wrote: "This is a debate that is growing among coldplayers and one that I find very interesting. I personally can see both sides of the argument and an curious to hear other’s opinions. Are too many fans starting to visit the bakery too often?
Is it becoming a distraction to the band or even worse an invasion of privacy. Or is it just a part of fame that they seem to graciously accept? I will give the guys credit… they do always seem happy to take time for the fans visiting them but when, if ever, will it become too much? It very well could be a much appreciated show of support that motivates them or it could be a growing irritant that they are unsure of how to handle. After all if one of them were to lose their temper with a fan, even after being extremely generous to hundreds of other, which story is going to make the papers.
This is where the band creates the music we all love, a place of great interest to fans that anyone would want to see, but it is also where they work… it is an interesting question that really calls upon how much access we should have to those who choose to be public figures and what that means in terms of the private process that is artistic creativity. Answer a simple yes or no in the poll but feel free to state your reasons in the comments."
The latest poll results...
The debate... (warning: long!)
Apparently there's a bodyguard at The Beehive now... [thanks The Master]
I visited The Bakery today (19 July) and met Will, there was a guy who looked like a bodyguard/security who was waiting outside in a car with blacked out windows. A woman came out of The Bakery and got in the car which then drove off. All this had happened before Will had even arrived. When I met Will he was walking to The Beehive, he came up to me and said hello. He seemed happy to see me and was very nice. I guess it might get a bit annoying for the band when there is a large amount of fans who are being instrusive. I was the only fan who was there so I quietly waited for someone to turn up. If you are thinking of going to the studio just be calm and patient as I'm sure that's the way the band would want you to be. So yeah I think these visits are okay as long as the fans act respectfully. [thanks SevenSixFiveFourThree]
When i went, they seemed more than happy about it, i mean i met will first and when they all came out jonny and guy walked out and came to me! so im guessing Will told them i was there. If they were getting annoyed im sure they would have crossed the road, walked fast and not come towards. Then when i saw Phil when i was walking back, he even asked if i had seen the rest of the band and that chris would be back that afternoon, if i wanted to see him. In all i think they are grateful that people are coming to see them, and its not like we waste their alot of their time. When i went i spent the whole of 30 sec with Jonny and guy and when i saw Will and Phil they were asking me questions. Thats my opinion anyways! [thanks mayurshikotra]
So as you guys probably already have seen "abcdefghijkANNA" visited the bakery yesterday: She took pictures with all the guys, got a ton of autographs and actually sat down on a bench with Chris.
I know you can't really judge how the guys feel about fans visiting just by looking at the pictures. But... there is not a slight indication that the guys don't like fans visiting them or that they feel uncomfortable about it. Especially Chris sitting down on the bench and having a chat with the girl, doesn't seem like he doesn't enjoy fans visiting the bakery. Maybe he just wanted to be polite but if people see the pictures they will clearly think the guys have no problem with fans visiting and it will encourage more fans to go there and give it a shot. So if they dont want fans to go there (which i honestly think is not the case) they are definitely sending the wrong signals. [thanks cheeetaz]
I'm afraid all the attention and enthusiasm people get after meeting them and telling their story in the Bakery thread, may be encouraging to some to go try and meet the band. Plus sharing info about who is in the studio now, when they come and go, where have meals - it all helps more people to find them. Of course it lies on each person to decide how to behave, but I think this forum community shall have its policy about it, like it has about not sharing officially released songs. Like some very general guidelines about things, that are not encouraged to be done. Personally, I have little problem with the whole thing. I only cringe when people tell about shouting for a band member, while he's walking two blocks away. Somehow, I find that disrespecting. And knocking on the door, disrupting them from whatever they are busy with, talking with them for a long time - that is kind of impolite. But on the whole, I think that guys see talking to fans as part of their job. And they obviously don't mind people coming to see them - as mainly they are nice, supportive and coming only in that short period of time, when band is not touring/having rest/recording somewhere else. [thanks lafinion]
How are you going to tell whether they are being disrupted when you knock on the door? A sign on the door saying 'MAKING LP6 MOM JUST LEAVE ME ALONE I'M BUSY' (or something to that effect)? I think it's great that this sort of discussion is happening. I think fan etiquette isn't really talked about enough tbh, especially considering some of the gross postings that have been made on this board (and I probably used to be a huge culprit) Let us first point out the obvious: 1) it will continue as long as the band allows it to especially as so many people know where it is now. 2) those people are not doing anything legally wrong unless harassment/stalking starts. [thanks Cobalt]
Coldplay are big boys, aren't they? It sure is nice to care and discuss about that, but in the end Coldplaying only represents a very very tiny part of the whole fandom and people are gonna go there whether we say that it's good or not. We actually can't do anything about it. Once it's out, it's out, and the band is very well aware of it. It sure seems that lately it's been a bit too much but if the band is getting annoyed with this, they'll discuss the matter between them and then will find a solution (hire security, ask their crew to tell the fans that the band's not here, shorten each meeting...). I don't think that our opinion on this forum will matter to the craziest of fangirls, and tbh this forum seems really reasonable compared to the average tumblr or to fan forums for other bands and artists. I mean, ever since visiting the Bakery has become some sort of "trend", it looks like there's a post suggesting it might be too much every 5 pages or so...
I obviously don't like to hear stories of fans going too far (going there several times in a short period of time when they've already met them, ringing at the door etc etc), but as I said, once it's out, once it's out. We can't do much about it. And then again, as a fan who loves them deeply but has never met them, even if I think that things are getting out of hand, if i have the chance to go to London there's a 99.5% chance that I will go to the Bakery. I can't see that not happening. If the band specifically asks everyone to stop, then of course I'll listen to them, but as long as there's no declaration from them, I don't see why I wouldn't go if I had the opportunity...
I wouldn't go there just to get a signature from them. I mean, it's just a note on a CD. Hell, I'm not even sure that if a meeting would actually occur (sing Hallelujah) I would think of asking them my brain would be too busy trying to make me stand and breathe and yeah i totally understand people saying they feel weird about asking for an autograph, because i would feel weird too. To me, the point of going to the Bakery is to see the place where the magic happens AND to have a chance to actually interact with them. Tbh, i don't want much from them. A picture would be awesome, an autograph sure would be super cool. But the chance to talk to them, even for 2 minutes and tell them that their music means a lot to me and that i can't wait for the next album holycrap just thinking about it i get emotional. Everyone has told them that already, but i wouldn't care. I'd visit the Bakery to have the chance to tell them that I personally think they're awesome and I love them, but not to get some trophy from them. it doesn't change the fact that when going to the Bakery we're doing something a bit stalkerish, but honestly I think the intention is still worth mentioning. I wouldn't support anyone who goes there just to get an autograph and say "i met someone famous". I feel sorry to read stories where people would focus just on getting something signed by the band...
We just know that today, at the moment when a fan visited, there was a bodyguard in front of the Beehive, but she hasn't given any other detail regarding this yet. She did meet them, they did come to her, but yes, a bodyguard is a sign that should be taken into account. I'm just waiting for a full "fan story" report before jumping to conclusions (she also said that there was a lot going on that day, the bodyguard could have been there because, idk, something important was happening or something, but yeah the first thing i thought too was that it was a sign there are too many people going). [thanks Coeurli]
I voted no but I think the yes threshold can be close to be reached. Let's say that more or less 30/40 fans (including me ) have met the band so far (from the MX Exhibition), and I'm just just approximately counting fans that went intentionally to the Bakery and have posted their photos/reviews online: I think they don't represent a problem for them...now. Fans just ask them an autograph and a picture, or maybe a handshake, and this just takes some minutes of their life. Maybe it's too easy to find where the bakery is: i just need to google "Coldplay Bakery" to find where they daily work. So I think the number of fans going there just to see them could rapidly increase, given the facility of the word of mouth and internet and forums; should we keep the bakery location more secret? up to you. [thanks The Goldrush]
Is it a distraction/annoyance to the band? who can say, but I will point out that they could easily hire so security and be whisked into the building without ever actually being "rude" to fans (indeed not acknowledging them at all), and since they seem to choose to go totally the opposite route, I'd guess they're ok with it, at least for the time being. They're not the only band with a studio complex in a location known to fans and this kind of thing is fairly common in those situations (though I've never heard of a band that interacts with those fans the way Coldplay does here). I guess what I'm saying is that while it's not something I have any interest in doing, and there have been stories of some fans doing some really inappropriate things (the fans ringing the bell after the Christmas Lights shoot for example), it's just something that's going to continue to happen as long as the band are headquartered there. They've encouraged the fan presence by the level of attention they give, and as long as they do that, the numbers of fans there will probably continue to grow. All anyone's really doing is standing around on a public street, so even if the band wanted to do something to curb it, they'd be somewhat limited in their options as the fans aren't actually doing anything illegal. I can't speak for anyone else, but for me the "can't do anything about it" thing comes in to play in that no matter how much we discuss things here, in the end it won't make a bit of difference as far as people turning up at the bakery, so it just seems kind of fruitless to have a discussion on the topic. Consider what's probably the most widely community accepted standard here: The prohibition on posting images of the band members' children. Virtually everybody who posts here agrees it's crossing the line, yet those pics do end up posted here from time to time. To put it bluntly, the censure of a bunch of people who post here doesn't mean much in the scheme of things, so there's no real use getting bent out of shape over something beyond our control. In fairness, I don't see Thom Yorke or any of the other radiohead guys (with the possible exception of Colin) responding to that type of fan the way Coldplay do though. They're reserved in general, which tends to breed the same attitude in their fan base. In contrast, the Coldplay guys are go to an almost unreasonable length to accommodate fans outside their studio, which breeds the opposite fan reaction. [thanks fakfak]
I don't see too many Bakery threads/posts (Because I'm never in here) but I do remember once a girl made a thread about meeting the entire band individually, not once, but also the next day. She said she explained to them that she traveled so far etc. blah blah and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity (Taken twice) blah blah and the band were nice enough to pretend it wasn't weird and ridiculous. Like you just got your photos, what more could you want? What more can you achieve by going back? Enjoy your holiday. But it doesn't surprise me that a fangirl can take such advantage of people they love, what did surprise me a bit was that in that thread not one person replied with, "Twice? Really?!". It was just excitement and congratulations. I mean sorry for the constant Radiohead comparisons, but if some Radiohead fan posted that they'd get a sharp dose of "Leave them the fuck alone". Well actually you'd probably get that for even posting 1 set of photos with Radiohead, but c'mon, 2 days in a row? That's acceptable to you people? OK...
Yes I posted in the thread earlier about the girl who just had to go back again the next day, to meet the exact same people, in the exact same circumstances, except a day later. The only thing I found funny about it was that you could tell from the pictures they were a bit like "OK, this girl, again..." If there's people doing it over and over, if they've already met them, I just don't understand it either. I'm just that way that I don't care to meet any of my favourite musicians (Which from reading about people's obsessions with meeting Coldplay, I feel lucky) but if anyone really feels that the way they inspire you means you definitely need to meet the band, I don't get how that could mean you need to meet them over and over again. It just sounds like an empty hole trying to be filled. [thanks Reilly]
I voted yes in the poll because I remember when I was a teenager I had a crush on Alejandro Sanz and I remember him moving from his house after the first album success because a lot of people had discovered where he lived ( I know that's not the same here, but his home was the place where he worked on his music ) and he was unable to concentrate on his work. So I know that they are very graceful with the people who is going there, but I am worried that this matter will end up annoying them and as a consequence their working time would be affected. Furthermore I went to London the summer of 2011 and I went to visit the John Keats museum (I love his work) that happens to be very close to the Bakery and just because I knew that the band was on tour I dared to go and pass in front of the place were they create their music, otherwise I wouldn't dared to go, but just because I am like that. But of course everyone is free to do whatever they want and think is appropriate. [thanks rousi]
it's tricky, because obviously the band and their crew would indicate in some way if the fan meetings were getting to be way too much. on the other hand, i don't think anyone wants it to get to that point, either. Coldplay fans seem to be fairly respectful in general, and it's possible that while the recent number of people visiting the Bakery seems a bit overwhelming to someone like me, it may not faze them if they're used to being around a large number of fans (though there's a distinct difference between being surrounded by fans in a venue and having fans come to a private place of work). personally, if i had a chance to visit, i would probably stop and get a picture of myself near the alleyway, but if i didn't happen to run into anyone outside, i don't think i would wait around... it may seem like a moot point to "debate" this sort of thing, but it's good to know where everyone stands on where the line should be drawn, right? [thanks coldplayisawesome]
I agree that fan etiquette isn't talked about enough, I mean me, myself, rang a doorbell (this was early October last year I think), I am ashamed of this, I mean the shutters were down at the time meaning no one was in but I couldn't resist and I think it shows a lack of respect and understanding of privacy, when the truth is Coldplay are my heroes and some of the people I respect the most. I do however, think that Coldplay fans are overall very respectful and have good 'fan-etiquette', as perhaps compared to the Justin Bieber fandom or One Direction fandoms overall. In the end, the truth is we all love Coldplay and everyone who goes there is only going there for that reason. [thanks Mollyxyloto]
I was there the time that the door bell was rung, I was with a few girls older than me and they were talking about how somebody rung it and asked if the band was coming out i think and were asked to sit at a bench not so far off. On seeing the band come out people were running like crazy across to see them. I'm kind of ashamed of myself for following but I was a really big fan back then and meeting them was like the dream so i can understand why people do it. The lady who rung the bell was rude to Chris saying how she was disappointed the band weren't on the boat and was rushing round all the band members getting photos and signatures from each of them. I hung back because it scared me a little how determined some people are to get photos, anyway Chris pointed to me and said to the others to let me have a photo and was checking that it was alright. The band stopped and chatted a little while and asked everyone where they were from, apologised for how cold it was on the boat etc. and they said they had to go somewhere and generally they didn't seem to mind. I wouldn't want to go back even if i was still a big fan I just don't see the point and repeatedly going to the same place to find a person does kind of border on stalking to me. [thanks Cyan Kat]
when even Phil Harvey on at least one occasion said that "the boys were inside the Bakery (or was it the Beehive) - wait here for x minutes, then the entire band are leaving". And someone (Phil Harvey?) said the other day that "Chris is here not today - he will be here on Thursday" - well it could be seen as an encouragement to return that Thursday. And the fans did. The band members have said that being in a band and everything related to it - be it recording / giving concerts / talking to fans and signing stuff - all this is a job for them. They are thankful to their fans for "having given them the best job in the world". So they are kind to their fans visiting them. It is quite different when being in a hurry to catch a flight or train - or being with family somewhere - then they want to have some privacy. Chris once said that it was difficult sometimes - he could not even walk down the street with his wife - then the couple would be surrounded by / chased by paparazzi. My conclusion: It seems to be okay with fans visiting the Bakery / Beehive and asking for a signature/a photo there, but not when meeting them in the airport / with family, because then they would like fans to respect their privacy. [thanks nancyk58]
As some of you may remember, I visited The Bakery on my 19th birthday last month on the off chance of meeting the band and I luckily met all of them. When we arrived at The Bakery we met another Coldplayer who met Phil earlier in the morning who told her that all of the band would be here by 12:30; and Phil wasn't wrong, they were here by 12:30. We met all of them, and then Chris and Phil a hour later. If Phil or the band weren't too keen on fans meeting them then I'm sure he wouldn't have told a fan a specific time that the band would be arriving. When we met them they seemed rather relaxed by the situation and looked genuinely pleased to meet us; we even started talking about football to them (particularly Will) and they engaged with us really well. We respected them in the fact that we didn't go knocking on doors, we didn't shout them, we didn't hover outside the entrance to The Bakery, we just waited patiently and quietly on the bench till someone appeared. One question I will ask is this.....I know that all us Coldplayers don't all live in the UK, and that's great because it just shows the vast amount of support they have all around the globe, but if you were in London for a day or two, would you take a quick visit The Bakery on the off chance of meeting someone.....? I understand both sides of the story and I do think it's a fair point to raise, and this thread has made for good reading, but I'll never forget the day I met all five of them. [thanks ColdplaySheffield]
I am late to this thread, but I voted yes even if it doesn't change the fact that people would still do it. Here are some random thoughts: 1) The Bakery/ Beehive aren't a listed sightseeing place in London, so I would assume that it is not fine for people to visit it whenever they can. It's not a holy place, it is simply a working place. 2) I don't agree with the fact that since the band doesn't seem to mind, then it's ok to visit. I mean, who wouldn't get irritated if they are interrupted from walking the street to their work place everyday by people shouting their name, asking for autographs & such? Perhaps they are just so nice to disappoint anyone, but that doesn't mean taking advantage of that. Some of them might be in a hurry, or simply not in a good mood. I know Guy is usually shy & quiet. They can't be ready everyday to meet fans, even if they were the best type of fans. 3) I have read a story of people waiting outside Chris' home I have seen 2 videos of him & people asking him to say hello to their friends & that made me furious. What on earth do you think he is? a talking doll that you own? Come on Chris, hold this sign, see what I have for you, say hi to tons of people you don't even know. Then dare call this respectful act of fans. 4) The theory of: if they are not ok with it, then they would hire a security doesn't make sense. The norm is that people should be able to work without the need of accompanying security all the time. Would you pleased if they had to hire one to keep fans from jumping at their faces all the time? Yeah sure, they are rich & can afford that, but forcing them to do it is a thing I can't understand. 5) They are celebrities & that's the price of fame! Oh well, so why not punish them for being successful & famous? [thanks Safy]
For now, I doubt having occasional fans spring up at their doorstep isn't too obstructive during their recording sessions, but it's too early to really see how much of an impact or interference it has on them. If they really got tired of people coming up to the bakery, I would imagine the guys would most likely have a sign indicating that they're busy and need no interruptions. Perhaps even a security guard would be at the door. But for now I see no reason why fans shouldn't be able to take a mellow trip to the bakery if it's so easily accessible and the guys welcome fans with open arms. Again only time will tell, but for now it's not out of hand. [thanks Ghostly]
I think the biggest problem are the fans who go there over and over and over again and wait around for several hours. And those people don't all live in or near London. Why would you spend several hours waiting on a bench when you're visiting London when you've already met them before? That's just stupid and it doesn't make any sense. [thanks Tash]
So, I told myself I wasn't going to reply to this thread... then I realised that as small as my opinion is... I think it's worth an airing. I remember I was living in London when the first rumblings of 'finding' the Bakery appeared on the forum, very few people took notice, most people were simply excited to know where it was. The times I visited the area were simply due to visiting friends & going to one of my favourite pubs for trivia night & a pint. Now, mostly due to the fact we are currently between tours & albums, the fans kind of want something to focus on, and the focus has quickly become meeting the guys at the Bakery/Beehive. Honestly, posts on a forum are not going to stop fans from trying to meet the band, pretty much all it will do is stop people from posting their photos & experiences. Regarding fan etiquette, I've found over the years, through different fandoms, that there is never a way to enforce any kind of etiquette beyond the simplicity of "Just be nice!". We are all free-willed human beings, if someone wants to do something, then they will go do it (& frankly, many fans don't care what other fans think). Having a few years behind me (I'm in my early 30's) and having 'grown' up through fandoms, I think another misunderstood part of fandom is age. A 16 year-old fan is going to act & react differently to a 30 year-old fan etc, each could behave well or badly depending on the situation. There is quite a bit of research out there about fandom and the psyche, the way the brain (& therefore behaviour) reacts to obsession & passion etc. And finally, this is freaking Coldplay guys... if they didn't want to be disturbed, then they would find a way for it to happen. Yes, they are very kind & generous with their time, surely they get some enjoyment out of meeting fans. Should fans be rude to them, no. But as I said before, you cannot control another person's behaviour. In the end, the only actions we can control are out own. We all live in little glass fandom houses, I don't think any of us should think that stone throwing is ok. So, there's my 5 cents/pence... [thanks blondeisotope]
speaking as someone who has visited the Bakery I would feel very awkward if I said that I don't think anyone should go. I've, as some of you know, had a 'Close encounter' with Chris. He was walking with Moses and I didn't say hello because I was; firstly terrified of saying something, and secondly didn't want to bother him when he was with his son. I had my son with me, who is also a fan and since all this madness has ensued, people meeting them, talking to them, even with their kids... Now if I am completely honest, I have regretted it ever since. Regretted not stopping him, if only for a second to say. Hi.. I love your music. Now it seems there is a guard on the door. Does this signal the end of the casual fan turning up? Will fans soon be standing behind ropes? If it becomes too much will they have to move to another place? Somewhere less accessible? Will they get big gates put in? Not come out and see anyone? I sincerely hope this won't happen. But if as someone seems to suggest there are now guards on the doors, then it seems the natural progression. I would never suggest people don't go. I completely understand the desire to do so. I would love to go back one day and meet them. But not if they are hiring guards. That small step seems to shout to me... keep away. I would love to tell them what they mean to me. But ONLY if they are happy to do it. Can you imagine if you turned up and they were irritated or angry? Told you to go away as they were busy? It would be dreadful. But I can see a time when that happens. So right now, yes I do think there are too many people going to the bakery. HOW or what to do to stop this I have no answer. As I said above I don't think that the visits should stop! Far from it. Just wish there were less of them. [thanks Comicforce]
I reread my previous post & realized it seemed more angry than I thought. At first when I joined this forum I loved reading about fans meeting the band. I was naive to think they were accidental, like someone who was passing by near the bakery & had a chance to meet the band. When I discovered that some of these encounters are intentional, I got uneasy with them, hence my reply. Maybe I am just silly, but I think that no matter what a person is (celebrity or random people) , we all deserve our privacy. I would think that most people would love to walk to their work or home uninterrupted. Maybe it's good that people are showing their respect & love for the band, but too much of anything is annoying. Nowadays, it doesn't seem like that to me, but more of a trend going among fans that everyone must follow. Like, if someone has done, so why can't I do it too? It's a trend that won't stop easily, even if the band were forced to add security on the doors, or even accompanying security when crossing the street! It is a working place after all, to them at least. It is not a museum. People in the neighbourhood might not even be interested in the band, but they might get annoyed by the increasing number of strange people waiting on benches for a door to open to jump at someone screaming their name! What we usually read are one sided story from the point of view of fans. We can't form an opinion about that the band actually encourages their fans to come to visit. How would we know if one band member or the other thinks " this fan is a bit creepy/ I have to go somewhere right now/ this is annoying but I should not disappoint them". I know I can't tell that this actually what might be going through their minds at some point, but it's a possibility that has to be considered. To me, I wouldn't go anywhere unless I were invited. I am a conservative person that wouldn't even visit a friend without being invited so yeah!! [thanks Safy]
New photos of Coldplay with fans at a sunny Bakery (18 July) by @abcdefghijkANNA:
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