Coldplay's Oracle discusses tour food, soundchecking, Pectoralz and more...

More questions answered by The Oracle... (circa. 4500! questions now answered - submit yours now!)

July 11, 2013 - submitted by Marcelo, Brazil

Q. Dear Oracle, I saw in Wikipedia the 3th track of Don't Panic Single is Bigger Stronger Live. What version is it?

The Oracle replies:

When Don't Panic was released - in some territories - as a 4th single, Bigger Stronger Live was one of the b sides. It was recorded at Rockefeller Music Hall, Oslo, Norway on 1 December 2000.

There was also the Trouble Norwegian Live EP which featured Trouble, Shiver, Sparks, Yellow and Everything's Not Lost recorded from the same show.

July 11, 2013 - submitted by Kirsten and Lisa, Australia

Q. Hi there Oracle, What sort of things do the band eat while they are on tour?

The Oracle replies:

Oh the most delicious food! The band and crew are catered for by Eat to the Beat. The team work tirelessly round the clock to provide varied fresh and tasty menus. The band do tend to stick to the healthier options when they're touring but how anyone can resist some of the amazing desserts is beyond me! Check out the sample menus on this blog which will give you an idea of what food on the road is like when on a Coldplay tour - Eat to the Beat catered for Strictly Come Dancing's tour too.

July 10, 2013 - submitted by Naomi, United Kingdom

Q. Hey Oracle, a few months ago Coldplay had an exhibition of some of their pieces from Mylo Xyloto. You could buy prints of them which were signed limited editions and also digital prints. I wanted to know if it was still possible to get the digital prints of pictures of the band because I want to get one for my mums birthday in August. Thank you all knowing oracle!!

The Oracle replies:

Try the Album Artists' shop and make sure you select the currency in the top right corner before you checkout.

July 10, 2013 - submitted by Beate, Germany

Q. Dear Oracle. Last year I made a trip with my sailboat named "My Own" to a small Danish island called Anholt. It was a perfect day with perfect weather, the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and me and my boat were totally alone on the sea. Then I heard Us Against the World and it drives tears in my eyes up to this perfect moment. Did that ever happen to you by hearing a Coldplay song? Love from Germany, Beate

The Oracle replies:

I wouldn't be surprised if many people relate to this, Beate. I can't pretend that I am immune to the emotion of Coldplay songs by my close proximity to them. I have to confess that yes, that has also happened to me. There was one song I went through a patch of avoiding - which was hard as it was on the set list at the time! Other than that, two different songs on separate occasions I was just happily watching the band and they started playing and before you knew it, tears were flowing quite unexpectedly. It felt a little bit embarrassing but music has that power - whether it evokes a memory or ignites an emotion. *The idea of taking yourself off on a sailboat trip sounds idyllic by the way.

July 9, 2013 - submitted by Fred, United Kingdom

Q. Hi there, I recorded my demos and have been offered 2 gigs this summer which is amazing. I have got friends to play the parts and the first venue is Proud Camden which is an exciting venue. Did Coldplay ever play that venue, I know they did a lot of Camden shows, what about Fiddlers Elbow as that is my 2nd gig. Peace.

The Oracle replies:

There are so many venues in Camden and out of those two, Proud has the better reputation and is good to get. The band have never played there - it wasn't really used for gigs back in their day. Proud was where the band held the Kids Company charity exhibition last year. It's within part of Camden Market as is Dingwalls where they did play when they first started out and again in December 2011 for Radio 2. I used to live near the Fiddlers Elbow pub and in all my years of working in the music industry I have never been. I knew they had live music but it's not really a venue I'd consider. There are other places that are known to be on the regular Camden circuit that showcases up and coming talent such as the Barfly. However, a gig is a gig so it's not to be sniffed at. Good luck.

July 9, 2013 - submitted by Jacob, United States of America

Q. The guys rarely ever play older songs on tour, besides Yellow. Do they go over and play some of their older material in the studio for fun or do they stop playing the songs since they are no longer part of the concerts? Have a good day.

The Oracle replies:

Following on from yesterday, they do try out old songs when choosing what to put in the set but actually, it's more likely to be at a soundcheck or rehearsal. I recall them rehearsing Such A Rush several times at Antwerp's Sportspalais production rehearsals back in 2005. Anchorman had the enviable thrill of hearing Bigger Stronger getting a run through at the Dingwalls soundcheck in 2011.

July 8, 2013 - submitted by Pauline, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle! I just few a simple question that I'm sure won't let me sleep at night until it's answered. I been very intrigued by Coldplay's older songs specifically from their album Parachutes and I was wondering if they still play the songs on that album or in upcoming concerts? Thanks! :)

The Oracle replies:

They've never not played Yellow on tour but apart from that they haven't played (m)any from their debut album for a long while. They have been known to perform songs from it on occasion (such as Shiver) but nothing has featured on the permanent set list.

July 8, 2013 - submitted by Nikhil, India

Q. Hey Oracle, I know that Coldplay's first name was Pectoralz. I would like to know the meaning of that word and how many instruments does Will Champion know to play? And I'm 14. Nikhil, India.

The Oracle replies:

Coldplay's first name was not Pectoralz, it was Starfish. Pectoralz was the name of a spoof band that they had as a joke. Basically they took the word pectorals (as in pectoral muscles) and changed the 's' to a 'z'. It was all done in fun and they chose that name because Pectoralz was a boy band and most boy bands at that time were all about abs and pecs. Will plays many instruments but the exact number isn't known. He started playing piano & violin at 8, guitar at 12 and drums at 21 - yes, really! As a multi-instrumentalist he also plays banjo, mandolin, tin whistle etc.

Latest photos of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery/Beehive (early July 2013):