Coldplay: A Brief History of the Legendary Band
Coldplay are continuing with their world tour ‘Music of the Spheres’ in May and June, taking to the stage at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester and then onto The Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The legendary band has been around for decades after forming in London back in 1996. Let’s take a look at the history of the famous band and what made them rise to legendary status.
Formation and Early Years
Coldplay consists of lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion. They have released a total of nine studio albums and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. While studying at University College London, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland formed a band called ‘Pectoralz’, which also included Guy and Will. In 1998, they changed their name to ‘Starfish’ and recorded their first EP, called ‘Safety’. The record caught the attention of record labels and were later signed by Parlophone Records in 1999.
Early Success with Debut Album
The band’s debut single, ‘Shiver’ was released in March 2000. Their first full-length album, ‘Parachutes’ was released later that year and quickly become a massive hit. The album reached number one in the UK and went on to sell over 8 million copies worldwide. The album’s success was due to now famous hits like ‘Yellow’, ‘Trouble’, and ‘Don’t Panic’. Each song showcasing the band’s melodic sound and emotive lyrics.
The Rise to Global Stardom
Coldplay’s second album, ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ released in 2002 ad cemented the band’s status as a global phenomenon. Winning numerous awards, including the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, it featured hits like ‘Clocks, and ‘The Scientist’. Featuring yet another hit, ‘Speed of Sound’, Coldplay’s third album ‘X&Y’ soared to number one in 22 countries in 2005.
Over the next decade, Coldplay would release a plethora of successful albums and singles, including ‘Viva la Vida’ in 2008, ‘Mylo Xyloto’ in 2011 and ‘Everyday Life’ in 2019. They have been able to evolve over the years, each album showcasing a different sound and style but have never lost their signature melodic sound.
Musical Style and Influences
Their music is often described as melodic and anthemic, with catchy choruses and soaring instrumentals. They have talked about a number of influences to their music, including Radiohead, U2, and Oasis. Coldplay are also known for being able to connect with their audiences on an emotional level, using emotive lyrics. Many of their songs deal with subjects that are close to people’s hearts, like love, loss, and hope.
Tours and Live Performances
Coldplay are well known for their incredible live performances, which often include elaborate sets, audience participation and visual effects. The band has played countless shows around the world, headlining at major festivals, like Glastonbury and Coachella. They are not only known for the contributions to music but are involved in numerous charitable initiatives such as, ‘Human Rights First’, ‘Cancer Active’, and ’21st Century Leaders’ to name a few.
Coldplay is one of the most successful and enduring bands of the 21st century, with a career spanning over two decades. From their early days playing small gigs in London, to headlining at the biggest festivals and venues in the world, they have never lost their ability to inspire fans and develop new and emotive music, leading to them staying at the top of the music industry.
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