Coldplay is undoubtedly one of the most successful bands in the music industry. With their unique sound, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating live performances, they have garnered a dedicated global fan base.
Since their formation in 1996, Coldplay has consistently delivered hit after hit, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, up to their latest album release, ‘Music of the Spheres’.
On March 18, 2022, Coldplay embarked on their seventh worldwide concert odyssey, the ‘Music of the Spheres Tour,’ to promote their album ‘Music of the Spheres’, released on October 15, 2021. Since commencing the tour, Coldplay tickets have been in huge demand with over 9 million tickets sold worldwide.
The album, consisting of 12 tracks each associated with a cosmic counterpart in the fictional planetary system ‘the spheres,’ features collaborations with BTS, Selena Gomez, Jacob Collier, and We Are King.
Since its release, ‘Music of the Spheres’ has achieved significant success in the UK, US, and globally. It debuted atop the UK album chart, selling over 100,000 units in its first week, marking the band’s ninth consecutive album to reach the top spot of the British album chart.
As they continue to make their presence influence felt in both the alternative and mainstream music scenes, here are interesting facts you need to know about Coldplay.
1: Their initial band name
Coldplay wasn’t always their name. The group started in 1996 when Chris Martin met lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at university in London. Initially, they were called Pectoralz. Guy Berryman later joined as a bassist, and they renamed themselves Starfish. Soon after, drummer and backing vocalist Will Champion came aboard, finalizing the lineup.
In 1998, the band adopted the name Coldplay, as Chris Martin explained in a Carpool Karaoke segment with James Corden.
2: St. Odes Day
January 13th is celebrated by Coldplay fans (Coldplayers) as St. Odes Day. It marks the date in 2006 when a fan who had bought an original ‘Ode to Deodorant’ demo tape from eBay leaked the song online. “Ode to Deodorant” was Coldplay’s first-ever song, meant as a joke.
3: Steve Jobs memorial performance
When Apple CEO Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, Coldplay was invited to perform at his memorial at Apple headquarters, along with Norah Jones, another of his favourite artists.
A statement on Coldplay’s website reads, ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Jobs. In all our interactions, he was a kind man, always humble about his remarkable abilities. Like everyone who knew him and the millions who didn’t, we will miss him dearly.’
4: Equal revenues
Renowned for their social awareness, these values of fairness and equality are reflected within the band itself.
The four members – Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion – divide profits equally, ensuring no single member receives a larger portion.
5: Maiden Grammy Award
Although the quartet was listed for three nominations, they secured their first Grammy in the category of ‘Best Alternative Music Album’ for ‘Parachute.’ They were nominated alongside their idols, Radiohead and Björk. Following their 2002 win, Coldplay has earned seven additional trophies. Chris Martin, however, was not present for their first Grammy win.
Their song ‘Clocks’ received the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2004. ‘Clocks’ stands as one of Coldplay’s most iconic tracks and is frequently praised as a pinnacle of alternative rock.
6: Over 100 million sold records
Coldplay are one of the biggest-selling British bands of all time.
With over 100 million records sold globally, Coldplay ranks among the most successful British bands ever. Similar artists include George Michael (100 million records), Fleetwood Mac (100 million records), and Adele (120 million records). That’s certainly an esteemed company.
7: Moving a £12 equipment
In their early days when money was tight, ambitions were high, and sound equipment was minimal, the band had precisely calculated the cost of moving their musical gear between gigs. ‘It all fit into the back of a Ford Estate car, or two hatchbacks, and it cost £12 to move,’ they found. While Phil’s (their manager) checklist included just hair wax and his phone, the band had to figure out logistics for their numerous guitars, bass drums, and Martin’s ‘box of stuff’.
8: Their first TV appearance was in May 2000.
Coldplay made their debut on television on John Holland’s “Later With…” show, which had an impressive run since its start in 1992. The program was known for showcasing both new talent and established legends from music history. They performed their iconic track, ‘Yellow’.
9: Their first concert took place at The Dublin Castle pub in Camden, London.
In 1998, the young bandmates were thrilled to perform at the famous venue, known as a starting point for artists like Madness, Blur, Supergrass, and Amy Winehouse. ‘Due to the tiny stages in venues such as this, it’s very common for bands to arrange to share drum kits. This was the intention on this night, but not quite how it worked out,’ states Coldplay’s official timeline on their website.
The previous band, upset with the promoter, took the only available drum set at the pub. Will, Coldplay’s drummer, used the floor as a bass drum, and the rest, as they say, is history!
10: First record deal
In April 1999, Coldplay signed their inaugural record deal with Parlophone at Trafalgar Square in London. ‘In the pre-internet days, having a record deal was the defining difference between a band who were just ‘having a go’ and one doing it ‘for real’, the band remarked.
As signs of impending fame began to emerge, the band reflected, ‘There was no YouTube, no social networks, and besides trading cassettes, no real way of getting your music out to people without a record company to help. Having a deal meant that people were going to hear about you and that things were going to happen.’
11: The song ‘Politik’ was inspired by the 9/11 attacks
As detailed in the book Coldplay: Look at the Stars, ‘Politik’ drew significant inspiration from the events of September 11. ‘I wrote the song on 9/11 and we recorded it on 9/13. We were all a little confused and frightened,” stated lead vocalist Chris Martin. ‘I want to write songs and do things, cause you never know what might happen. You got to live in the moment.’
‘Politik’ became the opening track for the band’s Grammy-winning album ‘A Rush Of Blood To The Head.’ The song’s powerful video and introspective lyrics struck a chord with listeners dealing with the aftermath of the attacks.
12: Green energy initiative
Since the start of the ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour, Coldplay has taken significant personal initiatives, including a tree-planting movement to promote a greener Earth. The band pledged to plant a tree for every ticket sold and has successfully planted five million trees worldwide.
Another notable initiative introduced during the ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour in 2022 includes the use of kinetic dance floors and energy-generating stationary bikes. These efforts support their Green Watch campaign and foster a sense of inclusion and responsibility among their fans.
13: TIME 100 Most Influencial Climate Leaders
Coldplay has achieved significant success with the Music of the Spheres Tour, being recognized among the Time 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders for their efforts in reducing tour CO2 emissions by 47%.
14: Boxscore double up
The band also became the second artist in Billboard Boxscore history to earn a half-billion double-up in the top 10 of all-time highest-grossing tours, with the Music of the Spheres World Tour surpassing the $500 million mark.
15: Environmental activism
In collaboration with various environmental groups, Coldplay launched the “One Tree Planting” campaign, resulting in the planting of over a million trees correlating with concert ticket sales. Throughout their tour, the band has adopted additional measures to lower emissions, consistently embracing eco-friendly practices.
16: The band has surpassed the $1 billion mark from tour earnings
Despite varied reports, Coldplay’s tours are noted as among the most profitable in music history, with earnings estimates exceeding $1 billion. Some estimates even suggest nearly $2 billion. According to a Seedly report, their profits likely trend towards the higher figures, demonstrating their dominance in world tour statistics.
17: Introduction of the Xylobands
Coldplay pioneered the use of “Xylobands” at their concerts and are set to become the first musical act to utilize “PixMob Hand Bands” extensively during the “Music of the Spheres Tour” that started in Athens.
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