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CHRIS MARTIN
Born in Devon. Has a 1st Degree in Ancient world studies. Started playing guitar at 15 JONNY BUCKLAND
Born in Mold, Wales. Has a 2.1 Degree in Maths & Astronomy. Started playing guitar at 11 GUY BERRYMAN
Born in Fife, Scotland. Dropped out of Engineering degree. Started playing bass at 13 WILL CHAMPION
Born in Southampton. Has a 2.1 Degree in Anthropology. Has played drums since youth
A history of Coldplay
In terms of Coldplay's history, the big bang happened around 1997. Assembled at the University College of London; Chris, Will, Guy and Jon soon came to realise that they all shared a similar passion for music. Coming from very different regions, it was indeed this institution in the capital, which made the magic happen. Chris being from Whitestone, Devon; Guy from Scotland; Will from Southampton and Jon from North Wales; London offered a chance to wipe the slate clean and to fulfil their ambitions. What entailed was something quite amazing. Starting simply by jamming in the corridors of Ramsey Hall, it was not long before they realised that together they could make music as if they had been doing so since the 'real' beginning of time.
May 1998 saw their debut release; the self-financed 'Safety' EP. Originally intended as a demo for record companies, explanations behind such a title lie behind the artwork for the EP sleeve. Taken by Jon Hilton, a friend of the band, at one of their earlier gigs, the long exposure photo sees Chris' head framed beneath the 'Safety Door' sign. Simple then; like the origins of the word 'Coldplay' (a disused band name of a friend of the theirs, which seemed to fit their purpose)
With the EP recorded, they had to raise money to obtain their limited 500 copies. Most copies were given out to unimpressed record companies, or to friends and family, with only 50 copies available on sale. Eventually, the EP reached the hands of BMG Publishing and Parlophone, the latter of whom Coldplay has been signed to since the summer of 1999.
After this, the band took to gigging in the hope of finding themselves a record deal. On the 7th of December 1998 they played the Camden Falcon, London to a crowd of about 150 people. This was a significant gig, as Simon Williams (co-founder of Fierce Panda records and ex-journalist) was there and was indeed stunned. The band was then featured in the New Year's edition of NME, hotly tipped for 1999 despite still being unsigned.
Their next release came in April 1999. On the Fierce Panda label, the single 'Brothers And Sisters' was again limited in number of copies - this time to 2500. The single soon became known to Steve Lamacq, who gave it airplay on his Radio 1 'Evening Session.' This meant that 'Brothers And Sisters' pierced the Official UK charts at no. 92
Over the summer of 1999, Coldplay played a London show with Catatonia, made their record deal with Parlophone, and played on the new bands stage at Glastonbury. This put the band in good stead and added to their confidence, soon feeling ready to start work on their debut album.
After finishing recording, Coldplay were able to tour Britain with Bellatrix, as co-headliners. Parlophone felt eager for them to release some more material, the result being the 'Blue Room' EP, released in October 1999 with 5000 copies. 'Bigger, Stronger' featured once more on the EP, earning Coldplay good press and even more airplay on Radio 1.
After more recording, Parlophone were anxious to release 'Shiver' as a single. The b-side 'For You' was made in just one evening, proving that the band were able to work well under pressure. The other b-side was an acoustic version of 'Careful Where You Stand.' This time around, Coldplay were called to the attentions of many more people, following much airplay on MTV and on various radio stations. Released on the 6th March 2000, 'Shiver' hit the Official UK Charts at no. 35.
Following this release, new Coldplay fans emerged, desperately wanting to see them live. Their co-headlining tour with Terris gave this opportunity, as did their support of Muse on their tour.
During their own tour as headliners, Coldplay played sell-out gigs and received more and more fans. Chris' homecoming gig at Exeter was particularly well received.
Soon after came the release of 'Yellow' on the 26th of June. The airplay had this time greatly increased, picked up by all DJ's at Radio 1 and XFM, and played religiously by MTV. The Sunday following its release rendered many in shock and ecstasy, as 'Yellow' landed at no. 4 in the Official UK Charts, and TOTP were eager to have them appear on their Friday night show.
The airplay of 'Yellow' continued, and with the release date of the album looming, many DJ's and Music papers took to praising Coldplay and spreading the word. In the week before its release, 'Parachutes' received rave reviews from all, with NME, Melody Maker, Radio 1 and XFM among others, heralding it as the best album of the year. An appearance on the second stage at Glastonbury also greatly boosted their success.
With 'Parachutes' release on the 10th July 2000, Coldplay played a gig in HMV, London. This was extremely popular, with the store being choc-a block with people, many watching the gig over the net, and many listening, courtesy of XFM. It was thought that most who went to the gig bought the album, and consequently 'Parachutes' rocketed to number 1 in the Official UK Album Charts.
Having played a wet T in the Park festival this year, Coldplay went on to play the MTV stage at V2000 on the 19th August at Staffordshire and the 20th August at Chelmsford, before embarking on their biggest tour to-date in October.
Due to their tremendous success in the UK and in Europe, Coldplay decided to take on their next challenge - America. Deciding to release 'Don't Panic' in the USA, but not in Europe (despite the video being played frequently by MTV) it wasn't long before word got around. Soon Coldplay were playing packed gigs, accumulating even more fans, and made 'cracking the US' seem effortless.
The long-awaited 2nd Album, titled 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', was released on 26th August 2002. Their worldwide success has been huge - current sales figures even suggest that Coldplay are set to out-sell The Beatles.
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