Coldplay began when lead vocalist Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland met during orientation week for their studies at University College London in 1996. Originally called Pectoralz, the band included Guy Berryman on bass and Will Champion on drums. Over the years, the group took on other unique titles like Starfish before eventually becoming Coldplay.
The band had a major breakthrough with their hugely popular single “Yellow” in 2000. It broke into the UK Top 5 and paved the way for Coldplay’s debut album, Parachutes, released through Parlophone Records. The album launched the band to commercial success and critical acclaim, receiving multi-platinum status and many highly revered awards, including two Brit awards for Best British Group and Best British Album. Coldplay also received recognition from the Recording Academy and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2002.
Coldplay followed Parachutes up with A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002, spawning several hit singles, including “In My Place,” “Clocks,” and “The Scientist.” The band supported their sophomore album with increasingly extensive and elaborate live shows as they toured across five continents, including performances at Glastonbury Festival, Australia’s Hordern Pavilion, and the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.
The group subsequently released the album X&Y in 2005, which became the best-selling LP of the year thanks to hit singles like “Speed of Sound,” “Fix You,” and “Talk.” Three years later, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends was produced by the infamous Brian Eno and became one of the most successful albums in UK music history. Tracks like “Violet Hill” and “Viva la Vida” helped heighten Coldplay’s versatile discography.
Ahead of Coldplay’s fifth studio release, the band debuted the lead single “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” and secured various headlining festival slots at Glastonbury, T in the Park, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Lollapalooza. Mylo Xyloto arrived in October 2011, topping the charts in over 34 countries and gaining impressive accolades in the music industry.
In early 2014, Coldplay released the singles “Midnight” and “Magic” ahead of their next record, Ghost Stories. The album received mixed-to-positive reviews and quickly topped the charts in the UK, US, and more.
Throughout a highly illustrious and esteemed career, Coldplay has garnered eight Brit Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and seven Grammy Awards from 25 nominations. The band has sold over 80 million records worldwide because of its dynamic approach to each new album.
In 2020, Coldplay set out to make a groundbreaking record. Music of the Spheres became a legendary addition to their discography, taking the music world by storm thanks to the lead single “Higher Power.” The Max Martin-produced track further cemented Coldplay’s influence on the pop genre.
A collaboration with one of K-pop’s most notable boy bands took them further. “My Universe” featured BTS’s star power and Coldplay’s knack for reenergized pop production. After the track quickly skyrocketed to the top, Music of the Spheres appealed to a new generation.
Another exciting feature from Selena Gomez on “Let Somebody Go” reinforced the record’s bold message: Human connections keep people together while differences, unfortunately, push them apart. For many music fans, this heartfelt statement was essential to hear. Ultimately, the band’s ninth studio album easily hit number one in the UK. As one of the fastest-selling UK LPs in 2021, it marked another iconic achievement for Coldplay.
With most of the live music industry on hold from 2020 to 2021, postponed tour dates became the norm. Every fan’s desire to see their favorite band began to resurge in the new year. Coldplay had the perfect solution for their loyal supporters.
Besides their global tour, the group provided a live broadcast of their Buenos Aires gig at River Plate Stadium. Dedicated listeners got to see the Music of the Spheres tour up close and personal in the comfort of their hometown theater. Multiple screenings allowed fans to witness the high-energy Argentina concert and paved the way for a more accessible concert experience, especially in the post-pandemic era.
After nearly 25 years together, Coldplay remains a force to be reckoned with. A one-of-a-kind sound, inspirational lyrics, and vibrant live shows effortlessly capture the magic of this revolutionary band. Not to mention, the group’s star-studded collection of top-notch collabs with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Tove Lo, and many others seal the deal on their music legend status. Additional work with well-known music producers like Max Martin and Rik Simpson is also a solid accomplishment.
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Eric Hutchinson
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