Last updated: 27/09/2024 at 10.00am
We’ve put together a list of Coldplay facts that you’d never have known, as we look forward to the band's new tour dates next year, as well as the brand new album they're releasing later on this year.
With the 'Music of the Spheres Tour' extending into 2025, Coldplay will play a string of new concerts, including six huge new dates at Wembley, with tickets on sale now.
As a Coldplay fan, there’s probably plenty that you know about the band already.
But do you know these lesser-known facts about Coldplay? Take a look and see how many are surprises to you.
We'll also discuss how you can see the band play on their new tour dates, with VIP seats - for a truly unforgettable experience.
1. The band’s profits are split equally between all members
Known for being a socially conscious band, these beliefs about fairness and equality exist within the band itself, too.
The four members - Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion - split profits equally in an agreement that means no one member takes the lion’s share. Very democratic.
2. ‘Yellow’ actually got its name from the Yellow Pages
‘Yellow’ is one of the band’s most successful - and best known - songs. The emotional ballad certainly appears to be a love song. But it’s not actually got the most romantic meaning to it.
Apparently, Chris Martin was searching for a phrase to go in the song when he was recording it, and lost for words he glanced over at a copy of the Yellow Pages and used it for inspiration.
3. The band weren’t always called Coldplay
When the band first formed in 1996 at University College London, it was made up of just Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, calling themselves Pectoralz.
Later, with Guy Berryman and Will Champion joining, subsequent names were Starfish, and then Big Fat Noises - before Coldplay was finally settled on.
4. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland make a cameo in Shaun of the Dead
The pair play a pair of ‘zombie sympathisers’ in Simon Pegg’s cult noughties zombie flick, appearing on a TV clip named ‘Zombaid’.
5. They hold a record for the most Brit award nominations for a band
Coldplay have had a record 30 nominations over the years. In terms of wins, they’ve had nine - not bad!
6. Coldplay are one of the biggest-selling British bands of all time…
Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, the band are up there as one of the most successful in British history. Comparable acts include George Michael (100million records), Fleetwood Mac (100million records) and Adele (120million records). Which isn’t bad company to keep at all.
7. A famous keyboard player turned down the chance to be in the band
Tim Oxley-Rice from Keane attended UCL with the band. In 1997, he was asked to be their keyboard player but he turned the job down. He went on to make it big with Keane, however, selling over 13million records.
8. The band performed at the memorial service for Steve Jobs
When Apple boss Steve Jobs sadly passed away in 2011, Coldplay were asked to play at his memorial at the Apple headquarters, alongside another of his favourite acts, Norah Jones.
A message on Coldplay’s website reads, “We are so sad to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs. In all of our encounters he was such a lovely man, and always so humble about his incredible talents. Like all of the people he knew, and the millions of others he didn’t, we will miss him.”
9. They have a secret fifth member
The band actually has a fifth member who works behind the scenes. Phil Martin is their manager and creative director, who Chris Martin has referred to as their “most important member”.
His role involves helping with music videos and designing their tours.
10. Chris Martin can speak the local Devon dialect
Originating from Devon, Chris can speak the local language - which he has referred to as “farm language”.
How can I see Coldplay live with VIP seats?
It's been confirmed that the 'Music of the Spheres World Tour' will extend into 2025, with six huge gigs at Wembley, and tickets are expected to be in very high demand.
VIP tickets for the shows are on sale now. Make sure to sign up for our alerts to stay in the loop, and to secure your tickets to see the band in style!
Read more: The Top 10 Coldplay Songs According to Spotify Streams
Read more: Coldplay Albums Ranked by Sales
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