COLD PLAY

HERE YOU'VE GOT A HECK OF A BAND'S PROFILE

Coldplay are one of the best new bands about at the moment, if not, indeed, the best. They are real cool and write truly beautiful music, they have been compared to Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, but really are in a category of their own. Success has come quickly to Coldplay and they undoubtedly deserve it. However they are almost too good to be popular, yes they're that good. With Shiver and Yellow bounding into the charts and their album 'Parachutes' being devoured by plenty, Coldplay are going a long way. If it were up to me, this whole website would be devoted to the God-like genius of Coldplay. Well I guess I could do that, but I'll settle for a page. So here's a potted history (in case you haven't read a music weekly for the last year) of Coldplay.



They all met at a London University, where Chris was studying ancient history, they all lived in the same halls and decided to form a band after realising the talent they had.

Managed by Phil Harvey, a mutual friend, it was he who financed the pressing of 500 copies of their first release, the 'Safety EP' which was sent to anyone who would listen, including Steve Lamacq, who has championed them since. Needless to say all the Safety EPs went, (despite my pleas to the band I still didn't get one!)

It was Steve Lamacq who gave Coldplay their first break, inviting them to play 'Brothers and Sisters' a single released on Fierce Panda, and now worth money. Brothers and Sisters was a heartachingly brilliant single with a b-side so beautiful - it hurts.

Since 1998, Chris and the band, as they are increasingly becoming known, gained a record deal with Parlophone, yes the label that Radiohead also occupy.

Another EP followed, the Blue Room EP, a since deleted collection of 5 amazing tracks. The final song, 'Such a Rush' is the saddest song Coldplay have ever written - their words not mine. In New Year 2000 Coldplay learnt much about the rigours of touring when taking part in the NME premier tour, with seasoned professionals, Shack, Campag Velocet and Les Rhythm Digitales.

The first chart eligible single Coldplay released was 'Shiver' in April 2000, which popped straight into the top 30. Finally some well-earned recognition.

It is strange when you remember that Yellow is only Coldplay's second single. A band that seems to have been part of my consciousness for the last 18 months. The debut album has reached number one in the album charts, suddenly Coldplay have crossed over to the broad mainstream. Chris Martin is fast becoming a teen pin-up, his shy manner curbed and mad hair tamed.

Some however will forever remember them at their apologetic, fragile best.