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Band Timeline

1997

Formation and Early Days of Coldplay

Coldplay was formed in London in 1997 by Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland, who met during their first week at University College London. They began collaborating on songs and were soon joined by Guy Berryman. In early 1998, Will Champion completed the lineup as the drummer. Initially, they called themselves Big Fat Noises and later Starfish before settling on the name Coldplay. Their early performances and independent release of the EP Safety marked the beginning of their musical journey.
2000

Breakthrough with Debut Album Parachutes

Coldplay released their debut studio album Parachutes in 2000, which included the breakthrough single "Yellow." The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, earning them the Brit Award for British Album of the Year and a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Parachutes established Coldplay as a significant presence in the British rock scene, with hits like "Shiver" and "Trouble." This album marked the start of their global popularity and critical recognition.
2002

Critical Acclaim and Success of A Rush of Blood to the Head

The release of Coldplay's second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, in 2002, solidified their standing as one of the leading rock bands of the early 21st century. The album included popular tracks such as "Clocks," "In My Place," and "The Scientist." A Rush of Blood to the Head won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year and a Grammy Award, mirroring the success of their debut. Its thoughtful lyrics and atmospheric sound showcased their artistic growth and deepened their impact on popular music.
2005

Completion of a Successful Album Trilogy with X&Y

Coldplay released their third album X&Y in 2005, which completed what the band considered a trilogy of albums defining their early sound and success. X&Y debuted strongly, featuring hit singles like "Speed of Sound" and "Fix You," and achieved rapid sales success, including topping the UK Albums Chart and Billboard 200. This album reaffirmed Coldplay's commercial viability and musical evolution, further expanding their global fanbase and influence in rock music.
2008

Global Triumph with Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

In 2008, Coldplay released Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, produced by Brian Eno, which achieved widespread critical acclaim and massive commercial success. The album topped charts in over 30 countries and became the best-selling album of the year worldwide. The single "Viva la Vida" notably became the first song by British musicians to reach number one simultaneously in the US and UK in the 21st century. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, marking a high point in their career and a new phase in their musical experimentation.
2011

Exploration of New Sounds with Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay released their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto in 2011, continuing their commercial success while incorporating diverse influences such as electronica, R&B, and ambient music. The album featured popular singles like "Paradise" and "Princess of China," which showcased a vibrant and experimental approach that differed from their earlier works. Mylo Xyloto was a commercial hit, topping charts globally and reinforcing Coldplay's position as a major contemporary band unafraid to evolve their sound.
2014

Return to Emotional Depth in Ghost Stories

In 2014, Coldplay released Ghost Stories, an album marked by a reflective and intimate tone that diverged from the bright, electronic sounds of Mylo Xyloto. Ghost Stories delved into themes of heartbreak and personal introspection, inspired by frontman Chris Martin's experiences. The album topped charts in multiple countries and included singles like "Magic" and "A Sky Full of Stars." It demonstrated Coldplay’s versatility and ability to convey emotional depth through nuanced production and songwriting.
2015

A Head Full of Dreams and Global Celebrations

Coldplay’s seventh album A Head Full of Dreams was released in 2015 and featured a more upbeat, colorful sonic palette with elements of disco, funk, and gospel. Despite strong competition from artists like Adele, the album was a commercial success and renewed Coldplay's appeal on the global stage. The album’s subsequent tour was among the highest-grossing of all time, and the band’s Super Bowl 50 halftime show performance further elevated their profile. This era highlighted Coldplay’s ability to deliver large-scale live experiences and maintain relevance.
2019

Experimentation and Global Reach with Everyday Life

Everyday Life, released in 2019, was Coldplay's eighth album and represented a bold creative step, featuring politically and socially conscious themes. The album was divided into two halves, "Sunrise" and "Sunset," featuring diverse musical styles including gospel, blues, and progressive rock. It was positively received and topped charts in 12 countries. The album reinforced Coldplay’s commitment to using their platform for advocacy while continuing to experiment musically.
2021

Continued Innovation and Record-Breaking Success with Music of the Spheres

Coldplay’s ninth album, Music of the Spheres, released in 2021, saw the band embracing an expansive pop and electronic sound that included collaborations with prominent artists. The album had the biggest first-week sales in the UK for that year and included the single "My Universe," which was the first song by a British group to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s release further demonstrated Coldplay’s adaptability and sustained appeal in a changing musical landscape.
2024

Launch of Moon Music and Record-Breaking Sales

In 2024, Coldplay released their tenth studio album, Moon Music, which achieved the fastest sales of the 2020s decade by a group on the UK Albums Chart. This release extended their record for the most number-one albums without missing the top ten in the UK, reaffirming their dominance in the music industry. Moon Music continues their exploration of diverse musical styles and solidifies their position as one of the most successful and influential bands in the world.

Albums

coldplay_1st_album
Parachutes
10 tracks
2000
coldplay_2nd_album
A Rush of Blood to the Head
11 tracks
2002
coldplay_3rd_album
X&Y
13 tracks
2005
coldplay_4th_album
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
10 tracks
2008
coldplay_5th_album
Mylo Xyloto
14 tracks
2011
coldplay_6th_album
Ghost Stories
9 tracks
2014
coldplay_7th_album
A Head Full of Dreams
11 tracks
2015
coldplay_8th_album
Everyday Life
8 tracks
2019
coldplay_9th_album
Music of the Spheres
12 tracks
2021
coldplay_10th_album
Moon Music
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Will Champion

1997

Drums (drum set)

Jonny Buckland

1996

Bass

Guy Berryman

1996

Guitar

Chris Martin

1996

Lead vocals

Story of Coldplay

Coldplay: From London Streets to Global Stardom

Coldplay, the British rock band that needs no introduction, burst onto the scene in 1997, hailing from the heart of London. The band's core consists of the charismatic Chris Martin (vocals, piano), the blistering Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), the solid Guy Berryman (bass), and the driving force behind their sound, Will Champion (drums, percussion). Behind the scenes, the ever-present Phil Harvey serves as their manager, ensuring the band's vision remains sharp and their career trajectory continues to soar.

Their journey began at the hallowed halls of University College London, where they first met as students, calling themselves “Big Fat Noises” before morphing into “Starfish.” Eventually, the name Coldplay stuck, and the band began their ascent. After self-releasing their debut EP, Safety, in 1998, they landed a record deal with Parlophone in 1999. This marked the beginning of their global conquest.

Their debut album, Parachutes (2000), launched them into the stratosphere. It showcased the anthemic "Yellow," a track that became synonymous with the band's sound. The album itself earned them a Brit Award for British Album of the Year and a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

The band continued their momentum with A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), which mirrored their earlier success, winning the same coveted awards. The trilogy was completed with X&Y (2005), nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys, cementing their status as one of the world's leading rock acts.

Coldplay then released their fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), a monumental release that dominated the charts, topping the charts in over 30 countries. This album's title track achieved a historical feat, becoming the first British single to simultaneously conquer both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in the 21st century.

Coldplay's impact extends far beyond chart-topping hits. Their captivating live performances have captivated audiences around the world, leaving them breathless with their energy and artistry. Their dedication to causes close to their hearts, coupled with their artistic brilliance, has made them not just a band, but a cultural phenomenon. They've carved a unique path in the rock landscape, proving they are more than just musicians; they are visionaries, activists, and pioneers of their generation.

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