Coldplay is a post-Britpop/alternative rock band • from London, United Kingdom, well known for their rock melodies and introspective lyrics.
The band consists of: - Chris Martin: lead vocals, lead piano/keyboard, guitar
- Jon Buckland: lead guitar, harmonica, backing vocals
- Guy Berryman: bass guitar, synthesizer, harmonica, backing vocals
- Will Champion: drums/percussion, piano, backing vocals.
Coldplay's early material was reminiscent of artists such as Radiohead, Oasis, Jeff Buckley, and Travis. Other influences include U2, R.E.M, Pink Floyd, a-ha, John Lennon, The Smiths, Sparklehorse, The Stone Roses, Tom Waits, The Flaming Lips, Neil Young, Echo and the Bunnymen and, more recently, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk. Before his death, Cash was actually scheduled to record a track • penned by the band.
Since the release of A Rush Of Blood To The Head, Coldplay has also been actively supporting various social and political causes. They have been advocates for • Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign and Amnesty International. The group has also performed at various charity projects •such as Band Aid 20, Live 8, and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Martin was outspoken against Iraq war in 2003, and endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004. Bassist Guy Berryman says, 'You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it'.
Despite Coldplay's surge in popularity, the band has remained very protective • of how their music is used in the media. The band allows their music to be used in film,television, and promotional spots such as the movie trailer • to Peter Pan. However, Coldplay has been adamantly against their use in actual product endorsement. The band turned down multi-million dollar contracts from Gatorade, Diet Coke and The Gap, who wanted to use the songs Yellow, Trouble, and Don't Panic respectively. According to Martin, 'We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves • if we sold the songs' meanings like that.' VOCABOLARIETTO |