Coldplay

Coldplay are an English band who formed in 1997.

The group comprises of vocalist/pianist/guitarist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Will Champion.

Coldplay have been one of the most commercially successful acts of the 2000s, selling over 30 million albums worldwide.

They achieved worldwide acclaim with the release of their single 'Yellow' and the subsequent success of their debut album, Parachutes (2000).

Coldplay's fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends was released on 17 June 2008.

As well as music, Coldplay have been an active supporter of various social and political causes, such as 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.

Formation and early years 1996-1999.

Formed at college, Coldplay were originally called Pectoralz but were also later known as Starfish.

Parachutes (1999-2001)

Coldplay scored their first Top 40 single with 'Shiver'. Released in March 2000, the single placed at #35 on the UK Singles Chart and earned the band their first airplay on MTV.

More notably, the band released the breakthrough single, 'Yellow'. The song shot to #4 on the UK Singles Chart and placed the band in public consciousness.

Coldplay released their first full-length album, Parachutes, in July 2000, which debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and was nominated for the Mercury music Prize.

A Rush of Blood to the Head (2001-2004)

Coldplay released A Rush of Blood to the Head in August 2002. The album featured the popular singles: 'In My Place', 'Clocks', and the 'The Scientist' and was named NME's Album of the Year. X&Y (2005)

X&Y (2004-2006)

X&Y was the best-selling album of 2005 with worldwide sales of 8.3 million.

The lead single, 'Speed of Sound' reached #2 in the UK Single Charts, being famously kept off the #1 spot by Axel F's 'Crazy Frog' song.

The album debuted at #1 in 22 countries worldwide and was the third-fastest selling album in UK chart history. Two other singles were released that year: 'Fix You' in September and 'Talk' in December.

In February 2006, Coldplay earned Best Album and Best Single honours at the BRIT Awards.

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2006-present)

To be released on 17 June 2008 the first single 'Violet hill' was followed by 'Viva la vida'.

Personal

Front man Chris Martin is married to Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow and they have two children together, Apple and Moses.

Martin is ambidextrous; he writes with his left hand and draws with his right hand.

Martin is a vegetarian, along with his wife.

According to an article released by MSN UK, bassist Guy Berryman is the 4th richest man under the age of 30 in the UK, with an estimated wealth of £25 million.