Coldplay is a post-Britpop/alternative rock band from London, England well known for their rock melodies and introspective lyrics.
The band consists of:
Chris Martin: lead vocals, piano/keyboard, guitar
Jon Buckland: 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, Travis and Kate Bush. Martin has stated that he has been hugely influenced by U2. Other influences include Pink Floyd, a-ha, R.E.M, Echo and the Bunnymen, Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips and, more recently, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk. Before his death, Cash was actually scheduled to record the track "'Til Kingdom Come", written by the band.
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 and for a PBS television self-promotional spot. However, Coldplay has been adamantly against the use of their music 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."
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".
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