View source for Coldplay

{{Short description|British rock band}}
{{Good article}}
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{{Use British English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Coldplay
| image           = ColdplayBBC071221 (cropped).jpg
| landscape       = yes
| alt             = Coldplay preparing to bow on stage after performing
| caption         = Coldplay at [[Broadcasting House]] in 2021. From left to right: [[Jonny Buckland]], [[Chris Martin]], [[Guy Berryman]] and [[Will Champion]].
| alias           = {{Plainlist|
* Big Fat Noises (1997)
* Starfish (1998)
* Los Unidades (2018)
}}
| origin          = [[London]], England
| genre           = {{Flatlist|
* [[Alternative rock]]
* [[pop rock]]
* {{Nowrap|[[post-Britpop]]}}
* [[Pop music|pop]]
}}
| years_active    = 1997–present
| label           = {{Flatlist|
* [[Fierce Panda]]
* [[Parlophone]]
* {{Clear}}[[Nettwerk]]
* [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]<!-- Coldplay are signed to Parlophone (formerly Fierce Panda), while Atlantic (formerly Nettwerk and Capitol) is responsible for marketing the band in North America. Parent company Warner Music (formerly EMI) distributes their catalogue elsewhere. -->
}}
| spinoffs        = [[Apparatjik]]
| current_members = {{Plainlist|
* [[Chris Martin]]
* [[Jonny Buckland]]
* [[Guy Berryman]]
* [[Will Champion]]
* [[Phil Harvey (band manager)|Phil Harvey]]{{efn|name=YEAH|Coldplay officially recognise Harvey as their fifth member.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2018 |title=Non-Performing Band Members: From Coldplay to The Grateful Dead |url=https://tedium.co/2018/06/28/non-performing-band-members-coldplay-grateful-dead/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230915194850/https://tedium.co/2018/06/28/non-performing-band-members-coldplay-grateful-dead/ |archive-date=15 September 2023 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=Tedium}}</ref> He has been credited as such in their albums since ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=A Rush of Blood to the Head |author=Coldplay |year=2002 |publisher=Parlophone |location=Europe |type=CD liner notes |id=7243 5 40504 2 8}}</ref>}}}}
| website         = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Coldplay''' are<!-- Do not change "are" to "is". British English treats collective nouns as plural. See WP:ENGVAR for more info. --> a British<!-- Do not change "British" to "English". This has been discussed on the talk page and the consensus is calling them British. --> [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in [[London]] in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist [[Chris Martin]], guitarist [[Jonny Buckland]], bassist [[Guy Berryman]], drummer and percussionist [[Will Champion]], and manager [[Phil Harvey (band manager)|Phil Harvey]].{{efn|name=YEAH}} They are best known for [[List of Coldplay live performances|their live performances]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2021 |title=Coldplay's 10 Best Songs |url=https://consequence.net/2021/10/coldplay-best-songs-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024142501/https://consequence.net/2021/10/coldplay-best-songs-list/ |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=Consequence}}</ref> and [[Cultural impact of Coldplay|their impact on popular culture]] through [[Coldplay discography|their music]], advocacy and achievements.

The members of the band initially met at [[University College London]], calling themselves Big Fat Noises and changing to Starfish before the final name. After releasing the extended play ''[[Safety (EP)|Safety]]'' (1998) independently, they signed with [[Parlophone]] in 1999 and issued their debut album, ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000), featuring the breakthrough single "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]". It earned a [[Brit Award for British Album of the Year]] and a [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album]]. The group's follow-up, ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002), won the same accolades. ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005) completed what they considered a trilogy. Its successor, ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008), received a [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Album]]. Both records topped the charts in more than 30 countries and became the [[List of best-selling albums#Best-selling album by year worldwide|best-sellers of their respective years]] globally. ''Viva la Vida''{{'s}} [[Viva la Vida|title track]] was also the first song by British musicians to reach number one in the United States and United Kingdom simultaneously in the 21st century.

Coldplay further expanded their repertoire in subsequent albums, with ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' (2011), ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014), ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2015), ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019), ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'' (2021) and ''[[Moon Music]]'' (2024) drawing from genres like [[electronica]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[Ambient music|ambient]], [[disco]], [[funk]], [[Gospel music|gospel]], [[blues]] and [[progressive rock]]. The group's additional endeavours include philanthropy, politics and activism, supporting numerous humanitarian projects and donating 10% of their profits to charity. In 2018, [[Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams|a career-spanning film]] directed by [[Mat Whitecross]] was released for their 20th anniversary.

With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music acts of all time]].{{efn|name=HALPERIN|The term "records" is for album and single sales combined.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=What's The Difference Between A Record And An Album? 5 Things To Know |url=https://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/difference-between-a-record-and-album |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215174331/https://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/difference-between-a-record-and-album |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021 |website=The Sound of Vinyl}}</ref> Coldplay, however, sold 100 million copies in albums alone, while [[Parlophone]] have not disclosed the amount of records.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 October 2021 |title=Coldplay Re-Ups with Warner Music Group for Long-Term Deal Via Parlophone |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/coldplay-extends-warner-music-deal-parlophone-atlantic-1235081953/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108020320/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/coldplay-extends-warner-music-deal-parlophone-atlantic-1235081953/ |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=6 October 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>}} They are also the first group in [[Spotify]] history to reach 90 million [[List of most-streamed artists on Spotify|monthly listeners]]. [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] listed them among the [[List of awards and nominations received by Coldplay|most awarded artists]], which includes holding the record for most [[Brit Awards]] won by a band. In the United Kingdom, they have three of the 50 [[List of best-selling albums in the United Kingdom|best-selling albums]], the most [[UK Albums Chart]] number ones without missing the top (10),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acts Who Have Reached Number 1 with All Their Studio Albums |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/galleries/acts-who-have-reached-number-1-with-all-their-studio-albums/?15519 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024000139/https://www.officialcharts.com/galleries/acts-who-have-reached-number-1-with-all-their-studio-albums/?15519 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=Official Charts Company}}</ref> and the distinction of most played group of the 21st century on British media. In 2021, "[[My Universe (song)|My Universe]]" was the first song by a British group to debut atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Coldplay have two of the [[List of highest-grossing concert tours|highest-grossing tours of all time]] and the [[List of most-attended concert tours|most-attended]].<ref name="FRANKENBERG">{{Cite magazine |date=16 August 2024 |title=Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour Is the Biggest Rock Tour of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/coldplay-biggest-rock-tour-of-all-time-music-of-the-spheres-1235754741/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240816185256/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/coldplay-biggest-rock-tour-of-all-time-music-of-the-spheres-1235754741/ |archive-date=16 August 2024 |access-date=16 August 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The [[British Phonographic Industry]] called them one of the most "influential and pioneering acts" in the world,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2023 |title=BPI Announce First Artist Recipients of New and Prestigious BRIT Billion Award |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/bpi-announce-first-artist-recipients-of-new-and-prestigious-brit-billion-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230703140006/https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/bpi-announce-first-artist-recipients-of-new-and-prestigious-brit-billion-award/ |archive-date=3 July 2023 |access-date=14 July 2023 |website=BPI}}</ref> while the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] added ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' to the [[List of 200 Definitive Albums in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|200 Definitive Albums]] list and "Yellow" to the ''Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll'' exhibit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2011 |title=Experience The Music: One Hit Wonders and The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll |url=http://rockhall.com/exhibits/one-hit-wonders-songs-that-shaped-rock-and-roll/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628094517/http://rockhall.com/exhibits/one-hit-wonders-songs-that-shaped-rock-and-roll/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=21 April 2021 |website=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}</ref> In 2023, the group were featured on the inaugural [[Time 100#Time 100 Climate|''Time'' 100 Climate]] ranking. Despite their popularity, they are considered [[Cultural impact of Coldplay#Public image|polarising cultural icons]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2022 |title=10 of the Most Polarizing Artists in Music Today |url=https://americansongwriter.com/10-of-the-most-polarizing-artists-in-music-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508171544/https://americansongwriter.com/10-of-the-most-polarizing-artists-in-music-today/ |archive-date=8 May 2024 |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=American Songwriter}}</ref>

== History ==
=== 1997–1999: Formation and first years ===
{{Quote box
| quote  = The final name change came courtesy of close friend and fellow [[University College London|UCL]] student Tim Crompton. Tim was in the process of putting a band of old schoolmates together (later called Bettina Motive). While killing time waiting for a delayed removal van, he had considered the name after he found a copy of Philip Horky's book, ''Child's Reflections, Cold Play''. Tim had a list of potential band names but Cold Play was quickly rejected; the future bandmates didn't like it, so they discarded it. Starfish were happy to pick it up.
| author = —''Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay'', 2018<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=16}}</ref>
| align  = right
| width  = 30em
| salign = right
}}
[[Chris Martin]] and [[Jonny Buckland]] met during their first week at [[University College London]], in September 1996.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=25 August 2005 |title=Coldplay's Quiet Storm |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplays-quiet-storm-77262/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220204022830/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplays-quiet-storm-77262/ |archive-date=4 February 2022 |access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref> They began to write their first songs together in early 1997 and practised every night.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=111}}</ref> [[Guy Berryman]] was the third to join the band in the following months and the trio recorded numerous demos without a drummer, calling themselves Big Fat Noises by November.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=13–16}}</ref> In January 1998, [[Will Champion]] completed the line-up.<ref name="WCJRFC">{{Cite web |date=21 February 2012 |title=Will Champion: Just Right for Coldplay |url=https://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206172631/http://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay |archive-date=6 December 2018 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Drum!}}</ref> He declared that Martin, Buckland and Berryman came to his house because a roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but the roommate did not turn up for the session, "so I just said [I would] give it a go".<ref name="WCJRFC" />

Champion scheduled the band's first performance only a few days after becoming part of it.<ref name="TLTS">{{Cite web |date=16 January 1998 |title=The Live Debut |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/first-show-the-laurel-tree-camden-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415144136/https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/first-show-the-laurel-tree-camden-2/ |archive-date=15 April 2021 |access-date=20 January 2022 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> They had not chosen a proper name yet and called themselves Starfish for the show, which was held on 16 January 1998 at The Laurel Tree, in [[Camden Town|Camden]].<ref name="TLTS" /> Weeks later, the band settled on the name Coldplay.<ref name="TLTS" /> In May, they released ''[[Safety (EP)|Safety]]'', an independent [[Extended play|EP]] financed by Martin's lifelong friend, [[Phil Harvey (band manager)|Phil Harvey]].<ref name="TCR">{{Cite web |date=26 February 2018 |title=They Played a Tiny Café... There Were Four People in the Audience |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122080835/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=Music Business Worldwide}}</ref> 150 out of 500 copies went to open market.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=18–20}}</ref> Harvey sold the first one to his roommate for £3 and the rest was given away to record labels.<ref name="WIPH">{{Cite web |date=April 2002 |title=We Interview Coldplay's Manager |url=http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111124731/http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine1.pdf |archive-date=11 November 2007 |access-date=31 December 2021 |website=Coldplay E-Zine}}</ref>

As Martin complained about the "vice-like grip" one of the Camden promoters had on the band, Harvey suggested the group should book their own concert at [[Dingwalls]], where they managed to sell 50 copies of ''Safety''.<ref name="WIPH" /> The event is generally considered when Harvey officially became Coldplay's manager.<ref name="WIPH" /> He eventually dropped out of his course at [[Trinity College, Oxford]] to dedicate himself to the role.<ref name="TCR" /> More concerts were scheduled throughout the summer.<ref name="CHERRY">{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=20–23}}</ref> Martin tried to invite [[Tim Rice-Oxley]] to play keyboard for the band, but when "[they] discussed it again a couple of weeks later, he said that the rest of the band weren't keen on adding a member".<ref name="CHERRY" /> In September 1998, they performed at [[Manchester]]'s In the City showcase and got discovered by A&R scout Debs Wild.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 1998 |title=Manchester's In the City Showcase |url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/manchester-in-the-city/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117153548/http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/manchester-in-the-city/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> ''Safety'' was followed by a cassette demo with "Ode to Deodorant" and "[[Brothers & Sisters (song)|Brothers & Sisters]]".<ref name="DWI">{{Cite web |date=12 December 2018 |title=Interview: Debs Wild on Discovering Coldplay |url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/interview-debs-wild-discovering-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117155143/http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/interview-debs-wild-discovering-coldplay/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref>

Wild informed [[Universal Music Publishing Group|BMG Publishing]]'s Caroline Elleray and music lawyer Gavin Maude about the group.<ref name="DWI" /> Elleray then talked to Dan Keeling at [[Parlophone]], but he had already passed on them.<ref name="DWI" /> Maude talked to Simon Williams from [[Fierce Panda Records|Fierce Panda]], who contacted [[Steve Lamacq]].<ref name="DWI" /> On 3 January 1999, Coldplay became the first unsigned act to appear on Lamacq's ''Evening Session''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 1999 |title=Steve Lamacq Live Session on Radio 1 |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/steve-lamaq-live-session-on-radio-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117162141/https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/steve-lamaq-live-session-on-radio-1/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> A month later, they signed a short-term contract with Fierce Panda and re-recorded "Brothers & Sisters".<ref name="EAK">{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=30–35}}</ref> Six labels offered a contract as the band's popularity grew, but they wanted Parlophone, which led Elleray to meet Keeling again.<ref name="EAK" /> He changed his mind and the deal was signed at [[Trafalgar Square]] in April 1999, the same month in which "Brothers & Sisters" was released.<ref name="EAK" /> The following days saw them studying for UCL finals.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=38}}</ref>

On 27 June 1999, Coldplay made their first appearance at the [[Glastonbury Festival]] in the New Bands Tent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 1999 |title=Glastonbury Festival |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/show/glastonbury-festival-1999-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117195032/https://timeline.coldplay.com/show/glastonbury-festival-1999-3/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> They later recorded ''[[The Blue Room (EP)|The Blue Room]]'', which had 5,000 copies pressed and sold to the public.<ref name="ROACH28">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=28}}</ref> Its sessions were originally meant for ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000), but became tumultuous due to Martin having heated discussions regarding Champion's abilities as a drummer.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=42–45}}</ref> The singer commented that "Three days later, the rest of us were feeling miserable, [...] we asked him to come back. They made me have lots of vodka and cranberry juice in remembrance of what a nasty piece of work I was being".<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2021 |title=Coldplay's Will Champion Reflects On Getting Kicked Out of the Band |url=https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201042713/https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/ |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=Uproxx}}</ref> After working out their differences, the band chose to operate as a democracy, established a new set of rules and proclaimed that anyone using [[Recreational drug use#Drug harmfulness|hard drugs]] would be kicked out of the group immediately, a decision inspired by [[R.E.M.]] and [[U2]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2019 |title=Coldplay: Inspiring Stories About Famous Musicians and Bands Who Started to Perform in College |url=https://makingmusicmag.com/coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230117204539/https://makingmusicmag.com/coldplay/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Making Music}}</ref>

=== 2000–2001: ''Parachutes'' ===
The band first planned to record their debut album, ''Parachutes'', over the span of two weeks. However, due to tours and other live performances, the recording took place between September 1999 and April–May 2000.<ref name="ROACH45">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=45}}</ref> The album was recorded at [[Rockfield Studios]], Matrix Studios, and [[Wessex Sound Studios]] with producer [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]], although the majority of ''Parachutes''{{'}} tracks were recorded at [[Liverpool]]'s Parr Street Studios (where they used three studio rooms). American engineer [[Michael Brauer]] in New York mixed all of the songs for the album.<ref>Sam Inglis (October 2000). [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm " Recording Coldplay's Parachutes"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050811021036/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm |date=11 August 2005}}. ''SOS''. Retrieved 9 September 2008.</ref> During that time they played on the [[NME Tours|Carling Tour]], which showcased up-and-coming acts.<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Lisa|last=Verrico|title=NME Carling Premier Tour – Arts|date=21 January 2000|journal=The Times |location=UK|page=44}}</ref>

[[File:YellowLive.JPG|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing "Yellow" live in 2005|Coldplay performing "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]", their breakthrough hit, from the band's 2000 debut album ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'', in 2005]]
After releasing two EPs without a hit song, Coldplay had their first [[Top 40]] hit with the lead single from ''Parachutes'', "[[Shiver (Coldplay song)|Shiver]]", which was released in March 2000, the same week Coldplay played [[The Forum, Tunbridge Wells|The Forum in Tunbridge Wells]] supporting the band Terris as part of the NME Premier Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NME |date=2000-01-14 |title=Headline: Brats 2000 – Bring It On! |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-2314-1386758 |access-date=19 October 2022 |website=NME |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529123723/https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-2314-1386758 |url-status=live}}</ref> "Shiver" peaked at the number 35 position on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=35}}</ref> June 2000 was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history: the band embarked on their first headlining tour, including a performance at the [[Glastonbury Festival]]. The band also released the single "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]";<ref name="ROACH42">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=42}}</ref> it was Coldplay's first release to reach the top five and rose to number four on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="ROACH42" /> The minimalistic music video for "Yellow" was filmed at [[Studland Bay]] in Dorset, and featured Martin singing the song in one continuous shot as he walked along the beach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Escapes City For "Yellow" Single, Video|last=Basham|first=David|date=16 October 2000|publisher=MTV|access-date=3 May 2020|archive-date=13 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113161550/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Yellow" and "Shiver" were initially released as EPs in the spring of 2000.<ref>Bogdanov, Vladimir; Woodstra, Chris; Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (2002). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC&dq=two+more+EPs,+Shiver+and+Yellow&pg=PA235 All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404212223/https://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC&dq=two+more+EPs,+Shiver+and+Yellow&pg=PA235 |date=4 April 2023}}''. Backbeat Books. p. 235. {{ISBN|087930653X}}. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> "Yellow" was released as a single in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2000. In the United States, it was released as the lead single from the then-untitled debut album. In October 2000, the track was sent to US college and alternative radio outlets.<ref>Basham, David (16 October 2000). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Escapes City For "Yellow" Single, Video"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113161550/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml |date=13 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 9 September 2008.</ref>

Coldplay released ''Parachutes'' on 10 July 2000 in the United Kingdom via their record label, [[Parlophone Records|Parlophone]]. The album debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="ROACH45"/> It was released on 7 November 2000 by record label [[Nettwerk]] in North America.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=874414 |title=Nettwerk To Release Coldplay Album |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=2 August 2000 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=15 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103013536/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=874414 |archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> The album has been made available in various formats since its initial release; both Parlophone and Nettwerk released it as a CD in 2000, and it was also released as a [[Compact cassette|Cassette]] by US label [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in 2001. In the following year, Parlophone issued the album as an [[LP record|LP]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=coldplay|chart=all}} |title=Discography – Coldplay: Parachutes |magazine=Billboard  |access-date=30 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405000723/http://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/coldplay/chart |archive-date=5 April 2013}}</ref> Four singles were released from ''Parachutes'', including "Shiver" and "Yellow", and enjoyed popularity in the UK and US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p435023|title=Coldplay > Biography|website=Allmusic|author=Leahey, Andrew|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=26 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526111729/http://allmusic.com/artist/p435023|url-status=live}}</ref> The third single was "[[Trouble (Coldplay song)|Trouble]]", which reached number 10 in the UK charts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 29 October 2000 – 4 November 2000|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20001029/7501/|publisher=Official Charts|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604114419/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20001029/7501/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released more than a year later in the US, and reached number 28 in the [[Alternative Songs]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Artists: Coldplay – 45 Charts – Alternative songs|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/Coldplay/chart?page=2&f=377|magazine=Billboard|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413112434/http://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/coldplay/chart?page=2&f=377|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2001, the band released a limited-edition CD, ''Mince Spies'', featuring a remix of "Yellow" and the Christmas song "[[Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas]]". It was pressed to 1,000 copies, and was issued only to fans and journalists.<ref name="MOSS">Moss, Corey (18 December 2001). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451517/20011217/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Ready Second Album As 'Trouble' Heats Up"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114154236/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451517/20011217/coldplay.jhtml |date=14 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 22 September 2008.</ref>

''Parachutes'' was nominated for the [[Mercury Music Prize]] in September 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/975374.stm|title=Coldplay's Q for success|date=16 October 2000|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224055825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/975374.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Having found success in Europe, the band set their sights on North America,<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=76}}</ref> by releasing the album there in November 2000, and started the ''US Club Tour'' in February 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427214/20000801/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Finds American Home For "Parachutes"|last=Basham|first=David|date=1 August 2000|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=16 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216125715/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427214/20000801/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 2001 [[Brit Awards]] in February, Coldplay earned awards for [[BRIT Award for British Group|Best British Group]] and Best British Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2001 |title=Brits 2001: The Winners |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1191515.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009043741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1191515.stm |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Although ''Parachutes'' was a slow-burning success in the United States, it eventually reached double-platinum status.<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Dan|last=Caims|title=Albums of the year – On record|date=17 December 2000|journal=[[The Sunday Times]]  |location=UK|page=18 |quote=They [Coldplay] began 2000 as unknowns, and ended it with a double-platinum album [Parachutes] and America their oyster}}</ref> The album was critically well received and earned a [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album|Best Alternative Music Album]] honours at the [[2002 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2002 |title=Full List of Winners at the 44th Grammy Awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/feb/28/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131230023746/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/feb/28/2 |archive-date=30 December 2013 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Chris Martin said after ''Parachutes'' was released that the album's success was meant to elevate the band's status to the "biggest, best band in the world".<ref>{{harv|Spivack|2004|p=8}}</ref> After single-handedly managing the band until early 2001, Harvey resigned due to the stress of having to perform duties that typically require a team of people. He became the group's creative director and is often referenced as their fifth member; Dave Holmes replaced him as manager.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-medium-t.html |title=Coldpage |work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] |first=Virginia |last=Heffernan |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=17 December 2017 |archive-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220203053352/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-medium-t.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2002–2004: ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' ===
{{Listen
| filename    = Coldplay - The Scientist.ogg
| title       = "The Scientist"
| description = From the album ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'', Martin wrote "[[The Scientist (song)|The Scientist]]" after listening to [[George Harrison]]'s "[[All Things Must Pass (song)|All Things Must Pass]]".
| format      = [[Ogg]]
}}
After the success of ''Parachutes'', Coldplay returned to the studio in September 2001 to begin work on their second album, ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'', once again with Ken Nelson producing. They had trouble focusing in London and decided to relocate to Liverpool, where they recorded some of the songs on ''Parachutes''. Once there, vocalist Chris Martin said that they became obsessed with recording. "[[In My Place]]" was the first song recorded for the album. The band released it as the album's lead single because it was the track that made them want to record a second album, following a "strange period of not really knowing what we were doing" three months after the success of ''Parachutes''. According to Martin "one thing kept us going: recording 'In My Place'. Then other songs started coming".<ref>Cumberbatch, Franklin (13 August 2002). [http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay: Going Out of My Head"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020112623/http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml |date=20 October 2012}}. VH1. MTV Networks. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref>

The band wrote more than 20 songs for the album. Some of their new material, including "In My Place" and "Animals", were played live while the band were still touring ''Parachutes''.<ref name="MOSS" /><ref>Nelson, Chris (12 February 2001). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439294/20010212/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Warm Up On U.S. Tour Opener"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115030539/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439294/20010212/coldplay.jhtml |date=15 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref> The album's title was revealed through a post on the band's official website.<ref>Luerssen, John D. (25 April 2002). [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75994/coldplay-sets-album-title-june-gigs "Coldplay Sets Album Title, June Gigs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527093938/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75994/coldplay-sets-album-title-june-gigs |date=27 May 2013}}. ''Billboard''. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref> The album was released in August 2002 and spawned several successful singles, including "In My Place", "[[Clocks (song)|Clocks]]", and the ballad "[[The Scientist (song)|The Scientist]]", which was inspired by [[George Harrison]]'s 1970 song "[[All Things Must Pass (song)|All Things Must Pass]]".<ref>{{Cite news|title=On The Record: How George Harrison inspired The Scientist|work=Rapid City Journal |url=https://rapidcityjournal.com/blackhillstogo/arts-music/on-the-record-how-george-harrison-inspired-the-scientist/article_b84d0c67-d10f-595b-bedb-0004780ffa71.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 January 2022|date=11 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002105922/http://rapidcityjournal.com:80/blackhillstogo/arts-music/on-the-record-how-george-harrison-inspired-the-scientist/article_b84d0c67-d10f-595b-bedb-0004780ffa71.html |archive-date=2 October 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Chris Martin (55208418).jpeg|thumb|upright=0.8|Martin performing with Coldplay in 2002]]
Coldplay toured from 19 June 2002 to 8 September 2003 for the [[A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour]].
They visited five continents, including co-headlining festival dates at [[Glastonbury Festival]],<ref name="ROACH28" /> [[V Festival|V2003]] and [[Rock Werchter]]. Many concerts showcased elaborate lighting and individualised screens reminiscent of U2's [[Elevation Tour]] and [[Nine Inch Nails]]' [[Fragility Tour]].<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Ben|last=Wener|title=Still a few steps short of greatness|journal=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=22 August 2005}}</ref> During the extended tour, Coldplay recorded a live DVD and CD, ''[[Live 2003 (Coldplay album)|Live 2003]]'', at Sydney's [[Hordern Pavilion]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Andrew|last=Danby|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/coldplay/articles/story/5935495/coldplay_go_live|title=Coldplay Go Live|quote=Concert album due in November|access-date=25 April 2008|date=4 September 2003|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524081437/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/coldplay/articles/story/5935495/coldplay_go_live |archive-date=24 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 2003 [[Brit Awards]] held at [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre|Earls Court]], London, Coldplay received awards for Best British Group and Best British Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 February 2003 |title=Brit Awards 2003: Winners |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2655109.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2655109.stm |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> On 28 August 2003, Coldplay performed "The Scientist" at the [[2003 MTV Video Music Awards]] at the [[Radio City Music Hall]] in New York City and won three awards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2003 |title=Coldplay Triumph at MTV Video Music Awards |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-664-1371097 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230103224229/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-664-1371097 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=NME}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2003 |title=2003 Video Music Awards |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2003/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609000353/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2003/ |archive-date=9 June 2016 |access-date=3 December 2022 |website=MTV News}}</ref>

In December 2003, readers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine chose Coldplay as the best artist and the best band of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Coldplay |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-c/coldplay.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210000759/http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-c/coldplay.htm |archive-date=10 December 2015 |access-date=22 September 2014 |website=Rock on the Net}}</ref> At that time the band covered [[the Pretenders]]' 1983 song "[[2000 Miles]]" (which was made available for download on their official website). "2000 Miles" was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales donated to Future Forests and [[Stop Handgun Violence]] campaigns.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484682/20040129/coldplay.jhtml?headlines=true|title=Coldplay Enter London Studio To Begin Work on Third Album|last=Orshoski|first=Wes|date=29 January 2004|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=25 August 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050825002009/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484682/20040129/coldplay.jhtml?headlines=true|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' won the [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album]] at the [[2003 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=1 May 2008|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-01-07-grammy-complete-list_x.htm|title=Complete list of Grammy Award winners|work=USA Today|date=24 February 2003|archive-date=16 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516183733/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-01-07-grammy-complete-list_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2004 Grammy Awards]], Coldplay earned [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] for "Clocks".<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2003 |title=Complete List of 46th Annual Grammy Winners and Nominees |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-grammys-nominees-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215651/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-grammys-nominees-story.html |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

=== 2005–2007: ''X&Y'' ===
Coldplay spent most of 2004 out of the spotlight, taking a break from touring and releasing a satire music video of a song from a fictional band titled The Nappies while recording their third album.<ref>{{Cite web|access-date=24 April 2008 |url=http://www.ukula.com/TorontoArticle.aspx?SectionID=2&ObjectID=1455&CityID=3 |title=Changing the World at UKULA |work=[[Ukula]] |author=Maclean, Graeme |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210195409/http://www.ukula.com/TorontoArticle.aspx?SectionID=2&ObjectID=1455&CityID=3 |archive-date=10 December 2007}}</ref> ''[[X&Y]]'' was released in June 2005 in UK and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/fcdp/ |title=BBC – Rock/Indie Review – Coldplay, X&Y |access-date=25 April 2008 |date=20 November 2005 |publisher=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331054300/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/fcdp/ |archive-date=31 March 2008}}</ref> This new, delayed release date had put the album back into the next fiscal year, and the late release was blamed for a drop in EMI's stock.<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=23 April 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4242293.stm|title=EMI shares hit by profit warning|work=BBC News|date=7 February 2005|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225025945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4242293.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4491208.stm|title=Coldplay's X&Y is 'album of year'|access-date=25 April 2008|date=9 December 2005|work=BBC News|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225033736/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4491208.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> It became the best-selling album of 2005 with worldwide sales of 8.3 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2006 |title=Coldplay Had Biggest Selling Album of 2005 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-475-1363955 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229001233/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-475-1363955 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=NME}}</ref> The [[lead single]], "[[Speed of Sound (song)|Speed of Sound]]",<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mark |last=Morford |url=https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2005/06/17/notes061705.DTL |title=Is Coldplay The New Jesus? Martin & Co. make moms smile and girls swoon and offend no one in their quest to love all puppies |access-date=25 April 2008 |date=17 June 2005 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915155059/https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fgate%2Farchive%2F2005%2F06%2F17%2Fnotes061705.DTL |archive-date=15 September 2005}}</ref> made its radio and online music store debut on 18 April and was released as a CD on 23 May 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Adam|last=Sherwin|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article386710.ece|title=Coldplay's new single breaks sound barrier|access-date=25 April 2008|date=30 April 2005|work=The Times|location=UK|archive-date=2 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402135240/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article386710.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''X&Y'' entered the album charts of 32 countries at the number one position<ref>{{Cite news|first=Michael|last=Dwyer|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/cold-comfort/2006/06/29/1151174300940.html|title=Cold comfort|access-date=11 January 2010|date=30 June 2006|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|page=1|archive-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106003515/http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/cold-comfort/2006/06/29/1151174300940.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the third-fastest-selling album in UK chart history upon release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/12/08/leona-lewis-tops-singles-charts-as-take-that-go-in-at-number-one-in-the-album-charts-both-breaking-records-in-the-process-115875-20954644/|title=Leona Lewis tops singles charts as Take That go in at Number-One in the album charts – both breaking records in the process|access-date=11 January 2010|date=8 December 2008|work=Daily Mirror|location=UK|archive-date=26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426105941/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/12/08/leona-lewis-tops-singles-charts-as-take-that-go-in-at-number-one-in-the-album-charts-both-breaking-records-in-the-process-115875-20954644/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay in Barcelona 2.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing at Twisted Logic Tour|Coldplay performing in Barcelona during [[Twisted Logic Tour]] in 2005]]
Two other singles were released that year: "[[Fix You]]" in September and "[[Talk (Coldplay song)|Talk]]" in December. Critical reaction to ''X&Y'' was mostly positive, though slightly less enthusiastic than that of its predecessor. ''[[The New York Times]]'' critic Jon Pareles infamously described Coldplay as "the most insufferable band of the decade",<ref name="TNYIR">{{Cite news |date=6 June 2005 |title=The Case Against Coldplay |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/arts/music/the-case-against-coldplay.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712214657/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/arts/music/the-case-against-coldplay.html |archive-date=12 July 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> whereas ''[[NME]]'' awarded the album 9/10 calling it "Confident, bold, ambitious, bunged with singles and impossible to contain, ''X&Y'' doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does reinforce Coldplay as the band of their time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay/7656|title=NME Album Reviews – Coldplay: X&Y|date=12 September 2005|website=NME|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805130021/http://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay/7656|url-status=live}}</ref> Comparisons between Coldplay and [[U2]] became commonplace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/coldplay-hire-u2s-favorite-director-for-webcast.html |title=Coldplay Hire U2's Favorite Director for Webcast |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |date=6 October 2011 |access-date=22 January 2012 |author=Kreps, Daniel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708022844/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/coldplay-hire-u2s-favorite-director-for-webcast.html |archive-date=8 July 2012}}</ref> Martin said the critical review of the album by the ''New York Times'' made him feel liberated as he "agreed with a lot of the points", adding that "in a way, it was liberating to see that someone else realised that also".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a101574/coldplay-liberated-by-xy-criticism.html|title=Coldplay 'liberated' by 'X&Y' criticism|website=Digital Spy|author=Reynolds, Simon|date=18 June 2008|access-date=18 October 2008|archive-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203093351/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a101574/coldplay-liberated-by-xy-criticism.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

From June 2005 to March 2007, Coldplay went on their [[Twisted Logic Tour]], which included festival dates like [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]], [[Isle of Wight Festival 2006|Isle of Wight Festival]], [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]] and the [[Austin City Limits Music Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aclfestival.com/dailywrap/2005/lineup.aspx|title=The Daily Wrap 2005 ACL Music Festival|access-date=25 April 2008|publisher=[[Austin City Limits]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420121324/http://www.aclfestival.com/dailywrap/2005/lineup.aspx |archive-date=20 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2005, the band appeared at [[Live 8]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], where they played a rendition of [[the Verve]]'s "[[Bitter Sweet Symphony]]" with [[Richard Ashcroft]] on vocals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/thelive8event/lineupandartists/|title=BBC – The Live 8 Event – Line Up and Artists|access-date=25 April 2008|publisher=BBC|archive-date=9 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309222425/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/thelive8event/lineupandartists/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 August, Coldplay performed "Speed of Sound" at the [[2005 MTV Video Music Awards]] in Miami.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 August 2015 |title=This is What the MTV VMAs Looked Like 10 Years Ago |url=https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/photo-gallery/38170437/image/38170454/Coldplay-Performed-Speed-Sound |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230103223237/https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/photo-gallery/38170437/image/38170454/Coldplay-Performed-Speed-Sound |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=PopSugar}}</ref> In September, Coldplay recorded a new version of "How You See the World" with reworked lyrics for [[War Child (charity)|War Child]]'s ''[[Help!: A Day in the Life]]'' charity album.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4238542.stm|title=Rush to download War Child album|date=12 September 2005|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=10 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810135429/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4238542.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2006, Coldplay earned Best Album and Best Single honours at the [[Brit Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4713424.stm|title=Triple Brits success for Kaisers|date=15 February 2006|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 April 2009|archive-date=4 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104011548/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4713424.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Three more singles were released during 2006 and 2007, "[[The Hardest Part (Coldplay song)|The Hardest Part]]", "What If" and "White Shadows".

=== 2008–2010: ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' ===
{{See also|The Bakery (recording studio)|l1=The Bakery|Million Dollar Maybe|Christmas Lights (song)|l3=Christmas Lights}}
In October 2006, Coldplay began work on their fourth studio album, ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'', with producer [[Brian Eno]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|access-date=24 April 2008|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/10/coldplay-reveal-new-album-details-timbaland-producing-ashlee-simpson-courtney-love-blamed-for-jack-osbournes-drug-problem/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419082316/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/10/coldplay-reveal-new-album-details-timbaland-producing-ashlee-simpson-courtney-love-blamed-for-jack-osbournes-drug-problem/|archive-date=19 April 2008|title=Coldplay Reveal New Album Details, Timbaland Producing Ashlee Simpson, Courtney Love Blamed for Jack Osbourne's Drug Problem |magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=dead|date=10 September 2007}}</ref> Taking a break from recording, the band toured Latin America in early 2007, finishing the Twisted Logic Tour while performing in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_6410000/newsid_6418500/6418595.stm|title=Coldplay promise song of 'genius'|date=5 March 2007|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 August 2009|archive-date=28 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728024318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_6410000/newsid_6418500/6418595.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> After recording in churches and other venues in Latin America and Spain during their tour, the band said the album would likely reflect [[Hispanic]] influence.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Tyrangiel|first=Josh|date=9 June 2008|title=Coldplay, Viva la Vida|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|volume=171|issue=67|page=23}}</ref> The group spent the rest of the year recording most of the album with Eno.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589032/20080609/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Give Track-By-Track Tour of Viva la Vida, Explain Handclaps, Tack Pianos and the Number 42. The album was released in 2008.|author=Montgomery, James|date=9 June 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=18 October 2008|archive-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311163005/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589032/20080609/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Martin described ''Viva la Vida'' as a new direction for Coldplay; a change from their past three albums, which the band felt was a "trilogy" that they had finished.<ref name="SERPICK">{{Cite magazine|date=27 February 2008|title=Coldplay at Work on Something Different for Upcoming Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-at-work-on-something-different-for-upcoming-album-84625/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103060220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-at-work-on-something-different-for-upcoming-album-84625/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He said the album featured less of his [[falsetto]] as he allowed his voice's lower register to take precedence.<ref name="SERPICK" /> Some songs, such as "[[Violet Hill (song)|Violet Hill]]" contain distorted guitar [[riff]]s and bluesy undertones.<ref name="SERPICK" />

[[File:Coldplay Live on their Viva La Vida Tour in Dallas, Texas.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay's Viva la Vida Tour stage in Dallas|Coldplay on stage in Dallas, Texas, during the [[Viva la Vida Tour]]]]
"Violet Hill" was confirmed as the first single, with a radio release date of 29 April 2008.<ref>{{Cite magazine|access-date=24 April 2008|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/21/news-ticker-guns-n-roses-britney-spears-coldplay/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422233147/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/21/news-ticker-guns-n-roses-britney-spears-coldplay/|archive-date=22 April 2008|title=News Ticker: Guns N' Roses, Britney Spears, Coldplay |magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=dead|date=21 April 2008}}</ref> After the first play, it was freely obtainable from Coldplay's website from 12:15 pm (GMT +0) for one week until it became commercially available on 6 May.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 May 2008|title=BBC News: Coldplay song downloaded 2m times|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7386422.stm|access-date=17 July 2008|archive-date=11 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511020309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7386422.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=28 April 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7370808.stm|title=Coldplay giving away new single|publisher=BBC|date=28 April 2008|archive-date=1 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501143036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7370808.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=28 April 2008 |url=http://coldplay.com/song.html |title=Coldplay |publisher=Coldplay |date=28 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430134611/http://coldplay.com/song.html |archive-date=30 April 2008}}</ref> "Violet Hill" entered the UK Top 10, US Top 40 and charted well in the rest of the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/C/Coldplay/|title=UKC|last=Collis|first=Roland|work=Iomusic News|page=2|access-date=22 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204065707/http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/C/Coldplay/|archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> The title track, "[[Viva la Vida]]", was also released exclusively on iTunes, it became the band's first number-one single on both the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/hot-100|title=The Billboard Hot 100|access-date=3 September 2008|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091800/https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/hot-100/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the UK [[Official Charts Company|Official Charts]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468223.stm|title=BBC News: Coldplay's new single tops chart|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=22 June 2008|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225034731/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468223.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Coldplay performed the song live for the first time at the [[2008 MTV Movie Awards]] on 1 June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/02/mtv-movie-awards-reunites-wayne-and-garth-honors-transformers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605032914/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/02/mtv-movie-awards-reunites-wayne-and-garth-honors-transformers/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2008|title=MTV Movie Awards Reunites Wayne and Garth, Features First TV Performance of New Coldplay Single|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=2 June 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref>  "Viva la Vida" became iTunes' best-selling song of 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/02/coldplay-leona-lewis-top-itunes-2008-sales-chart/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204083347/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/02/coldplay-leona-lewis-top-itunes-2008-sales-chart/|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2008|title=Coldplay, Leona Lewis Top iTunes 2008 Sales Chart|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=2 December 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=10 December 2008}}</ref>

Upon release, ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' topped the album charts worldwide and was the world's best-selling album of 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2009 |title=Coldplay Album Top Seller For 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/arts/music/17arts-COLDPLAYALBU_BRF.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108054050/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/arts/music/17arts-COLDPLAYALBU_BRF.html |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> It hit number one on the UK album chart despite having come on the market only three days previously. In that time, it sold 302,000 copies, being "one of the fastest-selling albums in the country's history".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7455622.stm|title=BBC News: New Coldplay album tops UK chart|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=15 June 2008|archive-date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504204839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7455622.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of June, it had set a new record for most-downloaded album ever.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyper-stars.blogspot.com/|title=Most Album Downloads Ever|access-date=3 September 2008|publisher=Hyper-Stars|archive-date=14 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514230245/http://www.hyper-stars.blogspot.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/9716/week-ending-june-29-2008-viva-la-download-or-death-and-all-his-cds |title=Yahoo! Chart Watch: Viva La Download Or Death And All His CDs |access-date=3 September 2008 |date=29 June 2008 |publisher=Yahoo! |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715103245/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/9716/week-ending-june-29-2008-viva-la-download-or-death-and-all-his-cds |archive-date=15 July 2008}}</ref> In October 2008, Coldplay won two [[Q Awards|''Q'' Awards]] for Best Album for ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' and Best Act in the World Today.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7654844.stm|title=Double Q Award win for Coldplay|date=6 October 2008|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 December 2008|archive-date=3 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103071826/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7654844.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 November, Coldplay were named the World's Best-selling Act of 2008 at the [[2008 World Music Awards|World Music Awards]] in Monte Carlo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/11/coldplay-world-music-awards|title=Coldplay named top-selling act in the world|first=Dan|last=Martin|work=The Guardian|date=11 November 2008|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033359/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/11/coldplay-world-music-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> They also picked up two other awards: World's Best-selling Rock Act and Great Britain's Best-selling Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coldplay-crowned-worlds-biggest-act/|title=Coldplay Crowned World's Biggest Act|date=10 November 2008|website=CBS News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=16 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216012014/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/10/entertainment/awards/main4588729.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The band followed up ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' with the ''[[Prospekt's March]]'' EP, which was released on 21 November 2008. The extended play features songs from the album sessions and was originally made available on its own, while the album got re-issued with all EP tracks included on a bonus disc. "[[Life in Technicolor II]]" was the only single released.

[[File:Coldplay performs for Nissan Live Sets 2.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay performing at Viva la Vida Tour|Coldplay performing at New York's [[Hammerstein Ballroom]] in 2008]]
Coldplay began their [[Viva la Vida Tour]] in June with a free concert at Brixton Academy in London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7457000/7457396.stm|title=BBC Newsbeat: Coldplay make their live return|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=16 June 2008|first=Kev|last=Geoghegan|archive-date=19 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719102731/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7457000/7457396.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed two days later by a 45-minute performance that was broadcast live from outside [[BBC Television Centre]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7462168.stm|title=BBC News: Coldplay play open air gig at BBC|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=18 June 2008|archive-date=12 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212221555/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7462168.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Released in late 2008, "[[Lost!]]" became the third single from the album, featuring a new version with [[Jay-Z]] called "Lost+". After performing the opening set on 14 March 2009 for [[Sound Relief]] at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]], Coldplay headlined a sold-out concert later that same night.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25099180-661,00.html |title=Coldplay, Kings of Leon to headline bushfire relief concerts |last=Mitchell |first=Geraldine |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia|date=24 February 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225040650/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C25099180-661%2C00.html |archive-date=25 February 2009}}</ref> Sound Relief is a benefit concert for victims of the [[Black Saturday bushfires|Victorian Bushfire Crisis]] and the Queensland [[Flood]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|first=George|last=Palathingal|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/tickets-pleased/2009/12/23/1261243889247.html|title=Tickets pleased|access-date=30 December 2009|date=25 December 2009|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105026/http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/tickets-pleased/2009/12/23/1261243889247.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 December 2008, [[Joe Satriani]] filed a [[copyright infringement]] lawsuit against Coldplay in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California|California Central District Court]].<ref name="musicradar">{{cite web |date=4 December 2008 |title=Joe Satriani Sues Coldplay |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/joe-satriani-sues-coldplay-185735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117032810/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/joe-satriani-sues-coldplay-185735 |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=17 November 2024 |publisher=Music Radar}}</ref> Satriani claimed that "Viva la Vida" incorporates "substantial, original portions" of his song "If I Could Fly" from the album ''[[Is There Love in Space?]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite news |last=Goodman |first=Dan |date=5 December 2008 |title=Guitarist accuses Coldplay of plagiarism |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4B40XV20081205 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206033320/http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4B40XV20081205 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |access-date=5 December 2008 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Coldplay denied the allegation.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 October 2008 |title=Joe Satriani |url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=242 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018101517/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=242 |archive-date=18 October 2011 |access-date=10 December 2008 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> In 2009, "Viva la Vida" won a [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year]] and [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2009 |title=Grammy 2009 Winners List |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/d8z6tr/grammy-2009-winners-list |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202160341/https://www.mtv.com/news/d8z6tr/grammy-2009-winners-list |archive-date=2 December 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=MTV News}}</ref> The lawsuit was eventually dismissed.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=15 September 2009 |title=Coldplay, Satriani Copyright Lawsuit Dismissed |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-satriani-copyright-lawsuit-dismissed-267388/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117040305/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-satriani-copyright-lawsuit-dismissed-267388/ |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> with the judge declaring that both the parties should bear their own trial costs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2009 |title=Coldplay's Joe Satriani Lawsuit Dismissed from Court |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-346-1309826 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117041440/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-346-1309826 |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=NME}}</ref>

Coldplay were nominated for four awards at the [[2009 Brit Awards]]: British Group, British Live Act, British Single ("Viva la Vida") and British Album (''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'').<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.spin.com/2009/02/video-duffy-kings-leon-win-coldplay-snubbed-brit-awards/|title=Video: Duffy, Kings of Leon Win, Coldplay Snubbed at Brit Awards|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Larry|date=19 February 2009|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|access-date=29 April 2009|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033427/https://www.spin.com/2009/02/video-duffy-kings-leon-win-coldplay-snubbed-brit-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[51st Grammy Awards]] in the same year, Coldplay won three [[Grammy Awards]] in the categories for Song of Year for "Viva la Vida", Best Rock Album for ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'', and Best Vocal Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for "Viva la Vida".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/08/coldplay-lil-wayne-plant-krauss-win-big-at-2009-grammy-awards/ |title=Plant & Krauss, Lil Wayne, Coldplay Win Big at 2009 Grammy Awards |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=8 February 2009 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=9 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211232619/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/08/coldplay-lil-wayne-plant-krauss-win-big-at-2009-grammy-awards/ |archive-date=11 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/09/ST2009020900133.html|title=The Gang's All Here|last=du Lac|first=J. Freedom|date=9 February 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=9 February 2009|archive-date=13 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113182443/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/09/ST2009020900133.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A live album titled ''[[LeftRightLeftRightLeft]]'' was recorded at various shows during the tour. ''LeftRightLeftRightLeft'', released on 15 May 2009, was to be given away at the remaining concerts of their Viva la Vida Tour. It was released as a free download from their website.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 May 2009|title=Coldplay To Give Away Live Album|publisher=Coldplay|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=388|url-status=dead|access-date=1 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113113141/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=388|archive-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> Following the Viva la Vida Tour, Coldplay announced another "Latin America tour" to take place in February and March 2010, in which they were to visit Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 October 2009|title=Latin America Stadium Tour Announced|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528#|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003010702/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528|archive-date=3 October 2009|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> In October 2009, Coldplay won Song of the Year for "Viva la Vida" at [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]] (ASCAP) Awards in London.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267059/mccartney-coldplay-honored-at-ascap-awards|title=McCartney, Coldplay honored at ASCAP awards|access-date=15 October 2008|magazine=Billboard|author=Paine, Andre|date=14 October 2008|archive-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527094029/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267059/mccartney-coldplay-honored-at-ascap-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2009, ''Rolling Stone'' readers voted the group the fourth best artist of the 2000s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627912/green-day-named-top-artists-decade-by-rolling-stone-readers.jhtml|title=Green Day Named Top Artists of the Decade By Rolling Stone Readers|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928051312/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627912/green-day-named-top-artists-decade-by-rolling-stone-readers.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> they were also included in ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''{{'s}} list of artists of the century.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UK's 'Q' Magazine Lists Their Artists Of The Century!|url=http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/27/uks-q-magazine-lists-their-artists-of-the-century/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005080244/http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/27/uks-q-magazine-lists-their-artists-of-the-century/|archive-date=5 October 2011|website=The Life Files}}</ref> In December 2010 the band released "[[Christmas Lights (song)|Christmas Lights]]". The song received very positive reviews, and the music video features a [[cameo appearance|cameo]] from actor [[Simon Pegg]], a close friend of Chris Martin, who plays a violin-playing [[Elvis impersonator]] in the background.<ref>{{Cite news|title=12 Great Coldplay Songs You Probably Don't Know|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/12-great-coldplay-songs-you-probably-dont-know-20140820|agency=Rolling Stone|date=18 December 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123123018/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/12-great-coldplay-songs-you-probably-dont-know-20140820|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2011–2012: ''Mylo Xyloto'' ===
{{See also|Xyloband|2012 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony}}
[[File:Coldplay Toronto 2011 Muchmusic.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing in Toronto|Coldplay playing at [[MuchMusic]] in Toronto, September 2011]]
The band finished recording the new album in mid-2011. When Martin and Champion were interviewed by BBC Radio and asked about the album's lyrical themes, Martin replied "It's about love, addiction, OCD, escape and working for someone you don't like".<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mawuse|last=Ziegbe|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655557/coldplays-new-album-about-addiction-ocd.jhtml|title=Coldplay's New Album About 'Addiction,' 'OCD'|access-date=10 January 2011|date=8 January 2011|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202103837/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655557/coldplays-new-album-about-addiction-ocd.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> When asked whether or not their fifth album would be out by the summer, Martin and Champion said that there was plenty of work to be done before releasing it. They confirmed several festival appearances before its release date, including a headlining spot at the 2011 [[Glastonbury Festival]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/glastonbury/2011/artists/coldplay/|title=Glastonbury Festival 2011 – Coldplay|work=BBC|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033536/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/glastonbury/2011/artists/coldplay/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[T in the Park]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/coldplay/|title=T in the Park 2011 – Coldplay|work=BBC – T in the Park – 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033533/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/coldplay/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Austin City Limits Music Festival]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670853/coldplay-austin-city-limits-up-in-flames.jhtml|title=Coldplay Debut Another New Song At 'Austin City Limits' Taping|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=30 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830153948/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670853/coldplay-austin-city-limits-up-in-flames.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Rock in Rio]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/coldplay-debuts-wow-rock-in-rio-crowds-daily/|title=Coldplay and Maroon 5 Rock in Rio: Daily|work=The Rio Times|date=2 October 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=18 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618070141/https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/coldplay-debuts-wow-rock-in-rio-crowds-daily/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Lollapalooza]] festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-aug-06-la-et-wgntv-coldplay-lollapalooza-story-story.html|title=Coldplay performs in Grant Park at Lollapalooza 2011!|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=6 August 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114165218/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/06/entertainment/la-et-wgntv-coldplay-lollapalooza-story|url-status=live}}</ref>

In an interview on 13 January 2011, Coldplay mentioned two new songs would be included on their upcoming fifth album, "[[Princess of China]]" and "[[Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-album-update |title=Coldplay Album Update |website=Clash |date=13 January 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810080804/http://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-album-update |url-status=live}}</ref> In a February interview Parlophone president Miles Leonard told [[HitQuarters]] that the band were still in the studio working on the album and that he expected the final version would appear "towards the autumn of this year".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_MLeonardInt.html |title=Interview with Miles Leonard |publisher=[[HitQuarters]] |date=7 February 2011 |access-date=16 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609212326/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_MLeonardInt.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 May 2011, Coldplay announced that "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" was the first single for the fifth album. It was released on 3 June 2011. The band presented five new songs at festivals during the summer of 2011, "[[Charlie Brown (Coldplay song)|Charlie Brown]]", "[[Hurts Like Heaven]]", "Us Against the World", "Princess of China" and "[[Major Minus]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.los40.com/actualidad/noticias/coldplay-se-defiende-de-las-acusaciones-de-plagio/nota/1378864.aspx |title=Coldplay se defiende de las acusaciones de plagio |website=Los 40 Principales |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033753/http://www.los40.com/actualidad/noticias/coldplay-se-defiende-de-las-acusaciones-de-plagio/nota/1378864.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 12 August 2011, Coldplay announced via their official website that ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' was the new album title, and that it would be released on 24 October 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=771 |title=Coldplay: News – New album, Mylo Xyloto, out on October 24 |access-date=12 August 2011 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723225223/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=771 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 September the band released "[[Paradise (Coldplay song)|Paradise]]", the second single from their upcoming album ''Mylo Xyloto''. On 23 September 2011, tickets for Coldplay's European tour went on sale. The high demand led venues be sold out in seconds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/63354/Coldplay-Tour-Sells-Out-In-Seconds |title=Coldplay Arena Tour Sells Out in a Minute |publisher=Entertainmentwise |date=23 September 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026110508/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/63354/Coldplay-Tour-Sells-Out-In-Seconds |archive-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> ''Mylo Xyloto'' was released on 24 October 2011, it received positive reviews and topped the charts in over 34 countries.<ref name="MX1S">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/11/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-comic-books|title=Coldplay to launch Mylo Xyloto comics|first=Sean|last=Michaels|work=The Guardian|date=11 July 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=15 August 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815170358/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/11/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-comic-books|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.popsugar.com/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Called-Great-Beard-Chris-Martin-20160530 |title=Gwyneth Paltrow Called a Great Beard by Chris Martin |website=PopSugar |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=2 April 2012 |archive-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001005/http://www.popsugar.com/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Called-Great-Beard-Chris-Martin-20160530 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2011 |title=Reviews for Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay – Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/mylo-xyloto/coldplay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120183428/https://www.metacritic.com/music/mylo-xyloto/coldplay |archive-date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Tour @ Wells Fargo Center.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Tour lighting design|The laser and light effects from the group's [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]]]]
On 19 October 2011, Coldplay performed songs at [[Apple Inc.]]'s private memorial for [[Steve Jobs]], including "Viva la Vida", "Fix You", "Yellow" and "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/coldplay-and-norah-jones-play-at-memorial-for-jobs/|title=Coldplay and Norah Jones Play at Memorial for Jobs|date=19 October 2011|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|work=The New York Times|access-date=8 March 2012|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911074713/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/coldplay-and-norah-jones-play-at-memorial-for-jobs/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 October their "Amex Unstaged" concert at the [[Las Ventas|Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas]] in Madrid, Spain, was streamed by YouTube as a live [[webcast]] directed by [[Anton Corbijn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2011/10/26/coldplay-streaming-live-anton-corbijn-directed-performance-f.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801032443/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2011/10/26/coldplay-streaming-live-anton-corbijn-directed-performance-f.html|url-status=dead|title="Coldplay streaming live Anton Corbijn directed performance"|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> On 30 November 2011, Coldplay received three Grammy Award nominations for the [[54th Annual Grammy Awards]] which took place on 12 February 2012 in Los Angeles, and the band performed with [[Rihanna]] at the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/rihanna-coldplay-to-perform-together-at-1005928952.story |title=Rihanna, Coldplay to Perform Together at Grammy Awards |magazine=Billboard |first=Erin |last=Carlson |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=4 February 2012 |archive-date=23 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123121328/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/rihanna-coldplay-to-perform-together-at-1005928952.story | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8927845/Grammy-Nominations-2012-in-full.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8927845/Grammy-Nominations-2012-in-full.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Grammy Nominations 2012 in full |work=The Telegraph |date=1 December 2011 |access-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> On 12 January 2012, Coldplay were nominated for two [[Brit Awards]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/adele-coldplay-lead-brit-award-nominations-20120112|title=Adele, Coldplay Lead BRIT Award Nominations|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=12 January 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701085144/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/adele-coldplay-lead-brit-award-nominations-20120112|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 21 February 2012, they were awarded the Brit Award for Best British Group for the third time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16533246|title=Brit Awards 2012: List of winners|work=BBC News|date=21 February 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806234343/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16533246|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was the best-selling rock album in the United Kingdom, selling 908,000 copies.<ref name="RSOTY">{{Cite web|date=17 January 2012|title=Coldplay, Noel Gallagher and Foo Fighters revealed as biggest selling rock acts of 2011|url=https://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/61476|access-date=22 September 2014|work=NME|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054625/http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/61476|url-status=live}}</ref> The album's second single, "[[Paradise (Coldplay song)|Paradise]]", was also the best-selling rock single in the UK, selling 410,000 copies.<ref name="RSOTY" /> At the [[2012 MTV Video Music Awards]], "Paradise" won [[2012 MTV Video Music Awards#Best Rock Video|Best Rock Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1693347/2012-vmas-coldplay-paradise-best-rock-video.jhtml|title=Coldplay Basks In 'Paradise' With 2012 VMA Best Rock Win|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113171127/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1693347/2012-vmas-coldplay-paradise-best-rock-video.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Mylo Xyloto'' has sold over 8 million copies globally.<ref name="MX1S" />

Coldplay headlined the [[2012 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games]] on 9 September 2012, where they performed alongside other artists including Rihanna and Jay-Z.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/66001 |title=Coldplay joined by Rihanna, Jay-Z at Paralympic closing ceremony |date=9 September 2012 |work=NME |access-date=5 October 2012 |archive-date=2 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102150138/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/66001 |url-status=live}}</ref> To tie in with their performance at the closing ceremony, the group gave permission for bands who were participating in the [[Bandstand Marathon]] the opportunity to perform their 2008 single "[[Viva la Vida]]" to celebrate the end of the games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html |title=Bands across the UK to perform Coldplay hit in closing event of the London 2012 Festival |date=7 September 2012 |publisher=London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games |access-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828225518/http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html |archive-date=28 August 2012}}</ref>

In October 2012, the music video for Coldplay's song "[[Hurts Like Heaven]]" was released. The video was based on the story of Mylo Xyloto, a boy who grew up in tyranny ran by Major Minus. The fictional comics titled ''Mylo Xyloto'' continued on the story portrayed in the music video when the series was released in early 2013. A concert documentary film and live album ''[[Live 2012 (Coldplay album)|Live 2012]]'' chronicles their tour in support of the ''Mylo Xyloto'' album.  The film premiered theatrically for one night only, 13 November 2012, and was released on CD and home video on 19 November 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1091&page=60 |title=Coldplay Live 2012 tour film announced |date=25 September 2012 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214447/http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1091&page=60 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 21 November, after a concert in Brisbane, Australia as part on the group's [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]], Coldplay hinted they were set to take a three-year break from touring.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2012 |title=Coldplay Announce Plans for Three Year Break During Australia Gig |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-188-1259213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120183033/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-188-1259213 |archive-date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=NME}}</ref> Coldplay performed two shows with Jay-Z in the [[Barclays Center]], Brooklyn, New York, on 30 December and New Year's Eve which ended the Mylo Xyloto Tour. The Mylo Xyloto Tour was named the fourth-highest-grossing tour of 2012 worldwide with more than $171.3 million earned from ticket sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/madonna/news/lady-gaga-coldplay-tour|title=Madonna, Lady Gaga And Coldplay Among 2012's Top Grossing World Tours|publisher=Capital FM|date=31 December 2012|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531151110/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/madonna/news/lady-gaga-coldplay-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2013–2014: ''Ghost Stories'' ===
In an interview from late 2012 with Australian radio station [[2Day FM]], Chris Martin revealed that the title for the band's next album would be "much easier to pronounce".<ref>[https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-189-1260682 "Coldplay: 'Our next album title will be pronounceable'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033820/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-189-1260682 |date=26 March 2023}}. NME. Retrieved 20 March 2020</ref> Martin debunked speculation that they were taking a break from touring by saying, "This three-year break idea only came about because I said at a gig in Australia that we might not be back there for three years. That's probably true, but that's just how a world tour works. No chance are we taking a three-year break".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay begin work on new record |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/celebrity/arid-30576145.html |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=Irish Examiner |date=30 November 2012 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033748/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/celebrity/arid-30576145.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 August 2013, Coldplay announced the release of their song "[[Atlas (Coldplay song)|Atlas]]", which featured on the [[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|soundtrack]] for the film ''[[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New song, Atlas, for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1307|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811122207/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1307|archive-date=11 August 2013|access-date=9 August 2013|publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> Its release got pushed back to 6 September 2013 (everywhere but the UK) and 8 September (UK). In December 2013, it was announced that future Coldplay releases would be distributed by [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]] in the United States due to the restructuring within [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]], following the purchase of [[Parlophone]] from [[EMI]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/5840082/coldplay-david-guetta-go-to-atlantic-records-radiohead-pink-floyd |title=Coldplay, David Guetta Go To Atlantic Records; Radiohead & Pink Floyd Catalogs, Kylie Minogue, Damon Albarn To Warner Bros: WMG's US Plans for Parlophone (Exclusive) |magazine=Billboard |date=18 December 2013 |access-date=10 May 2014 |archive-date=6 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706122408/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/5840082/coldplay-david-guetta-go-to-atlantic-records-radiohead-pink-floyd |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 25 February 2014, the band unveiled "[[Midnight (Coldplay song)|Midnight]]", a track from their yet-to-be released album.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay – Midnight|url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-midnight/|publisher=Indie Shuffle|access-date=25 February 2014|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231210356/https://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-midnight/|url-status=live}}</ref> In early March 2014, it was announced that the band's sixth album, ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'', would be released 19 May 2014.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay announce new album Ghost Stories, release first single "Magic"|url=https://consequence.net/2014/03/coldplay-announce-new-album-ghost-stories-release-first-single-magic/|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419152750/https://consequence.net/2014/03/coldplay-announce-new-album-ghost-stories-release-first-single-magic/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ghost Stories'' is a spiritually driven album that revolves around two major themes mentioned by Chris Martin. The album explores the idea of past actions, and the effects they can have on your future and one's capacity for unconditional love.<ref>[[Chris Martin]] BBC Radio 1 interview with [[Zane Lowe]], April 2014</ref> The band took a different approach for their sixth studio album in contrast to their previous studio albums, with Martin inviting the band to contribute original songwriting material for the album, as opposed to building songs off his ideas as they had done during previous recording sessions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jess|title=Chris Martin was desperate for his bandmates to write Coldplay songs for Ghost Stories|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/chrismartinwas-desperate-bandmates-write-coldplay-3495900|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=4 May 2014|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-date=5 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505070553/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/chrismartinwas-desperate-bandmates-write-coldplay-3495900|url-status=live}}</ref>

From April to July, Coldplay embarked on a six-date [[Ghost Stories Tour]] in support of the album, playing 'intimate' shows in six cities: the [[Beacon Theatre (New York City)|Beacon Theatre]] in New York City on 5 May, [[Royce Hall]] in Los Angeles on 19 May, [[Casino de Paris]] in Paris on 28 May, [[Tokyo Dome City Hall]] in Tokyo on 12 June, [[Enmore Theatre]] in Sydney on 19 June, and closed the tour at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London on 2 July 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay announce six 'intimate' shows|url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/76778|work=[[NME]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223125/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/76778|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was made available for pre-order on [[iTunes]], alongside new single "[[Magic (Coldplay song)|Magic]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay – Magic|url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-magic/|publisher=Indie Shuffle|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205024610/https://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-magic/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two more singles from the album, "[[A Sky Full of Stars]]" and "[[True Love (Coldplay song)|True Love]]", have since been released. ''Ghost Stories'' received mixed to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/ghost-stories/coldplay | title=Reviews for Ghost Stories by Coldplay – Metacritic | website=[[Metacritic]] | date=19 May 2014 | access-date=6 August 2014 | archive-date=3 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503003452/https://www.metacritic.com/music/ghost-stories/coldplay | url-status=live}}</ref> The album topped the charts in the United Kingdom, the United States and most major markets.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-named-bestselling-album-of-2014-so-far-9581044.html |title=Coldplay's Ghost Stories named best-selling album of 2014 so far |first=Daisy |last=Wyatt |date=3 July 2014 |work=The Independent |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924212052/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-named-bestselling-album-of-2014-so-far-9581044.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6099382/coldplay-ghost-stories-billboard-200-albums-chart-brantley-gilbert-no-1 |title=Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories' Starts at No. 1 With Biggest Debut of 2014 |first=Keith |last=Caulfield |date=28 May 2014 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810210440/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6099382/coldplay-ghost-stories-billboard-200-albums-chart-brantley-gilbert-no-1 |url-status=live}}</ref> It received a Grammy Award nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album|Best Pop Vocal Album]], and "A Sky Full of Stars" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance|Best Pop Duo/Group Performance]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30345905 |title=Sam Smith nabs Grammy nominations |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2014 |access-date=11 December 2014 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016131201/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30345905 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2014, [[Spotify]] named Coldplay the most-streamed band in the world for 2014, and third most-streamed artist behind [[Ed Sheeran]] and [[Eminem]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30307241 "Ed Sheeran is Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2014"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204082703/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30307241 |date=4 December 2014}}. BBC. Retrieved 4 December 2014</ref>

=== 2015–2018: ''A Head Full of Dreams'' ===
{{See also|Super Bowl 50 halftime show}}
On 4 December 2014, Chris Martin announced in an interview with Zane Lowe on [[BBC Radio 1]] that Coldplay were in the middle of working on their seventh studio album, ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]''.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30339012 "Coldplay reveal new album title"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302211027/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30339012 |date=2 March 2015}}. BBC. Retrieved 4 December 2014</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/welcome-to-the-new-timeline/|title=Welcome to the new Timeline. Note from the studio as the band work on their new album (and confirm its title)|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515225415/http://timeline.coldplay.com/welcome-to-the-new-timeline/|archive-date=15 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Martin remarked it might be the band's final album and compared it to [[Harry Potter]]: "It's our seventh thing, and the way we look at it, it's like the last Harry Potter book or something like that".<ref name="SA7" /> He added that unlike their promotion efforts for ''Ghost Stories'', the band will tour for the seventh record.<ref name="SA7">{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coldplay-hint-final-album-a-tree-full-of-dreams-20141205 | title=Coldplay Hint at 'Final' Album 'A Head Full of Dreams' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=5 December 2014 | access-date=7 December 2014 | archive-date=10 December 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210074052/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coldplay-hint-final-album-a-tree-full-of-dreams-20141205 | url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview with [[Jo Whiley]] on BBC Radio 2, Martin hinted at the style of the album by saying that the band were trying to make something colourful and uplifting, yet not bombastic. He also stated that it will be something to "shuffle your feet" to.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coldplay: Uplifting tunes on way|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/coldplay-uplifting-tunes-on-way-30816441.html|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|date=13 February 2016|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206005843/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/coldplay-uplifting-tunes-on-way-30816441.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 11 December 2014, the band unveiled a new song, "[[Miracles (Coldplay song)|Miracles]]", which was written and recorded for the [[World War II]] drama film ''[[Unbroken (film)|Unbroken]]'' directed by [[Angelina Jolie]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6405540/coldplay-miracles-unbroken-soundtrack |title=Hear Coldplay's New Slow Jam 'Miracles' From 'Unbroken' Soundtrack |first=Chris |last=Payne |magazine=Billboard |date=11 December 2014 |access-date=12 December 2014 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722025225/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6405540/coldplay-miracles-unbroken-soundtrack |url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2015 Billboard Music Awards]] on 17 May, ''Ghost Stories'' was named Top Rock Album.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list |title=Billboard Music Awards 2015: See the Full Winners List |magazine=Billboard |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=22 August 2015 |archive-date=29 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729213850/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list |url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 September, Coldplay performed at the 2015 [[Global Citizen Festival]] in [[Central Park]]'s Great Lawn in New York, an event organised by Chris Martin advocating for an end to extreme global poverty.<ref name="GCFEST">{{Cite magazine|last1=Hampp|first1=Andrew|title=Beyoncé, Coldplay, Pearl Jam to Headline New York's 2015 Global Citizen Festival|magazine=Billboard|date=9 July 2015|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6620421/beyonce-coldplay-pearl-jam-new-york-2015-global-citizen-festival|access-date=5 August 2015|archive-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731005100/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6620421/beyonce-coldplay-pearl-jam-new-york-2015-global-citizen-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> Coldplay, along with [[Beyoncé]], [[Ed Sheeran]], and [[Pearl Jam]], headlined the festival which was broadcast on NBC in the US on 27 September and the BBC in the UK on 28 September.<ref name="GCFEST" />

Speaking on [[Nick Grimshaw]]'s ''[[The Radio 1 Breakfast Show|Radio 1 Breakfast Show]]'' on the BBC on 6 November, Coldplay confirmed 4 December as the release date of  ''A Head Full of Dreams'', and a new song from the album, "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]", premiered on the show.<ref name="DREAMS">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34743843 |title=Coldplay reveal 'final' album, A Head Full of Dreams |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=6 November 2015 |access-date=6 November 2015 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34743843 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album has guest appearances from Beyoncé, [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], [[Noel Gallagher]], [[Tove Lo]] and [[Barack Obama]].<ref name="DREAMS" /> The album reached number one in the UK, and number two in the US, Australia and Canada among others where it was kept in second place by [[Adele]]'s ''[[25 (Adele album)|25]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6805727/adeles-25-no-1-on-billboard-200-album-chart-third-week-coldplay-a-head-full-of-dreams|title=Adele's '25' Rules for Third Week at No. 1, Coldplay Debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=13 December 2015|access-date=13 December 2015|author=Caulfield, Keith|archive-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305044855/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6805727/adeles-25-no-1-on-billboard-200-album-chart-third-week-coldplay-a-head-full-of-dreams|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=ARIA Albums : Adele Blocks Coldplay From A Number-One Debut|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-albums-adele-blocks-coldplay-from-a-number-one-debut-20151212|publisher=Noise 11|date=19 December 2015|access-date=19 December 2015|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508044720/http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-albums-adele-blocks-coldplay-from-a-number-one-debut-20151212|url-status=live}}</ref> The music video for "Adventure of a Lifetime" featured the band performing as chimpanzees. They were provided consultation with renowned [[performance capture]] actor [[Andy Serkis]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6777857/coldplay-monkeys-around-in-adventure-of-a-lifetime-video-watch |title=Coldplay Monkeys Around in 'Adventure of a Lifetime' Video: Watch |magazine=Billboard |date=27 November 2015 |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-date=30 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130024711/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6777857/coldplay-monkeys-around-in-adventure-of-a-lifetime-video-watch |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay at Glastonbury 2016 (3).jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing at Glastonbury 2016|Coldplay performing "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]" during their headline set at [[Glastonbury Festival 2016|Glastonbury 2016]]. It was their sixth overall appearance at the festival and the fourth topping the bill.]]
On 27 November 2015, the first dates to their 2016 [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour]] were announced. Latin American and European stops were listed, which included three dates at [[Wembley Stadium]], London in June.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First legs of 2016 tour announced – extra dates added!|url=http://coldplay.com/first-legs-of-2016-stadium-tour-announced/|publisher=Coldplay|date=27 November 2015|access-date=12 December 2015|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806020922/http://coldplay.com/first-legs-of-2016-stadium-tour-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> The North America Tour, an extra Wembley concert, and an Oceania tour were later added. On 5 December, the band headlined the opening day of the 2015 [[Jingle Bell Ball]] at London's [[The O2 Arena|O<sub>2</sub> Arena]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=That... Was... EPIC! Coldplay Kick Off Capital's Jingle Bell Ball With Coca-Cola!|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/news/jingle-bell-ball-2015-set-list/|publisher=Capital FM|date=8 December 2015|access-date=8 December 2015|archive-date=24 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724091125/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/news/jingle-bell-ball-2015-set-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 February 2016 they headlined the [[Super Bowl 50 halftime show]],<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Coldplay will perform at Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/coldplay-will-perform-at-pepsi-super-bowl-50-halftime-show-0ap3000000593528|publisher=National Football League|date=3 December 2015|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207045544/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000593528/article/coldplay-will-perform-at-pepsi-super-bowl-50-halftime-show|url-status=live}}</ref> being joined by [[Beyoncé]] and [[Bruno Mars]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2016/1/8/10737736/beyonce-coldplay-super-bowl-halftime-show|title=Beyoncé and Bruno Mars join Coldplay for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show|work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119202941/http://www.vox.com/2016/1/8/10737736/beyonce-coldplay-super-bowl-halftime-show|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2016, the band were named the sixth best-selling artist worldwide in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Global Music Report|url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf|publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry]]|date=12 April 2016|access-date=20 May 2016|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322173813/https://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 26 June 2016, Coldplay closed the final day of the [[Glastonbury Festival]] in England. Their performance included a duet with [[Barry Gibb]], the last surviving member of the [[Bee Gees]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coldplay close Glastonbury 2016, with help from the Bee Gees|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36636808|publisher=BBC|date=27 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611072941/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36636808|url-status=live}}</ref> During the band's second night at [[MetLife Stadium]] in New Jersey on 18 July, Coldplay were joined onstage by [[Michael J. Fox]] to recreate a ''[[Back to the Future]]'' scene. Martin sang "[[Earth Angel]]" before introducing Fox onstage to join the band in performing the Chuck Berry classic "[[Johnny B. Goode]]".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Michael J Fox joins Coldplay to recreate Back to the Future scene|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/19/michael-j-fox-coldplay-chris-martin-recreate-back-to-the-future-johnny-b-goode|newspaper=The Guardian|date=28 July 2016|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231210338/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/19/michael-j-fox-coldplay-chris-martin-recreate-back-to-the-future-johnny-b-goode|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band performed a full set in India for the first time as part of the [[Global Citizen Festival]] in [[Mumbai]] on 19 November 2016. This performance was attended by 80,000 people and also featured many Bollywood stars during the concert.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay, Jay Z Rock the House at Global Citizen Festival India's Historic Debut|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7581471/coldplay-jay-z-global-citizen-festival-india-2016|magazine=Billboard|date=20 November 2016|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722020938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7581471/coldplay-jay-z-global-citizen-festival-india-2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-helmed-Global-Citizen-Fest-Shah-Rukh-Amitabh-Farhan-Shraddha-Sonam-and-Rahman-on-stage/articleshow/55513134.cms?|title=Highlights: Coldplay, AR Rahman, Jay Z perform at the Global Citizen Festival|website=The Times of India|date=20 November 2016|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121063837/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-helmed-Global-Citizen-Fest-Shah-Rukh-Amitabh-Farhan-Shraddha-Sonam-and-Rahman-on-stage/articleshow/55513134.cms?|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, Coldplay announced in interviews with [[Absolute Radio]] and Magic Radio in London that they would be releasing new songs in a new EP called the ''[[Kaleidoscope EP]]''. Described as being made from a leftover "bag of ideas" from the recording of ''A Head Full of Dreams'', Martin stated that it would be released in "a couple of months".<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=11 November 2016 |title=Coldplay at the London Palladium: Interview with Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdujO_e7IHk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620231834/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdujO_e7IHk |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}
* {{Cite AV media |date=22 November 2016 |title=Coldplay Announce That They Have a New EP |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqmWIdwJ4-Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620232149/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqmWIdwJ4-Y |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The band officially announced that the EP was released on 14 July 2017.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay to Release New 'Kaleidoscope' EP in 2017|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7581684/coldplay-chris-martin-2017-kaliedoscope-ep-new-music|magazine=Billboard|date=29 November 2016|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022194026/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7581684/coldplay-chris-martin-2017-kaliedoscope-ep-new-music|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayParis160717-7 (35938478112) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay performing at A Head Full of Dreams Tour|Coldplay playing the second of three sold-out concerts at [[Stade de France]] in Paris, July 2017]]
On 22 February 2017, the band released a long-awaited and teased collaboration track with EDM duo [[The Chainsmokers]] called "[[Something Just Like This]]". Reaching number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, it was the lead single from Coldplay's thirteenth extended play ''Kaleidoscope'', released on 14 July 2017. Together, they debuted the song live at the [[2017 Brit Awards]] with Chris Martin also performing a tribute song to the late [[George Michael]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7701362/the-chainsmokers-chris-martin-something-just-like-this-brit-awards-performance-video|title=The Chainsmokers & Coldplay Deliver Live Debut of 'Something Just Like This' at 2017 Brit Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=22 February 2017|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=9 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309203313/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7701362/the-chainsmokers-chris-martin-something-just-like-this-brit-awards-performance-video|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March, Martin's birthday, the band released a track from the EP, "[[Hypnotised (Coldplay song)|Hypnotised]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/coldplay-announces-new-ep-on-chris-martins-birthday-first-song-hypnotised-released-3311272.html|title=Coldplay announces new EP on Chris Martin's birthday; first song 'Hypnotised' released|date=2 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815060754/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/coldplay-announces-new-ep-on-chris-martins-birthday-first-song-hypnotised-released-3311272.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two further releases from the EP, "[[All I Can Think About Is You]]" and "[[Aliens (song)|Aliens]]", came out on 15 June and 6 July 2017 respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://coldplay.com/hear-all-i-can-think-about-you-kaleidoscope-ep-release-details/|title=Hear 'All I Can Think About You' + Kaleidoscope EP release details|date=15 June 2017|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-date=8 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708174919/http://coldplay.com/hear-all-i-can-think-about-you-kaleidoscope-ep-release-details/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Coldplay_A_L_I_E_N_S?id=Bvlkxqhivshvamcck5ufg6prqu4&hl=en_US|title=Coldplay: A L I E N S – Music on Google Play|website=Google Play|access-date=5 December 2018|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729173246/https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Coldplay_A_L_I_E_N_S?id=Bvlkxqhivshvamcck5ufg6prqu4&hl=en_US|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 August 2017, Coldplay announced that a live album covering the A Head Full of Dreams Tour would be released.

On 8 October 2017, Coldplay debuted live their new song called "Life Is Beautiful" at [[San Diego Stadium|SDCCU Stadium]] in [[San Diego]]. It was written in support after the [[2017 Puebla earthquake|Puebla earthquake]]. A part of the show was broadcast at the end of Estamos Unidos Mexicanos, a [[benefit concert]] at [[Mexico City]]'s [[Zócalo]]. Proceeds from the song and concert were donated to relief efforts for Mexico and other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://coldplay.com/coldplay-to-debut-new-song-for-estamos-unidos-mexicanos-concert/|title=Coldplay to debut new song for Estamos Unidos Mexicanos concert|date=4 October 2017|access-date=9 October 2017|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422071427/https://www.coldplay.com/coldplay-to-debut-new-song-for-estamos-unidos-mexicanos-concert/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 November 2017, the Head Full of Dreams Tour finished with a total gross of $523 million from 5.38 million tickets sold, ranking as the [[List of highest-grossing concert tours|third-highest-grossing concert tour of all time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Connick|first1=Tom|title=Coldplay's 'A Head Full of Dreams' world tour becomes third highest-grossing of all time|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-head-full-dreams-world-tour-becomes-third-highest-grossing-time-2160527|magazine=[[NME]]|access-date=19 November 2017|date=17 November 2017|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426051000/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-head-full-dreams-world-tour-becomes-third-highest-grossing-time-2160527|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 November 2018, Coldplay released ''[[Global Citizen – EP 1]]'' under the name Los Unidades, with proceeds being donated towards efforts to end global poverty.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lukarcanin |first=Emina |date=27 November 2018 |title=Global Citizen to Release First EP: Watch Pharrell Williams & Coldplay's 'E-Lo' Lyric Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486784/global-citizen-ep-pharrell-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111095219/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486784/global-citizen-ep-pharrell-video |archive-date=11 November 2021 |access-date=27 November 2018 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Coldplay's fifth live album, ''[[Live in Buenos Aires (Coldplay album)|Live in Buenos Aires]]'', arrived on 7 December 2018. Its footage covers the final concert of the tour in [[La Plata]], while a second release, ''Love in Tokyo'', was made available exclusively for the Japanese market.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=18 October 2018 |title=Coldplay Prepping Live Album, Concert Film to Accompany New Doc |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-prep-live-album-concert-film-to-accompany-new-doc-744372/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |accessdate=25 October 2018}}</ref>

=== 2019–2020: ''Everyday Life'' ===
On 18 October 2019, mysterious black-and-white posters began appearing in numerous countries around the world, with Coldplay wearing vintage-style clothing and a date showing 22 November 1919. The band also changed their profile pictures on social media to a sun and moon, making fans speculate an imminent release of new material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplays-rumoured-new-album-teased-with-mysterious-poster-in-sao-paulo-2557491|title=More mysterious posters teasing Coldplay's supposed new album appear across the world|website=NME|date=18 October 2019|first=Tom|last=Skinner|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709213753/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplays-rumoured-new-album-teased-with-mysterious-poster-in-sao-paulo-2557491|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 October 2019, a cryptic five-second teaser was released on social media with orchestral music in the background.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8533641/coldplay-double-album-everyday-life-teaser|title=Coldplay Just Announced a Double Album in the Most Old-Fashioned Way Possible|date=21 October 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022012831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8533641/coldplay-double-album-everyday-life-teaser|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 October 2019, in a letter sent to fans, the band announced that their eighth studio album would be titled ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' and that it would be a double album, with the first half titled ''Sunrise'' and the second half titled ''Sunset''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2019 |title=Coldplay look to be teasing a new double album, according to a letter sent to fans |url=https://www.readdork.com/news/coldplay-look-to-be-teasing-a-new-double-album-according-to-a-letter-sent-to-fans |access-date=22 October 2019 |website=[[Dork (magazine)|Dork]] |archive-date=21 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021152316/https://www.readdork.com/news/coldplay-look-to-be-teasing-a-new-double-album-according-to-a-letter-sent-to-fans |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ALTer EGO 1 18 2020 (50740812871).jpg|thumb|220x220px|alt=Coldplay performing in 2020|Coldplay performing at the ALTer EGO concert in January 2020]]
On 23 October 2019, the album's track list was revealed on the advertisements from local newspapers in the United Kingdom; those included the ''[[Daily Post (North Wales)|Daily Post]]'' in North Wales (with whom Buckland once had a holiday job) and ''[[Express & Echo]]'' in Exeter (Martin's hometown).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay reveal new album tracks in local paper |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50161901 |access-date=24 October 2019 |agency=BBC |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611072907/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50161901 |url-status=live}}</ref> Double lead singles "[[Orphans (Coldplay song)|Orphans]]" and "[[Arabesque (Coldplay song)|Arabesque]]" were released on 24 October 2019 during the [[Annie Mac]] show on [[BBC Radio 1]]. "Arabesque" was the first Coldplay song to feature [[profanity]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-share-new-songs-orphans-and-arabesque-listen/|title=Coldplay Share New Songs "Orphans" and "Arabesque": Listen|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=24 October 2019|access-date=24 October 2019|archive-date=24 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024185649/https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-share-new-songs-orphans-and-arabesque-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on 22 November 2019 and accompanied by a double concert at the [[Amman Citadel]] in Jordan.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-everyday-life-live-in-jordan-trailer-907061/|title=Coldplay Announce 'Everyday Life – Live in Jordan' Livestream|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|date=1 November 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-everyday-life-live-in-jordan-trailer-907061/|url-status=live}}</ref> The performance was broadcast live on [[YouTube]], being carried out at sunrise and sunset to match the album's two halves.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8542076/coldplay-everyday-life-livestream-jordan-youtube|title=Coldplay Announce 'Everyday Life' Live Stream in Jordan|magazine=Billboard|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105095504/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8542076/coldplay-everyday-life-livestream-jordan-youtube|url-status=live}}</ref> Inside the ''Everyday Life'' booklet, the words "Music of the Spheres" appeared written on a billboard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2021 |title=What We Know About Coldplay's New Album: From Expected Title to Possible New Tour |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/what-we-know-about-coldplay-s-new-album-from-expected-title-to-possible-new-tour-1.1201134 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241123170354/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/what-we-know-about-coldplay-s-new-album-from-expected-title-to-possible-new-tour-1.1201134 |archive-date=23 November 2024 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=The National}}</ref>

Martin had earlier said that the band would not tour to promote the album until they could work out "how our tour can not only be sustainable (but) how can it be actively beneficial", and hope that it would be entirely [[carbon neutrality|carbon-neutral]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay axes tour plans over pollution fears|url=https://today.rtl.lu/entertainment/news/a/1435181.html|work=RTL Today|date=21 November 2019|access-date=26 November 2019|archive-date=25 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425030335/https://today.rtl.lu/entertainment/news/a/1435181.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Coldplay performed a one-off show on 25 November 2019 for the charity [[ClientEarth]] at London's [[Natural History Museum, London|Natural History Museum]]. The band played beneath [[Natural History Museum, London#Major specimens and exhibits|Hope]], a giant 128-year-old skeleton of a blue whale in the museum's great hall.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay prove they're not fossils as they play Natural History Museum gig |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50556916 |access-date=26 November 2019 |agency=BBC |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115534/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50556916 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]] with 81,000 copies sold, making it the band's eighth consecutive UK number-one album. It was also the third fastest-selling album of 2019, behind ''[[No.6 Collaborations Project]]'' and ''[[Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplays-everyday-life-beats-robbie-williamss-christmas-album-to-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart__27838/|title=Coldplay's Everyday Life beats Robbie Williams's Christmas album to Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=29 November 2019|access-date=2 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229001229/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplays-everyday-life-beats-robbie-williamss-christmas-album-to-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart__27838/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On 24 November 2020, Coldplay received two nominations for the [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards]], with one of them being Album of the Year, their first nomination in the category since ''Viva la Vida''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list|title=2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominees List|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards|date=24 November 2020|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314191449/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 December 2020, "Flags" was released internationally, the song was originally included as a Japanese bonus track of ''Everyday Life''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coldplay.com/flags-everyday-life-japanese-bonus-track-out-now-worldwide/|title=Flags, Everyday Life Japanese Bonus Track, out now worldwide|publisher=Coldplay|date=21 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=2 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602165336/https://www.coldplay.com/flags-everyday-life-japanese-bonus-track-out-now-worldwide/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2021–present: ''Music of the Spheres'' and ''Moon Music'' ===
{{See also|Impact of the Music of the Spheres World Tour}}
On 29 April 2021, Coldplay announced "[[Higher Power (Coldplay song)|Higher Power]]" for release on 7 May 2021, coinciding with a video livestream from the [[International Space Station]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|title=Coldplay Releasing New Song 'Higher Power' Next Week|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-releasing-new-song-higher-power-next-week/|date=29 April 2021|access-date=1 May 2021|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429151015/https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-releasing-new-song-higher-power-next-week/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2021|title=Coldplay to premiere 'Higher Power' with link-up to International Space Station|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-to-premiere-higher-power-with-link-up-to-international-space-station-2934169|access-date=6 May 2021|website=NME|archive-date=6 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206160906/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-to-premiere-higher-power-with-link-up-to-international-space-station-2934169|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Martin stated in an interview with [[Zane Lowe]] that the band would be working with producer [[Max Martin]] and his team on both the song and the new album. He said, "Max is our producer right now for everything we do".<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=7 May 2021 |title=Coldplay: Higher Power, Max Martin, and Eco-Friendly Tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb0lAo94CaY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620231553/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb0lAo94CaY |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> On 4 May 2021, they were revealed as the opening act for the [[Brit Awards 2021|2021 Brit Awards]], where they performed "Higher Power" for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 May 2021|title=Coldplay announced as opening act for 2021 BRIT Awards|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announced-as-opening-act-for-2021-brit-awards-2932697|access-date=6 May 2021|website=NME|archive-date=16 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115531/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announced-as-opening-act-for-2021-brit-awards-2932697|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayShepBush121021_(57_of_76)_(51582857133).jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing with Ed Sheeran in 2021|Coldplay with [[Ed Sheeran]] at the [[Shepherd's Bush Empire|O<sub>2</sub> Shepherd's Bush Empire]] in 2021]]
On 22 May 2021, the band participated in the ''Live at Worth Farm'' broadcast,<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 March 2021|title=Glastonbury Festival announces livestream with Coldplay, Damon Albarn, HAIM and more|url=https://themusicnetwork.com/glastonbury-livestream-worthy-farm/|access-date=6 May 2021|website=The Music Network|archive-date=6 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206160837/https://themusicnetwork.com/glastonbury-livestream-worthy-farm/|url-status=live}}</ref> showcasing a new song called "Human Heart" with R&B duo [[We Are King]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2021 |title=Watch Coldplay Debut New Song Human Heart With We Are KING On Glastonbury Livestream |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2148753/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-human-heart-with-we-are-king-on-glastonbury-livestream/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712132741/https://www.stereogum.com/2148753/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-human-heart-with-we-are-king-on-glastonbury-livestream/news/ |archive-date=12 July 2022 |access-date=12 July 2022 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> On 8 June 2021, the official music video for "Higher Power", directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on YouTube, following a visualiser with Coldplay performing the song while dancing with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] alien holograms that premiered on 7 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=8 June 2021 |title=Coldplay Dance Through a Dystopia in New Higher Power Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-higher-power-music-video-1180359/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230620231646/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-higher-power-music-video-1180359/ |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> On 20 July 2021, the group announced that their ninth album, ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'', would be released on 15 October 2021, scheduling closing track "[[Coloratura (song)|Coloratura]]" for release on 23 July 2021 in anticipation for the project.<ref name="FLOYD">{{Cite web |date=23 July 2021 |title=Coldplay Shoot for the Stars with Their Cinematic New Track Coloratura |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-shoot-for-the-stars-with-their-cinematic-new-track-coloratura-3000690 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230705203952/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-shoot-for-the-stars-with-their-cinematic-new-track-coloratura-3000690 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=NME}}</ref>

On 13 September 2021, Coldplay announced that the album's second single, "[[My Universe (song)|My Universe]]", a collaboration with [[K-pop|South Korean pop]] group [[BTS]], would be made available on 24 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jack|last=White|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-and-bts-announce-new-collaborative-single-my-universe__34019/|title=Coldplay and BTS announce new collaborative single My Universe|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=13 September 2021|access-date=13 September 2021|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007132132/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-and-bts-announce-new-collaborative-single-my-universe__34019/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song debuted at number three on the [[UK Singles Chart]], becoming their first Top 10 single in the country since "[[Something Just Like This]]" in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/?|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Official Charts Company|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003015132/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also debuted at number one on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=5 October 2021|title=Coldplay & BTS Congratulate Each Other as My Universe Debuts at No. 1 on Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-bts-my-universe-no-1-hot-100/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220102031526/https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-bts-my-universe-no-1-hot-100/|archive-date=2 January 2022|access-date=1 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> A short documentary about the collaboration was released on 26 September 2021 on the official BTS YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=26 September 2021 |title=BTS & Coldplay Take Fans Inside the Making of My Universe in New Documentary |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-my-universe-documentary-video-9636491/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230621124052/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-my-universe-documentary-video-9636491/ |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayWembley160822 (19 of 81) (52291279744).jpg|thumb|left|Coldplay performing at [[Wembley Stadium]] in August 2022 during the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]]]]
''Music of the Spheres'' went number one the [[UK Albums Chart]] with 101,045 units sold,<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2021 |title=Coldplay's Music of the Spheres Tops 100k First-week Sales |url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/coldplay-s-music-of-the-spheres-tops-100k-first-week-sales/084441 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815150637/https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/coldplay-s-music-of-the-spheres-tops-100k-first-week-sales/084441 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=15 August 2022 |website=Music Week}}</ref> becoming the fastest-selling record in the country since [[Ed Sheeran]]'s ''[[No.6 Collaborations Project]]'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay claim fastest-selling album of 2021 so far|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-claim-fastest-selling-album-of-2021-so-far-with-music-of-the-spheres__34284/|access-date=30 October 2021|website=Official Charts Company|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104002452/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-claim-fastest-selling-album-of-2021-so-far-with-music-of-the-spheres__34284/|url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart,<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/tlp/|access-date=30 October 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=26 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326134851/https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/tlp/|url-status=live}}</ref> and reached the top on both the [[Top Alternative Albums]] and the [[Top Rock Albums]] charts.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay Dominates Billboard Rock Albums & Alternative Albums Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/coldplay-dominates-billboard-rock-albums-alternative-albums-charts-billboard-news|access-date=30 October 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=15 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315022330/https://www.billboard.com/video/coldplay-dominates-billboard-rock-albums-alternative-albums-charts-billboard-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 October 2021, Coldplay announced the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]], which began in [[San José, Costa Rica|San José]]'s [[Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (2011)|Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica]] on 18 March 2022 and visited over 40 countries.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brownlie |first1=Lauren |title=Coldplay announce Glasgow show as part of new world tour |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/19647584.coldplay-announce-glasgow-show-part-new-world-tour/ |access-date=14 October 2021 |work=[[Glasgow Times]] |date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609064202/https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/19647584.coldplay-announce-glasgow-show-part-new-world-tour/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The concert run's announcement also included [[Music of the Spheres World Tour#Ecological plan|a series of environmental plans]] developed in two years with help from sustainability experts; they were aimed at reducing [[Greenhouse gas emissions|CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]] by 50% in comparison to the [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour|Head Full of Dreams Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2021 |title=Music of the Spheres World Tour Announced |url=https://www.coldplay.com/music-of-the-spheres-world-tour-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016160004/https://www.coldplay.com/music-of-the-spheres-world-tour-announced/ |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=14 October 2021 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> The shows became a leading topic of news coverage in visited regions,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Coldplay Invadió de Positividad las Redes Sociales |trans-title=Coldplay Invaded Social Media with Positivity |url=https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/967493/espectaculos/coldplay-invadio-positividad-redes-sociales.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230917053055/https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/967493/espectaculos/coldplay-invadio-positividad-redes-sociales.html |archive-date=17 September 2023 |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=La Gaceta |language=es}}</ref> boosted local economies,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2023 |title=Coldplay Concert: Malaysia Missed Economic Lottery, Says Muar MP |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/922432/coldplay-concert-malaysia-missed-economic-lottery-says-muar-mp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230822133240/https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/922432/coldplay-concert-malaysia-missed-economic-lottery-says-muar-mp |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=New Straits Times}}</ref> and Coldplay's discography experienced a resurgence in sales and streaming.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=31 August 2022 |title=New Around the World: Coldplay's Catalog Climbs Global Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-catalog-global-charts-new-around-the-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220901134228/https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-catalog-global-charts-new-around-the-world/ |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=4 September 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The band also managed to beat their initial [[carbon footprint]] target, reducing it by 59% as of June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2024 |title=It Was All Eco: Coldplay Beats Emissions Target for World Tour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/04/coldplay-world-tour-eco-friendly-emissions-target-music-of-spheres |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123161321/https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/04/coldplay-world-tour-eco-friendly-emissions-target-music-of-spheres |archive-date=23 November 2024 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 23 November 2021, "Higher Power" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance|Best Pop Duo/Group Performance]] at the [[64th Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 November 2021|title=Grammy Nominations 2022: See the Full List Here|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2022-see-the-full-list-here/|access-date=23 November 2021|website=Pitchfork|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209015041/https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2022-see-the-full-list-here/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, Martin said Coldplay would release three more albums until 2025 during an interview for [[BBC]], with one of them being "kind of a musical" while their last will be a "back to the basics" self-titled record.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=23 December 2021|title=Coldplay's Chris Martin Hints at Retirement|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-chris-martin-hints-retirement-1235013599/|access-date=23 December 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-chris-martin-hints-retirement-1235013599/|url-status=live}}</ref> He added, however, that the band will still be active with smaller releases and worldwide touring after 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jo Whiley, Christmas With Christ Marton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0012r8y|url-status=live|access-date=23 December 2021|website=BBC Radio 2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223002626/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0012r8y |archive-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> On 23 February 2022, the band released a new stripped-down version of "[[Let Somebody Go]]" and a cover of [[Kid Cudi]]'s "[[Day 'n' Nite]]". Both songs were part of the [[Spotify|Spotify Singles]] series.<ref>{{Citation |title=Spotify Singles |date=23 February 2022 |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5WSVBLmTp6Fgjm2Dwyu3vr |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813033247/https://open.spotify.com/album/5WSVBLmTp6Fgjm2Dwyu3vr |url-status=live}}</ref> They later received three nominations at the [[65th Annual Grammy Awards]], including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2022 |title=Grammy Awards 2023: The Full List of Nominees |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/arts/music/grammys-nominee-list-2023.html |access-date=15 November 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115213745/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/arts/music/grammys-nominee-list-2023.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay Glasto24 290624 (26) (53836754632) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Coldplay performing at [[Glastonbury Festival 2024]]. It marked their record fifth time headlining the event.]]
On 13 June 2024, Coldplay announced "[[Feelslikeimfallinginlove]]" as the lead single for ''[[Moon Music]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Announce First Moon Music Album Single Feelslikeimfallinginlove |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/coldplay-first-moon-music-single-feelslikeimfallinginlove-1235708991/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613193312/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/coldplay-first-moon-music-single-feelslikeimfallinginlove-1235708991/ |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Details about the album were shared through their social media, being scheduled for release on 4 October.<ref name="ASWAD">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title=Coldplay's 10th Album, Moon Music, Due in October |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/coldplay-10th-album-moon-music-october-1236039848/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617130650/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/coldplay-10th-album-moon-music-october-1236039848/ |archive-date=17 June 2024 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> CD and vinyl pressings were crafted from recycled polycarbonate and PET-plastic bottles, respectively.<ref name="ASWAD" /> Two weeks later, the band headlined [[Glastonbury Festival]] for the fifth time, extending the record set in June 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Review, Glastonbury 2024: Band Deliver the Spectacle of a Lifetime, with Help from Michael J. Fox |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/glastonbury/coldplay-review-glastonbury-2024-chris-martin-b2568423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706144018/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/glastonbury/coldplay-review-glastonbury-2024-chris-martin-b2568423.html |archive-date=6 July 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=The Independent}}</ref> Guests included [[Victoria Canal]], [[Michael J. Fox]] and [[Laura Mvula]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Live at Glastonbury 2024: Worthy Farm's House Band Become 100,004 People Strong |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/coldplay-glastonbury-2024-live-review-photos-setlist-3770486 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630150757/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/coldplay-glastonbury-2024-live-review-photos-setlist-3770486 |archive-date=30 June 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=NME}}</ref> They also revealed "[[We Pray]]", featuring [[Little Simz]], [[Burna Boy]], [[Elyanna]] and [[Tini (singer)|Tini]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Watch Coldplay Bring Out Michael J. Fox and Debut Little Simz Collab at Glastonbury |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2270093/watch-coldplay-bring-out-michael-j-fox-and-debut-little-simz-collab-at-glastonbury/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230645/https://www.stereogum.com/2270093/watch-coldplay-bring-out-michael-j-fox-and-debut-little-simz-collab-at-glastonbury/news/ |archive-date=30 June 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> It was made available as the second single on 23 August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=England |first=Adam |date=2024-08-06 |title=Coldplay announce new single 'We Pray' featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy and more |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announce-new-single-we-pray-featuring-little-simz-burna-boy-3781515 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=NME}}</ref> During their stay in [[Rome]] on the Music of the Spheres World Tour, the group premiered "Good Feelings", with [[Ayra Starr]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-13 |title=Watch Coldplay Debut New Song "Good Feelings" In Rome |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2271552/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-good-feelings-in-rome/news/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Stereogum}}</ref>

''Moon Music'' reached number one in 16 countries,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2024 |title=Coldplay Dévoile le Clip le Plus Déchirant de L'Hiver, Avec Un Célèbre Acteur! |trans-title=Coldplay Unveils the Most Heartbreaking Video of the Winter, with a Famous Actor! |url=https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Coldplay/news-130891.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104053533/https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Coldplay/news-130891.html |archive-date=4 January 2025 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=Pure Charts |language=fr}}</ref> outselling the rest of the Top 40 combined in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=11 October 2024 |title=Coldplay Album Outsells the Rest of the Top 40 Combined |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl42e1gljo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241011173255/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl42e1gljo |archive-date=11 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The album also topped the ''Billboard'' 200 in the United States, marking the first time a British group led both charts simultaneously since 2016.<ref name="PAINE">{{Cite web |date=17 October 2024 |title=Parlophone's Jen Ivory & Josh Jennings on Incredible Demand for Coldplay's US & UK No.1 Moon Music |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/parlophone-s-jen-ivory-josh-jennings-on-incredible-demand-for-coldplay-s-us-uk-no-1-moon-music/090678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018184018/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/parlophone-s-jen-ivory-josh-jennings-on-incredible-demand-for-coldplay-s-us-uk-no-1-moon-music/090678 |archive-date=18 October 2024 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=Music Week}}</ref> Its visual companion, named ''A Film for the Future'', was released in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2025 |title=Watch Coldplay's A Film for the Future – A 45 Minute Companion Movie for Moon Music |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-coldplay-a-film-for-the-future-companion-movie-moon-music-3831169 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122194443/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-coldplay-a-film-for-the-future-companion-movie-moon-music-3831169 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=22 January 2025 |website=NME}}</ref> Coldplay held two shows at the [[Narendra Modi Stadium]] during the same month, earning [[List of most-attended concerts|the largest stadium attendance of the 21st century]] with more than 111,000 people each night.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=27 January 2025 |title=Coldplay Breaks Record for Largest-Ever Stadium Shows of the 21st Century |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coldplay-breaks-record-largest-stadium-shows-21st-century-1235885466/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128013138/https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coldplay-breaks-record-largest-stadium-shows-21st-century-1235885466/ |archive-date=28 January 2025 |access-date=28 January 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
=== Creative process ===
During an interview for ''[[NME]]'', Berryman explained the band usually have a title and concept in mind before the music arrives, which serves to provide a "framework into which we can work thematically".<ref name="MOTSNMEI">{{Cite web|date=15 October 2021|title=Coldplay: This Is Our Period of Having No Fear|url=https://www.nme.com/big-reads/coldplay-cover-interview-2021-music-of-the-spheres-3070999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224130538/https://www.nme.com/big-reads/coldplay-cover-interview-2021-music-of-the-spheres-3070999|archive-date=24 December 2021|access-date=5 January 2022|website=NME}}</ref> Martin described their way of writing new songs as "a series of doors".<ref name="ELYTI">{{Cite AV media |date=21 November 2019 |time=4:19 to 6:40 |title=Everyday Life Q&A From Jordan |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzRMpSBa_Eo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927220135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzRMpSBa_Eo |archive-date=27 September 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> He brings initial ideas to Buckland and the guitarist either disapproves or gives his input; the same happens from Buckland to Berryman, then Champion, allowing all band members to express themselves artistically.<ref name="ELYTI" /> However, this process is known to not always be linear, as tracks like "[[Magic (Coldplay song)|Magic]]" and "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]" were started through the bass and guitar riffs from Berryman and Buckland, respectively.<ref>{{Cite AV media|date=16 May 2014|title=Chris Martin. Zane Lowe. The Full Interview|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pF7bS_4JnE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220005854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pF7bS_4JnE|archive-date=20 December 2021|access-date=5 January 2022|via=[[YouTube]]}}
* {{Cite AV media|date=8 January 2021|title=The Creation of Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay (A Head Full of Dreams Documentary)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc0uy5ZwC6M|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105205507/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc0uy5ZwC6M|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=5 January 2022|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Coldplay regularly switch instruments while in the studio as well.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1635742010173784066|user=coldplay|title=I try to play the piano occasionally. Often in the studio we change instruments, with varying degrees of success. I also have a very high-pitched hand clap. Jonny|author=Coldplay|date=14 March 2023|access-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403132015/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/1635742010173784066|archive-date=3 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> When questioned about avoiding explicit language in lyrics, Champion affirmed swear words are "extremely useful at times", but overusing them "lessens their impact".<ref name="ELYTI" /> Moreover, music critics claim the band have a pattern which alternates between "overt bids for mainstream success and more self-consciously artsy prestige pieces".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2015 |title=Review: Coldplay Obey Their Thirst for Pop Relevance on Music of the Spheres |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2163701/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres/reviews/premature-evaluation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226193835/https://www.stereogum.com/2163701/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres/reviews/premature-evaluation/ |archive-date=26 December 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> Buckland stated that knowing the "big [album] is coming allows us to go a lot smaller" and be more "insular about what music we make sense".<ref name="MOTSNMEI" />

=== Musical and lyrical style ===
Coldplay have explored many musical styles throughout their career, with their sound being considered [[alternative rock]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=15 October 2021|title=Coldplay's Music of the Spheres Is Spinning: Stream It Now|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres-stream-9645104/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103010803/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres-stream-9645104/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> [[alternative pop]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coldplay Biography by Neil Z. Yeung |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/coldplay-mn0000775877/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524043553/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/coldplay-mn0000775877/biography |archive-date=24 May 2022 |access-date=2 August 2022 |website=AllMusic}}</ref> [[pop rock]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 May 2016|title=Coldplay's Up&Up Video Turns The Everyday Into The Extraordinary|url=https://www.spin.com/2016/05/coldplay-up-and-up-music-video-a-head-full-of-dreams-watch/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103015931/https://www.spin.com/2016/05/coldplay-up-and-up-music-video-a-head-full-of-dreams-watch/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Spin}}</ref> [[post-Britpop]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 June 2009|title=Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13074-leftrightleftrightleft/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103012653/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13074-leftrightleftrightleft/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Pitchfork}}</ref> [[soft rock]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2019|title=Album Reviews: Coldplay, Harry Nilsson and Harmony Woods|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/coldplay-harry-nilsson-harmony-woods-album-reviews-dan-deluca-20191205.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103012509/https://www.inquirer.com/news/coldplay-harry-nilsson-harmony-woods-album-reviews-dan-deluca-20191205.html|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}</ref> and [[Pop music|pop]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2014 |title=An Uncoupling, But The Band Plays On |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/arts/music/coldplay-unveils-new-songs-at-the-beacon-theater.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810013310/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/arts/music/coldplay-unveils-new-songs-at-the-beacon-theater.html |archive-date=10 August 2022 |access-date=10 August 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> After winning a [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Album]] in 2009, Martin jokingly stated in his acceptance speech that they were "limestone rock", in comparison to "[[hard rock]]".<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 February 2009|title=Science Supports Coldplay/Limestone Comparison|url=https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/439448/science-supports-coldplaylimestone-comparison/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103025220/https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/439448/science-supports-coldplaylimestone-comparison/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Washington City Paper}}</ref> The extended plays released in 1998 and 1999 have characteristics of [[dream pop]], setting them apart from future releases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artists / Coldplay |url=https://thevogue.com/artists/coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103030428/https://thevogue.com/artists/coldplay/ |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=The Vogue}}</ref> Their first studio album, ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000), was described as melodic pop which combined "bits of distorted guitar riffs and swishing percussion", being "exquisitely dark and artistically abrasive".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parachutes Review by MacKenzie Wilson|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/parachutes-mw0000101998|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125072659/https://www.allmusic.com/album/parachutes-mw0000101998|archive-date=25 November 2021|access-date=2 January 2022|website=AllMusic}}</ref> Berryman called it a "quiet, polite record",<ref name="TIOBE" /> while Champion has compared the lyrics to [[Lou Reed]]'s "[[Perfect Day (Lou Reed song)|Perfect Day]]", as they are moody but with twists that imply optimism, ultimately making an album defined by the contrast between beautiful and happy messages and notoriously sad sounds.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 September 2000|title=Coldplay Opens Up Parachutes For US Audiences|work=MTV News|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427213/20000929/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216125710/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427213/20000929/coldplay.jhtml|archive-date=16 December 2008}}</ref>

On the other hand, 2002's ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' is full of "plaintive strums, weary arpeggios and pained melodies", along with a sense of urgency and heartbreak.<ref name="BLEED">{{Cite web |date=27 August 2002 |title=Coldplay Bleed for Beauty on A Rush of Blood to the Head |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1457204/coldplay-bleed-for-beauty-on-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103044201/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457204/coldplay-bleed-for-beauty-on-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head/ |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=MTV News}}</ref> During an interview, Martin affirmed the title means "doing something on impulse".<ref name="BLEED" /> Music critics described it as larger,<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 August 2017|title=Revisiting Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head: Retrospective Tribute|url=https://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-15-years-of-coldplay-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103042848/https://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-15-years-of-coldplay-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Albumism}}</ref> darker, and colder than its predecessor,<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2002|title=Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head|url=https://www.popmatters.com/coldplay-rush-2495863188.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103045325/https://www.popmatters.com/coldplay-rush-2495863188.html|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=PopMatters}}</ref> praising Coldplay for showing a newfound confidence as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Rush of Blood to the Head Review by Neil Z. Yeung|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-mw0000218992|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224230233/https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-mw0000218992|archive-date=24 December 2021|access-date=3 January 2022|website=AllMusic}}</ref> This style was kept for their third album, ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005),<ref name="HYMAGR">{{Cite web|title=Coldplay's X&Y Album Review|url=http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/0805/coldplay.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103051815/http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/0805/coldplay.shtml|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=Hybrid Magazine}}</ref> although now with the addition of electronic influences and extensive use of [[synthesizer|synthesiser]]s,<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 May 2005|title=Coldplay, X&Y|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/may/27/popandrock.shopping3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103052522/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/may/27/popandrock.shopping3|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=2 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> having a grander scale in terms of both sound and existential themes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 June 2008|title=Coldplay – X&Y|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/coldplay/coldplay-xy/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103053248/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/coldplay/coldplay-xy/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Paste}}</ref> Craig McLean from ''[[The Guardian]]'' called it "the work of an increasingly driven, punchier band", describing the melodies as "heartfelt stuff, with thumping guitar lines and emotive piano".<ref name="TIOBE" /> Lyrics have been described as the ruminations on Martin's "doubts, fears, hopes, and loves", with words that "are earnest and vague, so listeners can identify with the underlying concepts in the songs".<ref>{{Cite web|title=X&Y Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/x-y-mw0000633950|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224230703/https://www.allmusic.com/album/x-y-mw0000633950|archive-date=24 December 2021|access-date=3 January 2022|website=AllMusic}}</ref>

[[File:Will_Champion_-_Viva_la_Vida_tour.jpg|thumb|alt=Champion resting his hands in a timpani, wearing a light blue shirt and purple scarf|Champion with the [[timpani]] and [[church bell]] used in "[[Viva la Vida]]"]]
With ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' and the subsequent ''[[Prospekt's March]]'' (both released in 2008), Coldplay further diversified their style and explored new territory following the completion of what they saw as a trilogy of albums.<ref name="SERPICK" /> The band experimented with numerous different instruments,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 June 2008|title=Coldplay Give Track-by-Track Tour of Viva la Vida, Explain Handclaps, Tack Pianos and the Number 42|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1589032/coldplay-give-track-by-track-tour-of-viva-la-vida-explain-handclaps-tack-pianos-and-the-number-42/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140519123719/http://www.mtv.com/news/1589032/coldplay-give-track-by-track-tour-of-viva-la-vida-explain-handclaps-tack-pianos-and-the-number-42/|archive-date=19 May 2014|access-date=3 January 2022|website=MTV News}}</ref> including [[electric violin]]s, [[tack piano]]s, [[santoor]]s and [[orchestra]]s, all while using more layered productions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 April 2018|title=10 Years Later: Exploring Coldplay's Viva la Vida|url=https://medium.com/@renwald12/10-years-later-exploring-coldplays-viva-la-vida-261398474d31|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103151021/https://medium.com/@renwald12/10-years-later-exploring-coldplays-viva-la-vida-261398474d31|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Medium}}</ref> They also tried distinct song structures and vocal identities at the suggestion of producer [[Brian Eno]],<ref name="CMRSI">{{Cite magazine|date=26 June 2008|title=Chris Martin – The Rolling Stone Interview|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/chris-martin-the-rolling-stone-interview-190116/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027192542/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/chris-martin-the-rolling-stone-interview-190116/|archive-date=27 October 2020|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> drawing influences from Oriental, [[Hispanic music|Hispanic]], [[Music of Africa|African]], and [[Middle Eastern music|Middle Eastern]] sounds.<ref name="SERPICK" /> The title track, "[[Viva la Vida]]", is considered [[baroque pop]] and fourth single "[[Strawberry Swing]]" was described as having [[Psychedelic music|psychedelic]] inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 July 2020 |title=Every Single Coldplay Song Ranked In Order of Greatness |url=https://www.nme.com/features/every-coldplay-song-ranked-in-order-of-greatness-2704676 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103153804/https://www.nme.com/features/every-coldplay-song-ranked-in-order-of-greatness-2704676 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=28 January 2021 |website=NME}}</ref> They dabbled in [[shoegaze]] on hidden track "Chinese Sleep Chant" as well.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 March 2011|title=Coldplay – Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (Review 2)|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/42473/Coldplay-Viva-la-Vida-or-Death-and-All-His-Friends/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140603144823/http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/42473/Coldplay-Viva-la-Vida-or-Death-and-All-His-Friends/|archive-date=3 June 2014|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Sputnik}}</ref> Lyrics are more universal in comparison to previous material, with the subject matter being more collective as the band "delves into love, life, war and death".<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 June 2018|title=Coldplay's Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends Turns 10: Anniversary Retrospective|url=https://www.albumism.com/features/coldplay-viva-la-vida-or-death-and-all-his-friends-turns-10-anniversary-retrospective|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103161052/https://www.albumism.com/features/coldplay-viva-la-vida-or-death-and-all-his-friends-turns-10-anniversary-retrospective|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Albumism}}</ref> Martin commented the revolution motifs were inspired by [[Victor Hugo]]'s ''[[Les Misérables]]'' (1862).<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=21 July 2011 |time=11:50 to 12:40 |title=Coldplay – Boombox All Access |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjvmvKigmw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307132634/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjvmvKigmw |archive-date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Those themes, along with some of the oriental influences, remained in 2011's ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=20 October 2011|title=Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Track-by-Track Review|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-track-by-track-review-465606/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103181454/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-track-by-track-review-465606/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> a [[concept album]] that follows the story of two characters in the style of a [[rock opera]].<ref name="MXNMER">{{Cite web|date=15 October 2011|title=Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto is a Concept Album About Love Conquering All|url=http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/59807|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524175547/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/59807|archive-date=24 May 2013|access-date=3 January 2022|work=NME}}</ref> It expanded the spectrum of Coldplay's sound by including more electronic elements than before and featuring mostly upbeat tones for the first time, resulting in a [[pop rock]] style with modern, urban and dance melodies.<ref name="MXNMER" /> According to Champion, the band originally wanted to make an acoustic record, so when "[[Paradise (Coldplay song)|Paradise]]" started to take shape, they decided to begin a separate electronic album. However, the two of them ultimately became a single body of work, with songs like "[[Charlie Brown (Coldplay song)|Charlie Brown]]" and "Us Against the World" getting reworked into their current versions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2011|title=Coldplay Call Mylo Xyloto A Schizophrenic Album|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1673060/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-schizophrenic/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103164122/http://www.mtv.com/news/1673060/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-schizophrenic/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=MTV News}}</ref> Berryman declared they approached the project with confidence.<ref name="MXNMER" /> Lyrically, Martin said he was mostly inspired by old school American [[graffiti]], the [[White Rose]] movement, and "being able to speak out or follow your passion, even if everybody seems against it".<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 November 2010|title=New Coldplay Album Inspired by Graffiti|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/26/new-coldplay-album-inspired-graffiti|url-status=live|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103185657/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/26/new-coldplay-album-inspired-graffiti|archive-date=3 January 2022}}</ref> In 2013, a [[Mylo Xyloto (comics)|comic book]] based on the record's plot was released in partnership with [[Mark Osborne (filmmaker)|Mark Osborne]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=17 April 2013|title=Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Comic Book Series Goes Digital|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-comic-book-series-goes-digital-1558331/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103191420/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-comic-book-series-goes-digital-1558331/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

For ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014), Coldplay adopted a melancholic and somber style considered reminiscent of their debut,<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 February 2013|title=Coldplay Chat With Jo Whiley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p015d47l|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230005848/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p015d47l|archive-date=30 December 2021|access-date=30 December 2021|website=BBC Radio 1}}</ref> while incorporating [[electronica]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2014|title=Ghost Stories Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-what-critics-705992/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104144119/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-what-critics-705992|archive-date=4 November 2016|access-date=3 January 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=14 May 2014|title=Coldplay Ghost Stories Album Review|url=https://time.com/99458/coldplay-ghost-stories-album-review/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103195608/https://time.com/99458/coldplay-ghost-stories-album-review/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Time}}</ref> [[synth-pop]] and [[Ambient music|ambient]] influences.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 May 2014|title=Coldplay Consciously Uncouple From Trademark Bathos On Appealing Ghost Stories|url=https://www.spin.com/2014/05/coldplay-ghost-stories/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705185933/http://www.spin.com/2014/05/coldplay-ghost-stories/|archive-date=5 July 2015|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Spin}}</ref> Its melodies are also noticeably darker and more minimalistic than ''Mylo Xyloto'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=14 May 2014|title=Coldplay's Haunted Ghost Stories Album: Track-by-Track Review|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-ghost-stories-album-review-chris-martin-billboard-magic-6084930/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103200435/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-ghost-stories-album-review-chris-martin-billboard-magic-6084930/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}
* {{Cite web|title=Album Review: Coldplay – Ghost Stories|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2014/07/25/album-review-coldplay---ghost-stories|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210182111/https://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2014/07/25/album-review-coldplay---ghost-stories|archive-date=10 December 2014|access-date=3 January 2022|website=TimesLIVE}}</ref> having sparse arrangements that reflect their desire to "keep a sense of space" without "being afraid of silence" or "layering too many sounds".<ref name="PAYNE">{{Cite AV media|date=17 January 2015|time=1:58 to 3:00|title=Sky Arts: Coldplay – The Making of Ghost Stories (Part 1)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGeAzm2wPPA|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519200044/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGeAzm2wPPA|archive-date=19 May 2017|access-date=3 January 2022|via=[[YouTube]]}}
* {{Cite magazine|date=28 April 2014|title=Chris Martin Says Gwyneth Paltrow Split Inspired New Coldplay Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chris-martin-says-gwyneth-paltrow-split-inspired-new-coldplay-album-6070143/|url-status=live|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103204415/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chris-martin-says-gwyneth-paltrow-split-inspired-new-coldplay-album-6070143/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022}}</ref> The project is considered a [[Breakup|break-up]] album as well,<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 May 2014|title=Coldplay's Ghost Stories Adds To Canon of Great Break-up Albums|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/14/coldplay-ghost-stories-canon-break-up-albums|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141211050325/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/14/coldplay-ghost-stories-canon-break-up-albums|archive-date=11 December 2014|access-date=3 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> exploring lyrically how past events in one's life (their ghosts) affect the present. Martin called it a journey of learning about unconditional love after he divorced from [[Gwyneth Paltrow]].<ref name="PAYNE" /> A year later, ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' was released with a similar style, but featuring bright and uplifting tones instead,<ref name="AHFODR">{{Cite web|date=14 December 2015|title=Music Review: Coldplay's A Head Full of Dreams in and of Itself is a Dream|url=https://highschool.latimes.com/foothill-technology-high-school/music-review-coldplays-a-head-full-of-dreams-in-and-of-itself-is-a-dream/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103211703/https://highschool.latimes.com/foothill-technology-high-school/music-review-coldplays-a-head-full-of-dreams-in-and-of-itself-is-a-dream/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Los Angeles Times High School Insider}}</ref> making contrast with its predecessor while introducing elements of [[disco]] and [[funk]], most notably in lead single "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2015 |title=Coldplay – Adventure Of A Lifetime |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1842490/coldplay-adventure-of-a-lifetime/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103210434/https://www.stereogum.com/1842490/coldplay-adventure-of-a-lifetime/news/ |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> In the lyrics, they worked on subjects of unity, dreaming, parenthood, forgiveness, healing, and thankfulness.<ref name="AHFODR" />

In 2017, the band made ''[[Kaleidoscope EP]]'' available as a companion piece to the album.<ref name="KEPRS">{{Cite news |date=26 July 2017 |title=Review: Coldplay Continue Mood of Tranquil Satisfaction on Latest EP |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-coldplays-kaleidoscope-ep-continues-mood-of-tranquil-satisfaction-201837/ |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718144819/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-coldplays-kaleidoscope-ep-continues-mood-of-tranquil-satisfaction-201837/ |archive-date=18 July 2018}}</ref> It included a live version of "[[Something Just Like This]]", their [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] collaboration with [[the Chainsmokers]], and Brian Eno's returning production in "[[Aliens (song)|Aliens]]".<ref name="KEPRS" /> Meanwhile, tracks such as "[[All I Can Think About Is You]]" and "[[Hypnotised (Coldplay song)|Hypnotised]]" mixed Coldplay's newfound pop style with their alternative rock roots,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 July 2017|title=Coldplay – Kaleidoscope EP Review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay-kaleidoscope-ep-review-2108517|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025717/https://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay-kaleidoscope-ep-review-2108517|archive-date=9 November 2020|access-date=3 January 2022|website=NME}}
* {{Cite web|date=21 June 2017|title=Single Review: Coldplay – All I Can Think About Is You|url=https://www.redbrick.me/music/slider-music/single-review-coldplay-i-can-think/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621102741/https://www.redbrick.me/music/slider-music/single-review-coldplay-i-can-think/|archive-date=21 June 2017|access-date=3 January 2021|website=Redbrick}}</ref> setting the template for ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019), which saw a return to the experimentation and organic sounds of ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' while having new influences from [[gospel music|gospel]], [[blues]] and [[Classical music|classical]] music.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 November 2019|title=Coldplay's Everyday Life Is A Surprising Return To Form|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/coldplay/coldplay-everyday-life-review/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103222353/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/coldplay/coldplay-everyday-life-review/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Paste}}</ref> Released as the lead single along with "[[Orphans (Coldplay song)|Orphans]]", the song "[[Arabesque (Coldplay song)|Arabesque]]" drew from [[jazz fusion]] and [[afrobeat]] inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2019|title=Coldplay's New songs Orphans and Arabesque Reviewed: Jazzier! Classic rock-ier! Fun-er!|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/coldplay-orphans-arabesque-track-reviews-2560714|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026035819/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/coldplay-orphans-arabesque-track-reviews-2560714|archive-date=26 October 2019|access-date=3 January 2022|website=NME}}</ref> The band continued their lyrical themes of positivity, equality, hope, legacy and humanity, but added loss, pain and commentaries on issues such as [[racism]], [[police brutality]], [[gun control]] and [[refugee crisis]], being their first album to feature [[profanity]].<ref name="DFTB">{{Cite magazine|date=26 November 2019|title=Coldplay Get Admirably Real on the Organically Expansive Everyday Life|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/coldplay-everyday-life-918255/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208044936/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/coldplay-everyday-life-918255/|archive-date=8 December 2020|access-date=29 December 2021}}
* {{Cite web|date=22 November 2021|title=Everyday Life Review: A Confounding Experiment From A Deceptively Forward-thinking Band|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/coldplay-everyday-life-review-2577508|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116225306/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/coldplay-everyday-life-review-2577508|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=26 December 2021|website=NME}}</ref>

This multi-style approach was similarly present in 2021's ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'', although leaning towards pop sounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Music of the Spheres Review by Neil Z. Yeung |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-of-the-spheres-mw0003559619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016160018/https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-of-the-spheres-mw0003559619 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=AllMusic}}</ref> According to Berryman, the record "was created with one eye on the live performances" and that "shaped the overall energy levels and song selections" for it.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Salmon |first=Chris |title=Music of the Spheres World Tour Book |publisher=Parlophone |year=2023 |location=Amsterdam |pages=11–12}}</ref> Martin added he was inspired by the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise, which made him wonder what other artists could be like across the universe after watching the [[Mos Eisley|Mos Eisley Cantina]] band perform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2021 |title=Coldplay's New Album Was Inspired by Star Wars |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/0609/1227100-coldplays-new-album-was-inspired-by-star-wars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230620175320/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/0609/1227100-coldplays-new-album-was-inspired-by-star-wars/ |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=RTÉ}}</ref> New musical influences included "Human Heart" (an [[a cappella]] collaboration with R&B duo [[We Are King]] and [[Jacob Collier]]) and "[[Coloratura (song)|Coloratura]]" (a [[progressive rock]] ballad running at 10 minutes and 18 seconds, making it the longest song the band have ever released).<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2021 |title=Album Reviews: Biffy Clyro {{!}} Coldplay {{!}} Duran Duran {{!}} Lola in Slacks |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/album-reviews-biffy-clyro-coldplay-duran-duran-lola-in-slacks-3420860 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230405115159/https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/album-reviews-biffy-clyro-coldplay-duran-duran-lola-in-slacks-3420860 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=The Scotsman}}
* {{Cite web |date=23 July 2021 |title=Coldplay Discover Pink Floyd, Share 10 Minute Prog Rock Single Coloratura |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/coldplay-discover-pink-floyd-share-10-minute-prog-rock-single-coloratura |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103234755/https://www.loudersound.com/news/coldplay-discover-pink-floyd-share-10-minute-prog-rock-single-coloratura |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=23 July 2021 |website=Louder}}</ref> The phrase "Everyone is an alien somewhere" was frequently used to promote the project; Champion stated it is meant to get people to look at what brings them together instead of what keeps them apart, since "from another planet's perspective, we would be the aliens".<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2021 |title=Corné Klijn Interviewt Coldplay Over Music of the Spheres |trans-title=Corné Klijn Interviews Coldplay About Music of the Spheres |url=https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/npo-radio-2/0fe416ae-a94a-4850-b524-d6adf9e91835/corne-klijn-interviewt-coldplay-over-music-of-the-spheres |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230225171253/https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/npo-radio-2/0fe416ae-a94a-4850-b524-d6adf9e91835/corne-klijn-interviewt-coldplay-over-music-of-the-spheres |archive-date=25 February 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=NPO Radio 2 |language=nl}}</ref>

=== Influences ===
[[File:Brian Eno 2015.png|thumb|upright=0.75|alt=An old man wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt is interviewed|[[Brian Eno]] influenced Coldplay's ambient and electronica sound]]
Coldplay's music has been compared to [[a-ha]], [[U2]], [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[R.E.M.]] and [[Radiohead]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2013|title=10 Bands That Inspired Coldplay|url=http://wxrt.radio.com/2013/09/06/top-10-bands-that-inspired-coldplay/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033041/http://wxrt.radio.com/2013/09/06/top-10-bands-that-inspired-coldplay/|archive-date=1 December 2017|access-date=3 January 2002|website=WXRT}}</ref> They acknowledged Scottish band [[Travis (band)|Travis]] and American singer [[Jeff Buckley]] as major influences on their early material as well,<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 January 2007|title=Martin: Travis Invented Coldplay|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/martin%20travis%20invented%20coldplay_1019613|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104011437/https://admin.contactmusic.com/chris-martin/news/martin-travis-invented-coldplay_1019613|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Contact Music}}
* {{Cite web|date=18 December 2008|title=Coldplay on Jeff Buckley|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-on-jeff-buckley|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104011617/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-on-jeff-buckley|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=12 December 2019|website=Clash Music}}</ref> which was mostly produced by [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2005|title=Coldplay's Comeback – The Full Story|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-548-1355635|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220105013036/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-548-1355635|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=4 January 2022|website=NME}}</ref> Martin is known to be a fan of [[Bruce Springsteen]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=16 January 2020|title=Coldplay Discuss & Perform Songs Off Everyday Life For SiriusXM|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/coldplay-everyday-life-performance-siriusxm-8548224/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211055735/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/coldplay-everyday-life-performance-siriusxm-8548224/|archive-date=11 February 2022|access-date=11 February 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> mentioned "spending three years trying to sound like [[Eddie Vedder]]" before Buckley,<ref name="CMRSI" /> and commented listening to many hymns when he was young due to his religious upbringing. In 2021, he cited Belgian singer-songwriter [[Stromae]] as another influence, affirming "He is one of our heroes you know, he is one of those people that comes along and completely inspires you all over again".<ref>{{Cite AV media|date=26 November 2021|title=Studio Brussel Interview – Coldplay|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2IFyjK0dzc&ab_channel=StudioBrussel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104221243/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2IFyjK0dzc&ab_channel=StudioBrussel|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=4 January 2022|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Buckland, on the other hand, stated [[the Stone Roses]] were one of the reasons why he learned to play guitar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 October 2011|title=Coldplay Hypnotised by Brian Eno During Making of Mylo Xyloto|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-222-1283229|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231181135/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-222-1283229|archive-date=31 December 2016|access-date=4 January 2022|website=NME}}</ref> In 2020, he shared on social media playlists with some of his favorite tracks and artists from each decade, including [[the Velvet Underground]], [[Carole King]], [[Joy Division]], [[Talking Heads]], [[Kate Bush]], [[Donna Summer]], [[Björk]], [[Beastie Boys]] and many others.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1247935804200157187|user=coldplay|title=Hi everyone. Hope you're all doing ok. I made a playlist of (mainly) 1960s songs to give you something to listen to while we're (mainly) all stuck at home. JB|author=Coldplay|date=8 April 2020|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916113454/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/1247935804200157187|archive-date=16 September 2021|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite tweet|number=1255229252024352772|user=coldplay|title=Hi everyone. I've made another playlist for you, this time with some of my favourite 1970s songs.|author=Coldplay|date=28 April 2020|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506064829/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/1255229252024352772|archive-date=6 May 2020|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite tweet|number=1260659424651128832|user=coldplay|title=Hi everyone. I've reached the 1980s with my playlists. Quite tricky to make something coherent for such a seismic decade in music|author=Coldplay|date=13 May 2020|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515115003/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/1260659424651128832|archive-date=15 May 2020|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite tweet|number=1263551544760418312|user=coldplay|title=Here's my 90s playlist. (Surely it's time for an Electronic reunion?) JB|author=Coldplay|date=21 May 2020|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521194931/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/1263551544760418312|archive-date=21 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He said during an interview in the following year his favorite song of all time is "[[Teardrop (song)|Teardrop]]" by [[Massive Attack]].<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1464263332186238987|user=stubru|title=Chris Martin van Coldplay heeft al gekozen! Nu jij nog. Stem op jouw drie favoriete platen aller tijden voor|author=StuBru|date=26 November 2021|access-date=4 January 2022|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127110326/https://twitter.com/stubru/status/1464263332186238987|archive-date=27 November 2021|url-status=live|trans-title=Chris Martin of Coldplay has already chosen! Now you. Vote for your three favorite records of all time for DeTijdloze 100}}</ref> Meanwhile, Berryman is known to be inspired by artists like [[James Brown]], [[Marvin Gaye]], [[Kool & the Gang]] and [[the Funk Brothers]].<ref>{{harv|Spivack|2004|p=23}}
* {{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Collecting Stories: Coldplay's Guy Berryman|url=https://www.christies.com/features/Christies-Interview-Guy-Berryman-Coldplay-10790-1.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104232615/https://www.christies.com/features/Christies-Interview-Guy-Berryman-Coldplay-10790-1.aspx|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=4 January 2022|website=Christies}}</ref> He further added that his musical taste is difficult to condense it down, but could not live without [[the Beatles]] or [[Motown]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guy Berryman – The Style Council|url=https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/style-council/member/guy-berryman-ee889e25cdecd2c1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220117181455/https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/style-council/member/guy-berryman-ee889e25cdecd2c1|archive-date=17 January 2022|access-date=17 January 2022|website=Mr Porter}}</ref> As for Champion, he commented knowing how to play violin and piano since he was eight years old gave him a different perspective on drums, which he only learned to play after joining the band.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=14}}</ref> During his youth, he listened to [[Bob Dylan]], [[Tom Waits]], [[Nick Cave]] and [[Music of Ireland#Traditional music|traditional Irish folk music]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Will Champion Coldplay {{!}} Rare Interview {{!}} The Lost Tapes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J45x3o7sdsU&list=PLG4FWKZXOJeDQLL3wa5Y5P4LoUo8mfn_e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517195922/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J45x3o7sdsU&list=PLG4FWKZXOJeDQLL3wa5Y5P4LoUo8mfn_e |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=4 January 2022 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> He has named [[Ginger Baker]], [[Dave Grohl]] and [[John Bonham]] as some of his favorite drummers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Will Champion: Just Right For Coldplay|url=https://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206172631/http://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay|archive-date=6 December 2018|access-date=12 January 2022|website=Drum!|date=21 February 2012}}</ref>

For ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002), they drew inspiration from [[Echo & the Bunnymen]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2019|title=Echo & The Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch Taks Influencing Friend Chris Martin|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/echo-amp-bunnymens-ian-mcculloch-talks-influencing-friend-chris-martin-id-turn-tell-lyrics-bit-s-231307412.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104014245/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/echo-amp-bunnymens-ian-mcculloch-talks-influencing-friend-chris-martin-id-turn-tell-lyrics-bit-s-231307412.html?guccounter=1|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Yahoo! Entertainment}}</ref> [[George Harrison]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 August 2002|title=Coldplay – Going Out of My Head|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020112623/http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml|archive-date=20 October 2012|access-date=3 January 2022|website=VH1}}</ref> and [[Muse (band)|Muse]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2002 |title=Chris Talk Us Through A Rush of Blood to the Head |url=http://www.coldplay.com/content/ezine/documents/ezine6.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408163645/http://www.coldplay.com/content/ezine/documents/ezine6.pdf |archive-date=8 April 2008 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=Coldplay E-Zine}}</ref> Their third album, ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005), was particularly influenced by [[Kraftwerk]] and [[Depeche Mode]].<ref name="TWISTEDREF">{{Cite web |date=11 March 2006 |title=X&Y from A to Z |url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/interview/25476511 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212101333/http://music.yahoo.com/read/interview/25476511 |archive-date=12 December 2008 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=Yahoo! Music}}</ref> The song "Til Kingdom Come" was first written as a collaboration with [[Johnny Cash]] before he died.<ref name="TWISTEDREF" /> Aside from Nelson, Coldplay also worked with [[Danton Supple]] during recording sessions.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=12 January 2005|title=Coldplay Goes Back To Basics On New Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-goes-back-to-basics-on-new-album-64571/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220105013812/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-goes-back-to-basics-on-new-album-64571/|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=4 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> On ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008), the band moved towards [[art rock]] sensibilities, with inspirations including [[My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine]], [[Blur (band)|Blur]] and [[Arcade Fire]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 May 2008|title=Viva la Vida Biography|url=https://www.coldplay.com/viva-la-vida-biography/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104030102/https://www.coldplay.com/viva-la-vida-biography/|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|publisher=Coldplay}}
* {{Cite web|date=7 June 2008|title=Nice Tunes From Nice Boys: As You Were, Coldplay|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/08/popandrock1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104030227/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/08/popandrock1|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=The Observer}}</ref> After partnering with [[Brian Eno]] and [[Jon Hopkins]], they began to incorporate elements of [[ambient music]] and [[electronica]] into compositions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 June 2018|title=Brian Eno Reveals The Creative Secrets Behind His New Art|url=https://www.redbull.com/in-en/theredbulletin/brian-eno-interview|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104034204/https://www.redbull.com/in-en/theredbulletin/brian-eno-interview|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Red Bull}}
* {{Cite web|date=4 June 2013|title=Meet Jon Hopkins – The Next Brian Eno|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jun/04/jon-hopkins-interview-brian-eno|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104034545/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jun/04/jon-hopkins-interview-brian-eno|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Both producers returned for ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' (2011), with Eno having a more direct role in the songwriting process.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 October 2011|title=Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Has Mass Appeal|website=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/10/24/141654218/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-has-mass-appeal|access-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150117212832/http://www.npr.org/2011/10/24/141654218/coldplays-mylo-xyloto-has-mass-appeal|archive-date=17 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, [[Paul Epworth]] contributed to ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 March 2014|title=Coldplay Work With Producer Paul Epworth On New Album Ghost Stories|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-642-1227901|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104043255/https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-642-1227901|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=NME}}</ref> Producers [[Avicii|Tim Bergling]] and [[Madeon]] were involved as well,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=17 August 2016 |title=Top 5 Madeon Songs You Didn't Know He Produced |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madeon-hit-songs-produced-by-list-7476187/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104045231/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madeon-hit-songs-produced-by-list-7476187/ |archive-date=4 January 2022 |access-date=3 January 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> which resulted in tracks like "[[A Sky Full of Stars]]" having a more "danceable flavor".<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 April 2014|title=Listen: Coldplay's New Song A Sky Full of Stars, Produced by Avicii|url=https://consequence.net/2014/04/listen-coldplays-new-song-a-sky-full-of-stars-produced-by-avicii/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220104044130/https://consequence.net/2014/04/listen-coldplays-new-song-a-sky-full-of-stars-produced-by-avicii/|archive-date=4 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Consequence}}</ref> Made available in the following year, ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2015) featured producing duo [[Stargate (record producers)|Stargate]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=4 December 2015|title=Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams Album Review|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/a-head-full-of-dreams-204795/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713014435/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/a-head-full-of-dreams-204795/|archive-date=13 July 2018|access-date=4 January 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Long-time partners of the band include [[Davide Rossi]],<ref>{{Cite press release |date=28 June 2016 |title=Coldplay Musical Collaborator Davide Rossi Performs with Band in a Rare On-Stage Appearance at Glastonbury Music Festival |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2016/06/28/852111/38160/en/COLDPLAY-MUSICAL-COLLABORATOR-DAVIDE-ROSSI-PERFORMS-WITH-BAND-IN-A-RARE-ON-STAGE-APPEARANCE-AT-GLASTONBURY-MUSIC-FESTIVAL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230225150849/https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2016/06/28/852111/38160/en/COLDPLAY-MUSICAL-COLLABORATOR-DAVIDE-ROSSI-PERFORMS-WITH-BAND-IN-A-RARE-ON-STAGE-APPEARANCE-AT-GLASTONBURY-MUSIC-FESTIVAL.html |archive-date=25 February 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=Globe Newswire}}</ref> Bill Rakho, [[Rik Simpson]] and Dan Green.<ref name="DREAMTEAM">{{Cite web |date=11 March 2021 |title=Coldplay Producers Rik Simpson and Dan Green on Global Production and Nailing Live Streams |url=https://musictech.com/features/interviews/rik-simpson-dan-green-coldplay-everyday-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230225151140/https://musictech.com/features/interviews/rik-simpson-dan-green-coldplay-everyday-life/ |archive-date=25 February 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=MusicTech}}</ref> The last three are referred as The Dream Team on ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019) and all four have been working with Coldplay since ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends''.<ref name="DREAMTEAM" /> For their ninth album, ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'' (2021), the group invited Swedish producer [[Max Martin]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 July 2021|title=Coldplay Announce New Album Music of the Spheres|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-announce-new-album-music-of-the-spheres/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720151307/https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-announce-new-album-music-of-the-spheres/|archive-date=20 July 2021|access-date=4 January 2022|website=Pitchfork}}</ref> The song "People of the Pride" has an introduction inspired by a [[Beyoncé]] performance at the [[Global Citizen Festival]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=12 October 2021|title=Coldplay on BTS, Beyoncé, and How Their New Max Martin-produced Album Came To Be|url=https://ew.com/music/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211013021920/https://ew.com/music/coldplay-music-of-the-spheres/|archive-date=13 October 2021|access-date=4 January 2022|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> while promotional single "[[Coloratura (song)|Coloratura]]" drew comparisons to [[Pink Floyd]].<ref name="FLOYD" />

=== Live performances ===
[[File:A Head Full of Dreams Tour, Wembley Stadium (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|alt=Stage lights being activated in a darkened stadium|Coldplay at [[Wembley Stadium]] during the [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour]] in 2016. The band also had an additional smaller stage where they performed an acoustic set.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 August 2016|title=Concert Review: Coldplay Bursts Into Consol With A Colorful Concert|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2016/08/05/Coldplay-dreams-in-vivid-color-at-Consol/stories/201608050150|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220107021753/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2016/08/05/Coldplay-dreams-in-vivid-color-at-Consol/stories/201608050150|archive-date=7 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref>]]
Coldplay have been said to "make sure each tour is its own dazzling, light-up spectacular".<ref name="LIBPR">{{Cite web|date=13 December 2018|title=Coldplay – Live in Buenos Aires|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/coldplay-live-in-buenos-aires/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020104917/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/coldplay-live-in-buenos-aires/|archive-date=20 October 2021|access-date=4 January 2022|website=Pitchfork}}</ref> Their concerts often use [[fireworks]], [[laser]]s and [[Confetti|confetti cannons]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 June 2017|title=Coldplay Review: Charge of the Bright Brigade|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/16/coldplay-live-review-principality-stadium-cardiff-a-head-full-of-dreams-tour|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530181009/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/16/coldplay-live-review-principality-stadium-cardiff-a-head-full-of-dreams-tour|archive-date=30 May 2021|access-date=5 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Furthermore, ''[[Pollstar]]'' stated they were the first artist to include [[Xyloband|LED wristbands]] in live performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2021 |title=Coldplay's Greener Pastures: With Music of the Spheres, One of the Most Successful Touring Bands Ever Kicks Off a New Era of Sustainable Touring |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2021/10/20/coldplays-greener-pastures-with-music-of-the-spheres-one-of-the-most-successful-touring-bands-ever-kicks-off-a-new-era-of-sustainable-touring-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220630010327/https://news.pollstar.com/2021/10/20/coldplays-greener-pastures-with-music-of-the-spheres-one-of-the-most-successful-touring-bands-ever-kicks-off-a-new-era-of-sustainable-touring-2/ |archive-date=30 June 2022 |access-date=25 September 2023 |website=Pollstar}}</ref> The group are widely credited with popularising the feature as well.<ref name="POWER">{{Cite news |date=3 December 2019 |title=Coldplay's Plastic Problem: What Will Become of Those Glowing Wristbands? |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/coldplays-plastic-problem-will-become-glowing-wristbands/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809113821/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/coldplays-plastic-problem-will-become-glowing-wristbands/ |archive-date=9 August 2022 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Writing a review of ''[[Live in Buenos Aires (Coldplay album)|Live in Buenos Aires]]'' (2018), Sam Sodomsky from ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' hailed them as "one of the 21st century's most enduring live acts".<ref name="LIBPR" /> Meanwhile, ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'s}} [[Alexis Petridis]] commented that the set lists used by the band were "a bullish reminder of how [they] got, and then stayed, huge".<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 October 2021|title=Coldplay Review – Lasers, Confetti and Ed Sheeran In Extravagant Return|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/13/coldplay-review-shepherds-bush-empire-ed-sheeran-music-of-the-spheres|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205062430/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/13/coldplay-review-shepherds-bush-empire-ed-sheeran-music-of-the-spheres|archive-date=5 December 2021|access-date=5 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Both reviewers also noted how Martin usually interacts with the audience between each song's performance.

For [[Ghost Stories Tour]] (2014), however, they performed intimate sets at venues like [[Royal Albert Hall]] and the [[Beacon Theatre (New York City)|Beacon Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 April 2017|title=Coldplay Announces 2014 Tour Dates|url=https://consequence.net/2014/04/coldplay-announces-2014-tour-dates/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220105172456/https://consequence.net/2014/04/coldplay-announces-2014-tour-dates/|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=5 January 2022|website=Consequence}}</ref> The concerts made use of new features including a [[laser harp]] and the [[reactable]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 March 2014|title=Chris Martin Floats Above The Crowd of 800 To Preview The Album's May 19 Release|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/coldplay-introduces-ghost-stories-intimate-690645|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220105171902/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/coldplay-introduces-ghost-stories-intimate-690645/|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=23 July 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter}}
* {{Cite web|date=17 July 2014|title=XL Creates A Sky Full of Video For Coldplay|url=https://www.avinteractive.com/news/display/xl-creates-sky-full-video-coldplay-17-07-2014/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220105172331/https://www.avinteractive.com/news/display/xl-creates-sky-full-video-coldplay-17-07-2014/|archive-date=5 January 2022|access-date=5 January 2022|website=AV Magazine}}</ref> A similar approach was taken for ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019) over their environmental concerns,<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 November 2019|title=Coldplay To Pause Touring Until Concerts Are Environmentally Beneficial|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50490700|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623174329/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50490700|archive-date=23 June 2020|access-date=21 November 2019|website=BBC News}}</ref> with the band playing small shows for charity and a special livestream at the [[Amman Citadel]] in Jordan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 November 2019|title=Coldplay Review – Still The Masters of the Sweeping Statement|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/nov/26/coldplay-review-natural-history-museum-london|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021130117/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/nov/26/coldplay-review-natural-history-museum-london|archive-date=21 October 2021|access-date=5 January 2022|website=The Guardian}}</ref> When reviewing these shows, Dan Stubbs from ''[[NME]]'' stated "on stage is where Coldplay come alive, and where they make the most sense".<ref name="JORDAN">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2019 |title=Inside Coldplay's Spectacular Sermon On The Mount In Jordan |url=https://www.nme.com/features/stand-love-peace-brotherhood-inside-coldplays-spectacular-sermon-mount-amman-jordan-2578014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311042409/https://www.nme.com/features/stand-love-peace-brotherhood-inside-coldplays-spectacular-sermon-mount-amman-jordan-2578014 |archive-date=11 March 2020 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=NME}}</ref> In 2022, Champion said [[the Flaming Lips]] were instrumental in shaping their idea of how entertaining a concert can be, as the American band's tours have "a sense of wonder and sense of fun which we really respond to".<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=6 June 2022 |time=9:40 to 10:25 |title=Going Green: How Coldplay Made Their Latest Stadium Tour One of the Most Sustainable Ever |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g0f-kU0YO8&feature=emb_title |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610220203/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g0f-kU0YO8 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

=== Fashion and aesthetic ===
While members of the band dress casually on their personal lives,<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2023 |title=Coldplay Emboba en Barcelona: Pop Épico y Un Despliegue Tecnológico Deslumbrante |trans-title=Coldplay Stunned in Barcelona: Epic Pop and a Dazzling Technological Display |url=https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2023-05-24/coldplay-emboba-en-barcelona-pop-epico-y-un-despliegue-tecnologico-deslumbrante.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230529063209/https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2023-05-24/coldplay-emboba-en-barcelona-pop-epico-y-un-despliegue-tecnologico-deslumbrante.html |archive-date=29 May 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=El País |language=es}}</ref> they have adopted multiple styles and visuals for each album's promotion.<ref name="HALL">{{Cite web |date=13 October 2021 |title=Coldplay Review: Ed Sheeran Joins the Stadium Titans for a Rousing, Intimate, Homecoming |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/coldplay-review-ed-sheeran-joins-stadium-titans-rousing-intimate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211016151411/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/coldplay-review-ed-sheeran-joins-stadium-titans-rousing-intimate/ |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> Jon O'Brien from [[the Recording Academy]] observed Coldplay's fashion sense did not "extend beyond the student staple of hoodies and corduroys" during initial years.<ref name="OBRIEN">{{Cite web |date=10 July 2020 |title=How Coldplay's Parachutes Ushered in a New Wave of Mild-Mannered Guitar Bands |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/how-coldplays-parachutes-ushered-new-wave-mild-mannered-guitar-bands |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230111131812/https://www.grammy.com/news/how-coldplays-parachutes-ushered-new-wave-mild-mannered-guitar-bands |archive-date=11 January 2023 |access-date=11 January 2023 |website=Recording Academy|type=Use the "Reader Mode" extension to see the archived page in full}}</ref> Martin often wore [[Make Trade Fair]] shirts and had multiple versions of the institution's logo written on the back of his hand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2011 |title=El Estilo de Chris Martin |trans-title=Chris Martin's Style |url=https://www.revistagq.com/moda/galerias/el-estilo-de-chris-martin/7901 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230617235805/https://www.revistagq.com/moda/galerias/el-estilo-de-chris-martin/7901 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=GQ España |language=es}}

* {{Cite magazine |date=30 September 2003 |title=Coldplay Fight for Fair Trade |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/coldplay-fight-for-fair-trade-238579/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241209001154/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/coldplay-fight-for-fair-trade-238579/ |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=9 December 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> In the marketing campaign for ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005), which featured a representation of the [[Baudot code]] on its artwork,<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2005 |title=Coldplay's Album Cover Decoded (And You Thought the Lyrics Were Geeky...) |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/apwxlb/coldplays-album-cover-decoded-and-you-thought-the-lyrics-were-geeky |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230618185525/https://www.mtv.com/news/apwxlb/coldplays-album-cover-decoded-and-you-thought-the-lyrics-were-geeky |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=MTV News}}</ref> the group wore black shirts, jackets, suits and pants, accompanied by white shoes.<ref name="TIOBE">{{Cite web |date=27 May 2005 |title=The Importance of Being Earnest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/may/28/popandrock.coldplay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203121642/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/may/28/popandrock.coldplay |archive-date=3 December 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> After being questioned about it, the singer commented there was a "great security" in feeling part of a team.<ref name="TIOBE" /> In 2007, they began to work with stylist Beth Fenton to make clothes fit the "universe" or the stories being told.<ref name="FENTON">{{Cite web |date=19 November 2020 |title=Behind the Image: Beth Fenton on Clothes Speaking for You |url=https://models.com/oftheminute/?p=135084 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230616234258/https://models.com/oftheminute/?p=135084 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Models}}</ref> They met her through [[Stella McCartney]] and Sara Jowett, who helped Coldplay to produce uniforms for ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008).<ref name="FENTON" /> Inspirations cited include [[the Beatles]]' ''[[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]'' (1967) and jackets worn by [[French Revolution]] armies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2023 |title=Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Behind Coldplay's Sonic Revolution |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/viva-la-vida-or-death-and-all-his-friends-coldplay-album-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230618022506/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/viva-la-vida-or-death-and-all-his-friends-coldplay-album-story/ |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=Dig!}}
* {{Cite web |date=22 June 2008 |title=Coldplay Turns Up the Heat with Viva la Vida |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-coldplay22-2008jun22-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230104025323/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-coldplay22-2008jun22-story.html |archive-date=4 January 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The piece Martin used at [[Wembley Stadium]] in 2009 was added to the [[Victoria and Albert Museum|V&A Museum]] permanent collection as well.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2010 |title=Chris Martin's Viva la Vida Costume |url=https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1160566/chris-martins-iviva-la-vidai-rock-and-pop-jowett-sara/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618183227/https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1160566/chris-martins-iviva-la-vidai-rock-and-pop-jowett-sara/ |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=Victoria and Albert Museum}}</ref> During recording sessions for ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' (2011), the band drew influence from graffiti and designed instruments, cover artworks and stages with street artist Paris.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2012 |title=Interview: Paris, Coldplay's Artist in Residence (Pt 2) |url=https://www.coldplay.com/interview-paris-coldplays-artist-in-residence-pt-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230618194836/https://www.coldplay.com/interview-paris-coldplays-artist-in-residence-pt-2/ |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> Conversely, Mila Fürstová's melancholic etchings were adopted for ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014).<ref name="FURSTOVA">{{Cite magazine |date=6 March 2014 |title=Pass Notes: Mila Fürstová |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/bazaar-art/news/a26201/pass-notes-mila-furstova/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230618204927/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/bazaar-art/news/a26201/pass-notes-mila-furstova/ |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar}}</ref> Non-customised outfits returned, but with darker tones.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Ghost Stories |author=Coldplay |year=2014 |publisher=Parlophone |location=Europe |type=CD liner notes |id=825646305919}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay - Global-Citizen-Festival Hamburg 14 (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay onstage with their respective instruments|Coldplay's aesthetic for ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2015) reflected the bright, uplifting sounds on the album]]
Around the same period, Martin started to wear buttons from Love Button Global Movement, which became his signature accessory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2014 |title=Jennifer Lawrence Spotted Wearing Chris Martin's Love Button |url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/jennifer-lawrence-spotted-wearing-chris-martins-love-button-26435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230618222705/https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/jennifer-lawrence-spotted-wearing-chris-martins-love-button-26435 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=Now to Love}}</ref> The organization is focused on transforming the world through individual and collaborative "acts of kindness".<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2023 |title=Coldplay Levará Pessoas em Situação de Rua para Assistir ao Show da Banda em São Paulo |trans-title=Coldplay Will Take Homeless People to Watch Their Show in São Paulo |url=https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/entretenimento/coldplay-levara-pessoas-em-situacao-de-rua-para-assistir-ao-show-da-banda-em-sao-paulo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230531114952/https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/entretenimento/coldplay-levara-pessoas-em-situacao-de-rua-para-assistir-ao-show-da-banda-em-sao-paulo/ |archive-date=31 May 2023 |access-date=31 May 2023 |website=CNN Brasil |language=pt}}</ref> Clothes made for ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2015) then included details based on [[tie-dye]] and [[kaleidoscope]] visuals reminiscent of the 1970s decade.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2017 |title=Chris Martin de Coldplay Tiene Exactamente 8 Prendas en Su Armario |trans-title=Coldplay's Chris Martin Has Exactly 8 Pieces in His Closet |url=https://www.revistagq.com/moda/fashion-news/galerias/chris-martin-coldplay-looks-camisetas/11163 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230616235057/https://www.revistagq.com/moda/fashion-news/galerias/chris-martin-coldplay-looks-camisetas/11163 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=GQ |language=es}}</ref> Berryman's jacket and shirts worn by Buckland and Champion also had the [[Overlapping circles grid|flower of life]] as a reference to the album cover,<ref name="AHFODFILM">{{Cite AV media |people=Whitecross, Mat |date=2018 |title=Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams |type=documentary |location=United Kingdom |publisher=Trafalgar Releasing}}</ref> while Martin drew media attention for using custom-made [[Air Jordan]]s.<ref name="AJFOOT">{{Cite web |date=18 August 2016 |title=The Story Behind Chris Martin's Signature Air Jordans |url=https://footwearnews.com/fashion/celebrity-style/chris-martin-coldplay-story-behind-crazy-air-jordan-sneakers-photos-248350/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230616233305/https://footwearnews.com/fashion/celebrity-style/chris-martin-coldplay-story-behind-crazy-air-jordan-sneakers-photos-248350/ |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Footwear News}}</ref> Additionally, instruments were decorated with stickers, some of which featured the names of the band's children.<ref name="AHFODFILM" /> In 2016, Fenton stated Coldplay's pieces are typically sourced from [[Rag & Bone]] and [[Levi Strauss & Co.|Levi's]].<ref name="AJFOOT" /> Three years later, a photograph of Buckland's great-grandfather spawned the old-fashioned imagery of ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019),<ref name="WHISKY">{{Cite web |date=22 November 2019 |title=Coldplay 酷玩樂團 / 偉大日常 |trans-title=Coldplay / Everyday Life |url=https://www.warnermusic.com.tw/products/coldplay-everyday-life |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230621013845/https://www.warnermusic.com.tw/products/coldplay-everyday-life |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |website=Warner Music Taiwan |language=zh}}</ref> characterised as "a sepia-tinged 1919 jazz band".<ref name="HALL" /> Nods to the [[Arab world]] were prominently made as well.<ref name="WHISKY" /> To promote ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'' (2021), they incorporated a "cosmic" edge to all items and photoshoots.<ref name="HALL" /> Wardrobe was provided by fashion label Applied Art Forms, which Berryman designed in the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2023 |title=Noch Ein Musiker Mit Einem Modelabel? |trans-title=Another Musician with a Fashion Label? |url=https://www.welt.de/iconmagazine/fashion/article247774598/Coldplays-Guy-Berryman-Noch-ein-Musiker-mit-einem-Modelabel.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016231532/https://www.welt.de/iconmagazine/fashion/article247774598/Coldplays-Guy-Berryman-Noch-ein-Musiker-mit-einem-Modelabel.html |archive-date=16 October 2023 |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=Welt |language=de}}</ref> Each member chose the basic pieces by themselves, later modifying them with embroidery or patches.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=Guy Berryman: Ο Μπασίστας Των Coldplay Στη Vogue Greece |trans-title=Guy Berryman: Coldplay's Bass Player in Vogue Greece |url=https://vogue.gr/living/guy-berryman-o-mpasistas-ton-coldplay-sti-vogue-greece/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906023257/https://vogue.gr/living/guy-berryman-o-mpasistas-ton-coldplay-sti-vogue-greece/ |archive-date=6 September 2024 |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Vogue Greece |language=el}}</ref>

== Achievements ==
{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Coldplay}}
Coldplay are considered the most successful band of the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 June 2024 |title=Glastonbury 2024: The Reason Coldplay Are the 21st Century's Defining Band |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240624-the-reason-coldplay-are-the-21st-centurys-most-loved-band |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050702/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240624-the-reason-coldplay-are-the-21st-centurys-most-loved-band |archive-date=28 July 2024 |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=BBC Culture}}</ref> With over 100 million albums sold globally, they are one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling artists of all time]].{{efn|name=HALPERIN}} ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000), ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002) and ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005) have all been listed among the 50 [[List of best-selling albums in the United Kingdom|best-selling albums in the United Kingdom]], marking the most appearances by a group in the ranking.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2019 |title=The Best-selling Albums of All Time on the Official UK Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-best-selling-albums-of-all-time-on-the-official-uk-chart__15551/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109082630/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-best-selling-albums-of-all-time-on-the-official-uk-chart__15551/ |archive-date=9 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=Official Charts Company}}</ref> The latter was also the third-fastest-selling album in the country's history upon release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 2011 |title=50 Fastest-Selling Albums Ever |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/50-fastest-selling-albums-ever/213617/1/1#48 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021140850/http://www.nme.com/photos/50-fastest-selling-albums-ever/213617/1/1#48 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |access-date=28 December 2021 |work=NME}}</ref> In 2008, "[[Viva la Vida]]" became the first song by a British act to top the [[UK Singles Chart]] and [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] simultaneously since [[Rod Stewart]]'s "[[Maggie May]]" (1971).<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2008 |title=Coldplay Top Singles and Albums Charts in a Week of Firsts |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/coldplay-top-singles-and-albums-charts-in-a-week-of-firsts-pwfxfmqfswh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210821110909/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/coldplay-top-singles-and-albums-charts-in-a-week-of-firsts-pwfxfmqfswh |archive-date=21 August 2021 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=The Times}}</ref> Moreover, its [[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends|namesake album]] was the best-selling [[Music download|digital record]] of the 2000s decade.<ref>{{Cite instagram |postid=CNCkx5shx2y |user=daviderossimusic |title=Showing off the essential... |author=Davide Rossi |date=30 March 2021 |access-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221204010257/https://instagram.fbfh3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/166433284_150726890295418_7810347320382752539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080&_nc_ht=instagram.fbfh3-2.fna.fbcdn.net&_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=OcxxMa5r-GMAX93dUId&edm=ALQROFkBAAAA&ccb=7-5&ig_cache_key=MjU0MDc1NDg5NDE5MDAwNDM1Mw%3D%3D.2-ccb7-5&oh=00_AfAhZ-U9ycU3yufzMsI8n7mO_ZsHL0umL-Xlq8X6iRv5cg&oe=63916A53&_nc_sid=30a2ef |archive-date=4 December 2022 |url-status=live |url=https://instagram.fbfh3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t51.2885-15/166433284_150726890295418_7810347320382752539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080&_nc_ht=instagram.fbfh3-2.fna.fbcdn.net&_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=OcxxMa5r-GMAX93dUId&edm=ALQROFkBAAAA&ccb=7-5&ig_cache_key=MjU0MDc1NDg5NDE5MDAwNDM1Mw%3D%3D.2-ccb7-5&oh=00_AfAhZ-U9ycU3yufzMsI8n7mO_ZsHL0umL-Xlq8X6iRv5cg&oe=63916A53&_nc_sid=30a2ef}}</ref> In 2013, Coldplay were ranked as the most influential British celebrities in the world on [[Forbes Celebrity 100|''Forbes'' Celebrity 100]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2013 |title=Coldplay Most Influential British Celebrities |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2013-06-26/coldplay-most-influential-british-celebrities-in-new-forbes-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042430/https://www.itv.com/news/2013-06-26/coldplay-most-influential-british-celebrities-in-new-forbes-list |archive-date=28 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=ITV News}}</ref> while 2014 saw them become the first band to surpass a billion streams on [[Spotify]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2018 |title=Celebrating a Decade of Discovery on Spotify |url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2018-10-10/celebrating-a-decade-of-discovery-on-spotify/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221201174439/https://newsroom.spotify.com/2018-10-10/celebrating-a-decade-of-discovery-on-spotify/ |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=6 December 2022 |website=Spotify – For the Record}}</ref> Their performance at the [[Super Bowl 50 halftime show]] earned the biggest audience in history for a group and helped to make them the most googled band of 2016.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 February 2024 |title=Here Are the Top 10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Shows |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/most-watched-super-bowl-halftime-shows/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216015522/https://www.billboard.com/lists/most-watched-super-bowl-halftime-shows/ |archive-date=16 February 2024 |access-date=16 February 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}
* {{Cite web |date=14 December 2016 |title=Google Reveals 2016's Most Searched Artists and Songs |url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2016/12/2016-most-googled-musicians-and-songs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042433/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2016/12/2016-most-googled-musicians-and-songs |archive-date=28 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Complex}}</ref> During the same year, Coldplay headlined [[Glastonbury Festival]] for the fourth time, a record for any musician.{{efn|The achievement was extended to five headline performances in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2024 |title=Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA to Headline 2024 Glastonbury Festival |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/14/2024-glastonbury-festival-lineup-dua-lipa-coldplay-sza-shania-twain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314124819/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/14/2024-glastonbury-festival-lineup-dua-lipa-coldplay-sza-shania-twain |archive-date=14 March 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>}} In 2021, "[[My Universe (song)|My Universe]]" became the first song by a British group to debut atop ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=22 November 2021 |title=Here are All the Hits That Have Debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/billboard-hot-100-number-1-song-debuts-426225/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101200543/https://www.billboard.com/photos/billboard-hot-100-number-1-song-debuts-426225/23-22-taylor-swift/ |archive-date=1 January 2022}}</ref> They have earned over $2.23 billion from touring.<ref>$965.3 million from 11.7 million tickets:
* {{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Coldplay – Tour History Report |url=https://pdfhost.io/v/0qRXxIUak_Coldplay_Pollstar_Tour_History_200123 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908225449/https://pdfhost.io/v/0qRXxIUak_Coldplay_Pollstar_Tour_History_200123 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Pollstar}}

$1.26 billion from 11.4 million tickets:
* {{Cite magazine |date=29 May 2025 |title=Coldplay Is Back on Top for April's Boxscore Report with $67.4 Million Earned |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-tour-top-april-2025-boxscore-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250529151301/https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-tour-top-april-2025-boxscore-report/ |archive-date=29 May 2025 |access-date=29 May 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Both the [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour|Head Full of Dreams]] (2016–17) and [[Music of the Spheres World Tour|Music of the Spheres]] (2022–25) tours rank among the 15 [[List of highest-grossing concert tours|highest-grossing runs of all time]].<ref name="FRANKENBERG" /> The latter is also the [[List of most-attended concert tours|most-attended in history]] and the first by a band to surpass $1 billion.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=29 August 2024 |title=Coldplay Tops July Boxscore Report As Tour Surpasses $1 Billion in Grosses |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/coldplay-tour-1-billion-dollar-grosses-1235762768/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829153154/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/coldplay-tour-1-billion-dollar-grosses-1235762768/ |archive-date=29 August 2024 |access-date=29 August 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In 2024, Coldplay became the most played group of the 21st century on British media and the first to reach 90 million [[List of most-streamed artists on Spotify|monthly listeners]] on Spotify.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2024 |title=Coldplay Triumphs Over Queen for Title of Most Played British Group of 21st Century |url=https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/176797/Coldplay-triumphs-over-Queen-for-title-of-most-played-British-group-of-21st-century |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241008202626/https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/176797/Coldplay-triumphs-over-Queen-for-title-of-most-played-British-group-of-21st-century |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=Music News}}
* {{Cite web |date=14 October 2024 |title=Coldplay Moon Music Album Lands at No. 1 on Billboard 200 |url=https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/177532/Coldplay-Moon-Music-album-lands-at-no-1-on-Billboard-200 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014190605/https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/177532/Coldplay-Moon-Music-album-lands-at-no-1-on-Billboard-200 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Music News}}</ref>

The band have received numerous accolades throughout their career as well, becoming the most awarded and nominated group of all time at the [[The Brit Awards|Brit Awards]] (nine victories from 32 nominations).<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2021 |title=Coldplay to Open the 2021 BRIT Awards |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-will-perform-at-the-2021-brit-awards__33056/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210144916/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-will-perform-at-the-2021-brit-awards__33056/ |archive-date=10 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Official Charts Company}}
* {{Cite web |title=BRITs Hall of Fame: The 20 Biggest BRIT Awards Winners in History |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/events/brits/photos/hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228053054/https://www.capitalfm.com/events/brits/photos/hall-of-fame/ |archive-date=28 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Capital FM}}</ref> They are the first act to ever win [[Brit Award for British Album of the Year|British Album of the Year]] three times and [[Brit Award for British Group|British Group]] four times, scoring the most nominations for both categories.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=19 December 2019 |title=Will BTS Finally Win a Brit Award? (And More Burning Questions About the 2022 Brits) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/brit-awards-nominations-burning-questions-bts-elton-john-1235012595/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203222/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/brit-awards-nominations-burning-questions-bts-elton-john-1235012595/ |archive-date=19 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> Coldplay have also won seven [[Grammy Award]]s from 39 nominations, receiving [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] and [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] once, while being nominated for the [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] category three times.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=Jonny Buckland |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/jon-buckland/8655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111135429/https://www.grammy.com/artists/jon-buckland/8655 |archive-date=11 January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023 |website=Recording Academy}}</ref> In January 2009, they received a [[NRJ Music Award|NRJ Award of Honour]] in recognition of their career accomplishments and impact.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 January 2009 |title=NRJ Awards: Katy Perry Given Rihanna's Award by Mistake |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jan/19/katy-perry-rihanna-award-mixup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107151555/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jan/19/katy-perry-rihanna-award-mixup |archive-date=7 November 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> The band were then named Songwriters of the Year at the [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP London Music Awards]] in the following year,<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2010 |title=Coldplay Win ASCAP Songwriting Award |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-246-1293602 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226184821/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-246-1293602 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=NME}}</ref> having previously received the same honor from the [[Ivor Novello Awards]] in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2003 |title=Ivor Novello Awards 2003 Winners |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2966887.stm |access-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122142151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2966887.stm |archive-date=22 November 2021}}</ref> Their single "[[Atlas (Coldplay song)|Atlas]]", which was released as part of ''[[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire]]'' (2013) soundtrack,<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 December 2013 |title=Atlas é Indicada ao Critics' Choice Awards 2014 |trans-title=Atlas Is Nominated For The 2014 Critics' Choice Awards |url=http://coldplaybrasil.com/2013/12/atlas-e-indicada-ao-critics-choice-awards-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226185553/https://coldplaybrasil.com/2013/12/atlas-e-indicada-ao-critics-choice-awards-2014/ |archive-date=26 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Coldplay Brasil |language=pt}}</ref> was nominated for the [[19th Critics' Choice Awards]] and shortlisted at the [[87th Academy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 December 2014 |title=Coldplay, Lorde, Lana Del Rey Make Best Original Song Oscar Shortlist |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/coldplay-lorde-lana-del-rey-make-best-original-song-oscar-shortlist-182267/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519122353/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/coldplay-lorde-lana-del-rey-make-best-original-song-oscar-shortlist-182267/ |archive-date=19 May 2020 |access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> In 2014, Coldplay were ranked as the sixth-most-awarded group of all time by [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2014 |title=100 Most Award-Winning Artists |url=http://www.tvtango.com/series/one_hundred_most_award_winning_artists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105014247/http://www.tvtango.com/series/one_hundred_most_Award_winning_artists |archive-date=5 January 2022 |access-date=12 September 2020 |website=TV Tango}}</ref> Two years later, the band were chosen for [[NME Awards|''NME'' Awards]]' Godlike Genius Award, which honours "careers of music icons who have been pioneers in the industry".<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2016 |title=NME Just Gave Coldplay Their Godlike Genius Award and Not Everyone Is Happy About It |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/nme-awards-2016-coldplay-crowned-godlike-genius-to-a-mixed-response-a6819686.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224222337/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/nme-awards-2016-coldplay-crowned-godlike-genius-to-a-mixed-response-a6819686.html |archive-date=24 December 2021 |access-date=28 December 2021 |website=The Independent}}</ref> They have earned two [[American Music Awards]]; nine [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]]; seven [[MTV Video Music Awards]]; three [[Juno Award]]s; two silver prizes at the [[Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity]]; and established 15 ''[[Guinness World Records]]'', currently holding 10 of them. In May 2022, it was reported that the band's estimated combined wealth — without Harvey — exceeded £471 million, placing them among the [[List of music artists by net worth|richest musicians on the planet]].<ref name="RICH">{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=Coldplay's Chris Martin Net Worth |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/profile/article/chris-martin-coldpay-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-fbv8j5mvh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220522030130/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sunday-times-rich-list-coldplay-net-worth-chris-martin-guy-berryman-jonny-buckland-will-champion-v66n69xsp |archive-date=22 May 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=The Times}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{Main|Cultural impact of Coldplay}}
[[File:ColdplayCWB210323 (6 of 6).jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|alt=Coldplay preparing to bow on stage after performing|Coldplay at [[Estádio Couto Pereira]] in 2023]]
Coldplay are considered one of the most influential bands of the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2012 |title=Coldplay |url=https://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116214215/https://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/coldplay/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=15 December 2021 |website=Seattle Weekly |quote=There are still 88 years and eight months remaining in the 21st century, but thus far, they are the most influential band of it}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Firstpost]]'', Lakshmi Govindrajan Javeri commented they have "mastered the art of reinvention", consequently widening the "roster of artists inspired by them" and creating "a rich multi-genre legacy" which impacted [[Cultural impact of Coldplay#Creative inspiration|a variety of mainstream and indie musicians worldwide]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2021 |title=Twenty Years On, Coldplay Refuses To Take Its Voice Seriously |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/twenty-years-on-coldplay-refuses-to-take-its-voice-seriously-their-versatility-and-collabs-have-kept-the-band-alive-10067761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220716170016/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/twenty-years-on-coldplay-refuses-to-take-its-voice-seriously-their-versatility-and-collabs-have-kept-the-band-alive-10067761.html |archive-date=16 July 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> Songs from the group have been [[List of cover versions of Coldplay songs|covered]] and sampled on many occasions as well.<ref name="TNYIR" /> They were credited with bringing the sound of mainstream rock towards "something more gentle and melodic" and ushering into new forms of songwriting when "British music struggled to define itself".<ref name="NIERENBERG">{{Cite web |date=22 July 2020 |title=Holy Hell! Parachutes Turns 20 |url=https://spectrumculture.com/2020/07/22/holy-hell-parachutes-turns-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230106055246/https://spectrumculture.com/2020/07/22/holy-hell-parachutes-turns-20/ |archive-date=6 January 2023 |access-date=6 January 2023 |website=Spectrum Culture}}
* {{Cite web |date=11 June 2011 |title=Coldplay Set the Direction of Mainstream Rock |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/12/coldplay-direction-mainstream-rock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914232901/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/12/coldplay-direction-mainstream-rock |archive-date=14 September 2015 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[Neil McCormick]] from ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' stated that the band represent the evolution of rock into a brand new era,<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2022 |title=British Rock Is Now Dominated by Bedwetters – And That's a Good Thing |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/british-rock-now-dominated-bedwetters-good-thing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220811101426/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/british-rock-now-dominated-bedwetters-good-thing/ |archive-date=11 August 2022 |access-date=31 July 2023 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> while ''[[Afisha]]''{{'s}} Sergey Stepanov described them as the 21st century equivalent to [[the Beatles]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=20 Лет A Rush of Blood to the Head: Сергей Степанов – О Главном Aльбоме Coldplay |trans-title=20 Years of A Rush of Blood to the Head: Sergey Stepanov – About the Main Album of Coldplay |url=https://daily.afisha.ru/music/23944-20-let-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-sergey-stepanov-o-glavnom-albome-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250516041247/https://daily.afisha.ru/music/23944-20-let-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-sergey-stepanov-o-glavnom-albome-coldplay/ |archive-date=16 May 2025 |access-date=26 August 2022 |website=Afisha |language=ru}}</ref> Publications have also frequently labeled Coldplay as successors to [[U2]] as the biggest band in the world.{{efn|As per ''[[The Guardian]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2013 |title=Coldplay/Under 1 Roof – Review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/20/coldplay-under-1-roof-apollo-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230804175526/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/20/coldplay-under-1-roof-apollo-review |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 March 2016 |title=25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music Is Going |work=The New York Times Magazine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/10/magazine/25-songs-that-tell-us-where-music-is-going.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211227014802/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/10/magazine/25-songs-that-tell-us-where-music-is-going.html?mtrref=undefined&assetType=PAYWALL |archive-date=27 December 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ''[[Stereogum]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2019 |title=Premature Evaluation: Coldplay Everyday Life |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2064318/coldplay-everyday-life-review/reviews/premature-evaluation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230804175032/https://www.stereogum.com/2064318/coldplay-everyday-life-review/reviews/premature-evaluation/ |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> and ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2008 |title=Coldplay Review: The Old Ones Are Still the Best |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2141900/Coldplay-review-the-old-ones-are-still-the-best.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230804175147/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2141900/Coldplay-review-the-old-ones-are-still-the-best.html |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref>}}

Despite their popularity and impact, the group earned a reputation as [[Cultural impact of Coldplay#Public image|polarising cultural icons]], since they have attracted criticism as much as praise from the public and the music critics throughout their career.<ref name="NELSON">{{Cite web |date=2 December 2015 |title=We Are All Coldplay |url=https://consequence.net/2015/12/we-are-all-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116222334/https://consequence.net/2015/12/we-are-all-coldplay/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=25 December 2021 |website=Consequence}}</ref> Michael Baumann explained for ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' that Coldplay's rise to fame coincided with a decade marked by "artistic snark and cynicism: hipsterism, the peak of [[Pop-punk|pop punk]]" and the new rebirth of [[Rockism and poptimism|rockism]], meaning that their "earnest, nonthreatening, and profoundly accessible" public image was established at "the worst time of the past 40 years to be those things".<ref>{{cite web |date=2 December 2021 |title=Coldplay – and Especially Fix You – Deserve a Better Legacy |url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/12/2/22813020/coldplay-fix-you-revisited-legacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230804123045/https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/12/2/22813020/coldplay-fix-you-revisited-legacy |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |website=The Ringer}}</ref> In a piece for ''The New York Times'', [[Jon Pareles]] named them "the most insufferable band of the decade".<ref name="TNYIR" /> Conversely, Lanre Bakare told ''[[El País]]'' that Martin is new kind of pop star who connects with fans emotionally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2022 |title=Coldplay: Why Such An Irritating Band Can Fill More Venues Than Any Other on the Planet |url=https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-09-28/coldplay-why-such-an-irritating-band-can-fill-more-venues-than-any-other-on-the-planet.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230805171115/https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-09-28/coldplay-why-such-an-irritating-band-can-fill-more-venues-than-any-other-on-the-planet.html |archive-date=5 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=El País}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[The Times]]''{{'}} [[Mark Beaumont (journalist)|Mark Beaumont]] defended that Coldplay regained respect and credibility in all fields by dedicating themselves to stadium spectacles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2022 |title=How It Became Cool to Like Coldplay |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/coldplay-stadium-tour-how-they-became-cool-928dd6n93 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220825075016/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/coldplay-stadium-tour-how-they-became-cool-928dd6n93 |archive-date=25 August 2022 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=The Times}}</ref>

Felipe Branco Cruz from ''[[Veja (magazine)|Veja]]'' credited them with reinventing the concept of arena rock by turning fans into protagonists of the concert instead of mere spectators,<ref name="CRUZ">{{Cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=Com Show no Rock in Rio, Coldplay Reinventa o Conceito de Rock de Arena |trans-title=With Rock in Rio Show, Coldplay Reinvents the Concept of Arena Rock |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/cultura/com-show-no-rock-in-rio-coldplay-reinventa-o-conceito-de-rock-de-arena/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911111809/https://veja.abril.com.br/cultura/com-show-no-rock-in-rio-coldplay-reinventa-o-conceito-de-rock-de-arena/ |archive-date=11 September 2022 |access-date=11 September 2022 |website=Veja |language=pt}}</ref> which included popularising the use of interactive [[Xyloband|LED wristbands]] on live performances.<ref name="POWER" /> With the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]] (2022–25), the group became "pioneers for sustainability" in live entertainment, reducing [[Greenhouse gas emissions|CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]] by 59% in comparison to [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour|their previous concert run]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2023 |title=Coldplay Work Towards Net Zero on Sustainable Tour |url=https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/Coldplay-work-towards-net-zero-on-sustainable-tour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230711125244/https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/Coldplay-work-towards-net-zero-on-sustainable-tour |archive-date=11 July 2023 |access-date=11 July 2023 |website=Sustainability}}
* {{Cite web |date=3 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Praised for Setting a New Standard as They Share Update on Tour Emission Success |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-setting-a-new-standard-following-update-on-tour-emission-success-3761992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604021819/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-setting-a-new-standard-following-update-on-tour-emission-success-3761992 |archive-date=4 June 2024 |access-date=4 June 2024 |website=NME}}</ref> They were listed as one of the most influential climate action leaders in the world by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' as well.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=16 November 2023 |title=The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business 2023 |url=https://time.com/collection/time100-climate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116151051/https://time.com/collection/time100-climate/ |archive-date=16 November 2023 |access-date=16 November 2023 |magazine=Time}}</ref> The [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI) has attributed rises in British music exportation to Coldplay's international success on several occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2017 |title=British Music Exports Rise in 2016 |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/british-music-exports-rise-in-2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116220713/https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/british-music-exports-rise-in-2016/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=17 June 2021 |website=BPI}}
* {{Cite web |date=16 June 2021 |title=Streaming Powers British Music Exports to New High in 2020 |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/streaming-powers-british-music-exports-to-new-high-in-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116221044/https://www.bpi.co.uk/news-analysis/streaming-powers-british-music-exports-to-new-high-in-2020/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=17 June 2021 |website=BPI}}</ref> The band were also praised for having creative and "forward-thinking" marketing strategies, with their use of the internet as a tool for promotion being considered revolutionary in the early 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 February 2023 |title=Why Coldplay Is One of the Most Successful UK Bands |url=https://www.obscuresound.com/2023/02/why-coldplay-is-one-of-the-most-successful-uk-bands/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629124539/https://www.obscuresound.com/2023/02/why-coldplay-is-one-of-the-most-successful-uk-bands/ |archive-date=29 June 2023 |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=Obscure Sound}}</ref> In 2016, ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' ranked their first five albums among the best of the last 30 years.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2016 |title=The Greatest Albums of the Last 30 Years |url=https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qcollection.htm#Q30years |url-status=usurped |magazine=Q |type=30th Birthday Special Issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808030114/https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qcollection.htm |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref> The second, ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002), was added to the [[List of 200 Definitive Albums in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] and ''[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|Rolling Stone]]''{{'s}} definitive editorials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 April 2007 |title=Definitive 200 |url=http://www.rockhall.com/pressroom/definitive-200 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919000041/http://www.rockhall.com/pressroom/definitive-200 |archive-date=19 September 2009 |access-date=21 April 2021 |website=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
* {{Cite magazine |date=31 December 2023 |title=The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/stevie-wonder-music-of-my-mind-2-1062883 |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240419024223/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/stevie-wonder-music-of-my-mind-2-1062883/ |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024}}</ref> As another result of their impact and legacy, the group have spawned various [[Cultural impact of Coldplay#Tribute projects|tribute albums, events and acts]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2008 |title=Jay-Z and Coldplay Mixtape: Viva la Hova |url=https://beatsperminute.com/jay-z-and-coldplay-mixtape-viva-la-hova/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230527234401/https://beatsperminute.com/jay-z-and-coldplay-mixtape-viva-la-hova/ |archive-date=27 May 2023 |access-date=27 May 2023 |website=Beats Per Minute}}
* {{Cite web |date=30 March 2023 |title=Blitz Apresenta Coldplay em Portugal, a Exposição |trans-title=Blitz Presents Coldplay in Portugal, the Exhibition |url=https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-03-30-BLITZ-apresenta-Coldplay-em-Portugal-a-exposicao-cc81d590 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403114919/https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-03-30-BLITZ-apresenta-Coldplay-em-Portugal-a-exposicao-cc81d590 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=Expresso |language=pt}}
* {{Cite web |date=29 November 2016 |title=Meet Leading Coldplay Tribute Band, Coldplace |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2016/11/29/meet-leading-coldplay-tribute-band-coldplace.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819125306/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2016/11/29/meet-leading-coldplay-tribute-band-coldplace.html |archive-date=19 August 2023 |access-date=19 August 2023 |website=The Jakarta Post}}</ref>

== Other activities ==
=== Philanthropy ===
Coldplay donate 10% from all of their profits to charity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2005 |title=Coldplay's Slow-Burning Success |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2780109.stm |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805124727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2780109.stm |archive-date=5 August 2019}}
* {{Cite web |date=14 October 2021 |title=ClientEarth Reaction: Coldplay Announce Music of the Spheres Word Tour |url=https://www.clientearth.org/latest/press-office/press/coldplay-world-tour-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229134028/https://www.clientearth.org/latest/press-office/press/coldplay-world-tour-release/ |archive-date=29 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Client Earth}}</ref> The fund is held in a bank account none of the band members can access.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2003 |title=Coldplay to Donate 10th of Earnings to Charity |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30082906.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229134029/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30082906.html |archive-date=29 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |website=Irish Examiner}}</ref> They have endorsed over 30 organisations over the years,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay: Charity Work & Causes|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/coldplay|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116231501/https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/coldplay|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=18 May 2021|website=Look to the Stars}}</ref> including [[Amnesty International]], [[Migrant Offshore Aid Station]] and [[Global Citizen Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 March 2017|title=Coldplay Brings 20 Years of Music and Charity to Global Citizen Germany|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/coldplay-global-citizen-festival-hamburg/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116231525/https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/coldplay-global-citizen-festival-hamburg/|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=29 December 2021|website=Global Citizen}}</ref> In 2003, an acoustic cover of the single "[[2000 Miles]]" was released to raise funds for [[Stop Handgun Violence]] and Future Forests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003 |title=Coldplay – 2000 Miles |url=http://www.coldplay.com/pop.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050505035454/http://www.coldplay.com/pop.html |archive-date=5 May 2005 |access-date=8 April 2021 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> Two years later, they partnered with the [[Make Poverty History]] movement, being featured in one of their television campaigns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2014 |title=What Happened to the Make Poverty History Movement? |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/what-happened-to-the-make-poverty-history-movement-20140905-10ciar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116231748/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/what-happened-to-the-make-poverty-history-movement-20140905-10ciar.html |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Coldplay have also auctioned significant memorabilia for [[Kids Company]] in 2009, including Martin's first guitar, the globe from the ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000) album cover and costumes worn on [[Viva la Vida Tour]] (2008–10).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay's Chris Martin to Auction His First Guitar for Charity |work=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/48938 |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220013619/https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/48938 |archive-date=20 December 2009}}</ref> They additionally became patrons for [[ClientEarth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 November 2010 |title=Coldplay Become Patrons of ClientEarth |url=http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708174633/http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=665 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |access-date=3 June 2022 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay Twisted Logic Live 2006 in Singapore Indoor Stadium.jpg|thumb|alt=Martin performing with his microphone and piano, wearing a black outfit|[[Make Trade Fair]], abbreviated as MTF, shown on Martin's piano]]
The band performed a modified version of "A Message" (named "A Message 2010") at ''[[Hope for Haiti Now]]'', a telethon which raised money for the victims of the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hope For Haiti Now Concert YouTube Broadcast Info|publisher=Coldplay|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=577|url-status=dead|access-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124081110/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=577|archive-date=24 January 2010}}</ref> Berryman mentioned that "You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, if it can help people, then we want to do it".<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=78}}</ref> In 2012, Album Artists staged an exhibition with artworks from ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' (2011) era to raise £610,000 for Kids Company.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=275647685195866113|user=coldplay|title=Take a bow Coldplay fans. An incredible £610,000 raised so far from the Mylo art sale @AlbumArtists @KidsCo_Tweets. PH|author=Coldplay|date=3 December 2012|access-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615182704/https://twitter.com/coldplay/status/275647685195866113|archive-date=15 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, Martin joined [[Band Aid (band)|Band Aid]] for a second time and provided vocals to a new version of "[[Do They Know It's Christmas?]]", which focused on aiding the [[2014 Ebola outbreaks|Ebola crisis]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 November 2014|title=Band Aid 30: One Direction Among Celebrity Line-up|newspaper=The Telegraph|location=London|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|access-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html|archive-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>

In 2017, Coldplay made a donation of undisclosed value to the Centre for Cancer Immunology at [[University of Southampton]], the first and only centre dedicated to cancer immunology research in the United Kingdom.<ref name="SOTON">{{Cite web |date=19 July 2017 |title=Coldplay Support University Cancer Campaign |url=https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2017/07/coldplay-cic-donation.page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201062549/https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2017/07/coldplay-cic-donation.page |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=University of Southampton}}</ref> The organisation reunited cancer scientists worldwide to enable the development of clinical trials and lifesaving drugs.<ref name="SOTON" /> In the following year, the band contributed to the ''Plastic Oceans Album'' from [[Artists' Project Earth]], which was released on 20 February at [[London]]'s Ocean Plastics Crisis Summit to raise awareness and funds to counter plastic pollution.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Artists Project Earth – Description|url=https://oceanconference.un.org/commitments/?id=15302|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503180112/https://oceanconference.un.org/commitments/?id=15302|archive-date=3 May 2017|access-date=29 December 2021|website=The Ocean Conference}}</ref> Still in 2018, they made ''[[Global Citizen – EP 1]]'' available under the pseudonym Los Unidades, with royalties being directed to the institution's endeavours of education and advocacy towards the end of [[extreme poverty]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 November 2018|title=Stream Coldplay's New Collaborative EP as Los Unidades|url=https://www.spin.com/2018/11/coldplay-los-unidades-global-citizen-ep-1-listen/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190213202742/https://www.spin.com/2018/11/coldplay-los-unidades-global-citizen-ep-1-listen/|archive-date=13 February 2019|access-date=16 January 2022|website=Spin}}</ref>

In 2020, the music video of "Trouble in Town" was inspired by [[George Orwell]]'s ''[[Animal Farm]]'' (1944) and had all of its proceeds from streaming and publishing donated to [[Innocence Project]] and the African Children's Feeding Scheme.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=12 March 2020|title=Coldplay Bring Animal Farm to the Present on Trouble In Town Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-trouble-in-town-video-966121/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116232423/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-trouble-in-town-video-966121/|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref> Coldplay pledged support to [[the Ocean Cleanup]] as well, sponsoring two watercrafts that collect plastic from polluted rivers in [[Malaysia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=Coldplay Sponsors Watercraft To Clean Up Polluted Rivers In Malaysia |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-sponsors-watercraft-to-clean-up-polluted-rivers-in-malaysia-2910867 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116232457/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-sponsors-watercraft-to-clean-up-polluted-rivers-in-malaysia-2910867 |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=NME}}</ref> According to ''[[The Times]]'', the band donated more than £2.1 million to environmental causes through their J Van Mars Foundation in 2021.<ref name="RICH" /> As part of their efforts to make touring sustainable, they collaborated with One Tree Planted to fund a tree per ticket at the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=Coldplay's Low-Carbon World Tour |url=https://www.livenation.com/exclusives/483/coldplays-low-carbon-world-tour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423081645/https://www.livenation.com/exclusives/483/coldplays-low-carbon-world-tour |archive-date=23 April 2024 |access-date=23 April 2024 |website=Live Nation}}</ref> Following their first Indonesia concert in 2023, Coldplay announced the renewal of their Ocean Cleanup alliance, with a new watercraft being deployed in [[Jakarta]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2023 |title=Coldplay Sumbang Kapal Pembersih Sampah di Sungai Cisadane |trans-title=Coldplay Donates Garbage Cleaning Boat at Cisadane River |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20231117171020-234-1025727/coldplay-sumbang-kapal-pembersih-sampah-di-sungai-cisadane/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231117131230/https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20231117171020-234-1025727/coldplay-sumbang-kapal-pembersih-sampah-di-sungai-cisadane/ |archive-date=17 November 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=CNN Indonesia |language=id}}</ref> In 2024, it was revealed that 10% of the proceeds from their [[Wembley Stadium]] and [[Craven Park, Hull|Craven Park]] performances will be donated to [[Music Venue Trust]] next year, helping grassroots venues and artists in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Coldplay Announce London and Hull Stadium Shows, with 10 Per Cent of Proceeds for Music Venue Trust |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-uk-tour-stadium-london-wembley-hull-music-venue-trust-tickets-3794308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917180325/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-uk-tour-stadium-london-wembley-hull-music-venue-trust-tickets-3794308 |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=NME}}</ref>

=== Politics and activism ===
[[File:Believe In Love (Super Bowl 50).png|thumb|alt=A set of rainbow-coloured placards read "Believe in Love" in a stadium|The ending of Coldplay's [[Super Bowl 50 halftime show]] performance]]
The band have been vocal about [[fair trade]] and supported [[Oxfam]]'s [[Make Trade Fair]] campaign by collecting more than 70,000 signatures for their Big Noise petition on [[A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour]] (2002–03) and [[Twisted Logic Tour]] (2005–07).<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2006 |title=During Second Leg of US Tour, Coldplay Campaigns to Make Trade Fair |url=https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/during-second-leg-of-us-tour-coldplay-campaigns-to-make-trade-fair/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116231631/https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/during-second-leg-of-us-tour-coldplay-campaigns-to-make-trade-fair/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=Oxfam America}}</ref> Martin, who lives in the United States, criticised the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]] during a show for [[Teenage Cancer Trust]] at [[Royal Albert Hall]], encouraging people at the venue to "sing against war".<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 March 2003|title=Liam Gallagher Slams Chris Martin's Anti-war Stance|url=https://www.nme.com/news/oasis/13953|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116175347/https://www.nme.com/news/oasis/13953|archive-date=16 November 2009|access-date=29 December 2021|website=NME}}</ref> He has also backed [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] presidential candidates [[John Kerry]] in 2004 and [[Barack Obama]] in 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2004 |title=Kerry, On A Roll |work=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/09/mgrind.day.mon/ |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818013844/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/09/mgrind.day.mon/ |archive-date=18 August 2011}}
* {{Cite web |date=29 January 2009 |title=Chris Martin Shows Obama Support |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/chris-martin-shows-obama-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203092945/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/chris-martin-shows-obama-support |archive-date=3 February 2009 |access-date=29 December 2021 |work=Clash}}</ref> Coldplay take part in [[Meatless Monday|Meat Free Mondays]] as well; the campaign was launched by [[Paul McCartney]] in hopes to slow climate change by having at least one meat free day a week.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 June 2009|title=Coldplay Back Meat Free Monday|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=426&page=0|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620194605/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=426&page=0|archive-date=20 June 2009|access-date=29 December 2021|publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> In 2011, they endorsed the song "[[Freedom for Palestine]]" by posting the music video on their social media and received over 12,000 comments debating the message in less than a day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 June 2011 |title=Coldplay Angers Fans by Telling Them to Check Out Freedom for Palestine Video |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/coldplay-angers-fans-by-telling-them-to-check-out-freedom-for-palestine-video/2011/06/03/AG50OvHH_blog.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105190912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/coldplay-angers-fans-by-telling-them-to-check-out-freedom-for-palestine-video/2011/06/03/AG50OvHH_blog.html |archive-date=5 November 2015 |access-date=29 December 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> [[Facebook]] later removed their publication because its content was reported as abusive by numerous users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2011 |title=Palestine Campaign Song Generates Controversy Ahead of Release |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/view-from-jerusalem-with-harriet-sherwood/2011/jun/09/palestinian-territories-gaza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116233139/https://www.theguardian.com/world/view-from-jerusalem-with-harriet-sherwood/2011/jun/09/palestinian-territories-gaza |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> The band have also refused to play in Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2023 |title=Musicians Who Refuse to Perform in Israel |url=https://www.newsweek.com/celebrities-refuse-perform-israel-1844673 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613135403/https://www.newsweek.com/celebrities-refuse-perform-israel-1844673 |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024 |website=Newsweek}}</ref> In 2023, Martin reaffirmed their support for Palestine during a show, adding that "We don't believe in oppression, or occupation, terrorism or genocide".<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=Coldplay Reaffirms Support for Palestine at Latest Concert: We Don't Believe in Oppression, Occupation, Terrorism or Genocide |url=https://www.sinardaily.my/article/212782/focus/national/coldplay-reaffirms-support-for-palestine-at-latest-concert-quotwe-dont-believe-in-oppression-occupation-terrorism-or-genocidequot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613140902/https://www.sinardaily.my/article/212782/focus/national/coldplay-reaffirms-support-for-palestine-at-latest-concert-quotwe-dont-believe-in-oppression-occupation-terrorism-or-genocidequot |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024 |newspaper=Sinar Daily}}</ref>

Coldplay have supported the [[LGBT community]] as well, sparking controversy with their [[Super Bowl 50 halftime show]] performance.<ref name="SB50">{{Cite web |date=8 February 2016 |title=Coldplay & Beyoncé Accused of Gay Propaganda in Last Night's Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/super-bowl-halftime-gay-propaganda/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116233516/https://www.dailydot.com/irl/super-bowl-halftime-gay-propaganda/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=The Daily Dot}}</ref> The band were accused by [[Conservatism in the United States|conservatives]] of promoting a "[[gay agenda]]" at the end,<ref name="SB50" /> when rainbow-coloured placards were flipped to form the phrase "Believe in Love".<ref>{{Cite web|first=|date=8 February 2016|title=Super Bowl 50's Pro-Gay Marriage Moment Sends A Beautiful Message About Love|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/140337-super-bowl-50s-pro-gay-marriage-moment-sends-a-beautiful-message-about-love|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116233539/https://www.bustle.com/articles/140337-super-bowl-50s-pro-gay-marriage-moment-sends-a-beautiful-message-about-love|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=29 December 2021|website=Bustle}}</ref> American magazine ''[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]'' ranked it among the most memorable LGBTQ moments of the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2016 |title=8 Super Bowl Moments LGBTs are Still Talking About |url=https://www.advocate.com/sports/2016/2/07/8-super-bowl-moments-lgbt-are-still-talking-about#toggle-gdpr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230513013816/https://www.advocate.com/sports/2016/2/07/8-super-bowl-moments-lgbt-are-still-talking-about%23toggle-gdpr |archive-date=13 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |website=The Advocate}}</ref> In 2016, they favoured "Vote Remain" at the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]].<ref name="BREXIT" /> Following [[Brexit]], Martin stated the "decision does not represent us or indeed most of our generation and the generation following us".<ref name="BREXIT">{{Cite web |date=28 July 2016 |title=Coldplay's Chris Martin Appeals for Unity After Brexit |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a799058/coldplay-chris-martin-appeals-for-unity-after-brexit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116233730/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a799058/coldplay-chris-martin-appeals-for-unity-after-brexit/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=Digital Spy}}</ref> A year later, the group appeared at [[One Love Manchester]], a benefit concert organised by [[Ariana Grande]] in response to the [[Manchester Arena bombing]] which raised funds to help victims of the attack.<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 May 2017|title=Ariana Grande's Manchester Benefit Concert to Air Live on BBC One|work=Evening Standard|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/ariana-grande-s-manchester-benefit-concert-to-air-live-on-bbc-one-a3552716.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613201342/http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/ariana-grande-s-manchester-benefit-concert-to-air-live-on-bbc-one-a3552716.html|archive-date=13 June 2017}}</ref> Coldplay were also special guests at [[A Concert for Charlottesville|Concert for Charlottesville]], a show focused on aiding the victims of the [[Unite the Right rally]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 September 2017|title=A Concert for Charlottesville: Thousands Pack Stadium for Unity Concert|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2017/09/25/thousands-pack-charlottesville-stadium-for-unity-concert/105976476/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116234136/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2017/09/25/thousands-pack-charlottesville-stadium-for-unity-concert/105976476/|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=29 December 2021|website=USA Today}}</ref> In 2019, the band released ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'', which saw them voicing more prominently their stance against [[racism]], [[police brutality]] and [[gun violence]].<ref name="DFTB" /> Two years later, they were among the artists who signed a public letter endorsing the [[Equality Act (United States)|Equality Act]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artist Letter in Support of the Equality Act |url=https://theallycoalition.org/equality-act/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220116233657/https://theallycoalition.org/equality-act/ |archive-date=16 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=The Ally Coalition}}</ref> In 2023, the [[Malaysian Islamic Party]] attempted to cancel the group's concert at [[Bukit Jalil National Stadium]], as Martin often waves the [[Rainbow flag (LGBT)|pride flag]] during performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2023 |title=PAS Questions Government Allowing Coldplay to Perform Live Concert in Malaysia |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/907853/pas-questions-government-allowing-coldplay-perform-live-concert-malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230513023534/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/907853/pas-questions-government-allowing-coldplay-perform-live-concert-malaysia |archive-date=13 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |website=New Straits Times}}</ref>

=== Endorsements ===
Despite their worldwide popularity, Coldplay have remained notoriously protective of how their material appears in media.<ref name="SMLT">{{Cite web |date=1 March 2012 |title=Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Coldplay |url=http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/03/top-5-things-you-may-not-know-about-coldplay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106210922/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/03/top-5-things-you-may-not-know-about-coldplay |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=19 August 2021 |website=ABC News}}</ref> The band allow songs to be used in television shows and movies regularly, but most commercials are forbidden.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2003 |title=Countdown for Clocks |url=http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine8.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050514210230/http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine8.pdf |archive-date=14 May 2005 |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=Coldplay E-Zine}}</ref> In 2002, ''[[NME]]'' reported they turned down over $85 million in contracts from companies including [[Gatorade]], [[Diet Coke]] and [[Gap Inc.|Gap]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 August 2002 |title=No Trouble for Adverts |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-615-1381235 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106211612/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-615-1381235 |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |website=NME}}</ref> Martin stated "We would not be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that".<ref name="SMLT" /> The first time one of their songs were used for advertisements was with "[[Viva la Vida]]" in 2008, the group signed a deal with [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] to promote the exclusive availability of the single on [[iTunes Store]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2008|title=Coldplay iTunes Ad Debuts on US TV|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034284|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526061201/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034284|archive-date=26 May 2012|access-date=6 January 2022|work=Music Week}}</ref> In 2010, Martin appeared at the company's annual special event.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 September 2010|title=Apple Special Event September 2010|url=https://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2010/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903202039/http://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2010/|archive-date=3 September 2010|access-date=28 December 2021|work=Apple Inc}}</ref> Following the death of [[Steve Jobs]], Coldplay performed on his memorial service at [[Apple Infinite Loop|Apple Campus]], posthumously thanking his support.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2011|title=Watch The October 19th, 2011 Apple Event Celebrating Steve Jobs|url=https://tidbits.com/2011/10/24/watch-the-19-october-2011-apple-event-celebrating-steve-jobs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201222118/https://tidbits.com/2011/10/24/watch-the-19-october-2011-apple-event-celebrating-steve-jobs/|archive-date=1 December 2021|access-date=6 January 2022|website=TidBits}}</ref>

[[File:A_Sky_Full_of_Stars_Target_AD_(2014).png|thumb|alt=Coldplay floating in the air with their respective instruments, assisted by cables|[[Target Corporation|Target]] commercial where Coldplay promoted ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014)]]
Six years later, they took part in a [[Target Corporation|Target]] commercial which promoted the exclusive deluxe edition of ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2014|title=There's a Sky Full of (Paper) Stars in Coldplay's Target Commercial|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2014/05/theres-a-sky-full-of-paper-stars-in-coldplays-targ|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106213802/https://corporate.target.com/article/2014/05/theres-a-sky-full-of-paper-stars-in-coldplays-targ|archive-date=6 January 2022|access-date=11 June 2021|website=Target}}</ref> Meanwhile, the music video for "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]", which was directed by [[Mat Whitecross]] and recorded at [[The Imaginarium]], had a [[Beats Electronics|Beats]] product placement.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2016|title=Bands & Brands: The New Music Business|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bands-brands-new-music-business/1386597|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106214130/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bands-brands-new-music-business/1386597|archive-date=6 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022|website=Campaign}}</ref> The company was allowed to use some parts of the video on their commercials as a return for covering the budget. In 2018, director [[Jon M. Chu]] revealed he sent a letter directly to the band laying out all his reasons in order to get a permission for using "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]" on ''[[Crazy Rich Asians (film)|Crazy Rich Asians]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 August 2018|title=Crazy Rich Asians: Read the Letter That Convinced Coldplay to Allow Yellow in the Movie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/read-crazy-rich-asians-director-s-letter-coldplay-yellow-1135826/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106210409/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/read-crazy-rich-asians-director-s-letter-coldplay-yellow-1135826/|archive-date=6 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> After it was granted, a Chinese-language cover of the track was commissioned as well.

In 2021, Coldplay announced a major partnership with German multinational [[BMW]] as part of their efforts to make touring as sustainable as possible.<ref name="BMWHP">{{Cite press release |title=The First-Ever BMW iX and the First-ever BMW i4: Joint Global Campaign Plays to the Rhythm of Coldplay's New Hit |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0335298EN/the-first-ever-bmw-ix-and-the-first-ever-bmw-i4:-joint-global-campaign-plays-to-the-rhythm-of-coldplay-s-new-hit?language=en |publisher=BMW Group |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=6 January 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106225032/https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0335298EN/the-first-ever-bmw-ix-and-the-first-ever-bmw-i4:-joint-global-campaign-plays-to-the-rhythm-of-coldplay-s-new-hit?language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> They commented the company's technology, which includes the first recyclable car batteries in the world, is able to power live performances almost entirely from renewable energy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 December 2021|title=Coldplay's New Tour Powered by BMW Batteries|url=https://luxuryboutiquemagazine.com/2021/10/18/coldplays-new-tour-powered-by-bmw-batteries/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220106230929/https://luxuryboutiquemagazine.com/2021/10/18/coldplays-new-tour-powered-by-bmw-batteries/|archive-date=6 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022|website=Luxury Boutique}}</ref> As part of the deal, the band contributed on the marketing of two electric cars from the company and allowed "[[Higher Power (Coldplay song)|Higher Power]]" to be used in advertisements.<ref name="BMWHP" /> In 2022, [[DHL]] became Coldplay's freight partner for the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]] (2022–25) in order to reduce the logistical impact of the shows and avoid the use of fossil fuels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2023 |title=Coldplay Investe em Biocombustível, Tecnologia e Materiais Reutilizáveis por Turnê Mais Sustentável |trans-title=Coldplay Invest in Biofuel, Technology and Reusable Materials for More Sustainable Touring |url=https://exame.com/negocios/coldplay-investe-biocombustivel-tecnologia-e-materiais-reutilizaveis-turne-sustentavel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230528165554/https://exame.com/negocios/coldplay-investe-biocombustivel-tecnologia-e-materiais-reutilizaveis-turne-sustentavel/ |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=Exame |language=pt}}</ref>

== Band members ==
* [[Chris Martin]] – lead vocals, piano, keyboards, guitars (1997–present)
* [[Jonny Buckland]] – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (1997–present)
* [[Guy Berryman]] – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1997–present)
* [[Will Champion]] – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1998–present)
* [[Phil Harvey (band manager)|Phil Harvey]]{{efn|name=YEAH}} – manager (1998–2002; 2022–present), creative director (2006–present)

== Discography ==
{{Main|Coldplay discography|List of songs by Coldplay|l2=songs}}
* ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000)
* ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002)
* ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'' (2014)
* ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Moon Music]]'' (2024)

== Filmography ==
{{Main|Coldplay videography}}
* ''[[Twisted Logic Tour#Video release|How We Saw the World – Live in Toronto]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams|A Head Full of Dreams]]'' (2018)
* ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life – Live in Jordan]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Coldplay discography#Extended plays|Reimagined]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Coldplay – Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate|Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate]]'' (2023)
* ''[[Music of the Spheres World Tour#Releases|Tutto Passa – A Tribute to Napoli]]'' (2024)
* ''[[Moon Music|A Film for the Future]]'' (2025)

== Tours ==
{{Main|List of Coldplay live performances}}
* [[Parachutes Tour]] (2000–2001)
* [[A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour]] (2002–2003)
* [[Twisted Logic Tour]] (2005–2007)
* [[Viva la Vida Tour]] (2008–2010)
* [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]] (2011–2012)
* [[Ghost Stories Tour]] (2014)
* [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour]] (2016–2017)
* [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]] (2022–2025)

== See also ==
* [[List of people associated with University College London]]
* [[List of British Grammy winners and nominees]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists]]
* [[List of highest-grossing live music artists]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|3}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book|title=Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay|last1=Wild|first1=Debs|publisher=ECW|year=2018|isbn=9781787391093|first2=Malcolm|last2=Croft}}
* {{Cite book|title=Viva Coldplay: A Biography|last=Roach|first=Martin|publisher=Music Sales|year=2011|isbn=9780857125941|url-access=registration|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IuTFoyjgAr4C}}
* {{Cite book|title=Coldplay: Look at the Stars|last=Spivack|first=Gary|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2004|isbn=9780743491969|url-access=registration|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=luC5Ipj0vr4C}}
* {{Cite book|title=Coldplay: Nobody Said It Was Easy|last=Roach|first=Martin|publisher=Omnibus|date=2003|isbn=9780711998100}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|c=Category:Coldplay|n=Category:Coldplay|q=Category:Coldplay|d=Q45188|b=no|s=no|v=no|voy=no|wikt=no}}
* {{URL|1=https://coldplay.com/|2=Coldplay Official Website}}
* {{AllMusic}}
* {{Amazon Music artist|B000QKGN8W}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist}}

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