Sep 22nd 2024 : I was already logged in the “BookMyShow” much before the tickets were live for sale. Fully prepared, not just on my laptop but on the phone too but to my horror Book My Show platform crashed even before I could have a glance on the opening screen.
In my next attempt after some time when the site was live again, I was after 1,26,719 people who were in the queue for the Mumbai concert. However, later my friend and his sister managed 8 tickets between the two of them for the Ahmedabad show. And we landed up in Ahmedabad. Ticket cost Rs. 9000. One way flight, one way train, one night hotel twin sharing all that extra costs and we thanked our lucky stars enough considering what many people had to go through to get one ticket for the show.
And on Jan 26th show, when Chris Martin said, “I am sorry for whatever B#ushi! You guys had to go through for this show”, everyone could relate to what it takes to be to attend a LIVE Coldplay concert in India.
1996 : University College London (UCL) where it all started
The genesis of Coldplay, probably the world’s most successful band currently, can be traced back to the halls of University College London (UCL) where the seeds of creation were planted and started growing.
Ramsay Hall proved an ideal environment to compose the fledgling band’s first tunes, recalls Will: “I remember in the first week or so people sitting around and playing music and I remember specifically jamming with Chris, there was amazing acoustics on this big stairwell and we just sat and played guitars and I remember one jam where I was on the very bottom floor lying down at the bottom of the stairs, and he was on the fifth floor – sort of like a five-floor musical experience.”
“It’s weird though, because the bloke who turned out to be the best guitarist out of all of us was the bloke who had his guitar hidden in his cupboard and who never got it out or was pushy about his guitaring. It was your man over there, Jonny. He was really quiet and timid; it was great because a lot of people were too pushy and too cool, and the people it turns out who were in the band were those who were just really passionate and not pushy.” Find more on UCL NEWS
Chris Martin, a budding pianist and vocalist, and Jonny Buckland, a guitarist, crossed paths during their freshman orientation week at UCL. They quickly bonded over their shared passion for music and began writing songs together, initially under the band name “Pectoralz.”
Guy Berryman, a fellow student, joined the duo as bassist, and the band adopted the name “Starfish.” They started playing gigs in local pubs and clubs around Camden, honing their sound and gaining early traction.
Will Champion, originally a guitarist, joined the band as drummer, solidifying their lineup. The band also changed their name to “Coldplay,” inspired by a Tim Rice-Oxley (future member of Keane) song.
Academic Pursuits followed Music
Their formation at UCL serves as a reminder that even the most successful bands can have humble beginnings, and that the power of collaboration and shared passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.
While music was their passion, they didn’t neglect their studies. Chris Martin studied Ancient World Studies, Jonny Buckland focused on Mathematics and Astronomy, Guy Berryman pursued Engineering, and Will Champion delved into Anthropology. This diverse academic background likely contributed to the intellectual depth and eclectic influences that would later shape their music.
Early Influences and Sound
Their early gigs were primarily in pubs and clubs around Camden and other London hotspots.
Coldplay’s early sound was heavily influenced by British rock bands like Radiohead and U2, incorporating elements of alternative rock, pop, and electronic music. Their music is characterized by Martin’s distinctive vocals, Buckland’s soaring guitar riffs, and Champion’s driving rhythms.
Lesser Known Facts about Coldplay:
- The band’s original name, “Pectoralz,” was inspired by a running joke about the band members’ chest hair.
- Coldplay’s first manager, Phil Harvey, was a friend of Chris Martin’s from school and was studying classics at Oxford University at the time.
- The band’s debut EP, “Safety,” was released independently in 1998 and helped them gain attention from record labels.
- Coldplay’s breakthrough single, “Yellow,” was originally intended to be an instrumental track.
The enduring magic that makes them so special, so Everglow
When Chris Martin, mid-concert, spotted Sanjana and Tanuj holding a heartfelt plea to play ‘Everglow,’ and then proceeded to lift them onto the stage, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even the random guy who may not have listened to any Coldplay numbers ever, would have been instantly captivated.
The very next moment a hush fell over the stadium as he spoke. One lakh spectators, along with the millions watching on Hotstar Disney, felt a surge of emotion. His accented “Vande Mataram” and “Maa Tujhe Salaam” sent shivers down spines and brought tears to countless eyes.
And the stadium erupted once more when Jasprit Bumrah showed up after Chris mentioned him in his earlier show and dedicated two impromptu lines – Oh Jasprit we did not enjoy when you destroy England in cricket taking wicket after wicket – delivered with a playful grin, sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Coldplay’s journey from a wannabe college band to global stardom is a story of their talent, hard work, love and dedication to their music. Yet, it’s their ability to consistently connect with their fanbase on an emotional level that truly sets them apart.
Be it pillion riding on a scooty to the stadium or apologising for the British Regime in India, or their consistent drive to make their audience and fanbase aware towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprint, the genuine interaction, the ability to connect and create unforgettable moments with their audience, is what truly sets Coldplay apart.
It’s this unique connection that solidifies their status as more than just a band – they’re an experience. Keep for-ever-glowing!
