Mention Coldplay and their music somehow reminds you to the sounds of Radiohead.

Comparisons aside, these talented young men deserved the attention they are getting now for their music; they were conferred the Best New Artiste at the recent Brit Awards.

Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion met in college in 1996. Coldplay was formed when Chris and Jon started to play the guitar and write songs together. Soon after, Guy joined to play the bass and Will on the drums despite the fact that he had never play the instrument before. Hence, the band was christened Coldplay after their friend Tim gave the name and they started rehearsing as a four-piece in 1998.

After sensing the natural flair they had for music, Chris' close friend decided to manage and finance the band's first recording, “Safety”. The recording got the band a gig in a Cuban Café in late 1998. Lady Luck was smiling upon them because amongst the audience was a talent scout that will see Coldplay rise to fame.

“Brothers and Sisters” was their very first single under the Fierce Panda label. In early 1999, Coldplay was signed to Parlophone.

“The Blue Room” EP released by Parlophone featured a track called “Bigger Stronger” which slowly climbed its way up the airwaves on Radio One. Coldplay then embarked on a national tour with Bellatrix in October.

Coldplay was fast riding on the music charts with their single, “Shiver” as it entered the Top 40 charts. The success prompted the band to record their debut album, “Parachutes”. Recorded in London and Liverpool, the album was co-produced by Ken Nelson and Coldplay themselves. As a result, the album became a worldwide hit, a favourite among Brit rock fans here.

Biography

Chris Martin
(Vocals/Guitar/Piano), age 23,
grew up in Devon where from an early age he could be found merrily bashing out tunes on the family piano. He graduated to the guitar and has been in bands since he was 15.

Guy Berryman
(Bass), age 22,
was born in Fife in Scotland, though his family later moved to Kent. Inspired by his love of funk and rare groove records Guy started playing bass at 13.

Jonny Buckland
(Lead Guitar), age 22,
is from Mold, North Wales. He first picked up a guitar aged 11, encouraged by his older brother, although it wasn't until he heard The Stone Roses that he started taking his playing seriously.

Will Champion
(Drums), age 22,
born in Southampton, spent his formative years learning to play a variety of instruments whilst watching his beloved Southampton F.C. narrowly avoid relegation year after year.