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MUSIC: Coldplay, MEN Arena, Thu 11 and Fri 12 Dec
David Sue3/12/2008
CRITICS of Coldplay (and there are many of them) might argue that Chris Martin and co have been diligently studying the U2 Rulebook of Pop Success.
Compose epic rock ballads? Conquer America? Develop a big social conscience and support lots of humanitarian charities? Indeed, the only thing Coldplay seem to be missing is a lead guitarist with a silly stage-name like The Edge.
Those comparisons aren’t likely to vanish, yet there’s one crucial thing that will always prevent Coldplay from entering the realms of Bono-esque po-faced seriousness – and that’s Chris Martin. Half rock idol, half bumbling English schoolboy, Martin has always given Coldplay that extra degree of heart and, most of all, immense charm.
Indeed, he seems to spend most of Coldplay’s interviews comically sending himself up, and even made a cameo on Ricky Gervais’ BBC sitcom Extras, where he allowed Gervais to cruelly (but hilariously) mock his Mr Nice Guy persona.
Coldplay’s career arc has been built upon such quirky humility. In less than a decade, Chris Martin and co have risen from quiet indie beginnings to becoming true global rock supergiants (complete with Hollywood wives), yet they’ve never fallen into commercial complacency and taken audiences for granted.
As typified by latest album, the brilliant and experimental Viva La Vida – produced by oddball music wizard Brian Eno – they’re a band unafraid to step out of their comfort zone and test exciting new musical waters.
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