Coldplay – Alternative rock group from the UK
The band was created in 1996 by Chris Martin (vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist), Jonny Buckland (guitarist, back vocalist), Guy Berryman (bass guitarist, keyboardist, back vocalist), and Will Champion (percussions, back vocalist). The aspiring artists met at University College in London. Each one of them had different plans for the future according to the chosen professions. Music was just a hobby, which turned into a passion.
The name Coldplay didn’t appear immediately. Initially, the musician performed under the name Starfish. The musicians renamed the band in 1998.
In the spring of 1998, Coldplay released an EP, Safety, which was sponsored by their manager Phil Harvey. Some of the copies were sent to different labels and some were handed to friends and family. Only 50 copies of the album were meant to be sold. The EP turned out to be very popular. In December, Fierce Panda label invited the band to record a single. The musicians came up with “Brothers& Sisters,” which was later re-released as part of the 1999 EP with the same name. The song reached the 92nd spot on the UK Singles Chart and attracted the attention of labels, music critics and radio stations. Eventually, the group signed a contract with Parlophone. Soon they released their third album The Blue Room, which sold over 5,000 copies.
