Coldplay Biography

Rock Band

Coldplay's single "Clocks" won the Grammy Award for best record of 2003. The U.K. rock band is made up of vocalist Chris Martin (b. 2 March 1977), guitarist Johnny Buckland (b. 11 September 1977), bassist Guy Berryman (b. 12 April 1978) and drummer Will Champion (b. 31 July 1977). Formed in 1997, the band began playing gigs and released successful short recordings in the U.K. on their way to their first full-length album, Parachutes (2000). The single "Yellow" shot up the charts in the U.K., and frequent airplay on radio and MTV made it an international hit. After a tour of the U.S. in 2001, they released their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head (including "Clocks") in 2002; it was hailed by critics as one of the best records of 2002. Known for their moody and melodic brand of guitar-oriented rock, the band has been favorably compared to Radiohead. Coldplay's other singles include "Trouble" and "The Scientist."

Extra credit: Chris Martin married actress Gwyneth Paltrow in December of 2003... "Clocks" was included in the 2003 Grammys because A Rush of Blood to the Head was released late in 2002; releases from October 2002 through September 2003 were eligible.

Other British rockers include Joy Division, The Beatles and The Clash.