History of Coldplay

Coldplay came out as Radiohead were disappearing up their own bum releasing experimental albums and Oasis were fighting like cats and dogs. It was the perfect timing for these fresh-faced lads from London to unleash their stadium rock-ready sound.

The bandmates came together in 1996 while at University and after a couple of well-received EPs the band were hailed as the next Travis. However it was on the back of their single, "Yellow" that Coldplay mania hit - their debut album, Parachutes, sold millions, earning them their first Grammy nomination.

In 2001 they released A Rush of Blood to the Head, which increased the band's popularity. And when singer Chris Martin married Hollywood beauty Gwyneth Paltrow (who used to date Brad Pitt), Coldplay were suddenly splashed all over the tabloids.

Albums to follow - the strangely-titled X&Y (2005) and 2008's Viva La Vida - have put Coldplay up there with U2 as one of the world's most successful rock bands.

5 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay

1. Before Coldplay, the band's name was Starfish.
2. Chris Martin wrote the song "Moses" for wife Gwyneth Paltrow.
3. Chris Martin once said that though the band fights, it will never turn into a fistfight.
4. All four members studied at University College London – Chris did Ancient History, Jon read Mathematics and Astronomy, Will was an Anthropologist, and Guy was training to be an engineer.
5. Coldplay won't allow their music to be used to sell products; their music is only allowed to be used in film, TV, and promotional spots.