Editing Coldplay (section)

== History ==
=== 1997–1999: Formation and first years ===
{{Quote box
| quote  = The final name change came courtesy of close friend and fellow [[University College London|UCL]] student Tim Crompton. Tim was in the process of putting a band of old schoolmates together (later called Bettina Motive). While killing time waiting for a delayed removal van, he had considered the name after he found a copy of Philip Horky's book, ''Child's Reflections, Cold Play''. Tim had a list of potential band names but Cold Play was quickly rejected; the future bandmates didn't like it, so they discarded it. Starfish were happy to pick it up.
| author = —''Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay'', 2018<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=16}}</ref>
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[[Chris Martin]] and [[Jonny Buckland]] met during their first week at [[University College London]], in September 1996.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=25 August 2005 |title=Coldplay's Quiet Storm |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplays-quiet-storm-77262/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220204022830/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplays-quiet-storm-77262/ |archive-date=4 February 2022 |access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref> They began to write their first songs together in early 1997 and practised every night.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=111}}</ref> [[Guy Berryman]] was the third to join the band in the following months and the trio recorded numerous demos without a drummer, calling themselves Big Fat Noises by November.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=13–16}}</ref> In January 1998, [[Will Champion]] completed the line-up.<ref name="WCJRFC">{{Cite web |date=21 February 2012 |title=Will Champion: Just Right for Coldplay |url=https://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206172631/http://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay |archive-date=6 December 2018 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Drum!}}</ref> He declared that Martin, Buckland and Berryman came to his house because a roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but the roommate did not turn up for the session, "so I just said [I would] give it a go".<ref name="WCJRFC" />

Champion scheduled the band's first performance only a few days after becoming part of it.<ref name="TLTS">{{Cite web |date=16 January 1998 |title=The Live Debut |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/first-show-the-laurel-tree-camden-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415144136/https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/first-show-the-laurel-tree-camden-2/ |archive-date=15 April 2021 |access-date=20 January 2022 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> They had not chosen a proper name yet and called themselves Starfish for the show, which was held on 16 January 1998 at The Laurel Tree, in [[Camden Town|Camden]].<ref name="TLTS" /> Weeks later, the band settled on the name Coldplay.<ref name="TLTS" /> In May, they released ''[[Safety (EP)|Safety]]'', an independent [[Extended play|EP]] financed by Martin's lifelong friend, [[Phil Harvey (band manager)|Phil Harvey]].<ref name="TCR">{{Cite web |date=26 February 2018 |title=They Played a Tiny Café... There Were Four People in the Audience |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122080835/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=Music Business Worldwide}}</ref> 150 out of 500 copies went to open market.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=18–20}}</ref> Harvey sold the first one to his roommate for £3 and the rest was given away to record labels.<ref name="WIPH">{{Cite web |date=April 2002 |title=We Interview Coldplay's Manager |url=http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111124731/http://www.coldplay.com/ezine/ezine1.pdf |archive-date=11 November 2007 |access-date=31 December 2021 |website=Coldplay E-Zine}}</ref>

As Martin complained about the "vice-like grip" one of the Camden promoters had on the band, Harvey suggested the group should book their own concert at [[Dingwalls]], where they managed to sell 50 copies of ''Safety''.<ref name="WIPH" /> The event is generally considered when Harvey officially became Coldplay's manager.<ref name="WIPH" /> He eventually dropped out of his course at [[Trinity College, Oxford]] to dedicate himself to the role.<ref name="TCR" /> More concerts were scheduled throughout the summer.<ref name="CHERRY">{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=20–23}}</ref> Martin tried to invite [[Tim Rice-Oxley]] to play keyboard for the band, but when "[they] discussed it again a couple of weeks later, he said that the rest of the band weren't keen on adding a member".<ref name="CHERRY" /> In September 1998, they performed at [[Manchester]]'s In the City showcase and got discovered by A&R scout Debs Wild.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 1998 |title=Manchester's In the City Showcase |url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/manchester-in-the-city/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117153548/http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/manchester-in-the-city/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> ''Safety'' was followed by a cassette demo with "Ode to Deodorant" and "[[Brothers & Sisters (song)|Brothers & Sisters]]".<ref name="DWI">{{Cite web |date=12 December 2018 |title=Interview: Debs Wild on Discovering Coldplay |url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/interview-debs-wild-discovering-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117155143/http://timeline.coldplay.com/article/interview-debs-wild-discovering-coldplay/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref>

Wild informed [[Universal Music Publishing Group|BMG Publishing]]'s Caroline Elleray and music lawyer Gavin Maude about the group.<ref name="DWI" /> Elleray then talked to Dan Keeling at [[Parlophone]], but he had already passed on them.<ref name="DWI" /> Maude talked to Simon Williams from [[Fierce Panda Records|Fierce Panda]], who contacted [[Steve Lamacq]].<ref name="DWI" /> On 3 January 1999, Coldplay became the first unsigned act to appear on Lamacq's ''Evening Session''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 1999 |title=Steve Lamacq Live Session on Radio 1 |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/steve-lamaq-live-session-on-radio-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117162141/https://timeline.coldplay.com/article/steve-lamaq-live-session-on-radio-1/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> A month later, they signed a short-term contract with Fierce Panda and re-recorded "Brothers & Sisters".<ref name="EAK">{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=30–35}}</ref> Six labels offered a contract as the band's popularity grew, but they wanted Parlophone, which led Elleray to meet Keeling again.<ref name="EAK" /> He changed his mind and the deal was signed at [[Trafalgar Square]] in April 1999, the same month in which "Brothers & Sisters" was released.<ref name="EAK" /> The following days saw them studying for UCL finals.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=38}}</ref>

On 27 June 1999, Coldplay made their first appearance at the [[Glastonbury Festival]] in the New Bands Tent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 1999 |title=Glastonbury Festival |url=https://timeline.coldplay.com/show/glastonbury-festival-1999-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117195032/https://timeline.coldplay.com/show/glastonbury-festival-1999-3/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Coldplay Timeline}}</ref> They later recorded ''[[The Blue Room (EP)|The Blue Room]]'', which had 5,000 copies pressed and sold to the public.<ref name="ROACH28">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=28}}</ref> Its sessions were originally meant for ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'' (2000), but became tumultuous due to Martin having heated discussions regarding Champion's abilities as a drummer.<ref>{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=42–45}}</ref> The singer commented that "Three days later, the rest of us were feeling miserable, [...] we asked him to come back. They made me have lots of vodka and cranberry juice in remembrance of what a nasty piece of work I was being".<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2021 |title=Coldplay's Will Champion Reflects On Getting Kicked Out of the Band |url=https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201042713/https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/ |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=Uproxx}}</ref> After working out their differences, the band chose to operate as a democracy, established a new set of rules and proclaimed that anyone using [[Recreational drug use#Drug harmfulness|hard drugs]] would be kicked out of the group immediately, a decision inspired by [[R.E.M.]] and [[U2]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2019 |title=Coldplay: Inspiring Stories About Famous Musicians and Bands Who Started to Perform in College |url=https://makingmusicmag.com/coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230117204539/https://makingmusicmag.com/coldplay/ |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=Making Music}}</ref>

=== 2000–2001: ''Parachutes'' ===
The band first planned to record their debut album, ''Parachutes'', over the span of two weeks. However, due to tours and other live performances, the recording took place between September 1999 and April–May 2000.<ref name="ROACH45">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=45}}</ref> The album was recorded at [[Rockfield Studios]], Matrix Studios, and [[Wessex Sound Studios]] with producer [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]], although the majority of ''Parachutes''{{'}} tracks were recorded at [[Liverpool]]'s Parr Street Studios (where they used three studio rooms). American engineer [[Michael Brauer]] in New York mixed all of the songs for the album.<ref>Sam Inglis (October 2000). [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm " Recording Coldplay's Parachutes"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050811021036/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm |date=11 August 2005}}. ''SOS''. Retrieved 9 September 2008.</ref> During that time they played on the [[NME Tours|Carling Tour]], which showcased up-and-coming acts.<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Lisa|last=Verrico|title=NME Carling Premier Tour – Arts|date=21 January 2000|journal=The Times |location=UK|page=44}}</ref>

[[File:YellowLive.JPG|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing "Yellow" live in 2005|Coldplay performing "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]", their breakthrough hit, from the band's 2000 debut album ''[[Parachutes (Coldplay album)|Parachutes]]'', in 2005]]
After releasing two EPs without a hit song, Coldplay had their first [[Top 40]] hit with the lead single from ''Parachutes'', "[[Shiver (Coldplay song)|Shiver]]", which was released in March 2000, the same week Coldplay played [[The Forum, Tunbridge Wells|The Forum in Tunbridge Wells]] supporting the band Terris as part of the NME Premier Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NME |date=2000-01-14 |title=Headline: Brats 2000 – Bring It On! |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-2314-1386758 |access-date=19 October 2022 |website=NME |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529123723/https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-2314-1386758 |url-status=live}}</ref> "Shiver" peaked at the number 35 position on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=35}}</ref> June 2000 was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history: the band embarked on their first headlining tour, including a performance at the [[Glastonbury Festival]]. The band also released the single "[[Yellow (Coldplay song)|Yellow]]";<ref name="ROACH42">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=42}}</ref> it was Coldplay's first release to reach the top five and rose to number four on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="ROACH42" /> The minimalistic music video for "Yellow" was filmed at [[Studland Bay]] in Dorset, and featured Martin singing the song in one continuous shot as he walked along the beach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Escapes City For "Yellow" Single, Video|last=Basham|first=David|date=16 October 2000|publisher=MTV|access-date=3 May 2020|archive-date=13 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113161550/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Yellow" and "Shiver" were initially released as EPs in the spring of 2000.<ref>Bogdanov, Vladimir; Woodstra, Chris; Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (2002). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC&dq=two+more+EPs,+Shiver+and+Yellow&pg=PA235 All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404212223/https://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC&dq=two+more+EPs,+Shiver+and+Yellow&pg=PA235 |date=4 April 2023}}''. Backbeat Books. p. 235. {{ISBN|087930653X}}. Retrieved 7 September 2008.</ref> "Yellow" was released as a single in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2000. In the United States, it was released as the lead single from the then-untitled debut album. In October 2000, the track was sent to US college and alternative radio outlets.<ref>Basham, David (16 October 2000). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Escapes City For "Yellow" Single, Video"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113161550/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427212/20001016/coldplay.jhtml |date=13 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 9 September 2008.</ref>

Coldplay released ''Parachutes'' on 10 July 2000 in the United Kingdom via their record label, [[Parlophone Records|Parlophone]]. The album debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="ROACH45"/> It was released on 7 November 2000 by record label [[Nettwerk]] in North America.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=874414 |title=Nettwerk To Release Coldplay Album |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=2 August 2000 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=15 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103013536/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=874414 |archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> The album has been made available in various formats since its initial release; both Parlophone and Nettwerk released it as a CD in 2000, and it was also released as a [[Compact cassette|Cassette]] by US label [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in 2001. In the following year, Parlophone issued the album as an [[LP record|LP]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=coldplay|chart=all}} |title=Discography – Coldplay: Parachutes |magazine=Billboard  |access-date=30 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405000723/http://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/coldplay/chart |archive-date=5 April 2013}}</ref> Four singles were released from ''Parachutes'', including "Shiver" and "Yellow", and enjoyed popularity in the UK and US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p435023|title=Coldplay > Biography|website=Allmusic|author=Leahey, Andrew|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=26 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526111729/http://allmusic.com/artist/p435023|url-status=live}}</ref> The third single was "[[Trouble (Coldplay song)|Trouble]]", which reached number 10 in the UK charts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 29 October 2000 – 4 November 2000|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20001029/7501/|publisher=Official Charts|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604114419/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20001029/7501/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released more than a year later in the US, and reached number 28 in the [[Alternative Songs]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Artists: Coldplay – 45 Charts – Alternative songs|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/Coldplay/chart?page=2&f=377|magazine=Billboard|access-date=20 February 2016|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413112434/http://www.billboard.com/artist/299516/coldplay/chart?page=2&f=377|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2001, the band released a limited-edition CD, ''Mince Spies'', featuring a remix of "Yellow" and the Christmas song "[[Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas]]". It was pressed to 1,000 copies, and was issued only to fans and journalists.<ref name="MOSS">Moss, Corey (18 December 2001). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451517/20011217/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Ready Second Album As 'Trouble' Heats Up"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114154236/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451517/20011217/coldplay.jhtml |date=14 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 22 September 2008.</ref>

''Parachutes'' was nominated for the [[Mercury Music Prize]] in September 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/975374.stm|title=Coldplay's Q for success|date=16 October 2000|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224055825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/975374.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Having found success in Europe, the band set their sights on North America,<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=76}}</ref> by releasing the album there in November 2000, and started the ''US Club Tour'' in February 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427214/20000801/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Finds American Home For "Parachutes"|last=Basham|first=David|date=1 August 2000|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=16 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216125715/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427214/20000801/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 2001 [[Brit Awards]] in February, Coldplay earned awards for [[BRIT Award for British Group|Best British Group]] and Best British Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2001 |title=Brits 2001: The Winners |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1191515.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009043741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1191515.stm |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Although ''Parachutes'' was a slow-burning success in the United States, it eventually reached double-platinum status.<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Dan|last=Caims|title=Albums of the year – On record|date=17 December 2000|journal=[[The Sunday Times]]  |location=UK|page=18 |quote=They [Coldplay] began 2000 as unknowns, and ended it with a double-platinum album [Parachutes] and America their oyster}}</ref> The album was critically well received and earned a [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album|Best Alternative Music Album]] honours at the [[2002 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2002 |title=Full List of Winners at the 44th Grammy Awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/feb/28/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131230023746/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/feb/28/2 |archive-date=30 December 2013 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Chris Martin said after ''Parachutes'' was released that the album's success was meant to elevate the band's status to the "biggest, best band in the world".<ref>{{harv|Spivack|2004|p=8}}</ref> After single-handedly managing the band until early 2001, Harvey resigned due to the stress of having to perform duties that typically require a team of people. He became the group's creative director and is often referenced as their fifth member; Dave Holmes replaced him as manager.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-medium-t.html |title=Coldpage |work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] |first=Virginia |last=Heffernan |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=17 December 2017 |archive-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220203053352/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13wwln-medium-t.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2002–2004: ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' ===
{{Listen
| filename    = Coldplay - The Scientist.ogg
| title       = "The Scientist"
| description = From the album ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'', Martin wrote "[[The Scientist (song)|The Scientist]]" after listening to [[George Harrison]]'s "[[All Things Must Pass (song)|All Things Must Pass]]".
| format      = [[Ogg]]
}}
After the success of ''Parachutes'', Coldplay returned to the studio in September 2001 to begin work on their second album, ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'', once again with Ken Nelson producing. They had trouble focusing in London and decided to relocate to Liverpool, where they recorded some of the songs on ''Parachutes''. Once there, vocalist Chris Martin said that they became obsessed with recording. "[[In My Place]]" was the first song recorded for the album. The band released it as the album's lead single because it was the track that made them want to record a second album, following a "strange period of not really knowing what we were doing" three months after the success of ''Parachutes''. According to Martin "one thing kept us going: recording 'In My Place'. Then other songs started coming".<ref>Cumberbatch, Franklin (13 August 2002). [http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay: Going Out of My Head"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020112623/http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1456997/08132002/coldplay.jhtml |date=20 October 2012}}. VH1. MTV Networks. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref>

The band wrote more than 20 songs for the album. Some of their new material, including "In My Place" and "Animals", were played live while the band were still touring ''Parachutes''.<ref name="MOSS" /><ref>Nelson, Chris (12 February 2001). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439294/20010212/coldplay.jhtml "Coldplay Warm Up On U.S. Tour Opener"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115030539/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439294/20010212/coldplay.jhtml |date=15 January 2009}}. MTV. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref> The album's title was revealed through a post on the band's official website.<ref>Luerssen, John D. (25 April 2002). [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75994/coldplay-sets-album-title-june-gigs "Coldplay Sets Album Title, June Gigs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527093938/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75994/coldplay-sets-album-title-june-gigs |date=27 May 2013}}. ''Billboard''. Retrieved 14 September 2008.</ref> The album was released in August 2002 and spawned several successful singles, including "In My Place", "[[Clocks (song)|Clocks]]", and the ballad "[[The Scientist (song)|The Scientist]]", which was inspired by [[George Harrison]]'s 1970 song "[[All Things Must Pass (song)|All Things Must Pass]]".<ref>{{Cite news|title=On The Record: How George Harrison inspired The Scientist|work=Rapid City Journal |url=https://rapidcityjournal.com/blackhillstogo/arts-music/on-the-record-how-george-harrison-inspired-the-scientist/article_b84d0c67-d10f-595b-bedb-0004780ffa71.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 January 2022|date=11 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002105922/http://rapidcityjournal.com:80/blackhillstogo/arts-music/on-the-record-how-george-harrison-inspired-the-scientist/article_b84d0c67-d10f-595b-bedb-0004780ffa71.html |archive-date=2 October 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Chris Martin (55208418).jpeg|thumb|upright=0.8|Martin performing with Coldplay in 2002]]
Coldplay toured from 19 June 2002 to 8 September 2003 for the [[A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour]].
They visited five continents, including co-headlining festival dates at [[Glastonbury Festival]],<ref name="ROACH28" /> [[V Festival|V2003]] and [[Rock Werchter]]. Many concerts showcased elaborate lighting and individualised screens reminiscent of U2's [[Elevation Tour]] and [[Nine Inch Nails]]' [[Fragility Tour]].<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Ben|last=Wener|title=Still a few steps short of greatness|journal=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=22 August 2005}}</ref> During the extended tour, Coldplay recorded a live DVD and CD, ''[[Live 2003 (Coldplay album)|Live 2003]]'', at Sydney's [[Hordern Pavilion]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Andrew|last=Danby|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/coldplay/articles/story/5935495/coldplay_go_live|title=Coldplay Go Live|quote=Concert album due in November|access-date=25 April 2008|date=4 September 2003|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524081437/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/coldplay/articles/story/5935495/coldplay_go_live |archive-date=24 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the 2003 [[Brit Awards]] held at [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre|Earls Court]], London, Coldplay received awards for Best British Group and Best British Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 February 2003 |title=Brit Awards 2003: Winners |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2655109.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2655109.stm |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> On 28 August 2003, Coldplay performed "The Scientist" at the [[2003 MTV Video Music Awards]] at the [[Radio City Music Hall]] in New York City and won three awards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2003 |title=Coldplay Triumph at MTV Video Music Awards |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-664-1371097 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230103224229/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-664-1371097 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=NME}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2003 |title=2003 Video Music Awards |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2003/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609000353/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2003/ |archive-date=9 June 2016 |access-date=3 December 2022 |website=MTV News}}</ref>

In December 2003, readers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine chose Coldplay as the best artist and the best band of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Coldplay |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-c/coldplay.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210000759/http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-c/coldplay.htm |archive-date=10 December 2015 |access-date=22 September 2014 |website=Rock on the Net}}</ref> At that time the band covered [[the Pretenders]]' 1983 song "[[2000 Miles]]" (which was made available for download on their official website). "2000 Miles" was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales donated to Future Forests and [[Stop Handgun Violence]] campaigns.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484682/20040129/coldplay.jhtml?headlines=true|title=Coldplay Enter London Studio To Begin Work on Third Album|last=Orshoski|first=Wes|date=29 January 2004|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=25 August 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050825002009/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484682/20040129/coldplay.jhtml?headlines=true|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' won the [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album]] at the [[2003 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=1 May 2008|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-01-07-grammy-complete-list_x.htm|title=Complete list of Grammy Award winners|work=USA Today|date=24 February 2003|archive-date=16 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516183733/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-01-07-grammy-complete-list_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2004 Grammy Awards]], Coldplay earned [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] for "Clocks".<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2003 |title=Complete List of 46th Annual Grammy Winners and Nominees |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-grammys-nominees-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006215651/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-grammys-nominees-story.html |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

=== 2005–2007: ''X&Y'' ===
Coldplay spent most of 2004 out of the spotlight, taking a break from touring and releasing a satire music video of a song from a fictional band titled The Nappies while recording their third album.<ref>{{Cite web|access-date=24 April 2008 |url=http://www.ukula.com/TorontoArticle.aspx?SectionID=2&ObjectID=1455&CityID=3 |title=Changing the World at UKULA |work=[[Ukula]] |author=Maclean, Graeme |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210195409/http://www.ukula.com/TorontoArticle.aspx?SectionID=2&ObjectID=1455&CityID=3 |archive-date=10 December 2007}}</ref> ''[[X&Y]]'' was released in June 2005 in UK and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/fcdp/ |title=BBC – Rock/Indie Review – Coldplay, X&Y |access-date=25 April 2008 |date=20 November 2005 |publisher=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331054300/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/fcdp/ |archive-date=31 March 2008}}</ref> This new, delayed release date had put the album back into the next fiscal year, and the late release was blamed for a drop in EMI's stock.<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=23 April 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4242293.stm|title=EMI shares hit by profit warning|work=BBC News|date=7 February 2005|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225025945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4242293.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4491208.stm|title=Coldplay's X&Y is 'album of year'|access-date=25 April 2008|date=9 December 2005|work=BBC News|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225033736/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4491208.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> It became the best-selling album of 2005 with worldwide sales of 8.3 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2006 |title=Coldplay Had Biggest Selling Album of 2005 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-475-1363955 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229001233/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-475-1363955 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=NME}}</ref> The [[lead single]], "[[Speed of Sound (song)|Speed of Sound]]",<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mark |last=Morford |url=https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2005/06/17/notes061705.DTL |title=Is Coldplay The New Jesus? Martin & Co. make moms smile and girls swoon and offend no one in their quest to love all puppies |access-date=25 April 2008 |date=17 June 2005 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915155059/https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fgate%2Farchive%2F2005%2F06%2F17%2Fnotes061705.DTL |archive-date=15 September 2005}}</ref> made its radio and online music store debut on 18 April and was released as a CD on 23 May 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Adam|last=Sherwin|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article386710.ece|title=Coldplay's new single breaks sound barrier|access-date=25 April 2008|date=30 April 2005|work=The Times|location=UK|archive-date=2 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402135240/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article386710.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''X&Y'' entered the album charts of 32 countries at the number one position<ref>{{Cite news|first=Michael|last=Dwyer|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/cold-comfort/2006/06/29/1151174300940.html|title=Cold comfort|access-date=11 January 2010|date=30 June 2006|work=The Age|location=Melbourne|page=1|archive-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106003515/http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/cold-comfort/2006/06/29/1151174300940.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the third-fastest-selling album in UK chart history upon release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/12/08/leona-lewis-tops-singles-charts-as-take-that-go-in-at-number-one-in-the-album-charts-both-breaking-records-in-the-process-115875-20954644/|title=Leona Lewis tops singles charts as Take That go in at Number-One in the album charts – both breaking records in the process|access-date=11 January 2010|date=8 December 2008|work=Daily Mirror|location=UK|archive-date=26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426105941/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2008/12/08/leona-lewis-tops-singles-charts-as-take-that-go-in-at-number-one-in-the-album-charts-both-breaking-records-in-the-process-115875-20954644/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay in Barcelona 2.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing at Twisted Logic Tour|Coldplay performing in Barcelona during [[Twisted Logic Tour]] in 2005]]
Two other singles were released that year: "[[Fix You]]" in September and "[[Talk (Coldplay song)|Talk]]" in December. Critical reaction to ''X&Y'' was mostly positive, though slightly less enthusiastic than that of its predecessor. ''[[The New York Times]]'' critic Jon Pareles infamously described Coldplay as "the most insufferable band of the decade",<ref name="TNYIR">{{Cite news |date=6 June 2005 |title=The Case Against Coldplay |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/arts/music/the-case-against-coldplay.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712214657/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/arts/music/the-case-against-coldplay.html |archive-date=12 July 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> whereas ''[[NME]]'' awarded the album 9/10 calling it "Confident, bold, ambitious, bunged with singles and impossible to contain, ''X&Y'' doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does reinforce Coldplay as the band of their time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay/7656|title=NME Album Reviews – Coldplay: X&Y|date=12 September 2005|website=NME|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805130021/http://www.nme.com/reviews/coldplay/7656|url-status=live}}</ref> Comparisons between Coldplay and [[U2]] became commonplace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/coldplay-hire-u2s-favorite-director-for-webcast.html |title=Coldplay Hire U2's Favorite Director for Webcast |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |date=6 October 2011 |access-date=22 January 2012 |author=Kreps, Daniel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708022844/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/coldplay-hire-u2s-favorite-director-for-webcast.html |archive-date=8 July 2012}}</ref> Martin said the critical review of the album by the ''New York Times'' made him feel liberated as he "agreed with a lot of the points", adding that "in a way, it was liberating to see that someone else realised that also".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a101574/coldplay-liberated-by-xy-criticism.html|title=Coldplay 'liberated' by 'X&Y' criticism|website=Digital Spy|author=Reynolds, Simon|date=18 June 2008|access-date=18 October 2008|archive-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203093351/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a101574/coldplay-liberated-by-xy-criticism.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

From June 2005 to March 2007, Coldplay went on their [[Twisted Logic Tour]], which included festival dates like [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]], [[Isle of Wight Festival 2006|Isle of Wight Festival]], [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]] and the [[Austin City Limits Music Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aclfestival.com/dailywrap/2005/lineup.aspx|title=The Daily Wrap 2005 ACL Music Festival|access-date=25 April 2008|publisher=[[Austin City Limits]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420121324/http://www.aclfestival.com/dailywrap/2005/lineup.aspx |archive-date=20 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2005, the band appeared at [[Live 8]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], where they played a rendition of [[the Verve]]'s "[[Bitter Sweet Symphony]]" with [[Richard Ashcroft]] on vocals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/thelive8event/lineupandartists/|title=BBC – The Live 8 Event – Line Up and Artists|access-date=25 April 2008|publisher=BBC|archive-date=9 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309222425/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/thelive8event/lineupandartists/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 August, Coldplay performed "Speed of Sound" at the [[2005 MTV Video Music Awards]] in Miami.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 August 2015 |title=This is What the MTV VMAs Looked Like 10 Years Ago |url=https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/photo-gallery/38170437/image/38170454/Coldplay-Performed-Speed-Sound |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230103223237/https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/photo-gallery/38170437/image/38170454/Coldplay-Performed-Speed-Sound |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=PopSugar}}</ref> In September, Coldplay recorded a new version of "How You See the World" with reworked lyrics for [[War Child (charity)|War Child]]'s ''[[Help!: A Day in the Life]]'' charity album.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4238542.stm|title=Rush to download War Child album|date=12 September 2005|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 October 2009|archive-date=10 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810135429/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4238542.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2006, Coldplay earned Best Album and Best Single honours at the [[Brit Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4713424.stm|title=Triple Brits success for Kaisers|date=15 February 2006|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 April 2009|archive-date=4 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104011548/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4713424.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Three more singles were released during 2006 and 2007, "[[The Hardest Part (Coldplay song)|The Hardest Part]]", "What If" and "White Shadows".

=== 2008–2010: ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' ===
{{See also|The Bakery (recording studio)|l1=The Bakery|Million Dollar Maybe|Christmas Lights (song)|l3=Christmas Lights}}
In October 2006, Coldplay began work on their fourth studio album, ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'', with producer [[Brian Eno]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|access-date=24 April 2008|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/10/coldplay-reveal-new-album-details-timbaland-producing-ashlee-simpson-courtney-love-blamed-for-jack-osbournes-drug-problem/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419082316/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/10/coldplay-reveal-new-album-details-timbaland-producing-ashlee-simpson-courtney-love-blamed-for-jack-osbournes-drug-problem/|archive-date=19 April 2008|title=Coldplay Reveal New Album Details, Timbaland Producing Ashlee Simpson, Courtney Love Blamed for Jack Osbourne's Drug Problem |magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=dead|date=10 September 2007}}</ref> Taking a break from recording, the band toured Latin America in early 2007, finishing the Twisted Logic Tour while performing in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_6410000/newsid_6418500/6418595.stm|title=Coldplay promise song of 'genius'|date=5 March 2007|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 August 2009|archive-date=28 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728024318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_6410000/newsid_6418500/6418595.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> After recording in churches and other venues in Latin America and Spain during their tour, the band said the album would likely reflect [[Hispanic]] influence.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Tyrangiel|first=Josh|date=9 June 2008|title=Coldplay, Viva la Vida|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|volume=171|issue=67|page=23}}</ref> The group spent the rest of the year recording most of the album with Eno.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589032/20080609/coldplay.jhtml|title=Coldplay Give Track-By-Track Tour of Viva la Vida, Explain Handclaps, Tack Pianos and the Number 42. The album was released in 2008.|author=Montgomery, James|date=9 June 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=18 October 2008|archive-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311163005/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589032/20080609/coldplay.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Martin described ''Viva la Vida'' as a new direction for Coldplay; a change from their past three albums, which the band felt was a "trilogy" that they had finished.<ref name="SERPICK">{{Cite magazine|date=27 February 2008|title=Coldplay at Work on Something Different for Upcoming Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-at-work-on-something-different-for-upcoming-album-84625/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103060220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-at-work-on-something-different-for-upcoming-album-84625/|archive-date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He said the album featured less of his [[falsetto]] as he allowed his voice's lower register to take precedence.<ref name="SERPICK" /> Some songs, such as "[[Violet Hill (song)|Violet Hill]]" contain distorted guitar [[riff]]s and bluesy undertones.<ref name="SERPICK" />

[[File:Coldplay Live on their Viva La Vida Tour in Dallas, Texas.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay's Viva la Vida Tour stage in Dallas|Coldplay on stage in Dallas, Texas, during the [[Viva la Vida Tour]]]]
"Violet Hill" was confirmed as the first single, with a radio release date of 29 April 2008.<ref>{{Cite magazine|access-date=24 April 2008|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/21/news-ticker-guns-n-roses-britney-spears-coldplay/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422233147/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/21/news-ticker-guns-n-roses-britney-spears-coldplay/|archive-date=22 April 2008|title=News Ticker: Guns N' Roses, Britney Spears, Coldplay |magazine=Rolling Stone|url-status=dead|date=21 April 2008}}</ref> After the first play, it was freely obtainable from Coldplay's website from 12:15 pm (GMT +0) for one week until it became commercially available on 6 May.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 May 2008|title=BBC News: Coldplay song downloaded 2m times|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7386422.stm|access-date=17 July 2008|archive-date=11 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511020309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7386422.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=28 April 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7370808.stm|title=Coldplay giving away new single|publisher=BBC|date=28 April 2008|archive-date=1 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501143036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7370808.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=28 April 2008 |url=http://coldplay.com/song.html |title=Coldplay |publisher=Coldplay |date=28 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430134611/http://coldplay.com/song.html |archive-date=30 April 2008}}</ref> "Violet Hill" entered the UK Top 10, US Top 40 and charted well in the rest of the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/C/Coldplay/|title=UKC|last=Collis|first=Roland|work=Iomusic News|page=2|access-date=22 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204065707/http://iomusic.com/Bands_and_Artists/C/Coldplay/|archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> The title track, "[[Viva la Vida]]", was also released exclusively on iTunes, it became the band's first number-one single on both the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/hot-100|title=The Billboard Hot 100|access-date=3 September 2008|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091800/https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/hot-100/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the UK [[Official Charts Company|Official Charts]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468223.stm|title=BBC News: Coldplay's new single tops chart|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=22 June 2008|archive-date=25 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225034731/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468223.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Coldplay performed the song live for the first time at the [[2008 MTV Movie Awards]] on 1 June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/02/mtv-movie-awards-reunites-wayne-and-garth-honors-transformers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605032914/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/02/mtv-movie-awards-reunites-wayne-and-garth-honors-transformers/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2008|title=MTV Movie Awards Reunites Wayne and Garth, Features First TV Performance of New Coldplay Single|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=2 June 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=12 November 2008}}</ref>  "Viva la Vida" became iTunes' best-selling song of 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/02/coldplay-leona-lewis-top-itunes-2008-sales-chart/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204083347/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/02/coldplay-leona-lewis-top-itunes-2008-sales-chart/|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2008|title=Coldplay, Leona Lewis Top iTunes 2008 Sales Chart|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=2 December 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=10 December 2008}}</ref>

Upon release, ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' topped the album charts worldwide and was the world's best-selling album of 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2009 |title=Coldplay Album Top Seller For 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/arts/music/17arts-COLDPLAYALBU_BRF.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108054050/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/arts/music/17arts-COLDPLAYALBU_BRF.html |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> It hit number one on the UK album chart despite having come on the market only three days previously. In that time, it sold 302,000 copies, being "one of the fastest-selling albums in the country's history".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7455622.stm|title=BBC News: New Coldplay album tops UK chart|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=15 June 2008|archive-date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504204839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7455622.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of June, it had set a new record for most-downloaded album ever.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyper-stars.blogspot.com/|title=Most Album Downloads Ever|access-date=3 September 2008|publisher=Hyper-Stars|archive-date=14 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514230245/http://www.hyper-stars.blogspot.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/9716/week-ending-june-29-2008-viva-la-download-or-death-and-all-his-cds |title=Yahoo! Chart Watch: Viva La Download Or Death And All His CDs |access-date=3 September 2008 |date=29 June 2008 |publisher=Yahoo! |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715103245/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/9716/week-ending-june-29-2008-viva-la-download-or-death-and-all-his-cds |archive-date=15 July 2008}}</ref> In October 2008, Coldplay won two [[Q Awards|''Q'' Awards]] for Best Album for ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' and Best Act in the World Today.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7654844.stm|title=Double Q Award win for Coldplay|date=6 October 2008|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 December 2008|archive-date=3 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103071826/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7654844.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 November, Coldplay were named the World's Best-selling Act of 2008 at the [[2008 World Music Awards|World Music Awards]] in Monte Carlo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/11/coldplay-world-music-awards|title=Coldplay named top-selling act in the world|first=Dan|last=Martin|work=The Guardian|date=11 November 2008|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033359/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/11/coldplay-world-music-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> They also picked up two other awards: World's Best-selling Rock Act and Great Britain's Best-selling Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coldplay-crowned-worlds-biggest-act/|title=Coldplay Crowned World's Biggest Act|date=10 November 2008|website=CBS News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=16 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216012014/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/10/entertainment/awards/main4588729.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The band followed up ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' with the ''[[Prospekt's March]]'' EP, which was released on 21 November 2008. The extended play features songs from the album sessions and was originally made available on its own, while the album got re-issued with all EP tracks included on a bonus disc. "[[Life in Technicolor II]]" was the only single released.

[[File:Coldplay performs for Nissan Live Sets 2.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay performing at Viva la Vida Tour|Coldplay performing at New York's [[Hammerstein Ballroom]] in 2008]]
Coldplay began their [[Viva la Vida Tour]] in June with a free concert at Brixton Academy in London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7457000/7457396.stm|title=BBC Newsbeat: Coldplay make their live return|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=16 June 2008|first=Kev|last=Geoghegan|archive-date=19 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719102731/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7457000/7457396.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed two days later by a 45-minute performance that was broadcast live from outside [[BBC Television Centre]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7462168.stm|title=BBC News: Coldplay play open air gig at BBC|access-date=17 July 2008|publisher=BBC|date=18 June 2008|archive-date=12 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212221555/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7462168.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Released in late 2008, "[[Lost!]]" became the third single from the album, featuring a new version with [[Jay-Z]] called "Lost+". After performing the opening set on 14 March 2009 for [[Sound Relief]] at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]], Coldplay headlined a sold-out concert later that same night.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25099180-661,00.html |title=Coldplay, Kings of Leon to headline bushfire relief concerts |last=Mitchell |first=Geraldine |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia|date=24 February 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225040650/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C25099180-661%2C00.html |archive-date=25 February 2009}}</ref> Sound Relief is a benefit concert for victims of the [[Black Saturday bushfires|Victorian Bushfire Crisis]] and the Queensland [[Flood]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|first=George|last=Palathingal|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/tickets-pleased/2009/12/23/1261243889247.html|title=Tickets pleased|access-date=30 December 2009|date=25 December 2009|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105026/http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/tickets-pleased/2009/12/23/1261243889247.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 December 2008, [[Joe Satriani]] filed a [[copyright infringement]] lawsuit against Coldplay in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California|California Central District Court]].<ref name="musicradar">{{cite web |date=4 December 2008 |title=Joe Satriani Sues Coldplay |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/joe-satriani-sues-coldplay-185735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117032810/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/joe-satriani-sues-coldplay-185735 |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=17 November 2024 |publisher=Music Radar}}</ref> Satriani claimed that "Viva la Vida" incorporates "substantial, original portions" of his song "If I Could Fly" from the album ''[[Is There Love in Space?]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite news |last=Goodman |first=Dan |date=5 December 2008 |title=Guitarist accuses Coldplay of plagiarism |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4B40XV20081205 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206033320/http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4B40XV20081205 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |access-date=5 December 2008 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Coldplay denied the allegation.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 October 2008 |title=Joe Satriani |url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=242 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018101517/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=242 |archive-date=18 October 2011 |access-date=10 December 2008 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> In 2009, "Viva la Vida" won a [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year]] and [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2009 |title=Grammy 2009 Winners List |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/d8z6tr/grammy-2009-winners-list |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202160341/https://www.mtv.com/news/d8z6tr/grammy-2009-winners-list |archive-date=2 December 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=MTV News}}</ref> The lawsuit was eventually dismissed.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=15 September 2009 |title=Coldplay, Satriani Copyright Lawsuit Dismissed |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-satriani-copyright-lawsuit-dismissed-267388/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117040305/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-satriani-copyright-lawsuit-dismissed-267388/ |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> with the judge declaring that both the parties should bear their own trial costs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2009 |title=Coldplay's Joe Satriani Lawsuit Dismissed from Court |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-346-1309826 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241117041440/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-346-1309826 |archive-date=17 November 2024 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=NME}}</ref>

Coldplay were nominated for four awards at the [[2009 Brit Awards]]: British Group, British Live Act, British Single ("Viva la Vida") and British Album (''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'').<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.spin.com/2009/02/video-duffy-kings-leon-win-coldplay-snubbed-brit-awards/|title=Video: Duffy, Kings of Leon Win, Coldplay Snubbed at Brit Awards|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Larry|date=19 February 2009|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|access-date=29 April 2009|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033427/https://www.spin.com/2009/02/video-duffy-kings-leon-win-coldplay-snubbed-brit-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[51st Grammy Awards]] in the same year, Coldplay won three [[Grammy Awards]] in the categories for Song of Year for "Viva la Vida", Best Rock Album for ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'', and Best Vocal Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for "Viva la Vida".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/08/coldplay-lil-wayne-plant-krauss-win-big-at-2009-grammy-awards/ |title=Plant & Krauss, Lil Wayne, Coldplay Win Big at 2009 Grammy Awards |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=8 February 2009 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=9 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211232619/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/08/coldplay-lil-wayne-plant-krauss-win-big-at-2009-grammy-awards/ |archive-date=11 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/09/ST2009020900133.html|title=The Gang's All Here|last=du Lac|first=J. Freedom|date=9 February 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=9 February 2009|archive-date=13 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113182443/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/09/ST2009020900133.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A live album titled ''[[LeftRightLeftRightLeft]]'' was recorded at various shows during the tour. ''LeftRightLeftRightLeft'', released on 15 May 2009, was to be given away at the remaining concerts of their Viva la Vida Tour. It was released as a free download from their website.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 May 2009|title=Coldplay To Give Away Live Album|publisher=Coldplay|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=388|url-status=dead|access-date=1 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113113141/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=388|archive-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> Following the Viva la Vida Tour, Coldplay announced another "Latin America tour" to take place in February and March 2010, in which they were to visit Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 October 2009|title=Latin America Stadium Tour Announced|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528#|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003010702/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=528|archive-date=3 October 2009|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> In October 2009, Coldplay won Song of the Year for "Viva la Vida" at [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]] (ASCAP) Awards in London.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267059/mccartney-coldplay-honored-at-ascap-awards|title=McCartney, Coldplay honored at ASCAP awards|access-date=15 October 2008|magazine=Billboard|author=Paine, Andre|date=14 October 2008|archive-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527094029/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267059/mccartney-coldplay-honored-at-ascap-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2009, ''Rolling Stone'' readers voted the group the fourth best artist of the 2000s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627912/green-day-named-top-artists-decade-by-rolling-stone-readers.jhtml|title=Green Day Named Top Artists of the Decade By Rolling Stone Readers|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928051312/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627912/green-day-named-top-artists-decade-by-rolling-stone-readers.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> they were also included in ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''{{'s}} list of artists of the century.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UK's 'Q' Magazine Lists Their Artists Of The Century!|url=http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/27/uks-q-magazine-lists-their-artists-of-the-century/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005080244/http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/27/uks-q-magazine-lists-their-artists-of-the-century/|archive-date=5 October 2011|website=The Life Files}}</ref> In December 2010 the band released "[[Christmas Lights (song)|Christmas Lights]]". The song received very positive reviews, and the music video features a [[cameo appearance|cameo]] from actor [[Simon Pegg]], a close friend of Chris Martin, who plays a violin-playing [[Elvis impersonator]] in the background.<ref>{{Cite news|title=12 Great Coldplay Songs You Probably Don't Know|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/12-great-coldplay-songs-you-probably-dont-know-20140820|agency=Rolling Stone|date=18 December 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123123018/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/12-great-coldplay-songs-you-probably-dont-know-20140820|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2011–2012: ''Mylo Xyloto'' ===
{{See also|Xyloband|2012 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony}}
[[File:Coldplay Toronto 2011 Muchmusic.jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing in Toronto|Coldplay playing at [[MuchMusic]] in Toronto, September 2011]]
The band finished recording the new album in mid-2011. When Martin and Champion were interviewed by BBC Radio and asked about the album's lyrical themes, Martin replied "It's about love, addiction, OCD, escape and working for someone you don't like".<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mawuse|last=Ziegbe|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655557/coldplays-new-album-about-addiction-ocd.jhtml|title=Coldplay's New Album About 'Addiction,' 'OCD'|access-date=10 January 2011|date=8 January 2011|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202103837/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655557/coldplays-new-album-about-addiction-ocd.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> When asked whether or not their fifth album would be out by the summer, Martin and Champion said that there was plenty of work to be done before releasing it. They confirmed several festival appearances before its release date, including a headlining spot at the 2011 [[Glastonbury Festival]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/glastonbury/2011/artists/coldplay/|title=Glastonbury Festival 2011 – Coldplay|work=BBC|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033536/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/glastonbury/2011/artists/coldplay/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[T in the Park]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/coldplay/|title=T in the Park 2011 – Coldplay|work=BBC – T in the Park – 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033533/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011/artists/coldplay/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Austin City Limits Music Festival]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670853/coldplay-austin-city-limits-up-in-flames.jhtml|title=Coldplay Debut Another New Song At 'Austin City Limits' Taping|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=30 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830153948/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670853/coldplay-austin-city-limits-up-in-flames.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Rock in Rio]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/coldplay-debuts-wow-rock-in-rio-crowds-daily/|title=Coldplay and Maroon 5 Rock in Rio: Daily|work=The Rio Times|date=2 October 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=18 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618070141/https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/coldplay-debuts-wow-rock-in-rio-crowds-daily/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Lollapalooza]] festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-aug-06-la-et-wgntv-coldplay-lollapalooza-story-story.html|title=Coldplay performs in Grant Park at Lollapalooza 2011!|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=6 August 2011|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114165218/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/06/entertainment/la-et-wgntv-coldplay-lollapalooza-story|url-status=live}}</ref>

In an interview on 13 January 2011, Coldplay mentioned two new songs would be included on their upcoming fifth album, "[[Princess of China]]" and "[[Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-album-update |title=Coldplay Album Update |website=Clash |date=13 January 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810080804/http://www.clashmusic.com/news/coldplay-album-update |url-status=live}}</ref> In a February interview Parlophone president Miles Leonard told [[HitQuarters]] that the band were still in the studio working on the album and that he expected the final version would appear "towards the autumn of this year".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_MLeonardInt.html |title=Interview with Miles Leonard |publisher=[[HitQuarters]] |date=7 February 2011 |access-date=16 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609212326/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_MLeonardInt.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 May 2011, Coldplay announced that "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" was the first single for the fifth album. It was released on 3 June 2011. The band presented five new songs at festivals during the summer of 2011, "[[Charlie Brown (Coldplay song)|Charlie Brown]]", "[[Hurts Like Heaven]]", "Us Against the World", "Princess of China" and "[[Major Minus]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.los40.com/actualidad/noticias/coldplay-se-defiende-de-las-acusaciones-de-plagio/nota/1378864.aspx |title=Coldplay se defiende de las acusaciones de plagio |website=Los 40 Principales |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206033753/http://www.los40.com/actualidad/noticias/coldplay-se-defiende-de-las-acusaciones-de-plagio/nota/1378864.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 12 August 2011, Coldplay announced via their official website that ''[[Mylo Xyloto]]'' was the new album title, and that it would be released on 24 October 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=771 |title=Coldplay: News – New album, Mylo Xyloto, out on October 24 |access-date=12 August 2011 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723225223/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=771 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 September the band released "[[Paradise (Coldplay song)|Paradise]]", the second single from their upcoming album ''Mylo Xyloto''. On 23 September 2011, tickets for Coldplay's European tour went on sale. The high demand led venues be sold out in seconds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/63354/Coldplay-Tour-Sells-Out-In-Seconds |title=Coldplay Arena Tour Sells Out in a Minute |publisher=Entertainmentwise |date=23 September 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026110508/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/63354/Coldplay-Tour-Sells-Out-In-Seconds |archive-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> ''Mylo Xyloto'' was released on 24 October 2011, it received positive reviews and topped the charts in over 34 countries.<ref name="MX1S">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/11/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-comic-books|title=Coldplay to launch Mylo Xyloto comics|first=Sean|last=Michaels|work=The Guardian|date=11 July 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=15 August 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815170358/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/11/coldplay-mylo-xyloto-comic-books|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.popsugar.com/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Called-Great-Beard-Chris-Martin-20160530 |title=Gwyneth Paltrow Called a Great Beard by Chris Martin |website=PopSugar |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=2 April 2012 |archive-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001005/http://www.popsugar.com/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Called-Great-Beard-Chris-Martin-20160530 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2011 |title=Reviews for Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay – Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/mylo-xyloto/coldplay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120183428/https://www.metacritic.com/music/mylo-xyloto/coldplay |archive-date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Tour @ Wells Fargo Center.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto Tour lighting design|The laser and light effects from the group's [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]]]]
On 19 October 2011, Coldplay performed songs at [[Apple Inc.]]'s private memorial for [[Steve Jobs]], including "Viva la Vida", "Fix You", "Yellow" and "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/coldplay-and-norah-jones-play-at-memorial-for-jobs/|title=Coldplay and Norah Jones Play at Memorial for Jobs|date=19 October 2011|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|work=The New York Times|access-date=8 March 2012|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911074713/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/coldplay-and-norah-jones-play-at-memorial-for-jobs/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 October their "Amex Unstaged" concert at the [[Las Ventas|Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas]] in Madrid, Spain, was streamed by YouTube as a live [[webcast]] directed by [[Anton Corbijn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2011/10/26/coldplay-streaming-live-anton-corbijn-directed-performance-f.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801032443/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2011/10/26/coldplay-streaming-live-anton-corbijn-directed-performance-f.html|url-status=dead|title="Coldplay streaming live Anton Corbijn directed performance"|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> On 30 November 2011, Coldplay received three Grammy Award nominations for the [[54th Annual Grammy Awards]] which took place on 12 February 2012 in Los Angeles, and the band performed with [[Rihanna]] at the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/rihanna-coldplay-to-perform-together-at-1005928952.story |title=Rihanna, Coldplay to Perform Together at Grammy Awards |magazine=Billboard |first=Erin |last=Carlson |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=4 February 2012 |archive-date=23 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123121328/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/rihanna-coldplay-to-perform-together-at-1005928952.story | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8927845/Grammy-Nominations-2012-in-full.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8927845/Grammy-Nominations-2012-in-full.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Grammy Nominations 2012 in full |work=The Telegraph |date=1 December 2011 |access-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> On 12 January 2012, Coldplay were nominated for two [[Brit Awards]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/adele-coldplay-lead-brit-award-nominations-20120112|title=Adele, Coldplay Lead BRIT Award Nominations|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=12 January 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701085144/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/adele-coldplay-lead-brit-award-nominations-20120112|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 21 February 2012, they were awarded the Brit Award for Best British Group for the third time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16533246|title=Brit Awards 2012: List of winners|work=BBC News|date=21 February 2012|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806234343/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16533246|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was the best-selling rock album in the United Kingdom, selling 908,000 copies.<ref name="RSOTY">{{Cite web|date=17 January 2012|title=Coldplay, Noel Gallagher and Foo Fighters revealed as biggest selling rock acts of 2011|url=https://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/61476|access-date=22 September 2014|work=NME|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054625/http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/61476|url-status=live}}</ref> The album's second single, "[[Paradise (Coldplay song)|Paradise]]", was also the best-selling rock single in the UK, selling 410,000 copies.<ref name="RSOTY" /> At the [[2012 MTV Video Music Awards]], "Paradise" won [[2012 MTV Video Music Awards#Best Rock Video|Best Rock Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1693347/2012-vmas-coldplay-paradise-best-rock-video.jhtml|title=Coldplay Basks In 'Paradise' With 2012 VMA Best Rock Win|work=MTV News|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113171127/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1693347/2012-vmas-coldplay-paradise-best-rock-video.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Mylo Xyloto'' has sold over 8 million copies globally.<ref name="MX1S" />

Coldplay headlined the [[2012 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games]] on 9 September 2012, where they performed alongside other artists including Rihanna and Jay-Z.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/66001 |title=Coldplay joined by Rihanna, Jay-Z at Paralympic closing ceremony |date=9 September 2012 |work=NME |access-date=5 October 2012 |archive-date=2 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102150138/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/66001 |url-status=live}}</ref> To tie in with their performance at the closing ceremony, the group gave permission for bands who were participating in the [[Bandstand Marathon]] the opportunity to perform their 2008 single "[[Viva la Vida]]" to celebrate the end of the games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html |title=Bands across the UK to perform Coldplay hit in closing event of the London 2012 Festival |date=7 September 2012 |publisher=London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games |access-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828225518/http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html |archive-date=28 August 2012}}</ref>

In October 2012, the music video for Coldplay's song "[[Hurts Like Heaven]]" was released. The video was based on the story of Mylo Xyloto, a boy who grew up in tyranny ran by Major Minus. The fictional comics titled ''Mylo Xyloto'' continued on the story portrayed in the music video when the series was released in early 2013. A concert documentary film and live album ''[[Live 2012 (Coldplay album)|Live 2012]]'' chronicles their tour in support of the ''Mylo Xyloto'' album.  The film premiered theatrically for one night only, 13 November 2012, and was released on CD and home video on 19 November 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1091&page=60 |title=Coldplay Live 2012 tour film announced |date=25 September 2012 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214447/http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1091&page=60 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 21 November, after a concert in Brisbane, Australia as part on the group's [[Mylo Xyloto Tour]], Coldplay hinted they were set to take a three-year break from touring.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2012 |title=Coldplay Announce Plans for Three Year Break During Australia Gig |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-188-1259213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120183033/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-188-1259213 |archive-date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=NME}}</ref> Coldplay performed two shows with Jay-Z in the [[Barclays Center]], Brooklyn, New York, on 30 December and New Year's Eve which ended the Mylo Xyloto Tour. The Mylo Xyloto Tour was named the fourth-highest-grossing tour of 2012 worldwide with more than $171.3 million earned from ticket sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/madonna/news/lady-gaga-coldplay-tour|title=Madonna, Lady Gaga And Coldplay Among 2012's Top Grossing World Tours|publisher=Capital FM|date=31 December 2012|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531151110/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/madonna/news/lady-gaga-coldplay-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2013–2014: ''Ghost Stories'' ===
In an interview from late 2012 with Australian radio station [[2Day FM]], Chris Martin revealed that the title for the band's next album would be "much easier to pronounce".<ref>[https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-189-1260682 "Coldplay: 'Our next album title will be pronounceable'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033820/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-189-1260682 |date=26 March 2023}}. NME. Retrieved 20 March 2020</ref> Martin debunked speculation that they were taking a break from touring by saying, "This three-year break idea only came about because I said at a gig in Australia that we might not be back there for three years. That's probably true, but that's just how a world tour works. No chance are we taking a three-year break".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay begin work on new record |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/celebrity/arid-30576145.html |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=Irish Examiner |date=30 November 2012 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033748/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/celebrity/arid-30576145.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 August 2013, Coldplay announced the release of their song "[[Atlas (Coldplay song)|Atlas]]", which featured on the [[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|soundtrack]] for the film ''[[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New song, Atlas, for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack|url=http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1307|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811122207/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=1307|archive-date=11 August 2013|access-date=9 August 2013|publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> Its release got pushed back to 6 September 2013 (everywhere but the UK) and 8 September (UK). In December 2013, it was announced that future Coldplay releases would be distributed by [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]] in the United States due to the restructuring within [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]], following the purchase of [[Parlophone]] from [[EMI]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/5840082/coldplay-david-guetta-go-to-atlantic-records-radiohead-pink-floyd |title=Coldplay, David Guetta Go To Atlantic Records; Radiohead & Pink Floyd Catalogs, Kylie Minogue, Damon Albarn To Warner Bros: WMG's US Plans for Parlophone (Exclusive) |magazine=Billboard |date=18 December 2013 |access-date=10 May 2014 |archive-date=6 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706122408/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/5840082/coldplay-david-guetta-go-to-atlantic-records-radiohead-pink-floyd |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 25 February 2014, the band unveiled "[[Midnight (Coldplay song)|Midnight]]", a track from their yet-to-be released album.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay – Midnight|url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-midnight/|publisher=Indie Shuffle|access-date=25 February 2014|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231210356/https://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-midnight/|url-status=live}}</ref> In early March 2014, it was announced that the band's sixth album, ''[[Ghost Stories (Coldplay album)|Ghost Stories]]'', would be released 19 May 2014.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay announce new album Ghost Stories, release first single "Magic"|url=https://consequence.net/2014/03/coldplay-announce-new-album-ghost-stories-release-first-single-magic/|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419152750/https://consequence.net/2014/03/coldplay-announce-new-album-ghost-stories-release-first-single-magic/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ghost Stories'' is a spiritually driven album that revolves around two major themes mentioned by Chris Martin. The album explores the idea of past actions, and the effects they can have on your future and one's capacity for unconditional love.<ref>[[Chris Martin]] BBC Radio 1 interview with [[Zane Lowe]], April 2014</ref> The band took a different approach for their sixth studio album in contrast to their previous studio albums, with Martin inviting the band to contribute original songwriting material for the album, as opposed to building songs off his ideas as they had done during previous recording sessions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jess|title=Chris Martin was desperate for his bandmates to write Coldplay songs for Ghost Stories|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/chrismartinwas-desperate-bandmates-write-coldplay-3495900|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=4 May 2014|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-date=5 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505070553/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/chrismartinwas-desperate-bandmates-write-coldplay-3495900|url-status=live}}</ref>

From April to July, Coldplay embarked on a six-date [[Ghost Stories Tour]] in support of the album, playing 'intimate' shows in six cities: the [[Beacon Theatre (New York City)|Beacon Theatre]] in New York City on 5 May, [[Royce Hall]] in Los Angeles on 19 May, [[Casino de Paris]] in Paris on 28 May, [[Tokyo Dome City Hall]] in Tokyo on 12 June, [[Enmore Theatre]] in Sydney on 19 June, and closed the tour at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London on 2 July 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay announce six 'intimate' shows|url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/76778|work=[[NME]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223125/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/76778|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was made available for pre-order on [[iTunes]], alongside new single "[[Magic (Coldplay song)|Magic]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay – Magic|url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-magic/|publisher=Indie Shuffle|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205024610/https://www.indieshuffle.com/coldplay-magic/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two more singles from the album, "[[A Sky Full of Stars]]" and "[[True Love (Coldplay song)|True Love]]", have since been released. ''Ghost Stories'' received mixed to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/ghost-stories/coldplay | title=Reviews for Ghost Stories by Coldplay – Metacritic | website=[[Metacritic]] | date=19 May 2014 | access-date=6 August 2014 | archive-date=3 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503003452/https://www.metacritic.com/music/ghost-stories/coldplay | url-status=live}}</ref> The album topped the charts in the United Kingdom, the United States and most major markets.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-named-bestselling-album-of-2014-so-far-9581044.html |title=Coldplay's Ghost Stories named best-selling album of 2014 so far |first=Daisy |last=Wyatt |date=3 July 2014 |work=The Independent |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924212052/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/coldplays-ghost-stories-named-bestselling-album-of-2014-so-far-9581044.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6099382/coldplay-ghost-stories-billboard-200-albums-chart-brantley-gilbert-no-1 |title=Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories' Starts at No. 1 With Biggest Debut of 2014 |first=Keith |last=Caulfield |date=28 May 2014 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810210440/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6099382/coldplay-ghost-stories-billboard-200-albums-chart-brantley-gilbert-no-1 |url-status=live}}</ref> It received a Grammy Award nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album|Best Pop Vocal Album]], and "A Sky Full of Stars" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance|Best Pop Duo/Group Performance]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30345905 |title=Sam Smith nabs Grammy nominations |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2014 |access-date=11 December 2014 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016131201/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30345905 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2014, [[Spotify]] named Coldplay the most-streamed band in the world for 2014, and third most-streamed artist behind [[Ed Sheeran]] and [[Eminem]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30307241 "Ed Sheeran is Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2014"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204082703/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30307241 |date=4 December 2014}}. BBC. Retrieved 4 December 2014</ref>

=== 2015–2018: ''A Head Full of Dreams'' ===
{{See also|Super Bowl 50 halftime show}}
On 4 December 2014, Chris Martin announced in an interview with Zane Lowe on [[BBC Radio 1]] that Coldplay were in the middle of working on their seventh studio album, ''[[A Head Full of Dreams]]''.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30339012 "Coldplay reveal new album title"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302211027/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30339012 |date=2 March 2015}}. BBC. Retrieved 4 December 2014</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timeline.coldplay.com/welcome-to-the-new-timeline/|title=Welcome to the new Timeline. Note from the studio as the band work on their new album (and confirm its title)|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515225415/http://timeline.coldplay.com/welcome-to-the-new-timeline/|archive-date=15 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Martin remarked it might be the band's final album and compared it to [[Harry Potter]]: "It's our seventh thing, and the way we look at it, it's like the last Harry Potter book or something like that".<ref name="SA7" /> He added that unlike their promotion efforts for ''Ghost Stories'', the band will tour for the seventh record.<ref name="SA7">{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coldplay-hint-final-album-a-tree-full-of-dreams-20141205 | title=Coldplay Hint at 'Final' Album 'A Head Full of Dreams' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=5 December 2014 | access-date=7 December 2014 | archive-date=10 December 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210074052/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coldplay-hint-final-album-a-tree-full-of-dreams-20141205 | url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview with [[Jo Whiley]] on BBC Radio 2, Martin hinted at the style of the album by saying that the band were trying to make something colourful and uplifting, yet not bombastic. He also stated that it will be something to "shuffle your feet" to.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coldplay: Uplifting tunes on way|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/coldplay-uplifting-tunes-on-way-30816441.html|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|date=13 February 2016|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206005843/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/coldplay-uplifting-tunes-on-way-30816441.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 11 December 2014, the band unveiled a new song, "[[Miracles (Coldplay song)|Miracles]]", which was written and recorded for the [[World War II]] drama film ''[[Unbroken (film)|Unbroken]]'' directed by [[Angelina Jolie]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6405540/coldplay-miracles-unbroken-soundtrack |title=Hear Coldplay's New Slow Jam 'Miracles' From 'Unbroken' Soundtrack |first=Chris |last=Payne |magazine=Billboard |date=11 December 2014 |access-date=12 December 2014 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722025225/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6405540/coldplay-miracles-unbroken-soundtrack |url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2015 Billboard Music Awards]] on 17 May, ''Ghost Stories'' was named Top Rock Album.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list |title=Billboard Music Awards 2015: See the Full Winners List |magazine=Billboard |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=22 August 2015 |archive-date=29 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729213850/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list |url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 September, Coldplay performed at the 2015 [[Global Citizen Festival]] in [[Central Park]]'s Great Lawn in New York, an event organised by Chris Martin advocating for an end to extreme global poverty.<ref name="GCFEST">{{Cite magazine|last1=Hampp|first1=Andrew|title=Beyoncé, Coldplay, Pearl Jam to Headline New York's 2015 Global Citizen Festival|magazine=Billboard|date=9 July 2015|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6620421/beyonce-coldplay-pearl-jam-new-york-2015-global-citizen-festival|access-date=5 August 2015|archive-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731005100/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6620421/beyonce-coldplay-pearl-jam-new-york-2015-global-citizen-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> Coldplay, along with [[Beyoncé]], [[Ed Sheeran]], and [[Pearl Jam]], headlined the festival which was broadcast on NBC in the US on 27 September and the BBC in the UK on 28 September.<ref name="GCFEST" />

Speaking on [[Nick Grimshaw]]'s ''[[The Radio 1 Breakfast Show|Radio 1 Breakfast Show]]'' on the BBC on 6 November, Coldplay confirmed 4 December as the release date of  ''A Head Full of Dreams'', and a new song from the album, "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]", premiered on the show.<ref name="DREAMS">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34743843 |title=Coldplay reveal 'final' album, A Head Full of Dreams |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=6 November 2015 |access-date=6 November 2015 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34743843 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album has guest appearances from Beyoncé, [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], [[Noel Gallagher]], [[Tove Lo]] and [[Barack Obama]].<ref name="DREAMS" /> The album reached number one in the UK, and number two in the US, Australia and Canada among others where it was kept in second place by [[Adele]]'s ''[[25 (Adele album)|25]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6805727/adeles-25-no-1-on-billboard-200-album-chart-third-week-coldplay-a-head-full-of-dreams|title=Adele's '25' Rules for Third Week at No. 1, Coldplay Debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=13 December 2015|access-date=13 December 2015|author=Caulfield, Keith|archive-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305044855/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6805727/adeles-25-no-1-on-billboard-200-album-chart-third-week-coldplay-a-head-full-of-dreams|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=ARIA Albums : Adele Blocks Coldplay From A Number-One Debut|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-albums-adele-blocks-coldplay-from-a-number-one-debut-20151212|publisher=Noise 11|date=19 December 2015|access-date=19 December 2015|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508044720/http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-albums-adele-blocks-coldplay-from-a-number-one-debut-20151212|url-status=live}}</ref> The music video for "Adventure of a Lifetime" featured the band performing as chimpanzees. They were provided consultation with renowned [[performance capture]] actor [[Andy Serkis]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6777857/coldplay-monkeys-around-in-adventure-of-a-lifetime-video-watch |title=Coldplay Monkeys Around in 'Adventure of a Lifetime' Video: Watch |magazine=Billboard |date=27 November 2015 |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-date=30 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130024711/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6777857/coldplay-monkeys-around-in-adventure-of-a-lifetime-video-watch |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay at Glastonbury 2016 (3).jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing at Glastonbury 2016|Coldplay performing "[[Adventure of a Lifetime]]" during their headline set at [[Glastonbury Festival 2016|Glastonbury 2016]]. It was their sixth overall appearance at the festival and the fourth topping the bill.]]
On 27 November 2015, the first dates to their 2016 [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour]] were announced. Latin American and European stops were listed, which included three dates at [[Wembley Stadium]], London in June.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First legs of 2016 tour announced – extra dates added!|url=http://coldplay.com/first-legs-of-2016-stadium-tour-announced/|publisher=Coldplay|date=27 November 2015|access-date=12 December 2015|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806020922/http://coldplay.com/first-legs-of-2016-stadium-tour-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> The North America Tour, an extra Wembley concert, and an Oceania tour were later added. On 5 December, the band headlined the opening day of the 2015 [[Jingle Bell Ball]] at London's [[The O2 Arena|O<sub>2</sub> Arena]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=That... Was... EPIC! Coldplay Kick Off Capital's Jingle Bell Ball With Coca-Cola!|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/news/jingle-bell-ball-2015-set-list/|publisher=Capital FM|date=8 December 2015|access-date=8 December 2015|archive-date=24 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724091125/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/news/jingle-bell-ball-2015-set-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 February 2016 they headlined the [[Super Bowl 50 halftime show]],<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Coldplay will perform at Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/coldplay-will-perform-at-pepsi-super-bowl-50-halftime-show-0ap3000000593528|publisher=National Football League|date=3 December 2015|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207045544/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000593528/article/coldplay-will-perform-at-pepsi-super-bowl-50-halftime-show|url-status=live}}</ref> being joined by [[Beyoncé]] and [[Bruno Mars]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2016/1/8/10737736/beyonce-coldplay-super-bowl-halftime-show|title=Beyoncé and Bruno Mars join Coldplay for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show|work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119202941/http://www.vox.com/2016/1/8/10737736/beyonce-coldplay-super-bowl-halftime-show|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2016, the band were named the sixth best-selling artist worldwide in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Global Music Report|url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf|publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry]]|date=12 April 2016|access-date=20 May 2016|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322173813/https://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 26 June 2016, Coldplay closed the final day of the [[Glastonbury Festival]] in England. Their performance included a duet with [[Barry Gibb]], the last surviving member of the [[Bee Gees]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coldplay close Glastonbury 2016, with help from the Bee Gees|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36636808|publisher=BBC|date=27 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611072941/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36636808|url-status=live}}</ref> During the band's second night at [[MetLife Stadium]] in New Jersey on 18 July, Coldplay were joined onstage by [[Michael J. Fox]] to recreate a ''[[Back to the Future]]'' scene. Martin sang "[[Earth Angel]]" before introducing Fox onstage to join the band in performing the Chuck Berry classic "[[Johnny B. Goode]]".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Michael J Fox joins Coldplay to recreate Back to the Future scene|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/19/michael-j-fox-coldplay-chris-martin-recreate-back-to-the-future-johnny-b-goode|newspaper=The Guardian|date=28 July 2016|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231210338/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/19/michael-j-fox-coldplay-chris-martin-recreate-back-to-the-future-johnny-b-goode|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band performed a full set in India for the first time as part of the [[Global Citizen Festival]] in [[Mumbai]] on 19 November 2016. This performance was attended by 80,000 people and also featured many Bollywood stars during the concert.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay, Jay Z Rock the House at Global Citizen Festival India's Historic Debut|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7581471/coldplay-jay-z-global-citizen-festival-india-2016|magazine=Billboard|date=20 November 2016|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722020938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7581471/coldplay-jay-z-global-citizen-festival-india-2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-helmed-Global-Citizen-Fest-Shah-Rukh-Amitabh-Farhan-Shraddha-Sonam-and-Rahman-on-stage/articleshow/55513134.cms?|title=Highlights: Coldplay, AR Rahman, Jay Z perform at the Global Citizen Festival|website=The Times of India|date=20 November 2016|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121063837/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-helmed-Global-Citizen-Fest-Shah-Rukh-Amitabh-Farhan-Shraddha-Sonam-and-Rahman-on-stage/articleshow/55513134.cms?|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, Coldplay announced in interviews with [[Absolute Radio]] and Magic Radio in London that they would be releasing new songs in a new EP called the ''[[Kaleidoscope EP]]''. Described as being made from a leftover "bag of ideas" from the recording of ''A Head Full of Dreams'', Martin stated that it would be released in "a couple of months".<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=11 November 2016 |title=Coldplay at the London Palladium: Interview with Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdujO_e7IHk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620231834/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdujO_e7IHk |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}
* {{Cite AV media |date=22 November 2016 |title=Coldplay Announce That They Have a New EP |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqmWIdwJ4-Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620232149/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqmWIdwJ4-Y |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The band officially announced that the EP was released on 14 July 2017.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay to Release New 'Kaleidoscope' EP in 2017|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7581684/coldplay-chris-martin-2017-kaliedoscope-ep-new-music|magazine=Billboard|date=29 November 2016|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022194026/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7581684/coldplay-chris-martin-2017-kaliedoscope-ep-new-music|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayParis160717-7 (35938478112) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|alt=Coldplay performing at A Head Full of Dreams Tour|Coldplay playing the second of three sold-out concerts at [[Stade de France]] in Paris, July 2017]]
On 22 February 2017, the band released a long-awaited and teased collaboration track with EDM duo [[The Chainsmokers]] called "[[Something Just Like This]]". Reaching number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, it was the lead single from Coldplay's thirteenth extended play ''Kaleidoscope'', released on 14 July 2017. Together, they debuted the song live at the [[2017 Brit Awards]] with Chris Martin also performing a tribute song to the late [[George Michael]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7701362/the-chainsmokers-chris-martin-something-just-like-this-brit-awards-performance-video|title=The Chainsmokers & Coldplay Deliver Live Debut of 'Something Just Like This' at 2017 Brit Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=22 February 2017|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=9 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309203313/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7701362/the-chainsmokers-chris-martin-something-just-like-this-brit-awards-performance-video|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March, Martin's birthday, the band released a track from the EP, "[[Hypnotised (Coldplay song)|Hypnotised]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/coldplay-announces-new-ep-on-chris-martins-birthday-first-song-hypnotised-released-3311272.html|title=Coldplay announces new EP on Chris Martin's birthday; first song 'Hypnotised' released|date=2 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815060754/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/coldplay-announces-new-ep-on-chris-martins-birthday-first-song-hypnotised-released-3311272.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two further releases from the EP, "[[All I Can Think About Is You]]" and "[[Aliens (song)|Aliens]]", came out on 15 June and 6 July 2017 respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://coldplay.com/hear-all-i-can-think-about-you-kaleidoscope-ep-release-details/|title=Hear 'All I Can Think About You' + Kaleidoscope EP release details|date=15 June 2017|access-date=24 June 2017|archive-date=8 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708174919/http://coldplay.com/hear-all-i-can-think-about-you-kaleidoscope-ep-release-details/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Coldplay_A_L_I_E_N_S?id=Bvlkxqhivshvamcck5ufg6prqu4&hl=en_US|title=Coldplay: A L I E N S – Music on Google Play|website=Google Play|access-date=5 December 2018|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729173246/https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Coldplay_A_L_I_E_N_S?id=Bvlkxqhivshvamcck5ufg6prqu4&hl=en_US|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 August 2017, Coldplay announced that a live album covering the A Head Full of Dreams Tour would be released.

On 8 October 2017, Coldplay debuted live their new song called "Life Is Beautiful" at [[San Diego Stadium|SDCCU Stadium]] in [[San Diego]]. It was written in support after the [[2017 Puebla earthquake|Puebla earthquake]]. A part of the show was broadcast at the end of Estamos Unidos Mexicanos, a [[benefit concert]] at [[Mexico City]]'s [[Zócalo]]. Proceeds from the song and concert were donated to relief efforts for Mexico and other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://coldplay.com/coldplay-to-debut-new-song-for-estamos-unidos-mexicanos-concert/|title=Coldplay to debut new song for Estamos Unidos Mexicanos concert|date=4 October 2017|access-date=9 October 2017|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422071427/https://www.coldplay.com/coldplay-to-debut-new-song-for-estamos-unidos-mexicanos-concert/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 November 2017, the Head Full of Dreams Tour finished with a total gross of $523 million from 5.38 million tickets sold, ranking as the [[List of highest-grossing concert tours|third-highest-grossing concert tour of all time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Connick|first1=Tom|title=Coldplay's 'A Head Full of Dreams' world tour becomes third highest-grossing of all time|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-head-full-dreams-world-tour-becomes-third-highest-grossing-time-2160527|magazine=[[NME]]|access-date=19 November 2017|date=17 November 2017|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426051000/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-head-full-dreams-world-tour-becomes-third-highest-grossing-time-2160527|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 November 2018, Coldplay released ''[[Global Citizen – EP 1]]'' under the name Los Unidades, with proceeds being donated towards efforts to end global poverty.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lukarcanin |first=Emina |date=27 November 2018 |title=Global Citizen to Release First EP: Watch Pharrell Williams & Coldplay's 'E-Lo' Lyric Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486784/global-citizen-ep-pharrell-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111095219/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8486784/global-citizen-ep-pharrell-video |archive-date=11 November 2021 |access-date=27 November 2018 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Coldplay's fifth live album, ''[[Live in Buenos Aires (Coldplay album)|Live in Buenos Aires]]'', arrived on 7 December 2018. Its footage covers the final concert of the tour in [[La Plata]], while a second release, ''Love in Tokyo'', was made available exclusively for the Japanese market.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=18 October 2018 |title=Coldplay Prepping Live Album, Concert Film to Accompany New Doc |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-prep-live-album-concert-film-to-accompany-new-doc-744372/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |accessdate=25 October 2018}}</ref>

=== 2019–2020: ''Everyday Life'' ===
On 18 October 2019, mysterious black-and-white posters began appearing in numerous countries around the world, with Coldplay wearing vintage-style clothing and a date showing 22 November 1919. The band also changed their profile pictures on social media to a sun and moon, making fans speculate an imminent release of new material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplays-rumoured-new-album-teased-with-mysterious-poster-in-sao-paulo-2557491|title=More mysterious posters teasing Coldplay's supposed new album appear across the world|website=NME|date=18 October 2019|first=Tom|last=Skinner|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709213753/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplays-rumoured-new-album-teased-with-mysterious-poster-in-sao-paulo-2557491|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 October 2019, a cryptic five-second teaser was released on social media with orchestral music in the background.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8533641/coldplay-double-album-everyday-life-teaser|title=Coldplay Just Announced a Double Album in the Most Old-Fashioned Way Possible|date=21 October 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022012831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8533641/coldplay-double-album-everyday-life-teaser|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 October 2019, in a letter sent to fans, the band announced that their eighth studio album would be titled ''[[Everyday Life (Coldplay album)|Everyday Life]]'' and that it would be a double album, with the first half titled ''Sunrise'' and the second half titled ''Sunset''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2019 |title=Coldplay look to be teasing a new double album, according to a letter sent to fans |url=https://www.readdork.com/news/coldplay-look-to-be-teasing-a-new-double-album-according-to-a-letter-sent-to-fans |access-date=22 October 2019 |website=[[Dork (magazine)|Dork]] |archive-date=21 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021152316/https://www.readdork.com/news/coldplay-look-to-be-teasing-a-new-double-album-according-to-a-letter-sent-to-fans |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ALTer EGO 1 18 2020 (50740812871).jpg|thumb|220x220px|alt=Coldplay performing in 2020|Coldplay performing at the ALTer EGO concert in January 2020]]
On 23 October 2019, the album's track list was revealed on the advertisements from local newspapers in the United Kingdom; those included the ''[[Daily Post (North Wales)|Daily Post]]'' in North Wales (with whom Buckland once had a holiday job) and ''[[Express & Echo]]'' in Exeter (Martin's hometown).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay reveal new album tracks in local paper |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50161901 |access-date=24 October 2019 |agency=BBC |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611072907/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50161901 |url-status=live}}</ref> Double lead singles "[[Orphans (Coldplay song)|Orphans]]" and "[[Arabesque (Coldplay song)|Arabesque]]" were released on 24 October 2019 during the [[Annie Mac]] show on [[BBC Radio 1]]. "Arabesque" was the first Coldplay song to feature [[profanity]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-share-new-songs-orphans-and-arabesque-listen/|title=Coldplay Share New Songs "Orphans" and "Arabesque": Listen|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=24 October 2019|access-date=24 October 2019|archive-date=24 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024185649/https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-share-new-songs-orphans-and-arabesque-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on 22 November 2019 and accompanied by a double concert at the [[Amman Citadel]] in Jordan.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-everyday-life-live-in-jordan-trailer-907061/|title=Coldplay Announce 'Everyday Life – Live in Jordan' Livestream|last1=Shaffer|first1=Claire|date=1 November 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-everyday-life-live-in-jordan-trailer-907061/|url-status=live}}</ref> The performance was broadcast live on [[YouTube]], being carried out at sunrise and sunset to match the album's two halves.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8542076/coldplay-everyday-life-livestream-jordan-youtube|title=Coldplay Announce 'Everyday Life' Live Stream in Jordan|magazine=Billboard|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105095504/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8542076/coldplay-everyday-life-livestream-jordan-youtube|url-status=live}}</ref> Inside the ''Everyday Life'' booklet, the words "Music of the Spheres" appeared written on a billboard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2021 |title=What We Know About Coldplay's New Album: From Expected Title to Possible New Tour |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/what-we-know-about-coldplay-s-new-album-from-expected-title-to-possible-new-tour-1.1201134 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241123170354/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/what-we-know-about-coldplay-s-new-album-from-expected-title-to-possible-new-tour-1.1201134 |archive-date=23 November 2024 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=The National}}</ref>

Martin had earlier said that the band would not tour to promote the album until they could work out "how our tour can not only be sustainable (but) how can it be actively beneficial", and hope that it would be entirely [[carbon neutrality|carbon-neutral]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay axes tour plans over pollution fears|url=https://today.rtl.lu/entertainment/news/a/1435181.html|work=RTL Today|date=21 November 2019|access-date=26 November 2019|archive-date=25 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425030335/https://today.rtl.lu/entertainment/news/a/1435181.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Coldplay performed a one-off show on 25 November 2019 for the charity [[ClientEarth]] at London's [[Natural History Museum, London|Natural History Museum]]. The band played beneath [[Natural History Museum, London#Major specimens and exhibits|Hope]], a giant 128-year-old skeleton of a blue whale in the museum's great hall.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coldplay prove they're not fossils as they play Natural History Museum gig |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50556916 |access-date=26 November 2019 |agency=BBC |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115534/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50556916 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]] with 81,000 copies sold, making it the band's eighth consecutive UK number-one album. It was also the third fastest-selling album of 2019, behind ''[[No.6 Collaborations Project]]'' and ''[[Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplays-everyday-life-beats-robbie-williamss-christmas-album-to-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart__27838/|title=Coldplay's Everyday Life beats Robbie Williams's Christmas album to Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=29 November 2019|access-date=2 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229001229/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplays-everyday-life-beats-robbie-williamss-christmas-album-to-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart__27838/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On 24 November 2020, Coldplay received two nominations for the [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards]], with one of them being Album of the Year, their first nomination in the category since ''Viva la Vida''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list|title=2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominees List|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards|date=24 November 2020|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314191449/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-list|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 December 2020, "Flags" was released internationally, the song was originally included as a Japanese bonus track of ''Everyday Life''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coldplay.com/flags-everyday-life-japanese-bonus-track-out-now-worldwide/|title=Flags, Everyday Life Japanese Bonus Track, out now worldwide|publisher=Coldplay|date=21 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=2 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602165336/https://www.coldplay.com/flags-everyday-life-japanese-bonus-track-out-now-worldwide/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2021–present: ''Music of the Spheres'' and ''Moon Music'' ===
{{See also|Impact of the Music of the Spheres World Tour}}
On 29 April 2021, Coldplay announced "[[Higher Power (Coldplay song)|Higher Power]]" for release on 7 May 2021, coinciding with a video livestream from the [[International Space Station]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|title=Coldplay Releasing New Song 'Higher Power' Next Week|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-releasing-new-song-higher-power-next-week/|date=29 April 2021|access-date=1 May 2021|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429151015/https://pitchfork.com/news/coldplay-releasing-new-song-higher-power-next-week/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2021|title=Coldplay to premiere 'Higher Power' with link-up to International Space Station|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-to-premiere-higher-power-with-link-up-to-international-space-station-2934169|access-date=6 May 2021|website=NME|archive-date=6 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206160906/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-to-premiere-higher-power-with-link-up-to-international-space-station-2934169|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Martin stated in an interview with [[Zane Lowe]] that the band would be working with producer [[Max Martin]] and his team on both the song and the new album. He said, "Max is our producer right now for everything we do".<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=7 May 2021 |title=Coldplay: Higher Power, Max Martin, and Eco-Friendly Tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb0lAo94CaY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620231553/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb0lAo94CaY |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> On 4 May 2021, they were revealed as the opening act for the [[Brit Awards 2021|2021 Brit Awards]], where they performed "Higher Power" for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 May 2021|title=Coldplay announced as opening act for 2021 BRIT Awards|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announced-as-opening-act-for-2021-brit-awards-2932697|access-date=6 May 2021|website=NME|archive-date=16 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115531/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announced-as-opening-act-for-2021-brit-awards-2932697|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayShepBush121021_(57_of_76)_(51582857133).jpg|thumb|alt=Coldplay performing with Ed Sheeran in 2021|Coldplay with [[Ed Sheeran]] at the [[Shepherd's Bush Empire|O<sub>2</sub> Shepherd's Bush Empire]] in 2021]]
On 22 May 2021, the band participated in the ''Live at Worth Farm'' broadcast,<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 March 2021|title=Glastonbury Festival announces livestream with Coldplay, Damon Albarn, HAIM and more|url=https://themusicnetwork.com/glastonbury-livestream-worthy-farm/|access-date=6 May 2021|website=The Music Network|archive-date=6 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206160837/https://themusicnetwork.com/glastonbury-livestream-worthy-farm/|url-status=live}}</ref> showcasing a new song called "Human Heart" with R&B duo [[We Are King]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2021 |title=Watch Coldplay Debut New Song Human Heart With We Are KING On Glastonbury Livestream |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2148753/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-human-heart-with-we-are-king-on-glastonbury-livestream/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712132741/https://www.stereogum.com/2148753/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-human-heart-with-we-are-king-on-glastonbury-livestream/news/ |archive-date=12 July 2022 |access-date=12 July 2022 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> On 8 June 2021, the official music video for "Higher Power", directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on YouTube, following a visualiser with Coldplay performing the song while dancing with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] alien holograms that premiered on 7 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=8 June 2021 |title=Coldplay Dance Through a Dystopia in New Higher Power Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-higher-power-music-video-1180359/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230620231646/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-higher-power-music-video-1180359/ |archive-date=20 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> On 20 July 2021, the group announced that their ninth album, ''[[Music of the Spheres (Coldplay album)|Music of the Spheres]]'', would be released on 15 October 2021, scheduling closing track "[[Coloratura (song)|Coloratura]]" for release on 23 July 2021 in anticipation for the project.<ref name="FLOYD">{{Cite web |date=23 July 2021 |title=Coldplay Shoot for the Stars with Their Cinematic New Track Coloratura |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-shoot-for-the-stars-with-their-cinematic-new-track-coloratura-3000690 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230705203952/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-shoot-for-the-stars-with-their-cinematic-new-track-coloratura-3000690 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=NME}}</ref>

On 13 September 2021, Coldplay announced that the album's second single, "[[My Universe (song)|My Universe]]", a collaboration with [[K-pop|South Korean pop]] group [[BTS]], would be made available on 24 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jack|last=White|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-and-bts-announce-new-collaborative-single-my-universe__34019/|title=Coldplay and BTS announce new collaborative single My Universe|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=13 September 2021|access-date=13 September 2021|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007132132/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-and-bts-announce-new-collaborative-single-my-universe__34019/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song debuted at number three on the [[UK Singles Chart]], becoming their first Top 10 single in the country since "[[Something Just Like This]]" in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/?|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Official Charts Company|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003015132/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also debuted at number one on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=5 October 2021|title=Coldplay & BTS Congratulate Each Other as My Universe Debuts at No. 1 on Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-bts-my-universe-no-1-hot-100/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220102031526/https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-bts-my-universe-no-1-hot-100/|archive-date=2 January 2022|access-date=1 January 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> A short documentary about the collaboration was released on 26 September 2021 on the official BTS YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=26 September 2021 |title=BTS & Coldplay Take Fans Inside the Making of My Universe in New Documentary |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-my-universe-documentary-video-9636491/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230621124052/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-my-universe-documentary-video-9636491/ |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

[[File:ColdplayWembley160822 (19 of 81) (52291279744).jpg|thumb|left|Coldplay performing at [[Wembley Stadium]] in August 2022 during the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]]]]
''Music of the Spheres'' went number one the [[UK Albums Chart]] with 101,045 units sold,<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2021 |title=Coldplay's Music of the Spheres Tops 100k First-week Sales |url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/coldplay-s-music-of-the-spheres-tops-100k-first-week-sales/084441 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815150637/https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/coldplay-s-music-of-the-spheres-tops-100k-first-week-sales/084441 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=15 August 2022 |website=Music Week}}</ref> becoming the fastest-selling record in the country since [[Ed Sheeran]]'s ''[[No.6 Collaborations Project]]'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coldplay claim fastest-selling album of 2021 so far|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-claim-fastest-selling-album-of-2021-so-far-with-music-of-the-spheres__34284/|access-date=30 October 2021|website=Official Charts Company|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104002452/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/coldplay-claim-fastest-selling-album-of-2021-so-far-with-music-of-the-spheres__34284/|url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart,<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/tlp/|access-date=30 October 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=26 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326134851/https://www.billboard.com/artist/coldplay/chart-history/tlp/|url-status=live}}</ref> and reached the top on both the [[Top Alternative Albums]] and the [[Top Rock Albums]] charts.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Coldplay Dominates Billboard Rock Albums & Alternative Albums Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/coldplay-dominates-billboard-rock-albums-alternative-albums-charts-billboard-news|access-date=30 October 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=15 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315022330/https://www.billboard.com/video/coldplay-dominates-billboard-rock-albums-alternative-albums-charts-billboard-news/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 October 2021, Coldplay announced the [[Music of the Spheres World Tour]], which began in [[San José, Costa Rica|San José]]'s [[Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (2011)|Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica]] on 18 March 2022 and visited over 40 countries.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brownlie |first1=Lauren |title=Coldplay announce Glasgow show as part of new world tour |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/19647584.coldplay-announce-glasgow-show-part-new-world-tour/ |access-date=14 October 2021 |work=[[Glasgow Times]] |date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609064202/https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/19647584.coldplay-announce-glasgow-show-part-new-world-tour/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The concert run's announcement also included [[Music of the Spheres World Tour#Ecological plan|a series of environmental plans]] developed in two years with help from sustainability experts; they were aimed at reducing [[Greenhouse gas emissions|CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]] by 50% in comparison to the [[A Head Full of Dreams Tour|Head Full of Dreams Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2021 |title=Music of the Spheres World Tour Announced |url=https://www.coldplay.com/music-of-the-spheres-world-tour-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016160004/https://www.coldplay.com/music-of-the-spheres-world-tour-announced/ |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=14 October 2021 |publisher=Coldplay}}</ref> The shows became a leading topic of news coverage in visited regions,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Coldplay Invadió de Positividad las Redes Sociales |trans-title=Coldplay Invaded Social Media with Positivity |url=https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/967493/espectaculos/coldplay-invadio-positividad-redes-sociales.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230917053055/https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/967493/espectaculos/coldplay-invadio-positividad-redes-sociales.html |archive-date=17 September 2023 |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=La Gaceta |language=es}}</ref> boosted local economies,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2023 |title=Coldplay Concert: Malaysia Missed Economic Lottery, Says Muar MP |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/922432/coldplay-concert-malaysia-missed-economic-lottery-says-muar-mp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230822133240/https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/922432/coldplay-concert-malaysia-missed-economic-lottery-says-muar-mp |archive-date=22 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=New Straits Times}}</ref> and Coldplay's discography experienced a resurgence in sales and streaming.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=31 August 2022 |title=New Around the World: Coldplay's Catalog Climbs Global Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-catalog-global-charts-new-around-the-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220901134228/https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-catalog-global-charts-new-around-the-world/ |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=4 September 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The band also managed to beat their initial [[carbon footprint]] target, reducing it by 59% as of June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2024 |title=It Was All Eco: Coldplay Beats Emissions Target for World Tour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/04/coldplay-world-tour-eco-friendly-emissions-target-music-of-spheres |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123161321/https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/04/coldplay-world-tour-eco-friendly-emissions-target-music-of-spheres |archive-date=23 November 2024 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 23 November 2021, "Higher Power" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance|Best Pop Duo/Group Performance]] at the [[64th Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 November 2021|title=Grammy Nominations 2022: See the Full List Here|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2022-see-the-full-list-here/|access-date=23 November 2021|website=Pitchfork|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209015041/https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2022-see-the-full-list-here/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, Martin said Coldplay would release three more albums until 2025 during an interview for [[BBC]], with one of them being "kind of a musical" while their last will be a "back to the basics" self-titled record.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=23 December 2021|title=Coldplay's Chris Martin Hints at Retirement|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-chris-martin-hints-retirement-1235013599/|access-date=23 December 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140734/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-chris-martin-hints-retirement-1235013599/|url-status=live}}</ref> He added, however, that the band will still be active with smaller releases and worldwide touring after 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jo Whiley, Christmas With Christ Marton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0012r8y|url-status=live|access-date=23 December 2021|website=BBC Radio 2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223002626/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0012r8y |archive-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> On 23 February 2022, the band released a new stripped-down version of "[[Let Somebody Go]]" and a cover of [[Kid Cudi]]'s "[[Day 'n' Nite]]". Both songs were part of the [[Spotify|Spotify Singles]] series.<ref>{{Citation |title=Spotify Singles |date=23 February 2022 |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5WSVBLmTp6Fgjm2Dwyu3vr |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813033247/https://open.spotify.com/album/5WSVBLmTp6Fgjm2Dwyu3vr |url-status=live}}</ref> They later received three nominations at the [[65th Annual Grammy Awards]], including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2022 |title=Grammy Awards 2023: The Full List of Nominees |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/arts/music/grammys-nominee-list-2023.html |access-date=15 November 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115213745/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/arts/music/grammys-nominee-list-2023.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Coldplay Glasto24 290624 (26) (53836754632) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Coldplay performing at [[Glastonbury Festival 2024]]. It marked their record fifth time headlining the event.]]
On 13 June 2024, Coldplay announced "[[Feelslikeimfallinginlove]]" as the lead single for ''[[Moon Music]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Announce First Moon Music Album Single Feelslikeimfallinginlove |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/coldplay-first-moon-music-single-feelslikeimfallinginlove-1235708991/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613193312/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/coldplay-first-moon-music-single-feelslikeimfallinginlove-1235708991/ |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Details about the album were shared through their social media, being scheduled for release on 4 October.<ref name="ASWAD">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title=Coldplay's 10th Album, Moon Music, Due in October |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/coldplay-10th-album-moon-music-october-1236039848/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617130650/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/coldplay-10th-album-moon-music-october-1236039848/ |archive-date=17 June 2024 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> CD and vinyl pressings were crafted from recycled polycarbonate and PET-plastic bottles, respectively.<ref name="ASWAD" /> Two weeks later, the band headlined [[Glastonbury Festival]] for the fifth time, extending the record set in June 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Review, Glastonbury 2024: Band Deliver the Spectacle of a Lifetime, with Help from Michael J. Fox |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/glastonbury/coldplay-review-glastonbury-2024-chris-martin-b2568423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706144018/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/glastonbury/coldplay-review-glastonbury-2024-chris-martin-b2568423.html |archive-date=6 July 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=The Independent}}</ref> Guests included [[Victoria Canal]], [[Michael J. Fox]] and [[Laura Mvula]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Coldplay Live at Glastonbury 2024: Worthy Farm's House Band Become 100,004 People Strong |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/coldplay-glastonbury-2024-live-review-photos-setlist-3770486 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630150757/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/coldplay-glastonbury-2024-live-review-photos-setlist-3770486 |archive-date=30 June 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=NME}}</ref> They also revealed "[[We Pray]]", featuring [[Little Simz]], [[Burna Boy]], [[Elyanna]] and [[Tini (singer)|Tini]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=Watch Coldplay Bring Out Michael J. Fox and Debut Little Simz Collab at Glastonbury |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2270093/watch-coldplay-bring-out-michael-j-fox-and-debut-little-simz-collab-at-glastonbury/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230645/https://www.stereogum.com/2270093/watch-coldplay-bring-out-michael-j-fox-and-debut-little-simz-collab-at-glastonbury/news/ |archive-date=30 June 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> It was made available as the second single on 23 August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=England |first=Adam |date=2024-08-06 |title=Coldplay announce new single 'We Pray' featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy and more |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-announce-new-single-we-pray-featuring-little-simz-burna-boy-3781515 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=NME}}</ref> During their stay in [[Rome]] on the Music of the Spheres World Tour, the group premiered "Good Feelings", with [[Ayra Starr]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-13 |title=Watch Coldplay Debut New Song "Good Feelings" In Rome |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2271552/watch-coldplay-debut-new-song-good-feelings-in-rome/news/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Stereogum}}</ref>

''Moon Music'' reached number one in 16 countries,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2024 |title=Coldplay Dévoile le Clip le Plus Déchirant de L'Hiver, Avec Un Célèbre Acteur! |trans-title=Coldplay Unveils the Most Heartbreaking Video of the Winter, with a Famous Actor! |url=https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Coldplay/news-130891.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104053533/https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Coldplay/news-130891.html |archive-date=4 January 2025 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=Pure Charts |language=fr}}</ref> outselling the rest of the Top 40 combined in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=11 October 2024 |title=Coldplay Album Outsells the Rest of the Top 40 Combined |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl42e1gljo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241011173255/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl42e1gljo |archive-date=11 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The album also topped the ''Billboard'' 200 in the United States, marking the first time a British group led both charts simultaneously since 2016.<ref name="PAINE">{{Cite web |date=17 October 2024 |title=Parlophone's Jen Ivory & Josh Jennings on Incredible Demand for Coldplay's US & UK No.1 Moon Music |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/parlophone-s-jen-ivory-josh-jennings-on-incredible-demand-for-coldplay-s-us-uk-no-1-moon-music/090678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018184018/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/parlophone-s-jen-ivory-josh-jennings-on-incredible-demand-for-coldplay-s-us-uk-no-1-moon-music/090678 |archive-date=18 October 2024 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=Music Week}}</ref> Its visual companion, named ''A Film for the Future'', was released in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2025 |title=Watch Coldplay's A Film for the Future – A 45 Minute Companion Movie for Moon Music |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-coldplay-a-film-for-the-future-companion-movie-moon-music-3831169 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122194443/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-coldplay-a-film-for-the-future-companion-movie-moon-music-3831169 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=22 January 2025 |website=NME}}</ref> Coldplay held two shows at the [[Narendra Modi Stadium]] during the same month, earning [[List of most-attended concerts|the largest stadium attendance of the 21st century]] with more than 111,000 people each night.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=27 January 2025 |title=Coldplay Breaks Record for Largest-Ever Stadium Shows of the 21st Century |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coldplay-breaks-record-largest-stadium-shows-21st-century-1235885466/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128013138/https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coldplay-breaks-record-largest-stadium-shows-21st-century-1235885466/ |archive-date=28 January 2025 |access-date=28 January 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>