Coldplay are a British alternative rock band formed in London, England in 1998. The group comprises vocalist/pianist/guitarist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Will Champion. Coldplay have sold 50 million albums,[1] and are also known for their hit singles, such as "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Clocks", "Speed of Sound", "Fix You" and "Viva la Vida".

Coldplay achieved worldwide fame with the release of their single "Yellow", followed by their debut album, Parachutes (2000), which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Its follow-up, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), won multiple awards such as NME's Album of the Year. Their next release, X&Y (2005), received a slightly less enthusiastic yet still generally positive reception. The band's fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), was produced by Brian Eno and released again to largely favourable reviews, earning several Grammy nominations.[2] All of Coldplay's albums have enjoyed commercial success.[3][4]

Coldplay's early material was compared to acts such as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, U2, and Travis.[5] Since the release of Parachutes, Coldplay have drawn influence from other sources, including Echo and the Bunnymen,[6] Kate Bush and George Harrison[7] on A Rush of Blood to the Head, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk for X&Y and Blur,[8] Arcade Fire and My Bloody Valentine on Viva la Vida.[9] Coldplay have been an active supporter of various social and political causes, such as Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign and Amnesty International. The group have also performed at various charity projects such as Band Aid 20, Live 8, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.[10]