The band was formed in 1996 with two people – lead vocalist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland. The duo was called ‘Pectoralz’. After the other two meembers joined, the band was called ‘Starfish’ before they opted for the name ‘Coldplay’.

The band members first met at University College London (UCL), from where their journey started. Chris Martin pursued Ancient World Studies. Jonny Buckland studied Mathematics and Astronomy. Guy Berryman was pursuing Engineering before he dropped out. Will Champion studied Anthropology.

Phil Harvey, considered the fifth member of the band, was with Chris Martin in school and has been with them since their inception. Previously, he single-handedly managed the band and is now the creative director of Coldplay.

Coldplay’s first Extended Play (EP) was released in 1998, and it was called ‘Safety’. It had three songs – ‘Bigger Stronger’, ‘No More Keeping My Feet On The Ground’ and ‘Such A Rush’.

Their debut album ‘Parachutes’ was released in 2000, and had 10 songs including one of their most popular tracks ‘Yellow’.

Chris Martin once revealed that former USA President Barack Obama had told him that he was a big fan of the band’s music.

Coldplay drummer Will Champion made a cameo in Game of Thrones episode ‘The Red Wedding’ as a drummer. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland also made brief apperances in Shaun of the Dead. Chris Martin had also appeared in an episode of Modern Family.

The band has won seven Grammy awards, including the award for ‘Best Alternative Music Album’ for their debut album ‘Parachutes’.

They have released 10 studio albums till now. In a recent interview, Chris Martin revealed that the band will only be releasing 2 more albums. 

Also Read: We are only going to release 12 albums: Chris Martin on Coldplay's retirement plans