Bono: Coldplay are not a rock band, they’re much more interesting
THEY have conquered stadiums around the world, yet Coldplay still attract criticism for being boring. Indeed, a Telegraph critic once described them as “the world’s comfort blanket”.
Bono, frontman of arguably the biggest band in rock, begs to differ, insisting that Coldplay are “much more interesting” than rock bands.
The With or Without You singer added that the band, who are headlining Glastonbury music festival in 2024, should not be “judged by rock rules”.
He was speaking on the first episode of new BBC Radio 1 series Music Uncovered, which attempts to “unravel the phenomenon” of Coldplay.
Presented by DJ Greg James, Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay speaks to people close to the band including their manager Phil Harvey and Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis, as well as musicians who have worked with them over the years.
Dublin-born Bono said: “I should mention Coldplay are not a rock band. I hope that’s obvious. There is something much more interesting going on there like the Isley Brothers or something.”
The 61-year-old revealed his favourite Coldplay song is Clocks from the band’s 2002 second album,
A Rush Of Blood to the Head.
He said: “They should not be judged by rock rules. Rage is the river running under most rock formations. Coldplay’s music has a different source and I think it’s best revealed in this song Clocks. It just sort of sticks to you, tighter than time itself. “The clock face of one band sharing a moment in time. I remember when I first heard it, punching the air in a manly but not aggressive way, and then the feeling of, ‘oh, this is just better than anyone else’s song at the moment’.” The Grammy-winning band, comprising Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion, will headline Glastonbury for a record fifth time, beating The Cure for appearances on the main stage.
The band, whose hits include Yellow and Viva la Vida, last played the Pyramid Stage in 2016. During their performance the group paid tribute to Viola Beach, a British band who were killed that year in a car crash in Sweden.
The band performed Viola Beach’s song Boys That Sing on the Pyramid Stage for “all the bands that don’t exist any more”.
Lead singer Martin said: “We’re going to create Viola Beach’s alternate future for them and let them headline Glastonbury with their song.”