Coldplay, one of the most successful British rock bands of all time, was formed in 1996 by college students Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland at University College London. Initially calling themselves Big Fat Noises and later Starfish, they transformed into Coldplay when they were joined by bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion. Their debut EP, Safety, was released in 1998, primarily distributed to record label executives. By 1999, their talent caught the eye of Parlophone Records, leading to a promising partnership.

The band's breakthrough came with their debut full-length album, Parachutes, released in 2000. Featuring the hit single “Yellow,” the album quickly rose to critical and commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and eventually breaking into the US charts, earning a multi-platinum certification. Parachutes also won the prestigious Brit Award for British Album of the Year and set the stage for Coldplay’s future accolades, including a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2002.

Continuing their momentum, Coldplay released a series of acclaimed albums, beginning with A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002, followed by X&Y (2005), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), Mylo Xyloto (2011), Ghost Stories (2014), and A Head Full of Dreams (2015). Many tracks, including “Clocks,” “Viva la Vida,” and “Paradise,” solidified their status as a leading force in contemporary music. Notably, “Viva la Vida” became an anthem, topping charts globally and marking the first time a British act led both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart simultaneously in the 21st century.

Despite their commercial success, Coldplay has remained committed to philanthropy rather than corporate endorsements. They actively support a variety of charitable initiatives, including Amnesty International and Make Poverty History, often donating 10% of their profits to humanitarian projects. This dedication to social causes has defined their identity in the music industry, balancing their commercial endeavors with a commitment to making a positive impact.

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Coldplay is recognized as one of the best-selling music acts in history and continues to hold records within the music industry, including being the first group in Spotify history to reach 90 million monthly listeners. The band has earned numerous awards, including nine Brit Awards and multiple Grammys, affirming their influence in popular culture.