U2’s Bono Says Coldplay ‘Are Not a Rock Band’ but ‘Much More Interesting’: ‘I Hope That’s Obvious’
Bono spoke about the Coldplay in the BBC Sounds series ‘Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay,’ which discusses the band’s rise
Bono has some thoughts about Coldplay.
During BBC Sounds’ eight-part series Music Uncovered: The Genius of Coldplay, the U2 frontman, 64, said that Coldplay “are not a rock band” while also insisting they shouldn’t be “judged” by those guidelines by music fans.
In the podcast, which details the British band’s career trajectory and rise, the “With or Without You” artist with fellow musicians and key collaborators.
While discussing Coldplay’s 2002 hit “Clocks,” Bono said, “It just sort of sticks to you, tighter than time itself.”
He added that he recalled “punching the air in a manly but not aggressive way” when he initially heard the song, “and then the feeling of, ‘Oh, this is just better than anyone else’s song at the moment.'”
Bono then spoke his opinion on the band’s genre.
“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 “Beautiful Day” singer said.
Bono continued: “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.'”
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Coldplay expanded their Music of the Spheres Tour into 2024, per a release. The tour will kick off June 8 in Athens, Greece at Olympic Stadium and will make stops in Rome, Dublin, Vienna and Dublin before wrapping with a three-show stint in Auckland, New Zealand at Eden Park on Nov. 16, 2024.
In December 2021, Martin, 47, revealed in an interview with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 that the group’s intention is to wrap up making new music by 2025.
“Well I know I can tell you, our last proper record will come out in 2025 and after that I think we will only tour,” he said during the interview.
“Maybe we’ll do some collaborative things, but the Coldplay catalog, as it were, finishes then,” Martin concluded.
