English alternative rock band Coldplay was formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland during their time together at the University College London. The band is now comprised of Martin, Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion.
Coldplay first reached mainstream success through their debut album Parachutes. Following its release in July of 2000, the album went on to reach platinum status in ten different countries. Behind hit singles “Shiver,” “Yellow,” and “Trouble,” Parachutes was ranked #12 on the 20 biggest-selling albums list of the 21st century in the UK.
Their next three albums A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005) and Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) all received heavy amounts of international attention. Viva la Vida debuted at number one in 36 countries in its first week of release and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album as the highest selling album of 2008.
Coldplay made plans to release their next studio album by the fall of 2011. Mylo Xyloto dropped in stores that October and became the group’s third album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 447,000 units after one week. Hit singles “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” and “Paradise” headline the project.