When you consider the biggest bands inmusicfrom the past few decades,Coldplay is on that list, but they have made an intriguing retirement announcement that could change everything. Unfortunately, nothing can last forever. It’s a privilege to seeclassic rock bands still making music after the past 25 years, not a requirement. The same goes forclassic metal bands that are still making 10/10 albums. There is nothing that says these musicians need to continue, which is why every release must be cherished.
There are plenty of bands from Coldplay’s era that werechart-toppers that have since disappeared. That’s why their staying power must be appreciated. They have been at the top since their early days, which is why their decisions should be trusted. Not every act gets a say in how their career will end, which is why more musicians are choosing to end things on their own terms. It doesn’t mean they will never be seen again, butit is a chance for what they have done to be perfectly appreciated, without the worry of anything watering it down.
Coldplay Is Only Retiring From Making New Music
The 12th Album Is The Perfect Ending
After forming in 1997, Coldplay released their first studio album in 2000. The band made an incredible impression with hits such as “Yellow.” After that, they remained consistent with making records, typically releasing one every three years. Their latest,Moon Music, arrived in 2024 andmarked the band’s historic 10th album. Reaching the coveted double digits is something only the most legendary artists have accomplished. However, this also marks the beginning of the end.
While speaking withZane Lowe during an interview for Apple Music, Martin announced Coldplay’s plans to end their recording days, saying, “We are only going to do 12 proper albums, and that’s real.” When Martin promised this as fact, Lowe pushed back, saying he didn’t want it to be real, butMartin insisted it was for the best. The band’s vision for their work is that less is more. Instead of creating for the sake of it, they simply want to make the best music possible.
While this may seem like a foreign idea for the band to place a cap on the albums they produce,it is something that has become more common in music. Legendary acts, such as Godsmack and Blue Öyster Cult, are two recent examples that have decided to walk away from recording. Many cite the pressures and the grueling nature that comes with making a record as reasons. However, just because there won’t be new music doesn’t mean they are done for good.
Coldplay Will Continue To Tour & Play Live Shows
One Of The Biggest Touring Bands Isn’t Done
Much like other bands that have chosen to walk away from creating new albums, Coldplay still sees touring in their future. Over the course of their career,they have become one of the most successful touring bands ever. They had the third highest-grossing tour of the 2010s, behind Ed Sheeran and Metallica. So far in the 2020s, they are ranked number two, only behind Taylor Swift, putting them ahead of legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.
Their famous tour in the 2020s was to promote their albumMusic of the Spheres. Now, they are set to embark on a massive summer tour in 2025 to promote their latest record. This tour will see the band play some of the biggest stadiums in the world, touching down in places such as Nashville, Toronto, and London. In fact, when they go to London,they have one of their biggest sets yet lined up as they will play Wembley Stadium for 10 nights.
Since their tour in 2022 brought in over one billion dollars, there is a chance they will meet or exceed this number once again. One thing that has never changed with them is that their live shows continue to be a highlight for fans. Many cite them as less like concerts and more of an experience. Even though they won’t be making new music past a 12th studio album,the songs they have already created have taken them this far, and it should be no different going forward.
Coldplay’s Retirement Plan Secures The Band’s Longevity
The Fun Beings When The Pressure Ends
The idea for Coldplay to preserve the specialty of what they have created comes from lead singer Chris Martin and the band’s biggest inspirations. During the interview withZane Lowe for Apple Music, Martin spoke about those influences, saying, “There are only eight Harry Potters or seven Harry Potters. There are only 12 and a half Beatles albums and about the same Bob Marley.” With these specific numbers cited,Coldplay have decided they want to be like this as well, with quality control in mind.
Whatever the last works by Coldplay are,they will only be the songs that they deem to be the absolute best.
One of the most important things that Martin noted was the fact that everything they create now is of the utmost importance, leading to high quality control, saying, “For a song to make it, it’s almost impossible.” This means that whatever the last works by Coldplay are,they will only be the songs that they deem to be the absolute best. They will ensure thattheir recording days end on a high note, but not everything will end.
While they are determined to spend more time with their families and live their lives, Martin noted how much he enjoys making music, and will continue to do so, with even a chance that members of the band will collaborate in the future. Additionally, touring will remain a top priority, meaning there is plenty that the world will still get from them.Coldplay has impacted so many people’s lives that it’s hard to fathom that they will finish creating new records once they reach a 12th, but they deserve all the trust in the world for their decision.
