U2‘s Bono has insisted that Coldplay “are not a rock band” while defending the group from being “judged” under those rules by music fans.
The Irish rock musician was speaking on the BBC Sounds eight-part series Music Uncovered: The Genius Of Coldplay presented by Greg James. The series unpacks the band’s journey with the help of fans, fellow musicians and key people involved with their journey.
It also includes clips from artists like Stormzy and Griff who reflected on what the band meant to them. Speaking specifically about ‘Clocks’ from second studio album ‘A Rush Of Blood to the Head’, Bono remarked: “It just sort of sticks to you, tighter than time itself.”
The frontman added that he remembered “punching the air in a manly but not aggressive way” when he first heard the hit song, “and then the feeling of, ‘oh, this is just better than anyone else’s song at the moment’.”
The musician continued: “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.
“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.’”
Coldplay are due to headline Glastonbury this year, which will make them the first act to headline the Worthy Farm event five times.
They will also top the bill at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend this month alongside Vampire Weekend, Beabadoobee and more.
Fans are still uncertain as to the band’s future after Chris Martin previously revealed that the band would stop making music in 2025.
Back in 2021, Martin revealed that Coldplay were coming to the end of their time writing new material, and had plans to stop writing music as a band by next year.
“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,” Martin said during an interview with Jo Wiley. “Maybe we’ll do some collaborative things but the Coldplay catalogue, as it were, finishes then.”
Coldplay will continue their ‘Music Of The Spheres’ tour this year, with dates coming up in Athens, Bucharest, Budapest and Lyon before Glasto. You can check out the dates in full and buy tickets here.
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