Coldplay are an English alternative rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny
Buckland at University College London. After forming Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as a bassist and they
changed their name to Starfish. Will Champion joined as a drummer, backing vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist,
completing the lineup. Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed
themselves "Coldplay" in 1998, before recording and releasing three EPs; Safety in 1998, Brothers & Sisters as a
single in 1999 and The Blue Room in the same year. The latter was their first release on a major label, after signing to
Parlophone. Coldplay has won numerous music awards throughout their history, including six Brit Awards—winning
Best British Group three times, four MTV Video Music Awards, and seven Grammy Awards from twenty
nominations. 2009 was their most successful year having received seven Grammy Award nominations at the 51st
Grammy Awards, and won three.
