Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London (UCL). After they formed under the name Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as a bassist and they changed their name to Starfish.
Will Champion joined as a drummer and backing vocalist, completing the performing line-up. Creative Director Phil Harvey is often referred to as the official fifth member by the band. 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 Blue Room was their first release on a major label, after signing to Parlophone.
Coldplay started out as one of many earnest post-Britpop bands. In the late 1990s, the EPs released by the band had characteristics of dream pop, setting them apart from later studio albums. The tone of the band's first studio album, Parachutes, was described as melodic pop with "distorted guitar riffs and swishing percussion" but also being "exquisitely dark and artistically abrasive".
Such alternative rock style has been compared to bands like U2, Oasis, Radiohead and Travis.The band acknowledges the Scottish alternative rock band, Travis, as a major influence on their earlier material.
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
Sex Pistols on the set for the 'Pretty Vacant' video shoot at the ITN Studios, London in June 1977
Angus Young, from AC/DC, captured in a small street outside a press meeting in Copenhagen in 1977
In the studio in Santa Monica, California in 1980, Bob Dylan is captured whilst leaning on his guitar case.
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
The Stranglers are one of the most enduring bands to have come out of the punk scene with an uncompromising attitude and idiosyncratic style
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
