Coldplay star inspires students striving for a career in music

The drummer in one of the world’s most famous bands met Music students at the University of Southampton to talk about his rise to fame and his experience of the music industry.

Coldplay’s Will Champion chatted to an audience of Music students and staff about what influences the band’s music, creative process and enduring success.

Coldplay formed in the mid-90s, achieving global fame in 2000 with their debut album Parachutes. Since then they have won countless awards, including seven Grammys, and sold 72 million albums worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music acts.

Invited to speak by Music staff at the University, Will spent an hour sharing his thoughts and answering questions on topics such as composing, studio recording, live performance and managing stardom.

He told students: “Some of you will hope to be producers, solo artists, session players, in a band – whatever you do, it’s very important to maintain what’s special about your group or your music; that is the thing you have to hold above everything else. Don’t stop believing what you can achieve.”

Will has a strong connection with Southampton – he grew up in the city, went to Cantell School, and both his parents worked at the University as academics. When he was 14, he did work experience at the Nuffield theatre (Nuffield Southampton Theatres), in the box office and backstage.