Coldplay as big as The Beatles

[MacBytes]

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Category: Tunes
Link: Coldplay as big as The Beatles (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20050621094706)

Posted on MacBytes.com (http://www.macbytes.com)
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[stridey]

Um... no? Every one of The Beatles' singles went number one for years. They released an album every nine months. Sorry Coldplay.

[joecool85]

Maybe on paper...but I wouldn't say they are as big as The Beatles. I don't see crazy mobs of women everywhere throwing there undies at them yet!

[feakbeak]

Why does every popular band out of the UK get compared to The Beatles. Other bands might get huge, maybe even out-perform the numbers of The Beatles, but it's not the same and they shouldn't be compared. I really like Coldplay, but they're not The Beatles.

[grapes911]

Why have I never heard of Coldplay? I'm not the foremost expert on music, but they can't be that big.

[feakbeak]

Why have I never heard of Coldplay? I'm not the foremost expert on music, but they can't be that big.They are not that big. I think they are a lot bigger in the UK than they are here in the US. They are a fairly well-known band, but nothing like The Beatles.

[zelmo]

Puh-leeeze! Coldplay is not in the same league as The Beatles. Talk about spin. :rolleyes:

[zap2]

not even close

[michaelrjohnson]

General concensus: NO!

I fall in with the masses... this time around.

[yellow]

So this is Mac news simply because Coldplay (whom I've never heard) is a "longtime Apple supporter"? Are Apple sites that desperate for news?

This just in:

Longtime Apple supporter Steve Crapowski had a brush with greatness yesterday when Steve Jobs cut in line ahead of him at the Local Starbucks. "At first, I was like, hey bungmonkey.." quipped Mr. Creapowski, a local doorstop designer, "But then I realized who it was, and figured, hey.. I can get my grandé mocha latte half-racked with a twist and squirt just as quickly, but I get to smell Steve Jobs' hair! It smelled like lilac."

:rolleyes:

[Daveway]

Well I like the Beatles, but I love Coldplay. I have more Coldplay songs.

[iMeowbot]

I don't believe that Coldplay are even bigger than Rod :D

[bentley]

It's a significant moment - the last time a UK act had number ones in both territories at the same time was in 2000, when a Beatles compilation achieved this musical zenith, according to the BBC.



Didn't Radiohead do this with Kid A too?

[stridey]

I don't believe that Coldplay are even bigger than Rod :D

*Applause :D

[iKwick7]

I am a huge fan of Coldplay. I absolutely love their style and all of their songs. I am also a massive Beatles fan (who isn't, really). That being said, it's not even close. No one will ever compare to the Beatles. Those were also different times, too. No matter how good a band is, if if they are actually better than the Beatles (blashpemous, I know!), this is just a different world than when the Beatles owned music. That can't happen again.

[Bandit]

[QUOTE=yellow]So this is Mac news simply because Coldplay (whom I've never heard) is a "longtime Apple supporter"? Are Apple sites that desperate for news?

This just in:

Longtime Apple supporter Steve Crapowski had a brush with greatness yesterday when Steve Jobs cut in line ahead of him at the Local Starbucks. "At first, I was like, hey bungmonkey.." quipped Mr. Creapowski, a local doorstop designer, "But then I realized who it was, and figured, hey.. I can get my grandé mocha latte half-racked with a twist and squirt just as quickly, but I get to smell Steve Jobs' hair! It smelled like lilac."

All right folks. That was darn funny. :D

[wordmunger]

Actually, the most interesting part of the article is that 8 percent of their sales come from legal downloads. I recall reading somewhere that it would be years before we even got to 1 percent of the market in downloads. So much for that prediction :rolleyes:

[feakbeak]

Actually, the most interesting part of the article is that 8 percent of their sales come from legal downloads. I recall reading somewhere that it would be years before we even got to 1 percent of the market in downloads. So much for that prediction :rolleyes:I think the percentage of sales from legal downloads varies greatly from artist to artist. I'm guessing that the average Coldplay fan is far more likely to buy music via legal download than say, the average Celine Dion fan.

[iMeowbot]

Actually, the most interesting part of the article is that 8 percent of their sales come from legal downloads. I recall reading somewhere that it would be years before we even got to 1 percent of the market in downloads. So much for that prediction :rolleyes:
There were some more numbers floating around, attributing a bit over 2% of RIAA sales to download services. That's in the neighborhood of vinyl (which has been reviving a little lately).

[Sir]

Coldplay are just a bunch of wankers! They're boring, overrated, and did I mention boring? Totally NOT original, like those blokes from Liverpool, a while ago...

[Sir]

*Applause :D

About your signature.......Are you talking to me?
:D

[stridey]

About your signature.......Are you talking to me?
:D

Talking to Malcom Reynolds, actually. But I can be talking to you if you really want your brain to be missing... :eek:

[Wai_TungLeung]

Coldplay are just a bunch of genius! They're brilliant, underrated and did I mention brilliant? Totally plagiarists like those blokes from Manchester a while ago...

But anyway it's a UK thing, they're probably the biggest band in Britain this decade and you know I don't mind too much if foreign people don't like them it's understandable. I haven't the faintest clue why they are comparing them to The Beatles, makes more sense to me to compare them with their peers than their influences.

[The_Man]

There is no way that coldplay could ever be compared to The Beatles. The Beatles revolutionized music forever, they were completely original and created a ridiculous amount of quality albums over a short period of time. I like Coldplay, but there is no way they are comparible to The Beatles

[iGav]

Being big doesn't make you good though ;) The Beatles were crap, and Chris Martin can't carry a tune. ;)

What's the word I'm looking for? overrated, that's the one... in both instances.

[stridey]

Being big doesn't make you good though ;) The Beatles were crap, and Chris Martin can't carry a tune. ;)

What's the word I'm looking for? overrated, that's the one... in both instances.

Hrmmm.... even putting personal tastes and musicianship aside, there's still the matter of influence. Being big doesn't make you good, but being the most influential rock group of all time kind of does. :D The Beatles changed the very definition of rock and roll in a way that no group before or after has done.

[brap]

The Beatles changed the very definition of rock and roll in a way that no group before or after has done.Right place, right time.

And Coldplay? Ha!

[iGav]

Being big doesn't make you good, but being the most influential rock group of all time kind of does.

No it doesn't... influential doesn't necessarily equate to being 'good'. ;)

[stridey]

No it doesn't... influential doesn't necessarily equate to being 'good'. ;)

Well, hence the 'kind of.' :rolleyes: ;)

[Jaffa Cake]

So this is Mac news simply because Coldplay (whom I've never heard) is a "longtime Apple supporter"?Well, Chris Martin's daughter is called Apple...

[jefhatfield]

the only bands/artists in the same category as the beatles are:

elvis
frank sinatra
michael jackson
the rolling stones

and maybe one day,

bruce springsteen
U2
REM
the beach boys
diana ross
garth brooks
the eagles
neil young
...and many others still in the business

i put my vote in for

the "original" temptations
the sex pistols
led zep
the ramones
ll cool j
alabama
the yardbirds


and a few others to eventually be considered among the greatest and most influential acts in rock and pop history

...though coldplay are a great act and they have had a great few years, i still think it will take time before they reach the legend of bruce sprinsteen and U2, and only ten years after their breakup will they then be in the league to be compared to the truly great acts of pop music

i am not saying that it is impossible for coldplay to reach that height, but it is still too early to tell

[dejo]

"Hey, Coldplay. Maybe you should be Coldsore. Back when you were U2, I liked you so much more." - Triumph, The Insult Comic Dog

[jefhatfield]

and some american/pop idol finalist top 12 contestant will, after their retirement, be considered one of the biggest/best selling acts in rock/pop history

...but don't ask me who, i just think the american idol/pop idol worldwide phenomenon going through hundreds of thousands of hopefuls each season (in many countries) will chance upon a legendary superstar for the ages

[stridey]

I think in 30 years we'll probably put Radiohead on that list too... But that's just speculation.

[LaMerVipere]

How about . . . no.

[Earendil]

Ok, I'm 20 y.o. so put this in perspective when I start talking.

Some of you saying that Coldplay isn't big because you haven't heard of them is the equivalent of saying my grandparents didn't know about the Beetles back in the day (while my parents worshipped them).

The Beetles made number one with millions of fans back in a day when there wasn't THAT much music (compared to today), and when there definitely wasn't much music in their genres. Coldplay is making number #1 at a time when there are far more artists vying for attention, as well as a few bands similar to them in style (though none that are like them).

There will never be another band like KISS either, that doesn't mean that no one will ever be as big as them. No one will ever again in History be like the Beetles. That doesn't mean that the Beetles aren't the best band to compare Coldplay to.

Having said that, I didn't know Coldplay was as big as they were, and while I highly enjoy their music, that aren't one of my top 10 bands. They are coming to Portland OR here to a good sized venue, but I'm not enough of a fan to pay the $60 tickets :(
Any band charging $60 for tickets either has something going for them, or else they have an ego, and I'm inclined to think it's at least the first one, if not both. Even Bob Dylan only charged $55 the last time he was through.

Anyway, Give it 5 or 10 years and then make claims that Coldplay isn't as big as the Beetles.

[Earendil]

You forgot a big one there buddy, Bob Dylan ;)

Thing is, there is a difference between "influential" and recognition. There are many one hit wonder bands that made a top song, but no one has a clue who they are. Many people would know the Rolling stones, or recognize a song, but putting the two together can be hard if you aren't a Rolling Stones fan.

The Beetles achieved a status such that you can hate the music of the Beetles, yet if someone plays a song by them, you KNOW it's them. From what I've heard, Coldplay is becoming recognized on BOTH sides of the pond by not just fans. Just the other day I heard a Coldplay song in the television show "The Closer".


the only bands/artists in the same category as the beatles are:

elvis
frank sinatra
michael jackson
the rolling stones

and maybe one day,

bruce springsteen
U2
REM
the beach boys
diana ross
garth brooks
the eagles
neil young
...and many others still in the business

i put my vote in for

the "original" temptations
the sex pistols
led zep
the ramones
ll cool j
alabama
the yardbirds


and a few others to eventually be considered among the greatest and most influential acts in rock and pop history

...though coldplay are a great act and they have had a great few years, i still think it will take time before they reach the legend of bruce sprinsteen and U2, and only ten years after their breakup will they then be in the league to be compared to the truly great acts of pop music

i am not saying that it is impossible for coldplay to reach that height, but it is still too early to tell

[stridey]

Ok, I'm 20 y.o. so put this in perspective when I start talking.

Some of you saying that Coldplay isn't big because you haven't heard of them is the equivalent of saying my grandparents didn't know about the Beetles back in the day (while my parents worshipped them).

The Beetles made number one with millions of fans back in a day when there wasn't THAT much music (compared to today), and when there definitely wasn't much music in their genres. Coldplay is making number #1 at a time when there are far more artists vying for attention, as well as a few bands similar to them in style (though none that are like them).

There will never be another band like KISS either, that doesn't mean that no one will ever be as big as them. No one will ever again in History be like the Beetles. That doesn't mean that the Beetles aren't the best band to compare Coldplay to.

Having said that, I didn't know Coldplay was as big as they were, and while I highly enjoy their music, that aren't one of my top 10 bands. They are coming to Portland OR here to a good sized venue, but I'm not enough of a fan to pay the $60 tickets :(
Any band charging $60 for tickets either has something going for them, or else they have an ego, and I'm inclined to think it's at least the first one, if not both. Even Bob Dylan only charged $55 the last time he was through.

Anyway, Give it 5 or 10 years and then make claims that Coldplay isn't as big as the Beetles.

I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time taking you seriously if you can't even spell The Beatles. Additionally, ticket prices are set by the record companies, not the artists. Also, I'm 19, and I'm saying that Coldplay is not now nor will ever be as big as The Beatles. It's all a matter of opinion though. :D

[jefhatfield]

Ok, I'm 20 y.o. so put this in perspective when I start talking.

Some of you saying that Coldplay isn't big because you haven't heard of them is the equivalent of saying my grandparents didn't know about the Beetles back in the day (while my parents worshipped them).

The Beetles made number one with millions of fans back in a day when there wasn't THAT much music (compared to today), and when there definitely wasn't much music in their genres. Coldplay is making number #1 at a time when there are far more artists vying for attention, as well as a few bands similar to them in style (though none that are like them).

There will never be another band like KISS either, that doesn't mean that no one will ever be as big as them. No one will ever again in History be like the Beetles. That doesn't mean that the Beetles aren't the best band to compare Coldplay to.

Having said that, I didn't know Coldplay was as big as they were, and while I highly enjoy their music, that aren't one of my top 10 bands. They are coming to Portland OR here to a good sized venue, but I'm not enough of a fan to pay the $60 tickets :(
Any band charging $60 for tickets either has something going for them, or else they have an ego, and I'm inclined to think it's at least the first one, if not both. Even Bob Dylan only charged $55 the last time he was through.

Anyway, Give it 5 or 10 years and then make claims that Coldplay isn't as big as the Beetles.

those are great points and being twice your age, i can't really see a great band these days and know they are making a difference

i did grow up during the years of kiss and they influenced me greatly and i took up electric guitar in 1980 around the time i saw them in concert and have been playing ever since

i wish i got to see kiss in the mid to late 90s when they reformed under their original lineup they had from 1973-80...i bet there were a lot of middle aged people in the audience like me ;)

[jefhatfield]

I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time taking you seriously if you can't even spell The Beatles. Additionally, ticket prices are set by the record companies, not the artists. Also, I'm 19, and I'm saying that Coldplay is not now nor will ever be as big as The Beatles. It's all a matter of opinion though. :D

in the very early days of the band, they were called the beetles and the silver beetles, and also silver beatles

one suggestion for a name was johnny and the moondogs :)

[dejo]

I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time taking you seriously if you can't even spell The Beatles. Additionally, ticket prices are set by the record companies, not the artists. Also, I'm 19, and I'm saying that Coldplay is not now nor will ever be as big as The Beatles. It's all a matter of opinion though. :D

Although I agree with you on the whole, record companies, AFAIK, don't set concert tickets prices. It is the concert promoters. Plus, bands get far more profit from touring than they do from album sales. Seems the record companies don't have nearly as much at stake in terms of concerts. But I could be completely off base here and find out that record companies have major touring clauses in their contracts with the artists.

[solvs]

"I can get my grandé mocha latte half-racked with a twist and squirt just as quickly, but I get to smell Steve Jobs' hair! It smelled like lilac."
Funny, but scary that you know what his hair smells like.

Actually, the most interesting part of the article is that 8 percent of their sales come from legal downloads. I recall reading somewhere that it would be years before we even got to 1 percent of the market in downloads. So much for that prediction :rolleyes:
It was also pre-released on iTunes. I'm sure that helped. But yeah, they were still wrong. :D

[jefhatfield]

in the very early days of the band, they were called the beetles and the silver beetles, and also silver beatles

one suggestion for a name was johnny and the moondogs :)

actually with their talent, the beatles could have actually called themselves something strange like "the sex pistols", "madonna", or "t-rex", or something either offensive or not remotely rock and roll like, and still made it big in the music business ;)

[xli_ne]

I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time taking you seriously if you can't even spell The Beatles.

thank you for someone pointing that out. that is annoying was hell

[Earendil]

I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time taking you seriously if you can't even spell The Beatles. Additionally, ticket prices are set by the record companies, not the artists. Also, I'm 19, and I'm saying that Coldplay is not now nor will ever be as big as The Beatles. It's all a matter of opinion though. :D

Blame Apple :)
I don't recall exactly, but I believe I was spelling it Beatles (perhaps with two 'T's) and OSX was telling me I was spelling it wrong. How could they not have such a famous band like that in they dictionary :D. In any case, I don't need to be a fan, or know how to spell their name in order to know who they are, appreciate their music, or make a few good points (of which were ignored in favor of correcting my spelling). That is the beauty and wonder of the Beatles, they are that big.

Or at least they are that big now. If I may reference my previous example, I doubt my grandparents knew how to spell The Beatles, and probably would have balked at the spelling if they did know.

"punk kids don't even know how to spell..."
;)

[edit for redundancy]

[scem0]

The only person I can think of who might become as big as the Beatles (who is famous right now) is Mariah Carey. She and Elvis have both had 17 #1 songs and I think the Beatles had 21. Unfortunately for Elvis, he is not longer in the running. I don't know any international sales statistics, but Mariah has a huge international fan base. So, by sales alone, and by the number of #1 hits, Mariah is creeping up on the Beetles. She also has a bright future with record sales of her new album. She

As for musical impact or how inspiring Mariah and the Beatles are, that's a different story. As far as how 'big' a band is, you have to look at much more than sales IMO.

scem0

[Jaffa Cake]

Unfortunately for Elvis, he is not longer in the running.I wouldn't say that – he's had five UK Number One hits since he died. ;)

[scem0]

really? Didn't know that :). But it is safe to assume that he won't be putting out any new content any time soon :p ;).

scem0

[noel4r]

The only person I can think of who might become as big as the Beatles (who is famous right now) is Mariah Carey.

As for musical impact or how inspiring Mariah and the Beatles are, that's a different story. As far as how 'big' a band is, you have to look at much more than sales IMO.

scem0

Mariah Carey? Isn't she practically a has been? And I've never considered her music inspirational and never thought she contributed anything to music. Same with Celine Dion. Madonna is closer to the Beatles than Mariah Carey.

[jefhatfield]

Mariah Carey? Isn't she practically a has been? And I've never considered her music inspirational and never thought she contributed anything to music. Same with Celine Dion. Madonna is closer to the Beatles than Mariah Carey.

while i believe mariah is the better singer, i think madonna is the more influential diva and closer to the beatles, elvis, and michael jackson

i think alicia keys and christina aguilera are also really good singers but somehow i don't think they will be as influential, for the teen set, as much as the less talented britney spears has been

in the end, influence makes the bigger difference as opposed to musical talent

if you wanted to base it on musical/technical talent, for a pop artist, pick toto, steely dan, or even bon jovi of which these bands have julliard graduates or seasoned studio professionals among their ranks