Coldplay
From Intimate Camden Stages to Global Stardom
We know Camden, has long been synonymous with musical greatness, serving as a launchpad for countless iconic bands. One of its most celebrated success stories is Coldplay, whose journey from small stages to international acclaim is deeply rooted in Camden’s rich musical heritage.
By attending gigs in Camden, you’re immersing yourself in the very scene that nurtured bands like Coldplay, witnessing the potential stars of tomorrow!
Coldplay’s connection to Camden began even before their rise to fame. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland shared a flat at 268 Camden Road, where they often rehearsed with band friend Tim Crompton. This flat was a short walk from Camden Town, the epicenter of London’s indie music scene at the time. These early sessions laid the groundwork for the band’s unmistakable sound.
Coldplay’s first-ever show under their new name took place at the Dublin Castle, one of Camden’s most iconic venues. This performance marked the beginning of their journey as the band we know today!
Coldplay’s first concert as “Coldplay” took place at The Dublin Castle in Camden, London, on February 22, 1998. This historic performance marked a turning point for the band as they moved on from their original name, Starfish. The Dublin Castle, a legendary venue known for launching acts like Madness, Blur, and Amy Winehouse, played a crucial role in shaping the careers of countless artists, including Coldplay.
The band’s set at The Dublin Castle was also where they first connected with sound engineer Dan Green, who would later become a key collaborator, mixing nearly all of their live shows and even co-producing albums with the group. At this intimate venue, Coldplay also dealt with logistical challenges common to up-and-coming bands, such as sharing equipment with other performers and other typical concert drama. Below a note that describes an argument between the promoter and other band playing on the night and how the band ended up stealing the drum kit. Bands – if you’re reading this and there are ever any disagreements during our CMDN gigs – please let’s just talk and don’t just steal any instruments, thank you.
I suppose, these are also the experiences that highlight the grassroots spirit of Camden’s music scene and the resilience of artists starting their careers here. In addition to its role as Coldplay’s early proving ground, the Dublin Castle remains a symbol of Camden’s vibrant music history. Known for its tiny stage and lively atmosphere, the venue encapsulates the charm of Camden’s live music culture—a place where both artists and fans come together to create unforgettable moments.
Interestingly, their very first gig occurred also in Camden, on January 16, 1998 at The Laurel Tree pub, a venue no longer active in the live music scene (since 2011 this has been a branch of Brew Dog). Despite being relative newcomers, the band managed to sell out the show, largely due to their efforts in persuading friends to attend—a testament to their early passion and determination. Before settling on the name Coldplay, the band briefly went by “Starfish”. The band members were Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, who met at University College London.
Back in May 1998, Coldplay performed at Dingwalls, another iconic club in Camden Lock that we love to use for our CMDN gigs! The audience was sparse, with attendees paying just £4 for entry (how much are Coldplay tickets now again?), making it an intimate experience for the few who witnessed the early stages of a band destined for global fame.
Their breakthrough album, Parachutes (2000), catapulted them to fame, but it was their Camden performances that cemented their early reputation. Venues like The Dublin Castle and Dingwalls were crucial in the band’s rise, offering a space where their emotive performances resonated deeply with audiences. Camden’s welcoming atmosphere nurtured their creativity, setting the stage for their global success
In 2006, the band built their own studio, the Bakery, which Chris Martin described as a larger version of Jonny Buckland’s bedroom from their days at Camden Road. This studio became a creative haven, symbolising the enduring impact of Camden on their music.
The borough’s legacy in Coldplay’s story was recently highlighted in the Disney+ documentary series Camden, where Chris Martin reflected on the area’s role in shaping the band. The series includes archival footage of Coldplay’s early performances, offering fans a glimpse into their roots in North London.
In addition to their musical success, Coldplay have shown a commitment to giving back to the live music scene. The band donated 10% of proceeds from their Wembley and Hull shows to the Music Venue Trust, an organisation dedicated to preserving grassroots music venues across the UK, underscoring the importance of nurturing the very spaces that helped launch their career – pretty cool, huh?
Why Camden Matters
Coldplay’s journey from Camden Road to global stardom highlights the borough’s unique ability to cultivate raw talent. By attending live gigs in Camden today, you’re supporting the next wave of musical legends and keeping this incredible tradition alive.
Be part of the story—join the Camden experience and get tickets to our next gigs!
If you were lucky enough to be part of any of Coldplay’s gigs in Camden – reach out, let me know if you have any interesting facts or cool additions to this blogpost, I’d love to hear about it!
Rock on,
Nila
References:
Coldplay’s Early Performances at the Dublin Castle
Camden’s Influence on Coldplay’s Career