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Will Champion
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William Champion (born 31 July 1978) is an English musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer and percussionist of the rock band Coldplay. Raised in Southampton, he learned to play numerous instruments during his youth, being influenced by Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and traditional Irish folk music. His energetic drumming style is largely focused on the essential elements of the songs and he occasionally takes lead vocal duties on live performances.
Key Information
Champion has a 2:1 degree in anthropology from University College London, where he completed Coldplay's line-up with Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman. The band signed with Parlophone in 1999 and found global success with Parachutes (2000) and subsequent albums. He has won seven Grammy Awards, nine Brit Awards and an honorary degree as Doctor of Music for contributing to Coldplay. Having sold over 160 million records worldwide,[1] they are the most successful group of the 21st century.[2]
Early life
[edit]William Champion was born on 31 July 1978 in Southampton, Hampshire, England,[3] being the second child of archaeology lecturers Timothy and Sara Champion.[4] He was raised in the Highfield suburb of the town, close to the University of Southampton, where his parents worked. His studies began at Portswood Primary School, later continuing at Cantell School and Peter Symonds College.[5] He used to play cricket for Chandler's Ford CC alongside his older brother and they went to the Highfield Church regularly.[5] After being asked about his upbringing, he said that music was "constantly on the stereo at home", which included "anything from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Nick Cave to traditional Irish folk".[6] He also took part in a group called Fat Hamster.[7]
His upbringing influenced him to start lessons on multiple instruments, including piano and violin from the age of eight, guitar at 12, and eventually bass and tin whistle.[8] However, Champion did not always enjoy the classes, since he could not read music and played the songs from memory: "I watched my teacher's hand on the piano, memorized it, and ended up doing it myself".[9] Despite being chosen to be the drummer at school and using a neighbour's kit, he was not keen on the instrument either.[10] He attended work experience at Nuffield Theatre's box office and backstage when he was 14 years old.[11]
Champion's education continued in University College London, where he attained a 2:1 degree in anthropology and met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman, eventually forming Coldplay.[12] He worked as a doorman at a bar run by Ricky Gervais while studying.[13] Years later, he said that his experience in other instruments helped with coordination and offered a different perspective on drumming, being an important part of his style: "Knowing the difference between the major and minor key is very important too, and I was lucky to learn all that before I was playing drums. That has more to do with the feel of a song [and what's right for it] instead of knowing how to play powerfully for a second".[10]
Career
[edit]Coldplay
[edit]
Champion was the last performing member to join the band in 1998.[a] He explained that Martin, Buckland and Berryman came to his house because a roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but he had not turned up, "so I just said I'd give it a go".[10] They recorded the session and he was later invited to the ensemble despite not having significant prior experience.[10] In 1999, he was temporarily sacked from the group by Martin due to heated discussions regarding his abilities as a drummer: "Three days later, the rest of us were feeling miserable [...] we asked him to come back. They made me have lots of vodka and cranberry juice in remembrance of what a nasty piece of work I was being".[15] The incident became an inspiration for "Trouble", which was written as an apology to him.[16]
In Coldplay, Champion is often regarded as the rationality of the band,[9] with Martin saying "When I think of him, I think of something heavy and granite-like. Like the base of a statue. Without that, the thing topples". While answering questions from fans, other members added that he "does have a very sensible head on his shoulders and when it comes to making decisions he is really good at putting valid points across and keeping everyone focused. He frequently has the casting vote and his decision can sometimes override the consensus".[17] They often praise his multi-instrumentalism as well, calling him a "human jukebox".[18] Although Buckland and Berryman have contributed to backing vocals, Champion remained the most prominent in the role, as seen throughout Viva la Vida Tour (2008–2010), when he played "Death Will Never Conquer".[19] His rendition of the song was included on LeftRightLeftRightLeft (2009).[19] Lead vocals are also present on "The Goldrush",[20] "In My Place" (Live in Buenos Aires),[21] and "Angelsong".[22] The latter is heard on Moon Music (2024) both separately and within "Alien Hits / Alien Radio".[22]
Other projects
[edit]Champion guested on a-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen's debut album, Past Perfect Future Tense (2004), along with Berryman.[23] In 2011, the drummer was part of a video for the Beat for Peace campaign, which "called on global leaders to take urgent diplomatic action" and "prevent all out conflict returning to Sudan".[24] He also made a guest appearance as one of the Red Wedding musicians in the "Rains of Castamere" episode from Game of Thrones, which aired on 2 June 2013.[25] In the following year, he contributed to Brian Eno and Karl Hyde's collaborative album, Someday World (2014).[26] Champion is known to support food and wine magazine Noble Rot as well, becoming an investor in their namesake restaurants.[27] In 2017, he visited the University of Southampton to talk with music students about composing, studio recording, live performances and managing stardom.[11] Along with Buckland, the drummer assisted Jodie Whittaker in her cover of "Yellow" for BBC's Children in Need album in 2019.[28] Moreover, he has guested on DrumathonLIVE, a charity event focused on raising money for children's mental health.[29] In 2023, he received an honorary degree as Doctor of Music from the University of Southampton.[30]
Musical style
[edit]Equipment
[edit]Champion's first drum kit was a Yamaha 9000.[31] The company has supplied many custom maple sets for him over the years.[31] Since the Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016–2017), his equipment includes a 22"x16" bass drum, a 13"x9" rack tom, a 16"x15" floor tom, various snare drums, and Zildjian cymbals (20" K Heavy ride; 18" A Custom Medium crashes; and 14" K Custom Dark hi-hats).[31] Most performances are fulfilled using Remo's Ambassador Coated drumheads, Pro-Mark's 5A hickory wood drumsticks, and a Roc-N-Soc drum throne.[31] He also owns three electronic pads and a cajón.[32] Known for an energetic drumming style,[33] Champion once stated he lacked the confidence to play loud or heavy at first, something which became part of his sound: "That's my trademark—wait" and "steal the limelight at the end".[31]
Influences
[edit]When questioned about which Coldplay songs he thinks are his technical or feel-wise best, Champion observed that he was proud of the ones where everything was cut down to the essentials and mentioned "Viva la Vida" as an example: "It's just a kick drum, a bell and a little bit of timpani here and there, but it's so simple. We tried so many different things with that, four-beats, rock beats, everything—but nothing worked [...] There are so many intricacies on the violins, the melodies and everything, I just felt [it has] to be simple with no frills, just support the song".[31] His favourite album is Rum Sodomy & the Lash (1985) by the Pogues.[34] In 2006, he listened to Klaxons, Arcade Fire and hip-hop artists.[35] The drummer endorsed works from Fontaines D.C. and Grian Chatten in 2024 as well.[36] His top players include Ginger Baker, John Bonham and Dave Grohl.[10]
Personal life
[edit]According to The Times, Champion has an estimated wealth of £113 million as of May 2022.[37] He is a longtime supporter of Southampton F.C. and has owned a season ticket for many years.[38] His parents used to DJ as Champion Tunes at local pubs before Sara died from cancer in 2000.[8] Her funeral ended up scheduled on the same day Coldplay had to film the music video for "Yellow", hence why Martin appears alone.[39] Their debut album references her in the liner notes.[40] In 2003, he married teacher Marianna Dark, becoming the first band member to wed.[8] They have three children and live in London's Hampstead area.[41]
Interviewed by The Guardian, Champion said that he loves being able to "disappear" back to his children (who are studying Suzuki method violin) and wife (who sings in Brian Eno's private choir) after playing stadiums worldwide.[42] This "skill" was a theme of a sketch by British comedian Nish Kumar in Live at the Apollo.[43] The drummer also commented that he often dances with Dark at their house.[42] She recorded backing vocals on the title track of Everyday Life (2019), becoming his favourite piece of sound from the album.[44] Champion declared that his favourite activity outside music is cooking.[45] He made drawings for each Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–2025) stop on his drums.[46]
Discography
[edit]
With Coldplay[edit]
|
Solo credits[edit]
|
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Overall, the fifth and final member was manager and creative director Phil Harvey.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Why Uncool Coldplay Are the Best Live Band in the World Right Now". The Telegraph. 27 August 2025. Archived from the original on 27 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Glastonbury 2024: The Reason Coldplay Are the 21st Century's Defining Band". BBC News. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ "Latest Coldplay News". Capital FM (Press the "View More" button on the "Facts" column). 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "Coldplay: Drummer Will Champion's Quiet Life in Southampton Before Linking Up with Chris Martin". Hampshire Live. 1 August 2022. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ a b "Hampshire's Will Champion's Ever Blossoming Success With Coldplay". Daily Echo. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- ^ Will Champion Coldplay | Rare Interview | The Lost Tapes. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Hampshire's Understated Rockstar – Coldplay's Will Champion". Daily Echo. 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ a b c "Coldplay Drummer's Journey from Hampshire Primary School to the Super Bowl". Daily Echo. 6 December 2015. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- "Everyday Life Booklet" (PDF). Warner Music Group UK. 22 November 2019. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
- ^ a b (Wild & Croft 2018, p. 138)
- ^ a b c d e "Will Champion: Just Right for Coldplay". Drum!. 21 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Coldplay Star Inspires Students Striving for a Career in Music". University of Southampton. 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ "Gentlemen Players". The Telegraph. 19 October 2002. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ Ricky Gervais is Chris Martin's Naughty Cousin | Rove & Sam. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ "They Played a Tiny Café... There Were Four People in the Audience". Music Business Worldwide. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ (Wild & Croft 2018, pp. 42–45)
- "Coldplay's Will Champion Reflects On Getting Kicked Out of the Band". Uproxx. 23 June 2021. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ "20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album". Radio X. 12 July 2020. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Dear Oracle, why does the band refer to Will as the frightening one?". Coldplay. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ "About the Coldplay Drummer". Zimbio. 24 March 2009. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
- ^ a b "Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft". Pitchfork. 1 June 2009. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "B-Side of the Week: Coldplay's Goldrush". Digital Spy. 30 January 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ "Coldplay-Drummer Will Champion Grijpt de Hoofdrol Bij Live-Versie In My Place" [Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Takes the Lead Role in the Live Version of In My Place]. NPO Radio 2 (in Dutch). 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Credits / Moon Music (Full Moon Edition) / Coldplay". Tidal. 6 October 2024. Archived from the original on 12 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Coldplay Contribute To a-ha Member's Solo Album". Listen To Norway. 7 May 2004. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "New Beat for Peace Film – Sudan 365: The Beat Continues". Sudan 365. 7 March 2011. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ "Ed Sheeran To Coldplay: Every Band Who Has Starred in Game of Thrones". BBC Radio 1. 17 June 2017. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Brian Eno / Karl Hyde: Someday World Album Review". Pitchfork. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ "From Pages to Pouring: Noble Rot Magazine Team Launch Bloomsbury Wine Bar". Evening Standard. 11 November 2015. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "Yorkshire's Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker Records Coldplay Song Yellow for Children in Need Album". The Yorkshire Post. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ "Suffolk Man Behind Global Charity Event Featuring Coldplay and Kasabian". Ipswich Star. 6 May 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- "Coldplay, The Cure and More To Take Part in DrumathonLIVE 2022". NME. 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Awarded Southampton Honorary Doctorate". BBC News. 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Will Champion on World Domination with Coldplay, New Kits and The Art of Waiting". Music Radar. 25 August 2016. pp. 3–5. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Ohohooo: Coldplay Gastiert in Frankfurt" [Ohohooo: Coldplay Is Making a Guest Appearance in Frankfurt]. Frankfurter Rundschau (in German). 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Coldplay: The Best Song On Each Studio Album". WhatCulture. 13 April 2022. p. 5. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ Coldplay [@coldplay] (30 November 2023). "Thank you, Shane, for the words, the music and the memories, rest in peace. W. X" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Interview with Coldplay Drummer Will Champion". The Rhythm Studio. 14 March 2006. Archived from the original on 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ We're Planning Some Big Sessions: Coldplay's Drummer Share Their Post-Gig Plans. Today FM. 26 August 2024. Event occurs at 8:53 to 10:15. Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ "The 40 Richest Musicians In The UK". The Times. 20 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Remembers His Southampton Roots". Daily Echo. 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ (Roach 2003, p. 41)
- ^ "20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album". Radio X. 3 June 2023. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- ^ "Coldplay Star Goes Green As He Swaps His Volkswagen Polo For New Electric Model". Ham & High. 5 November 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ a b "Chris Martin: Coldplay are Saying the Opposite of Walls and Brexit". The Guardian. 23 June 2016. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ Nish Kumar Wants To Be The Drummer From Coldplay | Live at the Apollo | BBC Comedy Greats. 31 October 2019. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Everyday Life. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023 – via YouTube.
- Everyday Life Q&A from Jordan. 21 November 2019. Event occurs at 12:14 to 14:20. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Coldplay in Session". BBC Radio 2. 28 November 2019. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ColdplayXtra [@coldplayxtra] (28 November 2019). "Coldplay members on their personal hobbies when they're not doing music" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Will Champion, dos Coldplay, Desenhou um Pastel de Nata na Bateria: É Maravilhoso Estar de Volta a Portugal" [Will Champion, from Coldplay, Drew a Pastel de Nata on the Drums: It's Wonderful to Be Back in Portugal]. Expresso (in Portuguese). 18 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- "Coldplay Dedicate Song to Woman Who Came to Their First Manchester Gig in 1998". ITV. 1 June 2023. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
Further reading
[edit]- Wild, Debs; Croft, Malcolm (2018). Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay. ECW. ISBN 9781787391093.
- Roach, Martin (2011). Viva Coldplay: A Biography. Music Sales. ISBN 9780857125941.
- Spivack, Gary (2004). Coldplay: Look at the Stars. Pocket Books. ISBN 9780743491969.
- Roach, Martin (2003). Coldplay: Nobody Said It Was Easy. Omnibus. ISBN 9780711998100.
External links
[edit]- Will Champion at AllMusic
- Will Champion discography at Discogs
- Will Champion at IMDb
- Will Champion discography at MusicBrainz
Will Champion
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
William Champion was born on 31 July 1978 in Southampton, Hampshire, England.[2][5] He grew up in the Highfield suburb of the city as the second child of Timothy Champion, a professor of archaeology at the University of Southampton, and Sara Champion.[6][5] Little public information exists regarding Champion's early childhood experiences or his mother's professional background, though his upbringing occurred in an academic environment influenced by his father's scholarly career in archaeology.[6] He has an older sibling, though details about family dynamics or additional siblings remain undocumented in available sources.[5]Education and initial musical interests
Champion attended Portswood Primary School and Cantell School in Southampton during his early education, followed by Peter Symonds College for further studies.[7][8] He later enrolled at University College London, where he studied anthropology and met his future Coldplay bandmates Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman.[9] Champion's initial musical training began at age eight with piano and violin lessons, though he did not always enjoy them.[8] He took up guitar around age twelve and later learned bass and tin whistle, reflecting an early versatility across instruments rather than a primary focus on percussion.[10] His youthful exposures to a neighbor's drum kit and school music classes introduced him to drumming, but he did not pursue it intensively until later.[8] Early influences shaped Champion's musical perspective, drawing from artists such as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and Bob Dylan, alongside traditional Irish folk music.[11] This foundation emphasized melodic and rhythmic support over technical flash, informing his later approach to multi-instrumentalism in a band context.[12]Professional career
Joining and role in Coldplay
Will Champion joined Coldplay in 1997 as the final core member, alongside Chris Martin (vocals and piano), Jonny Buckland (guitar), and Guy Berryman (bass).[13] The band had originated in 1996 at University College London, where the initial trio met while studying.[13] Champion, also a UCL student pursuing anthropology, filled the drummer position despite lacking any prior experience on drums.[14] He had background as a multi-instrumentalist, having played guitar and piano previously.[14] Quickly mastering the drums through instinct and practice, Champion secured his place in the band, which adopted the name Coldplay in 1998.[15] His recruitment stemmed from the other members seeking a drummer via his household, which housed a drum kit, leading to his impromptu audition and acceptance.[16] As Coldplay's primary drummer, Champion drives the rhythm section across studio albums and live shows, often incorporating percussion elements like tambourines and bells.[14] He routinely delivers backing vocals, enhancing the band's layered harmonies, and contributes multi-instrumental parts, including piano and guitar, in arrangements and performances.[14] Champion participates in the songwriting process, influencing the band's evolving sound from alternative rock roots to broader experimental styles.[17]Contributions to Coldplay's discography and live performances
Will Champion serves as the drummer and primary percussionist on all of Coldplay's studio albums, from their debut Parachutes (2000) to Moon Music (2024), establishing the band's rhythmic core through his emphasis on simplicity and emotional feel over technical complexity.[18] He is routinely co-credited as a songwriter alongside Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman on the majority of the band's tracks, focusing his input on musical elements such as arrangements and instrumentation rather than lyrics.[19] For instance, Champion proposed the iconic piano riff for "Clocks" from A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), highlighting his collaborative role in shaping key melodic hooks.[17] In recording sessions, Champion prioritizes capturing the band's live energy, contributing to the raw, emotive percussion heard in early works like Parachutes, where his parts blend seamlessly with the group's atmospheric sound.[17] On later albums such as Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), he incorporates unconventional percussion like cowbells and xylophones to add textural depth, enhancing the orchestral scope of tracks like the title single.[17] Champion also provides backing vocals on numerous songs, including prominent harmonies in "Viva la Vida," "Us Against the World," and "Champion of the World" from Everyday Life (2019), where he is additionally credited with keyboards.[20] As Coldplay transitioned to self-production on albums like A Head Full of Dreams (2015) and beyond, he co-produced alongside the band, refining their sound through iterative collaboration.[21] For live performances, Champion's dynamic drumming drives Coldplay's stadium tours, from the Parachutes Tour (2000–2001) to the ongoing Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–present), often adapting his setup to include electronic triggers for layered effects while maintaining a focus on groove and audience connection.[17] He performs the signature large bell during "Viva la Vida," a highlight that symbolizes the band's anthemic peaks, and has taken on multi-instrumental duties such as bass guitar in renditions of "Sparks" and additional percussion to replicate studio textures onstage.[22] Champion's backing vocals elevate live harmonies, and he has occasionally delivered lead vocal segments, underscoring his versatility in creating immersive, communal experiences that he describes as shared emotional escapes.[17]Side projects and collaborations
In 2004, Champion collaborated with Norwegian musician Magne Furuholmen, keyboardist of the band a-ha, on Furuholmen's debut solo album Past Perfect Future Tense, released on September 4. Champion provided drums on multiple tracks, joined by Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman, with both appearing courtesy of EMI/Parlophone Records.[23] The project marked one of Champion's early ventures outside Coldplay, blending alternative rock elements recorded in Nashville, New York, and England.[24] Champion further contributed percussion to Someday World, the 2014 collaborative album by ambient musician Brian Eno and Underworld vocalist Karl Hyde, released on May 5 via Warp Records. His involvement supported the album's experimental electronic and art rock sound, featuring a range of guest artists across 10 tracks.[5] No solo albums or independent bands led by Champion have been released as of 2025, reflecting his focus on Coldplay's core activities.Musical approach
Drumming technique and evolution
Will Champion began learning drums informally as a child on a neighbor's kit and during school lessons, but took it seriously only upon joining Coldplay in 1998, at which point he lacked prior experience on the instrument and learned primarily through practice with the band.[3] His background in piano and guitar contributed to his coordination and musical sensitivity, allowing him to prioritize song dynamics over technical complexity.[3] Champion's technique centers on a musical perspective, focusing on rhythm as the backbone that complements melodies and atmospheres rather than featuring big fills, flashy rolls, or heavy playing.[3][12] He emphasizes the importance of silence and playing only what serves the song's essentials, stating in a 2006 interview, "I try and listen to the song and play what I feel is appropriate."[12] This restrained, feel-oriented style aligns with Coldplay's early alternative rock sound, influenced by drummers like John Bonham and Dave Grohl, though Champion adapts it to avoid overpowering the band's ethereal elements.[3] Over time, Champion's drumming evolved from the subtle, basic dynamics heard on Coldplay's debut album Parachutes (2000), which supported sparse, atmospheric tracks like "The Scientist," to more solid and driving rhythms on A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), as in "In My Place."[3] This progression stemmed from increased confidence gained through extensive touring and private lessons, enabling greater power and endurance without sacrificing his core emphasis on natural flow and emotional depth.[3] As Coldplay's music incorporated broader electronic and pop influences in subsequent albums, Champion maintained an energetic yet song-serving approach, often layering percussion to enhance live performances' scale.[3]Vocal and multi-instrumental roles
Will Champion contributes backing vocals to the majority of Coldplay's songs, providing harmonies that complement lead singer Chris Martin's vocals and add depth to the band's layered sound.[25] His vocal style is characterized by a clear tenor range, often prominent in choruses and bridges, as heard in tracks like "Champion of the World" from Everyday Life (2019), where his parts received particular fan appreciation for their emotional delivery.[26] Champion has occasionally performed lead vocals on specific recordings and live settings. Examples include the B-side "The Goldrush" from the Prospekt's March EP (2008), a live version of "'Til Kingdom Come" from the X&Y era, and "Death Will Never Conquer," a Viva la Vida single B-side where he handles primary vocals.[18] In recent live performances, such as the June 10, 2025, show in Denver, Colorado, he sang lead on "In My Place," showcasing his versatility beyond percussion.[27] As a multi-instrumentalist, Champion plays drums and an array of percussion instruments, including tambourine, shaker, bells, and timpani, particularly during live tours to maintain rhythmic complexity.[14] He learned piano, violin, and saxophone in his youth before focusing on drums upon joining Coldplay in 1997, where he initially contributed on guitar and piano.[28] Album credits reflect his broader involvement, listing him on keyboards, piano, and guitar for various tracks across Coldplay's discography, such as background keyboards on select Parachutes (2000) songs.[25] This versatility allows him to support the band's evolving arrangements in both studio and stage contexts.[29]Equipment and influences
Will Champion has primarily utilized Yamaha drum kits throughout his career with Coldplay, including the Maple Custom Absolute series since at least 2003.[30] His standard setup features a 24″ × 16″ bass drum, 14″ × 5½″ Manu Katche signature snare drum, 12″ × 10″ rack tom, and 16″ × 16″ floor tom, configured for the band's melodic and atmospheric sound.[3] He incorporates electronic elements such as ddrum triggers to enhance live performances and recordings.[29] In 2016, Champion adopted a custom Yamaha kit designed for greater versatility during Coldplay's world tours, emphasizing durability and tonal consistency across venues.[31] By 2017, he was seen using a vibrant, custom-painted Yamaha setup that reflected the band's evolving visual aesthetic while maintaining acoustic integrity.[32] Champion's drumming style draws from early musical influences including Tom Waits and traditional Irish folk music, which informed his multi-instrumental background before focusing on drums in the late 1990s.[33] Broader band influences such as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Oasis have shaped his rhythmic approach, prioritizing subtlety and emotional dynamics over technical flash.[3] Lacking formal drum training, his technique evolved through practical application within Coldplay, blending acoustic foundations with sampled and programmed elements for the group's expansive soundscapes.[3]Reception and impact
Achievements and commercial success
As a founding member and drummer of Coldplay, Will Champion has contributed to the band's extensive list of accolades, including seven Grammy Awards and nine Brit Awards, recognizing achievements such as Record of the Year for "Viva la Vida" in 2009 and Best Rock Album for the same release.[34][35] The band's commercial dominance, bolstered by Champion's rhythmic foundation across studio and live settings, has resulted in global album sales exceeding 100 million units as reported by their label Parlophone.[36] Coldplay's discography, featuring Champion's percussion on landmark tracks like "Clocks" and "Fix You," has driven sustained revenue, with albums such as Parachutes (2000) achieving multi-platinum status in multiple markets, including nine times platinum in the US.[37] Recent releases continue this trajectory; Moon Music (2024) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 120,000 equivalent album units in its first week, primarily from 106,000 traditional sales.[38] Champion's role extends to the band's record-breaking tours, including the Music of the Spheres World Tour, which has grossed hundreds of millions and drawn millions of attendees worldwide through his dynamic live drumming.[39] In recognition of his individual impact within Coldplay, Champion received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Southampton on January 23, 2023, where he engaged with students on his career trajectory.[7] This honor underscores his foundational contributions to the band's longevity and innovation, though personal accolades remain tied predominantly to group efforts rather than solo drumming distinctions.Criticisms and debates on style
Champion's drumming emphasizes restraint and integration with Coldplay's atmospheric soundscapes, prioritizing rhythmic foundation over elaborate fills or solos.[3] This approach, evident in tracks like "Viva La Vida" from the 2008 album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, where producers settled on a minimal kick drum and bell pattern after experimenting with more intricate percussion, underscores a philosophy of simplicity to amplify orchestral and melodic layers.[40] Champion has described such choices as intentional, noting in 2016 that "it's so simple" yet effective amid dense arrangements.[40] Critics and fellow musicians have occasionally debated the technical depth of his style, with Champion himself admitting in a 2012 DRUM! interview, "Everyone in the world who plays drums is probably better than me... I’m not technically amazing by any means."[3] His background—transitioning from guitar and keyboards to drums upon joining Coldplay in 1996 without formal training—contributes to this perception, as he learned primarily through band practice rather than specialized study.[3] While this self-taught method yields energetic, song-serving grooves suited to the band's pop-rock evolution, some drumming enthusiasts in online discussions argue it results in "basic" patterns lacking the complexity of progressive or fusion styles, though professional reviews rarely echo such views harshly.[3] Proponents of Champion's technique highlight its evolution toward multi-instrumental support, including electronic pads and auxiliary percussion in live settings, which maintains dynamic tension without overpowering vocals or guitars.[40] This restraint aligns with Coldplay's production ethos, where drums often function as a subtle pulse amid synthesizers and effects, as seen in albums like Mylo Xyloto (2011). Debates persist in drummer communities over whether this prioritizes artistic fit—earning praise for musicality akin to U2's Larry Mullen Jr.—or reflects limitations in versatility compared to session virtuosos.[3] Overall, Champion's style garners more acclaim for reliability in high-stakes performances than condemnation, with his contributions credited for the band's enduring stadium anthems.[17]  to Moon Music (released 4 October 2024), providing rhythmic foundations characterized by dynamic builds and emotive phrasing suited to the band's alternative rock and pop sound.[18][53] He routinely contributes backing vocals, enhancing harmonic layers, particularly in anthemic choruses, and holds songwriting credits on numerous tracks, including early compositions like "Don't Panic" from Parachutes and later hits such as "Viva la Vida" (2008), which topped charts worldwide.[54][25] His percussion work is integral to the albums' production, often incorporating live drum kits alongside electronic elements in later releases, as evidenced by credits across the band's catalog.[18]| Album | Release Year | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Parachutes | 2000 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter ("Don't Panic")[18][25] |
| A Rush of Blood to the Head | 2002 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| X&Y | 2005 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends | 2008 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter ("Viva la Vida")[18][54] |
| Mylo Xyloto | 2011 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| Ghost Stories | 2014 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| A Head Full of Dreams | 2015 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| Everyday Life | 2019 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[18][25] |
| Music of the Spheres | 2021 | Drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter[25] |
| Moon Music | 2024 | Drums, percussion, band member, songwriter[53][25] |