Chris Martin is an English musician widely recognized as the lead vocalist, pianist, and co-founder of the rock band Coldplay. His musical contributions extend beyond singing and playing, encompassing songwriting and production as well. Beyond his musical endeavors, he is also known for his philanthropic work.
1929: Founding of Family Business
In 1929, Chris Martin's grandfather, John Besley Martin, founded Martin's of Exeter, a caravan and motorhome sales business.
1968: Grandfather as Mayor of Exeter
In 1968, Chris Martin's grandfather, John Besley Martin, served as the Mayor of Exeter.
March 1977: Birth in Exeter
Christopher Anthony John Martin was born on 2 March 1977 in Exeter, Devon, England. He was the eldest of five children, with a father who was a retired chartered accountant and a mother who was a music teacher.
1985: "Back to the Future" Inspires a Young Chris Martin
Chris Martin cites watching Michael J. Fox play guitar in the 1985 film "Back to the Future" as a pivotal moment that ignited his passion for music. This inspiration would later lead him to form Coldplay.
1990: Anton Corbijn Directs "Enjoy the Silence" Music Video
In 1990, Anton Corbijn directed the music video for Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence." This video would later serve as inspiration for Coldplay's alternate music video for "Viva la Vida," released in 2008.
1996: Formation of Coldplay
In 1996, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland met during University College London's orientation week and began planning a band, which would later become Coldplay.
1997: Early Songwriting Efforts
In early 1997, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland started writing their first songs together and practicing every night, laying the groundwork for Coldplay.
1998: Coldplay's Early Names
In 1998, after a brief stint as Big Fat Noises, the band performed their debut live as Starfish before finally settling on the name Coldplay, inspired by a friend's discarded band name.
1999: Sale of Family Business
In 1999, Chris Martin's father sold the family's business, Martin's of Exeter, to a former employee.
2000: Release of Parachutes
In 2000, Coldplay released their debut album Parachutes, which included the hit song "Yellow". The album's success marked the beginning of the band's international fame.
2000: Coldplay Gains Fame
In the year 2000, Coldplay gained worldwide fame with the release of their song "Yellow." This marked the beginning of their enduring popularity, and they received acclaim for their album releases. The band, co-founded by Chris Martin, has won numerous awards and sold over 100 million albums worldwide as of 2021.
2002: Acclaim for A Rush of Blood to the Head
Coldplay received widespread acclaim in 2002 for their album A Rush of Blood to the Head. This album cemented their status as one of the leading bands of the early 21st century.
2002: Glastonbury Performance
In 2002, rumors of a relationship between Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado arose after their joint performance at Glastonbury.
March 2003: Chris Martin Encourages "Sing Against War" at Teenage Cancer Trust Show
During a sold-out performance at London's Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust on March 24, 2003, Chris Martin used his platform to advocate against the war in Iraq, urging the audience to "sing against war."
December 2003: Chris Martin Marries Gwyneth Paltrow
On December 5, 2003, Chris Martin married American actress Gwyneth Paltrow in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.
May 2004: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow Welcome Daughter, Apple
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow welcomed their first child, a daughter named Apple, in May 2004 in London. Martin's experience of fatherhood profoundly influenced Coldplay's music, notably inspiring the song "Speed of Sound" from their album "X&Y."
2004: Band Aid 20 Contribution
In 2004, Chris Martin contributed to the Band Aid 20 single "Do They Know It's Christmas?".
2004: Band Aid 20 Single
In 2004, Chris Martin contributed vocals to the Band Aid 20 single "Do They Know It's Christmas?".
2004: Chris Martin Voices Support for John Kerry at Grammy Awards
During Coldplay's acceptance speech for Record of the Year for their song "Clocks" at the 2004 Grammy Awards, Chris Martin took the opportunity to express his support for Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.
2005: Chris Martin Praises a-ha's Songwriting
During a 2005 interview, Chris Martin expressed his deep admiration for the Norwegian band a-ha, highlighting their exceptional songwriting skills and the significant influence their music had on him.
2005: Coldplay Performs R.E.M.'s "Nightswimming" with Michael Stipe
During their 2005 performance on Austin City Limits, as part of their Twisted Logic Tour, Coldplay collaborated with R.E.M.'s lead singer Michael Stipe for a rendition of R.E.M.'s song "Nightswimming", a track Martin considers one of the greatest ever written.
2005: Collaboration with Nelly Furtado
In 2005, Chris Martin collaborated with Nelly Furtado on the track "All Good Things (Come to an End)", featured on her 2006 album Loose.
2005: Chris Martin Named PETA's World's Sexiest Vegetarian
In 2005, Chris Martin received recognition from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as the "World's Sexiest Vegetarian." However, he later returned to consuming meat following his separation from Gwyneth Paltrow.
April 2006: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow Welcome Son, Moses
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's second child, a son named Moses, was born in April 2006 in New York City. The name was inspired by Coldplay's song of the same name.
April 2006: Chris Martin's "Talk to David" Revealed as April Fool's Joke
On April 1, 2006, The Guardian published a story claiming Chris Martin had composed a theme song titled "Talk to David" for British Conservative Party leader David Cameron. This report later turned out to be an April Fool's Day prank.
September 2006: Performance with Jay-Z
On 27 September 2006, Chris Martin performed the song "Beach Chair" with Jay-Z during the rapper's European tour at Royal Albert Hall. This collaboration was part of Jay-Z's comeback album, Kingdom Come.
2006: Cameo in Extras
In 2006, Chris Martin made a cameo appearance in the second series, episode four, of the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant comedy Extras.
2006: Rumored Relationship with Nelly Furtado
Rumors circulated in 2006 about a relationship between Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado after their Glastonbury performance in 2002. Nelly Furtado humorously denied it, stating, "Yeah, he's my boyfriend — he just doesn't know it yet".
October 2008: Chris Martin Shows Support for Barack Obama on "Saturday Night Live"
Chris Martin publicly expressed his support for Barack Obama's presidential campaign during Coldplay's performance on "Saturday Night Live" on October 25, 2008. Following a rendition of their song "Yellow," Martin voiced his endorsement for Obama.
2008: Coldplay Releases "Viva la Vida" Video as Depeche Mode Tribute
In 2008, Coldplay paid homage to Depeche Mode and director Anton Corbijn by releasing an alternate music video for their song "Viva la Vida". Inspired by Corbijn's 1990 video for Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence," the video features Martin mirroring Dave Gahan's attire and persona from the original.
2008: Release of Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
In 2008, Coldplay released their album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, which added to their critical and commercial success.
March 2009: Coldplay Performs at Sound Relief Benefit Concert
Coldplay joined other artists in March 2009 as the opening act for the Sound Relief benefit concert held at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia. The concert aimed to raise funds for those affected by the devastating bushfires and floods in Victoria and Queensland.
2009: Cameo in Brüno
In 2009, Chris Martin appeared singing in the closing credits of the film Brüno along with other famous musicians.
November 2011: Chris Martin Reveals Coldplay Played a-ha Covers
In November 2011, Chris Martin admitted that before Coldplay achieved mainstream success, they would often perform cover songs by the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha during their early gigs.
December 2012: 12 12 12 Concert
On 12 December 2012, Chris Martin performed three songs, including "Losing My Religion" with Michael Stipe, at the "12 12 12 Concert" held as a fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy relief.
2012: Chris Martin Reveals Battle with Tinnitus
In a 2012 interview with the Daily Mirror, Chris Martin revealed his struggle with tinnitus, a hearing condition he'd been managing since his early adulthood. Attributing it to exposure to loud music, even during his teenage years, Martin has become an advocate for hearing loss awareness, partnering with organizations like the Royal National Institute for Deaf People to promote prevention.
March 2014: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow Announce Separation
After a decade of marriage, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow announced their separation in March 2014, describing it as a "conscious uncoupling."
2014: Chris Martin Inducts Peter Gabriel into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2014, Chris Martin had the honor of inducting musician Peter Gabriel into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing Gabriel's successful solo career. Martin also performed alongside Gabriel during the ceremony.
March 2015: Launch of Tidal
In March 2015, Chris Martin attended the televised launch of music streaming service Tidal via a video link, revealing himself as a shareholder in the company.
April 2015: Gwyneth Paltrow Files for Divorce from Chris Martin
Gwyneth Paltrow officially filed for divorce from Chris Martin in April 2015, a year after their separation announcement.
June 2015: Performance at Beau Biden's Funeral
In June 2015, Chris Martin performed "Til Kingdom Come" at the funeral of Beau Biden, the son of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, after learning that Beau was a fan of his.
August 2015: Chris Martin Begins On-and-Off Relationship with Annabelle Wallis
Following his separation from Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin entered an on-and-off relationship with actress Annabelle Wallis. This relationship lasted for two years, from August 2015 to August 2017.
2015: Collaboration with DJ Avicii
In 2015, Chris Martin collaborated with DJ Avicii on two tracks for Avicii's album Stories, including "Heaven" and "True Believer."
2015: Global Citizen Festival Creative Director
In 2015, Chris Martin became the creative director of the newly established Global Citizen Festival, a role he plans to fulfil for 15 years.
June 2016: Chris Martin Supports "Vote Remain" Campaign
Chris Martin actively participated in the campaign for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union during the June 2016 referendum.
July 2016: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's Divorce Finalized
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's divorce was finalized in July 2016, concluding their ten-year marriage.
February 2017: Tribute to George Michael
In February 2017, Chris Martin performed "A Different Corner" at the 2017 Brit Awards in tribute to the late George Michael.
June 2017: Song on Dua Lipa's Album
In June 2017, a song co-written by Chris Martin called "Homesick" appeared on Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album.
August 2017: Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson's Relationship Begins
Chris Martin's relationship with actress Dakota Johnson began in 2017. The couple established a residence together in Malibu, California.
August 2017: Tribute to Chester Bennington
In August 2017, Chris Martin performed a live solo piano rendition of "Crawling" by Linkin Park as a tribute to their lead singer Chester Bennington, who had died by suicide the previous month.
2017: Listed as One of the Most Influential People
In 2017, Chris Martin appeared on Debrett's list of the most influential people in the United Kingdom, highlighting his impact beyond just music.
2019: Feature on Avicii's Posthumous Album
In 2019, Chris Martin was featured on Avicii's posthumous album Tim, with the song "Heaven" which was written by both Avicii and Martin prior to Avicii's death.
February 2020: Chris Martin's Childhood Composition Found and Auctioned
In February 2020, a cassette tape containing a three-minute instrumental piece composed by a 12-year-old Chris Martin surfaced. Titled "Electric Thunder," the track featured young Martin on keyboards as part of a group called Grandisson Ensemble during his time at Exeter Cathedral School. Initially valued at £600, the cassette was sold at auction for £840 (US$1,100).
2021: Over 100 Million Albums Sold
By 2021, Coldplay had sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups of the 21st century.
May 2023: Chris Martin's Net Worth Estimated at £160 Million
According to a report published in May 2023 by The Times, Chris Martin's estimated net worth reached £160 million.
2024: Coldplay Performs with Michael J. Fox at Glastonbury
In 2024, Coldplay invited actor Michael J. Fox to perform alongside them at the Glastonbury Festival. Martin shared that seeing Fox play guitar in the 1985 film "Back to the Future" inspired his own musical aspirations.
2024: Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson's Engagement Revealed
News of Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson's engagement, a commitment made several years prior, was made public in 2024.