In 1998, Coldplay took their first steps into the music world with Safety, their debut EP. Over the next two decades, the band soared to international fame, becoming one of the most beloved acts in modern music. As Chris Martin reveals in a new Rolling Stone cover story, Coldplay’s journey has always been guided by a clear vision — including how it will one day come to an end.
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The band’s final studio album, Coldplay, will mark the culmination of their extraordinary career. According to Martin, the idea for this swan song has been with him since 1999, shortly after Safety was released. The album’s cover, Martin shares, will reference the artwork of that EP, a photograph by John Hilton. “The cover of the album, I’ve known it since 1999,” Martin explains. The original image, a blurry black-and-white photograph of Martin in motion.
A Nostalgic Homecoming
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Martin describes the final album as a return to Coldplay’s roots — musically and visually. “It’s a homecoming,” he says, reflecting on the band’s journey. Just as Safety captured the raw energy of a band on the cusp of greatness, their final release will embody the spirit of their earliest days.
Only 500 copies of Safety were ever pressed, making it a prized piece of Coldplay’s history. Its title came from an inscription on the film used in the photoshoot, a serendipitous choice that foreshadowed the thoughtful, layered creativity the band would bring to their music over the years.
Despite the significance of the final album, Martin remains unsentimental. “We’ve known this would come for a long time,” he says. “The beginning of the end started with the animated musical I’m working on with [creative director and best friend] Phil Harvey. After that, it’ll be time for the last album.”
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The Future Beyond Albums
Although Coldplay will mark the end of the band’s studio album era, Martin and his bandmates are not walking away entirely. Live performances will continue, and fans can expect occasional new songs — if bassist Guy Berryman has anything to say about it. “Chris is never going to stop writing,” Berryman admits. “I take the idea of retirement with a pinch of salt. But you have to have a plan. If you’re running a marathon, you know where the finish line is.”
Even after the final album, Coldplay plans to delve into their archives. Martin teases Alphabetica, a collection of unreleased songs organized alphabetically. “We’ll have a song for every letter,” he says with a laugh. “Except Q — I’m stuck on that one.”
The Significance of Safety
The cover art for Safety holds a special place in Coldplay’s history. Photographer John Hilton recalls capturing the blurry image of Martin during their college days. “It’s not a brilliant photograph by any means,” Hilton admits, “but it represents something special — a photograph by a kid at college of some kids at college, and those kids went on to become Coldplay.”
The title, discovered by chance on the film, was another happy accident. “They were happy to leave it there. So, the name came from the picture,” Hilton says. “I’m really chuffed about it because it connects to where they started.”
A Legacy That Comes Full Circle
As Coldplay approaches the final act of their storied career, their fans can look forward to an album that ties their legacy together. From their humble beginnings with Safety to global superstardom, the band has remained a beacon of creativity and emotion.
Martin’s vision for the end reflects the band’s ethos: thoughtful, reflective, and brimming with gratitude for the journey. “This has always been the plan,” he says. “It’s the right way to close this chapter.”
Though the finish line for Coldplay’s studio recordings is in sight, their music and live performances will continue to inspire generations. With Coldplay, the band promises to bring their story full circle, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
This farewell won’t be an end, but a new beginning — one where Coldplay’s timeless music continues to resonate long after their final album is released. Fans can rest assured that, even as the band closes this chapter, the echoes of their artistry will remain.
