Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman has shared his thoughts on the band’s ambitious plan to stop producing new albums after their 12th release, suggesting he takes the idea “with a pinch of salt.” This revelation, made during a recent Rolling Stone interview, has reignited speculation about the future of one of the world’s most successful bands.
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The 12-Album Plan: A Defined Finish Line or Flexible Goal?
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin first mentioned the 12-album plan in 2021, sparking intrigue and debate among fans. Martin elaborated in subsequent interviews, describing their decision as a way to keep their creative output focused and meaningful.
“Our last single is on this album, and that’s called ‘All My Love.’ That’s the last ‘single’ single,” Martin revealed. He also shared that their 11th album will be an animated musical, while the 12th and final album, simply titled Coldplay, will act as a “homecoming” that pays homage to their roots.
Despite Martin’s clarity, Berryman expressed skepticism about the definitive nature of the plan. “Chris is never going to stop writing, so I kind of take it with a little bit of a pinch of salt,” Berryman said. He likened the 12-album goal to running a marathon: “If you’re running a marathon, you know you have to run 26 miles. But if somebody said to you, ‘OK, start running and just don’t stop,’ it’s quite hard to motivate yourself.”
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Future Projects: Alphabetica and a Nostalgic Farewell
In addition to the planned albums, Martin revealed Coldplay’s intention to release a compilation project called Alphabetica. This unique album will feature outtakes and unreleased tracks from throughout their career, organized alphabetically.
“One day we’ll do a thing called Alphabetica,” Martin said. “We’ll release songs that didn’t fit anywhere, starting with A and ending with Z. There’s enough to do that, except for Q. That’s the one I’m stuck with.”
The band’s final self-titled album is also set to be a nod to their origins. Martin described the cover image as a callback to their first EP, featuring a photograph taken by the same photographer. He sees the album as a full-circle moment, saying, “It will be a kind of homecoming to that original Coldplay sound.”
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Coldplay’s Legacy: Balancing Closure and Continuity
While the idea of a defined end to their album catalog adds a sense of purpose, Martin reassured fans that the band isn’t breaking up. Instead, they plan to shift their focus away from songwriting to explore other creative ventures and projects.
“The 12-album thing is very real, and it’s a nice feeling,” Martin explained. “It doesn’t mean we won’t tour or finish some compilation things. It just means that the main story is told. That’s what feels really right.”
What’s Next: Touring and Philanthropy
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour continues to break records as one of the most successful global tours in history. Looking ahead to 2025, the band will embark on a massive European and UK tour, with 10 nights at London’s Wembley Stadium alone.
The band also plans to give back through philanthropy. They’ve committed 10% of the tour’s proceeds to the Music Venue Trust, supporting grassroots music venues in the UK. This initiative aligns with their long-standing dedication to fostering new talent and sustaining the music ecosystem.
Fan Reactions: Hope and Speculation
Fans have reacted with a mix of emotions to the news. Many are excited about the possibility of new music beyond the 12-album mark, given Berryman’s doubts and Martin’s continuous songwriting. Others are looking forward to Alphabetica as a treasure trove of unreleased gems.
A Legacy in the Making
Coldplay’s journey to their final album promises to be one of creativity, nostalgia, and purpose. As they work toward completing their catalog, fans can expect meaningful releases that honor the band’s legacy while teasing what lies beyond.
With their unparalleled blend of innovation, passion, and commitment to giving back, Coldplay continues to prove they are more than a band—they’re a phenomenon.
