Coldplay will open The BRIT Awards 2021 with a performance filmed on the Thames – as the ceremony is to become the UK’s first major indoor music event since Covid-19.
The band, fronted by lead singer Chris Martin, 44, were seen secretly recording the show opener in front of the O2 from a barge on Thursday night, ahead of the live event, presented by Jack Whitehall, 32, on May 11.
Chris, alongside band mates Jon Buckland, 43, Guy Berryman, 43, and Will Champion, 42, performed their new single Higher Power, and had a colourful explosion of pyrotechnics over the water.
Grand show: Coldplay will open The BRIT Awards 2021 with a performance filmed on the Thames – as the ceremony is to become the UK’s first major indoor music event since Covid-19
A source told MailOnline: ‘Coldplay have been planning this performance for months.
‘They wanted nothing more than to return with new music at The BRIT Awards but due to coronavirus – and the risk of bad weather – some parts of the ceremony have been pre-recorded.’
The BRIT Awards will be the first time Coldplay perform their new single that is taken from their upcoming album Music Of The Spheres.
Greatest showman: The band, fronted by lead singer Chris Martin, 44, (pictured) secretly recorded the show opener in front of the O2 from a barge on Thursday night
Back on stage!: Chris, alongside band mates Jon Buckland, 43, Guy Berryman, 43, and Will Champion, 42, performed their new single Higher Power
Colourful: The performance is set to feature a huge array of colour pyrotechnics, along with a vibrant smoke explosion
Here they are!: The group were seen making their way down to the barge on the River Thames to record the performance in east London
Energetic: They performed a rendition of their newest single Higher Power, which is expected to be released next week
Grand show: Chris displayed his signature performing energy as he took to the barge with his bandmates
In the works: A source told MailOnline: ‘Coldplay have been planning this for months’ while a BRITs insider revealed the performance will form an ‘exciting part of the show’
A BRITs insider said: ‘It’s believed Coldplay were rehearsing for something that will form a hugely exciting part of the show.
‘Everyone is so excited about the BRITs signalling the return of live music and it’s thought the band really wanted to do something very special to celebrate this.
‘It will be a performance people talk about for years. Coldplay are expected to make their return and there is no bigger platform than the Brits to do this.’
Reports: The source added that parts of this year’s BRIT Awards have been pre-recorded due to concerns over coronavirus or the risk of ‘bad weather’
Debut: The BRIT Awards will be the first time Coldplay perform their new single, that is taken from their upcoming album Music Of The Spheres
Anticipated: A BRITs insider said: ‘It’s believed Coldplay were rehearsing for something that will form a hugely exciting part of the show’
Iconic: The insider added: ‘Everyone is so excited about the BRITs signalling the return of live music and it’s thought the band really wanted to do something very special to celebrate this’
Historic: ‘It will be a performance people talk about for years. Coldplay are expected to make their return and there is no bigger platform than the BRITs to do this’
A long wait: It has been almost two years since Coldplay released Everyday Life, their eighth consecutive No1 album in 2019
Star-studded: The BRITs, held at London’s O2 next month, will also see performances from three-time BRIT Award winner Dua Lipa, 25, and international music star P!nk, 41
It has been almost two years since Coldplay released Everyday Life, their eighth consecutive No1 album.
The BRITs, held at London’s O2 next month, will also see performances from three-time BRIT Award winner Dua Lipa, 25, and international music star P!nk, 41.
Rag’n’Bone Man, 36, and Arlo Parks, 20, are also set to take to the stage, as well as the Greenwich NHS Trust Choir.
The BRITS are set to welcome a small crowd of 4000 as part of a pilot programme launched by the government to trial various safety measures in the hope that they can welcome larger crowds back to venues this summer.
All attendees will be required to present proof of a negative Covid test before entry, and once inside they will not be required to socially distance or wear masks.
After the ceremony guests will also be tested for Covid and will have to share their results with NHS Test and Trace.
2,500 of these tickets have been given to key workers through a ballot, with the remaining spaces being given to other music industry executives.
Night to remember: Rag’n’Bone Man, 36, and Arlo Parks, 20, are also set to take to the stage, as well as the Greenwich NHS Trust Choir
Wow!: Fireworks could be seen being launched into the sky above the O2 arena, as part of the grand opening show
What a display: Known for their colourful performances, it appears Coldplay won’t disappoint with their incredible show
Long-awaited: It was reported earlier this month that Coldplay were planning to release their first album in two years after recording new music during lockdown
It was reported earlier this month that Coldplay were planning to release their first album in two years after recording new music during lockdown.
According to reports back in February, the band registered to trademark the name of their ninth album.
And official documents now show the band have formally applied to use the name on recorded music, merchandise, clothing and printed materials in the US, according to The Sun.
Secret plans: According to reports back in February, the band registered to trademark the name of their ninth album
Getting ready: And official documents now show the band have formally applied to use the name on recorded music, merchandise, clothing and printed materials in the US
But paperwork in the US reportedly shows the four band mates are currently stuck in a legal dispute with officials over the use of the branding.
According to the publication, records show the application was initially declined, but is now ‘suspended’ until a patent is secured in the UK.
But this patent is reportedly imminent as The Sun reports their claim to the name was published by the Intellectual Property Office a few weeks ago.
The band dropped hints in 2018 that their next album might be called Music Of The Spheres.
In the pages of a book accompanying a vinyl version of their eighth album Everyday Life, the words ‘Music Of The Spheres’ are written on one of the pages with ‘Coldplay, coming soon’ printed beneath in small lettering.
An image next to the Music Of The Spheres logo contains nine symbols, each representing an album, with the ninth being the next to be released.
The nominations for this year’s awards were revealed via an exclusive launch across the awards’ social channels by Radio One star Nick Grimshaw and this year’s BRITs Rising Star winner Griff, who virtually took fans through the nine shortlists.
Drama: It was previously thought that the four band mates are currently stuck in a legal dispute with officials over the use of the branding according to official paperwork
Breather: As Chris and his bandmates boarded the London barge, the group were seen taking a short breather before kicking off the performance
Amazing: As ever it appeared Chris and the group would be putting on a spectacular show for viewers when they tune into the BRIT Awards next month
The show will be held on May 11 at The O2 arena in London, broadcast on ITV and ITV Hub, and hosted by Jack Whitehall.
Brit female and double nominee for 2021 Jessie Ware is up for Mastercard Album as well as Female Solo Artist which, along with Dua, Arlo and Celeste, also sees Lianne La Havas up for the title.
Many of the stars who have already been announced took to social media to celebrate their success by sharing pictures of the cards listing their nominations.
Dua, Jessie and Arlo Parks all shared their happy news on Instagram.
Flying the flag for British rap with three nominations are Young T & Bugsey, who are nominated for British Single and Breakthrough Artist, and will face The 1975, Little Mix, Bicep (also in Breakthrough Artist) and Biffy Clyro in the British Group category.
AJ Tracey is shortlisted twice; one nod in the British Single category, and a second for Male Solo Artist, along with Yungblud, Joel Corry, J Hus and Headie One.
J Hus earns a second nomination in Mastercard Album, whilst Headie One also features in the shortlist for British Single.
Secure: The group were surrounded by security and police throughout the show, which hopefully delight fans after months of closures due to the Covid lockdown
Bang! The performance will be packed with pyrotechnics and coloured smoke displays as it kicks off the star-studded BRIT Awards
Along with Male Solo Artist, Joel Corry receives two more nominations, for Breakthrough Artist and British Single, bringing his tally up to three in total.
The British Single category also sees Aitch up for his second BRIT, having last year been nominated for Best New Artist.
Dance & electronic acts 220 Kid, Nathan Dawes and Regard also get a look in this shortlist, as does Harry Styles, whose performance at the 2020 show was one of the evening’s highlights.
The international categories see new and returning artists alike; nominated for their first ever BRIT in International Group are BTS, Run the Jewels and Fontaines D.C., alongside Foo Fighters, who have won this category four times previously and Haim, who have been nominated twice before.
International Female as ever showcases incredibly multi-talented and creative women, with Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift all shortlisted – Miley receives her debut BRIT nomination this year.
Source: Daily Mail