Coldplay to end touring ban after hiring eco-experts to create ‘green as possible’ schedule

Coldplay are to end their ban on touring after hiring eco-experts to get them gigging again.

The band refused to take last album Everyday Life on the road over fears of polluting the planet — and said fans wouldn’t see them again until their stadium shows were ‘environmentally beneficial’.

Now, ahead of their performance from a barge on the Thames to kick off tomorrow’s Brits, frontman Chris Martin says they are confident they can be carbon neutral rockers.

‘We said about 18 months ago, we won’t do a big tour again until we can make it super clean and super green,’ the 44-year-old said.

‘After that interview, so many people approached us and said, “We have an idea about this and that”. 

‘So we, well more (creative director) Phil (Harvey) and our manager Dave (Holmes), have been speaking and working with people and seeing how we can improve that.’

Chris was talking after launching new tune Higher Power in space last week. ‘So by the time that we are able to announce a tour, it will be as green as we can possibly make it. Always with room to improve,’ he added. 

Meanwhile, the Paradise singer says has been lamenting in lockdown and come to the conclusion fame is ‘bulls**t’.

The rocker, who has kids with Gwyneth Paltrow and now dates Dakota Johnson, claims he no longer cares about success and makes tunes for himself.

‘I just feel like this is the gift I got given and, I don’t think any more about “Did we make it? Are we famous?”

‘Like that’s clearly bulls***. This is what I’m supposed to be doing, whether anyone’s listening or not. Even if I was working somewhere else, I’d still be going home and doing songs,’ he said.

Fleur: X Factor slurs spur me on to success

Fleur East was left ‘really burnt’ when she was dumped by Simon Cowell’s record label Syco.

The Sax singer bounced back to carve out a career as a DJ on Hits Radio and as a TV host — but she has warned hopefuls considering going on The X Factor that fame can be a ‘double-edged sword’.

‘When I left Syco I felt really burnt. I had achieved my dreams, got a massive record deal — then was literally put on the shelf,’ she told Guilty Pleasures.

‘I was left questioning my talent, whether I was worthy of having that opportunity. That was the hardest.’

And the 33-year-old praised the role her friends and family played in getting her out of the hole.

Luckily for her, she was recently hired by ITV to host game show The Void, with Ashley Banjo.

‘I had a passion for entertainment and journalism and had to hold on to that,’ she said of her latest career break.

And the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here contestant warned reality show hopefuls the gamble of becoming a star is real.

She said of Cowell’s hit talent show: ‘I went into it knowing it’s huge and could go one way or the other. I had to accept that risk.

‘I knew my career could take off or I might not work again in the industry as there is a stigma attached to it. And when you try and go back they know you tried to go on The X Factor and it didn’t work.

‘It’s a cliché, “This is my last chance” but a lot of the time it is.’

These days, she has the likes of Coldplay and Pink helping her celebrate her 500th Hits Radio Breakfast show, for which she endures 4am alarm calls.

Recalling one starry guest she said: ‘During the pandemic Jason Derulo came on Zoom with the artwork for his single on the screen, the song started playing and there was this fade from the artwork to him on a leather sofa and amazing lighting. It was the most boujie Zoom I have ever done!’

Listen to Fleur’s show each weekday from 6am to 10am on hitsradio.co.uk

Brit of a global star! Taylor’s top award for pandemic pop

Leave it to Taylor Swift to swoop in and steal the thunder at tomorrow’s Brit Awards — the US star is set to pick up the show’s highest accolade.

She will make a shock appearance at The O2 Arena to become the first female artist to bag the global icon gong. The move by show bosses came after the 31-year-old pummelled fans with lockdown treats — dropping albums Folklore, Evermore and re-recording Fearless.

Swift, who often slinks around London with acting beau Joe Alwyn, will get the honour for her ‘immense impact on music across the world’ after becoming the biggest selling artist during the pandemic. She is also up for the best international female award.

Her last minute presence adds to a packed line-up featuring The Weeknd, Coldplay and Dua Lipa. The ceremony will be the government’s first test of a non-social distanced live indoor event, attended mainly by key workers.

Olivia Rodrigo, 18, whose debut song drivers license was one of the year’s biggest hits, will also play to fans.

Leigh-Anne’s using voice to fight racism

Leigh-Anne Pinnock has made a documentary about racism to ensure her kids are better represented on the box when they grow up.

The Little Mix star, 29, who is expecting her first child, admitted she feared losing fans by speaking out about discrimination in the music industry but said making the show was ‘so empowering’.

Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power airs on BBC Three on Thursday.

Bey’s Havana good time… text

The world is Beyoncé’s oyster when it comes to being smoking hot.

The pop legend celebrated emerging from lockdown life by tucking into oysters after she dolled up in a flared pink catsuit by British designer Charlotte Knowles.

And the 39-year-old mum-of-three could practise blowing Halos- if she wished — as she showed off a tray of luxury cigars she’d lined up for the evening. Hubby Jay-Z, 51, said last week the couple have used lockdown to ‘really focus on family and being together, and to take this time to learn more about each other’.

Craig’s Kurupt-ed Summertime sound

The Kurupt FM lads say ‘you’re welcome’ after snagging Craig David for a duet.

The self-proclaimed garage legends will team with the 7 Days star for Summertime and head honcho MC Grindah said: ‘This is the collaboration summer 2021 needed.’

Craig replied: ‘I loved working with them as they really do live for garage music!’

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