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Will Champion

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Will Champion
Champion on stage with his bell and timpani, wearing a white shirt
Champion performing with Coldplay in 2021
Born
William Champion

(1978-07-31) 31 July 1978 (age 46)
Southampton, Hampshire, England
Alma materUniversity College London
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Years active1998–present
Spouse
Marianna Dark
​
(m. 2003)​
Children3
MotherSara Champion
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Instruments
  • Drums
  • percussion
  • vocals
  • keyboards
  • piano
  • guitar
Labels
Member ofColdplay
Signature

William Champion (born 31 July 1978) is an English musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer and percussionist of the rock band Coldplay. Raised in Southampton, he learned to play numerous instruments during his youth, being influenced by Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and traditional Irish folk music. His energetic drumming style is largely focused on the essential elements of the songs and he occasionally takes lead vocal duties on live performances.

Champion has a 2:1 degree in anthropology from University College London, where he completed Coldplay's line-up with Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman. The band signed with Parlophone in 1999 and found global success with Parachutes (2000) and subsequent albums. He has won seven Grammy Awards, nine Brit Awards and an honorary degree as Doctor of Music for contributing to Coldplay. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide,[a] they are the most successful group of the 21st century.[3]

Early life

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William Champion was born on 31 July 1978 in Southampton, Hampshire, England,[4] being the second child of archaeology lecturers Timothy and Sara Champion.[5] He was raised in the Highfield suburb of the town, close to the University of Southampton, where his parents worked. His studies began at Portswood Primary School, later continuing at Cantell School and Peter Symonds College.[6] He used to play cricket for Chandler's Ford CC alongside his older brother and they went to the Highfield Church regularly.[7] After being asked about his upbringing, he said that music was "constantly on the stereo at home", which included "anything from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Nick Cave to traditional Irish folk".[8] He also took part in a group called Fat Hamster.[9]

His upbringing influenced him to start lessons on multiple instruments, including violin and piano from the age of eight, guitar at 12, and eventually bass and tin whistle.[9] However, Champion did not always enjoy the classes, since he could not read music and played the songs from memory: "I watched my teacher's hand on the piano, memorized it, and ended up doing it myself".[10] Despite being chosen to be the drummer at school and using a neighbour's kit, he was not keen on the instrument either.[11] He attended work experience at Nuffield Theatre's box office and backstage when he was 14 years old.[12]

Champion's education continued in University College London, where he attained a 2:1 degree in anthropology and met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman, eventually forming Coldplay.[13] He worked as a doorman at a bar run by Ricky Gervais while studying.[14] Years later, he said that his experience in other instruments helped with coordination and offered a different perspective on drumming, being an important part of his style: "Knowing the difference between the major and minor key is very important too, and I was lucky to learn all that before I was playing drums. That has more to do with the feel of a song [and what's right for it] instead of knowing how to play powerfully for a second".[11]

Career

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Coldplay

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Main article: Coldplay
Champion on stage with his drums, wearing a black shirt
Champion playing the drums at Fuji Rock Festival in July 2011

Champion was the last performing member to join the band in 1998.[b] He explained that Martin, Buckland and Berryman came to his house because a roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but he had not turned up, "so I just said I would give it a go". They recorded the session and he was eventually invited to the ensemble in spite of not having substantial prior experience.[11] In 1999, he was temporarily sacked from the group by Martin over heated discussions regarding his abilities as a drummer: "Three days later, the rest of us were feeling miserable, [...] we asked him to come back. They made me have lots of vodka and cranberry juice in remembrance of what a nasty piece of work I was being".[16] The incident became an inspiration for "Trouble", which was written as an apology to him.[17]

In Coldplay, Champion is often regarded as the rationality of the band,[10] with Martin saying "When I think of him, I think of something heavy and granite-like. Like the base of a statue. Without that, the thing topples". While answering questions from fans, other members added that he "does have a very sensible head on his shoulders and when it comes to making decisions he is really good at putting valid points across and keeping everyone focused. He frequently has the casting vote and his decision can sometimes override the consensus".[18] They often praise his multi-instrumentalism as well, describing him as a "human jukebox".[19] Although Buckland and Berryman have taken part in backing vocals, Champion has remained the most prominent, as shown during the Viva la Vida Tour (2008–10), when he performed "Death Will Never Conquer".[20] His version of the song was included on LeftRightLeftRightLeft (2009).[20] Lead vocals are also heard on "The Goldrush", released as a B-side of "Life in Technicolor II".[21] Additionally, the drummer played an acoustic rendition of "In My Place" featured on Live in Buenos Aires (2018).[22]

Other projects

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Champion guested on a-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen's debut album, Past Perfect Future Tense (2004), along with Berryman.[23] In 2011, the drummer was part of a video for the Beat for Peace campaign, which "called on global leaders to take urgent diplomatic action" and "prevent all out conflict returning to Sudan".[24] He also made a guest appearance as one of the Red Wedding musicians in the "Rains of Castamere" episode from Game of Thrones, which aired on 2 June 2013.[25] In the following year, he contributed to Brian Eno and Karl Hyde's collaborative album, Someday World (2014).[26] Champion is known to support food and wine magazine Noble Rot as well, becoming an investor in their namesake restaurants.[27] In 2017, he visited the University of Southampton to talk with music students about composing, studio recording, live performances and managing stardom.[12] Along with Buckland, the drummer assisted Jodie Whittaker in her cover of "Yellow" for BBC's Children in Need album in 2019.[28] Moreover, he has guested on DrumathonLIVE, a charity event focused on raising money for children's mental health.[29] In 2023, he received an honorary degree as Doctor of Music from the University of Southampton.[30]

Musical style

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Equipment

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Champion's first drum kit was a Yamaha 9000.[31] The company has provided him a variety of custom maple sets over the years.[31] Since the Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016–17), his equipment includes a 22"x16" bass drum, a 13"x9" rack tom, a 16"x15" floor tom, various snare drums, and Zildjian cymbals (20" K Heavy ride; 18" A Custom Medium crashes; and 14" K Custom Dark hi-hats).[31] Most performances are fulfilled using Remo's Ambassador Coated drumheads, Pro-Mark's 5A hickory wood drumsticks, and a Roc-N-Soc drum throne.[31] He also owns three electronic pads and a cajón.[32] Noted for an energetic drumming style,[33] Champion mentioned he did not have confidence to play loud or heavy at first, something which became part of his technique: "That's my trademark – wait" and "steal the limelight at the end".[31]

Influences

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When questioned about the Coldplay songs he thinks are his technical or "feel-wise" best, Champion observed that he was proud of the ones where everything was cut down to the essentials, citing "Viva la Vida" as an example: "It's just a kick drum, a bell and a little bit of timpani here and there, but it's so simple [...] We tried so many different things with that, four-beats, rock beats, everything – but nothing worked [...] There are so many intricacies on the violins, the melodies and everything, I just felt it have to be simple with no frills, just support the song [...] That's my trademark".[31] He listed Klaxons, Arcade Fire and hip hop amid his references,[34] while the Pogues' second album is his favourite of all time.[35] In 2024, he recommended works from Fontaines D.C. and Grian Chatten.[36] His top drummers are Ginger Baker, John Bonham and Dave Grohl.[11]

Personal life

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According to The Times, Champion has an estimated wealth of £113 million as of May 2022.[37] He is a longtime supporter of Southampton F.C. and has owned a season ticket for many years.[38] His parents, Tim and Sara, used to DJ as Champion Tunes at local pubs, the latter died from cancer in 2000.[9] Her funeral was arranged for the same day Coldplay had to shoot the music video for "Yellow", hence why only Martin appeared on it.[39] Their debut album, Parachutes, was dedicated to her.[40] In 2003, he married teacher Marianna Dark, becoming the first band member to wed.[41] They have three children and live in London's Hampstead area.[42]

When questioned about fame, Champion said he loves that after playing stadiums around the world, he can "disappear" back to his children (who are studying Suzuki method violin) and wife (who sings in Brian Eno's private choir).[5] This "skill" was a theme of a sketch by British comedian Nish Kumar in Live at the Apollo.[43] The drummer also commented that his favourite non-musical activity is cooking,[44] and he often dances with Dark at their house.[5] Her backing vocals were included in the title track of Everyday Life (2019), becoming Champion's favourite piece of music from the album.[45] During the Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–25), he made drawings for the cities visited on his drums.[46]

Discography

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The term "records" is for album and single sales combined.[1] Coldplay, however, sold 100 million copies in albums alone, while Parlophone have not disclosed the amount of records.[2]
  2. ^ Overall, the fifth and final member was manager and creative director Phil Harvey.[15]

References

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  1. ^ "What's The Difference Between A Record And An Album? 5 Things To Know". The Sound of Vinyl. 30 March 2021. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Coldplay Re-Ups with Warner Music Group for Long-Term Deal Via Parlophone". Variety. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Glastonbury 2024: The Reason Coldplay Are the 21st Century's Defining Band". BBC Culture. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  4. ^ "Latest Coldplay News". Capital FM (Press the "View More" button on the "Facts" column). 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  5. ^ a b c "Chris Martin: Coldplay are Saying the Opposite of Walls and Brexit". The Guardian. 23 June 2016. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  6. ^ "Coldplay: Drummer Will Champion's Quiet Life in Southampton Before Linking Up with Chris Martin". HampshireLive. 1 August 2022. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  7. ^ "Hampshire's Will Champion's Ever Blossoming Success With Coldplay". Daily Echo. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  8. ^ Will Champion Coldplay | Rare Interview | The Lost Tapes. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ a b c "Hampshire's Understated Rockstar – Coldplay's Will Champion". Daily Echo. 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  10. ^ a b (Wild & Croft 2018, p. 138)
  11. ^ a b c d "Will Champion: Just Right for Coldplay". Drum!. 21 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Coldplay Star Inspires Students Striving for a Career in Music". University of Southampton. 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  13. ^ "Gentlemen Players". The Telegraph. 19 October 2002. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  14. ^ Ricky Gervais is Chris Martin's Naughty Cousin | Rove & Sam. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ "They Played a Tiny Café... There Were Four People in the Audience". Music Business Worldwide. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  16. ^ (Wild & Croft 2018, pp. 42–45)
  17. ^ "20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album". Radio X. 12 July 2020. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  18. ^ "Dear Oracle, why does the band refer to Will as the frightening one?". Coldplay. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  19. ^ "About the Coldplay Drummer". Zimbio. 24 March 2009. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft". Pitchfork. 1 June 2009. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  21. ^ "B-Side of the Week: Coldplay's Goldrush". Digital Spy. 30 January 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  22. ^ "Coldplay-Drummer Will Champion Grijpt de Hoofdrol Bij Live-Versie In My Place" [Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Takes the Lead Role in the Live Version of In My Place]. NPO Radio 2 (in Dutch). 31 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  23. ^ "Coldplay Contribute To a-ha Member's Solo Album". Listen To Norway. 7 May 2004. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  24. ^ "New Beat for Peace Film – Sudan 365: The Beat Continues". Sudan 365. 7 March 2011. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  25. ^ "Ed Sheeran To Coldplay: Every Band Who Has Starred in Game of Thrones". BBC Radio 1. 17 June 2017. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  26. ^ "Brian Eno / Karl Hyde: Someday World Album Review". Pitchfork. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  27. ^ "From Pages to Pouring: Noble Rot Magazine Team Launch Bloomsbury Wine Bar". Evening Standard. 11 November 2015. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  28. ^ "Yorkshire's Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker Records Coldplay Song Yellow for Children in Need Album". The Yorkshire Post. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Suffolk Man Behind Global Charity Event Featuring Coldplay and Kasabian". Ipswich Star. 6 May 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  30. ^ "Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Awarded Southampton Honorary Doctorate". BBC News. 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  31. ^ a b c d e f "Will Champion on World Domination with Coldplay, New Kits and The Art of Waiting". Music Radar. 25 August 2016. pp. 3–5. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  32. ^ "Ohohooo: Coldplay Gastiert in Frankfurt" [Ohohooo: Coldplay Is Making a Guest Appearance in Frankfurt]. Frankfurter Rundschau (in German). 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  33. ^ "Coldplay: The Best Song On Each Studio Album". WhatCulture. 13 April 2022. p. 5. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  34. ^ "Interview with Coldplay Drummer Will Champion". The Rhythm Studio. 14 March 2006. Archived from the original on 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  35. ^ Coldplay [@coldplay] (30 November 2023). "Thank you, Shane, for the words, the music and the memories, rest in peace. W. X" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ We're Planning Some Big Sessions: Coldplay's Drummer Share Their Post-Gig Plans. Today FM. 26 August 2024. Event occurs at 8:53 to 10:15. Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  37. ^ "The 40 Richest Musicians In The UK". The Times. 20 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  38. ^ "Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Remembers His Southampton Roots". Daily Echo. 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  39. ^ (Roach 2003, p. 41)
  40. ^ "20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album". Radio X. 3 June 2023. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  41. ^ "Coldplay Drummer's Journey from Hampshire Primary School to the Superbowl". Daily Echo. 6 December 2015. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
    • "Everyday Life Booklet" (PDF). Warner Music Group UK. 22 November 2019. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  42. ^ "We're About to Be Fed to the Lions". The Guardian. 1 June 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2009.
  43. ^ Nish Kumar Wants To Be The Drummer From Coldplay | Live at the Apollo | BBC Comedy Greats. 31 October 2019. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022 – via YouTube.
  44. ^ "Coldplay in Session". BBC Radio 2. 28 November 2019. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  45. ^ Everyday Life. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023 – via YouTube.
  46. ^ "Will Champion, dos Coldplay, Desenhou um Pastel de Nata na Bateria: É Maravilhoso Estar de Volta a Portugal" [Will Champion, from Coldplay, Drew a Pastel de Nata on the Drums: It's Wonderful to Be Back in Portugal]. Expresso (in Portuguese). 18 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.

Bibliography

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