Why Is Chris Martin Determined To Embarrass Everyone Who Likes “Viva La Vida?”

anthonyjmiccio | June 11, 2008 3:00 am
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Oh, if only that deer-in-the-headlights look was being caused by some actual oncoming headlights. Here I go, thinking you’ve recorded one of the best singles of the year, one that finds a moving middle ground between the music of U2 and the Arcade Fire, and you have to ruin it by indulging in Bono’s not-really-so-humble self-mocking messiah shtick and the Arcade Fire’s penchant for raiding the wardrobe of a high school thespian club. Thom Yorke still wants to know how many trees had to die so you could do your idiot hop under streams of confetti at the MTV Movie Awards.

One of our big conversations that we always have in this band is, we don’t see rock & roll as being about coke-taking, leather-trouser-wearing rebellion, because that to us is not rebellion anymore. The spirit of rock & roll is freedom. It’s about following what you believe in and not caring what anyone else says. And if that means writing something on your hand, then you’ve got to write something on your hand. It doesn’t matter if you don’t look as cool as the Ramones — you’re never going to, anyway. So I know that we’ll be ridiculed for this and look stupid for that. But as long as we believe in what we’re doing, we can’t apologize for it.

You believe in looking like extras from a crappy production of Les Miserables, and stealing Bono’s dance moves. Great. Can’t I just enjoy your cheesy song about term limits in peace? Can’t you stay behind the keyboard?

Coldplay Viva la Vida Live MTV Movie Awards 2008 [YouTube] The Jesus Of Uncool [Rolling Stone]