Debs Wild and Malcolm Croft’s Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay (2018) is out in the world at the perfect time because not only is there the excellent Prime documentary A Head Full of Dreams, directed by Mat Whitecross, it’s also hit the Christmas market packed with more odes and love to the band than you can shake a rather large stick at on this, their 20th Anniversary.

While this book is classed an “unofficial and independent”, it’s not like your usual unofficial recapture of Coldplay’s days gone by because the author, Debs Wild, was the woman who discovered Coldplay and championed them to all those around her who would listen. It was September 14, 1998 in Manchester when Wild, an A&R scout, had been watching bands across the city at a regular music industry convention. She wanted to catch some of ‘The Coldplay‘ – as they still called at that point – because she hadn’t heard as much industry buzz and so was eager to check them out for that exact reason. In her own words, “They had me rooted to the spot… and this was special” and after a large number of situations, of which you can read about in lots more detail in the book, she basically helped them get to where they wanted to be…. signed and out there in the music world!

What this specific book does differently to other ones is that you’re getting a really personal insight into her views of Coldplay, right from the beginning and it’s backed up by quotes from Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Will Champion and Jonny Buckland from her own personal archived interviews and, of course, memories. I also really enjoyed seeing all the various collections of old, original set-lists and flyers. All the paraphernalia helps create a cacophony of insight that lingers and captures the spirit of the band, which is all about the finer details and the huge picture of positivity they revel in.

If you’ve seen the documentary, over on Amazon Prime, and were wondering if this book would also be of interest then I do think so. While Mat Whitecross‘ doc delves into the wider story of the band, Debs book goes deeper into all aspects of the band’s progression and the imagery included really helps widen that world. She also dedicates sections to each member of the band, so you’re getting a closer look into the mind and talents of each individual. I also think that Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay has so many cool collectables to share, so if you’re a fan of any band then you’ll know those old tickets and posters are all part of what builds the love and fan-base. With that in mind, some imagery may help but, of course, you’ll also have to buy the book to get even further insight.

This is the first real, published celebration of Coldplay and it’s told by those who were there, it’s a perfect present by itself for you, for someone else and double up the fun with the excellent documentary, which I reviewed right here!

Life in Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay is out now from Carlton Books

Order the 2018 edition here: https://amzn.to/2Kzccox or the new extended edition: https://amzn.to/4mx20wT