I am slowly realizing that almost every single one of my favorite Coldplay stories involves Oz. This one is absolutely no different.
Luckily, he gave me a bit more advance notice this time when he called to tell me to meet him in Shoreditch for Coldplay’s special art gallery opening. The event was showcasing Mila Fürstová’s original artwork for the Ghost Stories era, all in support of the charity Kids Company. Mila’s work was the entire visual foundation for that record, so getting to see the actual physical pieces that shaped the album’s identity was an incredible opportunity.
It was a long and dark December night, which happens to be my absolute favorite time to be in London. Coming from Austin, where it rarely feels like a traditional winter, being in London around the holidays always makes me feel like I have walked directly onto a movie set.
We were extremely fortunate to attend the exclusive preview night, the day before the gallery opened to the general public. Walking up to the venue, we quickly realized the scale of the event was much bigger than we had anticipated. A massive crowd had already gathered outside, waiting for the band to arrive.
Stepping Into the Art
Once inside, we spent time taking in the artwork. The level of detail, intricate etching, and unique techniques Mila uses in her work are completely mind-blowing up close. There is always something surreal about standing inches away from the original canvases that eventually become iconic album covers.
A few other friends who collect Coldplay memorabilia were also at the gallery that night, so we all gathered to catch up. Before I knew it, I found myself in a casual conversation with Jonny and Will. True to form, I immediately started campaigning for them to bring more shows to Austin, especially since they had just played there earlier in the year in March.
As we were chatting about life, the legendary director Mat Whitecross joined the group. Film is another massive passion of mine, so getting the chance to nerd out and ask him specific technical questions about how he shot the Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall music video was a huge highlight. Meeting him and hearing his insights firsthand was a moment I am still incredibly grateful for.
Breaking a 13-Year Streak
While our group was talking, I glanced over at the center of the room. Chris was attempting to move around, but he could barely take two steps without being stopped for a photo, and this was inside a private, invite-only event.
I casually mentioned to the group that in my 13 years of following the band, I had never once asked Chris for a photo. In the early days, I rarely carried a disposable camera around with me, and by the time I had a BlackBerry, the camera quality was so poor it was not even worth trying. But more than that, whenever I had a random encounter or caught up with the guys after a show, I preferred to just chat, enjoy the moment, and carry on with my day. I always try to put myself in other people’s shoes, and I figure he spends enough of his life posing for pictures.
However, the group I was standing with, which literally included half of the band, started egging me on. They kept telling me that life is short, you never know what tomorrow holds, and since he was standing right there, I should just go for it.
I finally gave in and asked, and Chris was as gracious and kind as ever to snap a picture with me.
Practicing the Art of Standing Still
There was one funny detail about that night, though. While we were all standing around talking, my friend Kris walked over and handed me a drink.
I almost never drink alcohol. In fact, if you ever spot a glass in my hand at an event, there is a 99% chance it is a mocktail. Most of my friends know this, which meant Kris knew exactly what was about to happen. As an absolute lightweight, it did not take long before I started feeling the effects of that single drink.
The next day, a photo circulated in the newspapers featuring Chris and Jonny sandwiching Mila inside the gallery. The moments leading up to that photo were probably hilarious to anyone watching me, because I think almost everyone in that shot could see me standing off to the side, desperately pretending I was completely fine.
I came within inches of accidentally photobombing the press shot. I had been practicing the art of standing perfectly still to blend into the wallpaper, but the second I realized the photographer was raising their camera, I awkwardly shuffled backward out of the frame. Naturally, someone else captured a photo of me mid-retreat.
At the end of the day, it was a wonderful night supporting a fantastic charity that so many of us have backed over the years, and getting to experience Mila’s artwork in person was something I will never forget.
