Coldplay has perfected a sound that can make even the largest stadiums feel intimate, and much of that is thanks to the band’s ability to translate their studio material to the stage in the most immersive way possible.
Central to this sound are the band members: Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion, each contributing a key element to Coldplay’s identity.
For Berryman, his role is to anchor the low-end that resonates across stadiums, sometimes to crowds of 90,000 people or more. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he shared his thoughts on the responsibility that comes with his role and how he adapts his playing to keep things fresh.
When asked how the band’s songs evolve from the studio to the stage, Berryman explained, “I think they do evolve. It’s always about being in the moment, performing to the best of your ability. My job is really about micro-timing.”
He added, “My job is not to be the guy that’s bringing the entertainment or adding the color. Everything I do has to be like a lockstep. I have to listen to Will, and when his kick drum hits, my note has to hit at the same time.”
Though his approach to the rhythm section is precise, Berryman is also keen to experiment and adapt his playing style. This desire to refine his technique leads to small but significant changes in his playing.
“I do try and change the way I play songs,” he said. “Even to this day, I will adjust the angle of my plectrum a little bit because I think I’m getting a slightly better timing in a song like Yellow.”
Berryman continues, “I’ll say, ‘Okay, if I do it this way, it sounds a bit tighter.’ So for me, the challenge is just every night to go up there and play everything a little better than you’ve ever played it before. It’s a very mechanical job I have.”
Earlier this year, Coldplay brought their stadium-sized sound to Glastonbury Festival, where they invited Michael J. Fox—who first inspired them to form the band—onto the stage during their headline set.
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