Chris Martin has affected milliоns of fans worldwide as the lead vocalist and pianist of Coldplay, one of the most successful rock bands ever, with his beautiful singing and deeply moving lyrics. Martin, though, drew inspiration from a number of legendary musicians who came before him. Martin has been outspoken about the musicians and stars that originally sparked his love for music and have influenced his own creative vision during his lengthy tenure as Coldplay’s frontman. These five well-known individuals are both musical innovators and role models for Chris Martin.

Bono (U2)

Martin was greatly influenced by Bono, the main man of the venerable Irish rock group U2. Martin has stated that he was enamored with U2’s soaring choruses and Bono’s powerful vocals while he was an adolescent growing up in the 1980s. “I had always wаnted to be Bono,” Martin said. He was especially captivated to Bono’s work on behalf of causes like debt alleviation in developing countries and U2’s politically charged songs.

It’s claimed that U2’s 1987 song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” is a clear reference to Coldplay’s 2001 breakthrough song “Trouble.” However, Coldplay’s ballad “One” from their first album Parachutes was the one that drew the greatest influence from U2’s sound. “One,” a 2000 release, is a piano ballad with poignant lyrics that call to mind U2’s classic 1987 song “One.” Martin has admitted to being influenced, claiming that his attempt to “channel Bono” in “One”

Martin has been a fan of U2 for almost thirty years, and even now, he still finds Bono’s musical abilities and charitable endeavors inspiring. Martin referred to Bono as “one of the greatest lyricists of all time” and commended his ability to combine “beautiful poetry with important messages” in a 2021 interview. It’s obvious that Martin still views Bono as the inspiration who originally ignited his enthusiasm for utilizing music to promote social change.

R.E.M.’s Peter Buck

Martin’s musical taste has also been greatly influenced by Peter Buck, the guitarist and co-founder of the renowned alternative rock group R.E.M. Martin claims that after listening to R.E.M.’s breakthrough album Murmur in 1983, he fell in love with the band’s jangly guitar tones, lyrical lyrics, and college rock sensibilities.

Buck created a lasting impression on Martin with his inventive yet melodious guitar playing. A lot of Coldplay’s early singles, such as “Trouble,” “Don’t Pаnic,” and “Yellow,” have ringing, arpeggiated guitar lines that are similar to R.E.M.’s distinctive sound. Martin has also praised R.E.M. for her poetic style, which explores emotional subjects through the use of imagery and abstract language.

Martin referred to Buck as “one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters ever” in a 2021 interview. Buck’s ability to create “beautiful, jangly guitar parts” that complemented R.E.M.’s atmospheric songwriting was lauded by the speaker. Martin still regards Buck as a musician’s musician, nearly 40 years after he initially drew inspiration from R.E.M. Even now, Buck’s influence may be heard in the guitar-heavy songs of Coldplay.