Will Champion

{{Infobox person

| name = Will Champion

| image = WillChampionLondon07122021 (cropped).jpg

| alt = Champion on stage with his bell and timpani, wearing a white shirt

| caption = Champion performing with Coldplay in 2021

| birth_name = William Champion

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1978|07|31}}

| birth_place = Southampton, Hampshire, England

| alma_mater = University College London

| occupation = {{Flatlist|

Musician
songwriter

}}

| years_active = 1998–present

| spouse = {{Marriage|Marianna Dark|2003}}

| children = 3

| mother = Sara Champion

| awards = Full list

| module = {{Infobox musical artist

| embed = yes

| origin = London, England

| genre = {{Flatlist|

}}

| instruments = {{Flatlist|

Drums
percussion
vocals
keyboards
piano
guitar

}}

| label = {{Flatlist|

}}

| current_member_of = Coldplay

}}

| signature = Will Champion signature (vector).svg

| signature_size = 52px

}}

William Champion (born 31 July 1978) is an English musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer and percussionist of the rock band Coldplay. Raised in Southampton, he learned to play numerous instruments during his youth, being influenced by Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and traditional Irish folk music. His energetic drumming style is largely focused on the essential elements of the songs and he occasionally takes lead vocal duties on live performances.

Champion has a 2:1 degree in anthropology from University College London, where he completed Coldplay's line-up with Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman. The band signed with Parlophone in 1999 and found global success with Parachutes (2000) and subsequent albums. He has won seven Grammy Awards, nine Brit Awards and an honorary degree as Doctor of Music for contributing to Coldplay. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide,{{efn|The term "records" is for album and single sales combined.{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=What's The Difference Between A Record And An Album? 5 Things To Know |url=https://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/difference-between-a-record-and-album |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215174331/https://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/difference-between-a-record-and-album |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021 |website=The Sound of Vinyl}} Coldplay, however, sold 100 million copies in albums alone, while Parlophone have not disclosed the amount of records.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2021 |title=Coldplay Re-Ups with Warner Music Group for Long-Term Deal Via Parlophone |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/coldplay-extends-warner-music-deal-parlophone-atlantic-1235081953/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108020320/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/coldplay-extends-warner-music-deal-parlophone-atlantic-1235081953/ |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=6 October 2021 |website=Variety}}}} they are the most successful group of the 21st century.{{Cite web |date=25 June 2024 |title=Glastonbury 2024: The Reason Coldplay Are the 21st Century's Defining Band |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240624-the-reason-coldplay-are-the-21st-centurys-most-loved-band |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728050702/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240624-the-reason-coldplay-are-the-21st-centurys-most-loved-band |archive-date=28 July 2024 |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=BBC Culture}}

Early life

William Champion was born on 31 July 1978 in Southampton, Hampshire, England,{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Latest Coldplay News |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227022423/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/coldplay/ |archive-date=27 February 2023 |access-date=27 February 2023 |website=Capital FM |type=Press the "View More" button on the "Facts" column}} being the second child of archaeology lecturers Timothy and Sara Champion.{{Cite web |date=23 June 2016 |title=Chris Martin: Coldplay are Saying the Opposite of Walls and Brexit |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/23/chris-martin-coldplay-glastonbury-opposite-of-walls-and-brexit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220131232258/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/23/chris-martin-coldplay-glastonbury-opposite-of-walls-and-brexit |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=30 May 2021 |website=The Guardian}} He was raised in the Highfield suburb of the town, close to the University of Southampton, where his parents worked. His studies began at Portswood Primary School, later continuing at Cantell School and Peter Symonds College.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2022 |title=Coldplay: Drummer Will Champion's Quiet Life in Southampton Before Linking Up with Chris Martin |url=https://www.hampshirelive.news/whats-on/music-nightlife/coldplay-drummer-champions-quiet-life-7405790 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230423032603/https://www.hampshirelive.news/whats-on/music-nightlife/coldplay-drummer-champions-quiet-life-7405790 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=HampshireLive}} He used to play cricket for Chandler's Ford CC alongside his older brother and they went to the Highfield Church regularly.{{Cite web |date=25 February 2015 |title=Hampshire's Will Champion's Ever Blossoming Success With Coldplay |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/news/onmymind/14302388.hampshires-will-champions-ever-blossoming-success-with-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201002818/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/news/onmymind/14302388.hampshires-will-champions-ever-blossoming-success-with-coldplay/ |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=31 January 2022 |website=Daily Echo}} After being asked about his upbringing, he said that music was "constantly on the stereo at home", which included "anything from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Nick Cave to traditional Irish folk".{{Cite AV media|title=Will Champion Coldplay {{!}} Rare Interview {{!}} The Lost Tapes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J45x3o7sdsU&list=PLG4FWKZXOJeDQLL3wa5Y5P4LoUo8mfn_e|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517195922/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J45x3o7sdsU&list=PLG4FWKZXOJeDQLL3wa5Y5P4LoUo8mfn_e|archive-date=17 May 2021|access-date=4 January 2022|via=YouTube}} He also took part in a group called Fat Hamster.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2011 |title=Hampshire's Understated Rockstar – Coldplay's Will Champion |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2346841.hampshires-understated-rockstar-coldplays-will-champion/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227013932/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2346841.hampshires-understated-rockstar-coldplays-will-champion/ |archive-date=27 February 2023 |access-date=30 May 2021 |website=Daily Echo}}

His upbringing influenced him to start lessons on multiple instruments, including violin and piano from the age of eight, guitar at 12, and eventually bass and tin whistle. However, Champion did not always enjoy the classes, since he could not read music and played the songs from memory: "I watched my teacher's hand on the piano, memorized it, and ended up doing it myself".{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|p=138}} Despite being chosen to be the drummer at school and using a neighbour's kit, he was not keen on the instrument either.{{Cite web |date=21 February 2012 |title=Will Champion: Just Right for Coldplay |url=https://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206172631/http://drummagazine.com/will-champion-coldplay |archive-date=6 December 2018 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Drum!}} He attended work experience at Nuffield Theatre's box office and backstage when he was 14 years old.{{Cite web |date=29 November 2017 |title=Coldplay Star Inspires Students Striving for a Career in Music |url=https://www.southampton.ac.uk/music/news/2017/11/30-will-champion.page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201061422/https://www.southampton.ac.uk/music/news/2017/11/30-will-champion.page |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=University of Southampton}}

Champion's education continued in University College London, where he attained a 2:1 degree in anthropology and met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman, eventually forming Coldplay.{{Cite web |date=19 October 2002 |title=Gentlemen Players |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4729014/Gentlemen-players.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220604191319/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4729014/Gentlemen-players.html |archive-date=4 June 2022 |access-date=4 June 2022 |website=The Telegraph}} He worked as a doorman at a bar run by Ricky Gervais while studying.{{Cite AV media |date=18 November 2015 |title=Ricky Gervais is Chris Martin's Naughty Cousin {{!}} Rove & Sam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t40e3fmodY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828220101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t40e3fmodY |archive-date=28 August 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023 |via=YouTube}} Years later, he said that his experience in other instruments helped with coordination and offered a different perspective on drumming, being an important part of his style: "Knowing the difference between the major and minor key is very important too, and I was lucky to learn all that before I was playing drums. That has more to do with the feel of a song [and what's right for it] instead of knowing how to play powerfully for a second".

Career

= Coldplay =

File:Will Champion, 2011 (2).jpg in July 2011]]

Champion was the last performing member to join the band in 1998.{{efn|Overall, the fifth and final member was manager and creative director Phil Harvey.{{Cite web |date=26 February 2018 |title=They Played a Tiny Café... There Were Four People in the Audience |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122080835/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/they-played-a-tiny-cafe-there-were-four-people-in-the-audience/ |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=Music Business Worldwide}}}} He explained that Martin, Buckland and Berryman came to his house because a roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but he had not turned up, "so I just said I'd give it a go". They recorded the session and he was later invited to the ensemble despite not having significant prior experience. In 1999, he was temporarily sacked from the group by Martin due to heated discussions regarding his abilities as a drummer: "Three days later, the rest of us were feeling miserable [...] we asked him to come back. They made me have lots of vodka and cranberry juice in remembrance of what a nasty piece of work I was being".{{harv|Wild|Croft|2018|pp=42–45}}

{{Cite web|date=23 June 2021|title=Coldplay's Will Champion Reflects On Getting Kicked Out of the Band|url=https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201042713/https://uproxx.com/indie/coldplay-will-champion-kicked-out-band/|archive-date=1 February 2022|access-date=1 February 2022|website=Uproxx}} The incident became an inspiration for "Trouble", which was written as an apology to him.{{Cite web|date=12 July 2020|title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album|url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/coldplay/coldplay-parachutes-album-facts-meaning/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713111741/https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/coldplay/coldplay-parachutes-album-facts-meaning/|archive-date=13 July 2020|access-date=6 February 2022|website=Radio X}}

In Coldplay, Champion is often regarded as the rationality of the band, with Martin saying "When I think of him, I think of something heavy and granite-like. Like the base of a statue. Without that, the thing topples". While answering questions from fans, other members added that he "does have a very sensible head on his shoulders and when it comes to making decisions he is really good at putting valid points across and keeping everyone focused. He frequently has the casting vote and his decision can sometimes override the consensus".{{Cite web|date=20 November 2008|title=Dear Oracle, why does the band refer to Will as the frightening one?|url=http://www.coldplay.com/oracledetail.php?id=348&page=|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927175208/http://coldplay.com/oracledetail.php?id=348&page=|archive-date=27 September 2010|access-date=1 February 2022|publisher=Coldplay}} They often praise his multi-instrumentalism as well, calling him a "human jukebox".{{Cite web |date=24 March 2009 |title=About the Coldplay Drummer |url=https://www.zimbio.com/Coldplay+Drummer/articles/2/About+the+Coldplay+drummer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230323210646/https://www.zimbio.com/Coldplay+Drummer/articles/2/About+the+Coldplay+drummer |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=Zimbio}} Although Buckland and Berryman have contributed to backing vocals, Champion remained the most prominent in the role, as seen throughout Viva la Vida Tour (2008–10), when he performed "Death Will Never Conquer".{{Cite web |date=1 June 2009 |title=Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13074-leftrightleftrightleft/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220103012653/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13074-leftrightleftrightleft/ |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=5 April 2022 |website=Pitchfork}} His version of the song was included on LeftRightLeftRightLeft (2009). Lead vocals are also present on "The Goldrush",{{Cite web |date=30 January 2009 |title=B-Side of the Week: Coldplay's Goldrush |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a145035/b-side-of-the-week-coldplays-goldrush/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201050907/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a145035/b-side-of-the-week-coldplays-goldrush/ |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=Digital Spy}} "In My Place" (Live in Buenos Aires),{{Cite web |date=31 July 2023 |title=Coldplay-Drummer Will Champion Grijpt de Hoofdrol Bij Live-Versie In My Place |trans-title=Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Takes the Lead Role in the Live Version of In My Place |url=https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/top2000/483c950a-405f-4ab8-8fe3-c27a6e8bdcbd/coldplay-drummer-will-champion-grijpt-de-hoofdrol-bij-live-versie-in-my-place |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731175401/https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/top2000/483c950a-405f-4ab8-8fe3-c27a6e8bdcbd/coldplay-drummer-will-champion-grijpt-de-hoofdrol-bij-live-versie-in-my-place |archive-date=31 July 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |website=NPO Radio 2 |language=nl}} and "Angelsong".{{Cite web |date=6 October 2024 |title=Credits / Moon Music (Full Moon Edition) / Coldplay |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/391126342/credits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241212220831/https://listen.tidal.com/album/391126342/credits |archive-date=12 December 2024 |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=Tidal}} The latter is heard on Moon Music (2024) both separately and within "Alien Hits / Alien Radio".

= Other projects =

Champion guested on a-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen's debut album, Past Perfect Future Tense (2004), along with Berryman.{{Cite web|date=7 May 2004|title=Coldplay Contribute To a-ha Member's Solo Album|url=http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004070512490214879377|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220212152330/http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004070512490214879377|archive-date=12 February 2022|access-date=12 February 2022|website=Listen To Norway}} In 2011, the drummer was part of a video for the Beat for Peace campaign, which "called on global leaders to take urgent diplomatic action" and "prevent all out conflict returning to Sudan".{{Cite web |date=7 March 2011 |title=New Beat for Peace Film – Sudan 365: The Beat Continues |url=http://www.sudan365.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728071400/http://www.sudan365.org/ |archive-date=28 July 2011 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=Sudan 365}} He also made a guest appearance as one of the Red Wedding musicians in the "Rains of Castamere" episode from Game of Thrones, which aired on 2 June 2013.{{Cite web|date=17 June 2017|title=Ed Sheeran To Coldplay: Every Band Who Has Starred in Game of Thrones|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/43SWgCzfG0sYr6CctS3dsxZ/ed-sheeran-to-coldplay-every-band-who-has-starred-in-game-of-thrones|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201054831/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/43SWgCzfG0sYr6CctS3dsxZ/ed-sheeran-to-coldplay-every-band-who-has-starred-in-game-of-thrones|archive-date=1 February 2022|access-date=21 May 2021|website=BBC Radio 1}} In the following year, he contributed to Brian Eno and Karl Hyde's collaborative album, Someday World (2014).{{Cite web|date=5 May 2014|title=Brian Eno / Karl Hyde: Someday World Album Review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19313-brian-eno-karl-hyde-someday-world/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201060123/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19313-brian-eno-karl-hyde-someday-world/|archive-date=1 February 2022|access-date=1 February 2022|website=Pitchfork}} Champion is known to support food and wine magazine Noble Rot as well, becoming an investor in their namesake restaurants.{{Cite web |date=11 November 2015 |title=From Pages to Pouring: Noble Rot Magazine Team Launch Bloomsbury Wine Bar |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/from-pages-to-pouring-noble-rot-magazine-team-launch-bloomsbury-wine-bar-a3108306.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230328194954/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/from-pages-to-pouring-noble-rot-magazine-team-launch-bloomsbury-wine-bar-a3108306.html |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=Evening Standard}} In 2017, he visited the University of Southampton to talk with music students about composing, studio recording, live performances and managing stardom. Along with Buckland, the drummer assisted Jodie Whittaker in her cover of "Yellow" for BBC's Children in Need album in 2019.{{Cite web |date=22 October 2019 |title=Yorkshire's Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker Records Coldplay Song Yellow for Children in Need Album |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/yorkshires-doctor-who-jodie-whittaker-records-coldplay-song-yellow-children-need-album-1748804 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230403092520/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/yorkshires-doctor-who-jodie-whittaker-records-coldplay-song-yellow-children-need-album-1748804 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |access-date=22 June 2022 |website=The Yorkshire Post}} Moreover, he has guested on DrumathonLIVE, a charity event focused on raising money for children's mental health.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2021 |title=Suffolk Man Behind Global Charity Event Featuring Coldplay and Kasabian |url=https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/drumathon-live-2021-lineup-revealed-7951828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220531190123/https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/drumathon-live-2021-lineup-revealed-7951828 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=Ipswich Star}}

{{Cite web |date=16 May 2022 |title=Coldplay, The Cure and More To Take Part in DrumathonLIVE 2022 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-the-cure-and-more-to-take-part-in-charity-drumathonlive-2022-3226278 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220531143100/https://www.nme.com/news/music/coldplay-the-cure-and-more-to-take-part-in-charity-drumathonlive-2022-3226278 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |website=NME}} In 2023, he received an honorary degree as Doctor of Music from the University of Southampton.{{Cite web |date=23 January 2023 |title=Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Awarded Southampton Honorary Doctorate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-64380094 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230123181844/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-64380094 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=BBC News}}

Musical style

= Equipment =

Champion's first drum kit was a Yamaha 9000.{{Cite web |date=25 August 2016 |title=Will Champion on World Domination with Coldplay, New Kits and The Art of Waiting |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/will-champion-on-world-domination-with-coldplay-new-kits-and-the-art-of-waiting-640887 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201151313/https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/will-champion-on-world-domination-with-coldplay-new-kits-and-the-art-of-waiting-640887 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=21 May 2021 |website=Music Radar |pages=3–5}} The company has provided him a variety of custom maple sets over the years. Since the Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016–17), his equipment includes a 22"x16" bass drum, a 13"x9" rack tom, a 16"x15" floor tom, various snare drums, and Zildjian cymbals (20" K Heavy ride; 18" A Custom Medium crashes; and 14" K Custom Dark hi-hats). Most performances are fulfilled using Remo's Ambassador Coated drumheads, Pro-Mark's 5A hickory wood drumsticks, and a Roc-N-Soc drum throne. He also owns three electronic pads and a cajón.{{Cite web |date=6 July 2022 |title=Ohohooo: Coldplay Gastiert in Frankfurt |trans-title=Ohohooo: Coldplay Is Making a Guest Appearance in Frankfurt |url=https://www.fr.de/kultur/musik/frankfurt-coldplay-in-ohohooo-91645522.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815182238/https://www.fr.de/kultur/musik/frankfurt-coldplay-in-ohohooo-91645522.html |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |language=de}} Noted for an energetic drumming style,{{Cite web |date=13 April 2022 |title=Coldplay: The Best Song On Each Studio Album |url=https://whatculture.com/music/coldplay-the-best-song-on-each-studio-album |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206045615/https://whatculture.com/music/coldplay-the-best-song-on-each-studio-album |archive-date=6 December 2023 |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=WhatCulture |page=5}} Champion mentioned he did not have confidence to play loud or heavy at first, something which became part of his technique: "That's my trademark – wait" and "steal the limelight at the end".

= Influences =

When questioned about the Coldplay songs he thinks are his technical or "feel-wise" best, Champion observed that he was proud of the ones where everything was cut down to the essentials, citing "Viva la Vida" as an example: "It's just a kick drum, a bell and a little bit of timpani here and there, but it's so simple [...] We tried so many different things with that, four-beats, rock beats, everything – but nothing worked [...] There are so many intricacies on the violins, the melodies and everything, I just felt it have to be simple with no frills, just support the song [...] That's my trademark". He listed Klaxons, Arcade Fire and hip hop amid his references,{{Cite web |date=14 March 2006 |title=Interview with Coldplay Drummer Will Champion |url=https://www.therhythmstudio.co.uk/news-posts/rs-archive-will-champion-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112054258/https://www.therhythmstudio.co.uk/news-posts/rs-archive-will-champion-interview |archive-date=12 January 2024 |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=The Rhythm Studio}} while the Pogues' second album is his favourite of all time.{{Cite tweet |number=1730264184988836059 |user=coldplay |title=Thank you, Shane, for the words, the music and the memories, rest in peace. W. X |author=Coldplay |date=30 November 2023 |access-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240928122821/https://x.com/coldplay/status/1730264184988836059 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |url-status=live}} In 2024, he recommended works from Fontaines D.C. and Grian Chatten.{{Cite AV media |date=26 August 2024 |time=8:53 to 10:15 |title=We're Planning Some Big Sessions: Coldplay's Drummer Share Their Post-Gig Plans |url=https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/485202 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928040850/https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/485202 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=Today FM}} His top drummers are Ginger Baker, John Bonham and Dave Grohl.

Personal life

According to The Times, Champion has an estimated wealth of £113 million as of May 2022.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=The 40 Richest Musicians In The UK |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/article/40-richest-musicians-uk-harry-styles-adele-sunday-times-rich-list-qfj8blmhf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220520063633/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/40-richest-musicians-uk-harry-styles-adele-sunday-times-rich-list-qfj8blmhf |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=The Times}} He is a longtime supporter of Southampton F.C. and has owned a season ticket for many years.{{Cite web|date=20 December 2011|title=Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Remembers His Southampton Roots|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9429384.coldplay-drummer-will-champion-remembers-his-southampton-roots/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220131235816/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9429384.coldplay-drummer-will-champion-remembers-his-southampton-roots/|archive-date=31 January 2022|access-date=21 May 2021|website=Daily Echo}} His parents, Tim and Sara, used to DJ as Champion Tunes at local pubs, the latter died from cancer in 2000. Her funeral was arranged for the same day Coldplay had to shoot the music video for "Yellow", hence why only Martin appeared on it.{{harv|Roach|2003|p=41}} Their debut album, Parachutes, was dedicated to her.{{Cite web |date=3 June 2023 |title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Coldplay's Parachutes Album |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/coldplay/coldplay-parachutes-album-facts-meaning/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230827194214/https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/coldplay/coldplay-parachutes-album-facts-meaning/ |archive-date=27 August 2023 |access-date=27 August 2023 |website=Radio X}} In 2003, he married teacher Marianna Dark, becoming the first band member to wed.{{Cite web |date=6 December 2015 |title=Coldplay Drummer's Journey from Hampshire Primary School to the Superbowl |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/14126481.coldplay-drummer-will-champions-journey-from-hampshire-primary-school-to-the-superbowl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220131233138/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/14126481.coldplay-drummer-will-champions-journey-from-hampshire-primary-school-to-the-superbowl/ |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=30 May 2021 |website=Daily Echo}}

{{Cite web |date=22 November 2019 |title=Everyday Life Booklet |url=https://wmiuk-a.akamaihd.net/download/wmiuk/__fp_tech_m/coldplay.com/pdf/booklet.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221230448/https://wmiuk-a.akamaihd.net/download/wmiuk/__fp_tech_m/coldplay.com/pdf/booklet.pdf |archive-date=21 December 2021 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=Warner Music Group UK |page=22}} They have three children and live in London's Hampstead area.{{Cite news |date=1 June 2008 |title=We're About to Be Fed to the Lions |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/01/popandrock.coldplay |url-status=live |access-date=18 March 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201152557/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/01/popandrock.coldplay |archive-date=1 February 2022}}
{{Cite web |date=5 November 2020 |title=Coldplay Star Goes Green As He Swaps His Volkswagen Polo For New Electric Model |url=https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/colplay-s-will-champion-picks-up-electric-car-6545614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220201153739/https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/colplay-s-will-champion-picks-up-electric-car-6545614 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |access-date=21 May 2021 |website=Ham & High}}

When questioned about fame, Champion said he loves that after playing stadiums around the world, he can "disappear" back to his children (who are studying Suzuki method violin) and wife (who sings in Brian Eno's private choir). This "skill" was a theme of a sketch by British comedian Nish Kumar in Live at the Apollo.{{Cite AV media |date=31 October 2019 |title=Nish Kumar Wants To Be The Drummer From Coldplay {{!}} Live at the Apollo {{!}} BBC Comedy Greats |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsmuV7wLCl8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815173505/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsmuV7wLCl8 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=15 August 2022 |via=YouTube}} The drummer also commented that his favourite non-musical activity is cooking,{{Cite web |date=28 November 2019 |title=Coldplay in Session |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bp80 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230212215751/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bp80 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |access-date=12 February 2023 |website=BBC Radio 2}}

{{Cite tweet|number=1200148046983651328|user=coldplayxtra|title=Coldplay members on their personal hobbies when they're not doing music|author=ColdplayXtra|date=28 November 2019|access-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329025357/https://twitter.com/coldplayxtra/status/1200148046983651328|archive-date=29 March 2023|url-status=live}} and he often dances with Dark at their house. Her backing vocals were included in the title track of Everyday Life (2019), becoming Champion's favourite piece of music from the album.{{Cite AV media |date=17 January 2020 |title=Everyday Life |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjmZIDdiaVs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423034449/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjmZIDdiaVs |archive-date=23 April 2023 |access-date=23 April 2023 |via=YouTube}}
{{Cite AV media |date=21 November 2019 |time=12:14 to 14:20 |title=Everyday Life Q&A from Jordan |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzRMpSBa_Eo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927220135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzRMpSBa_Eo |archive-date=27 September 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |via=YouTube}} During the Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–25), he made drawings for the cities visited on his drums.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Will Champion, dos Coldplay, Desenhou um Pastel de Nata na Bateria: É Maravilhoso Estar de Volta a Portugal |trans-title=Will Champion, from Coldplay, Drew a Pastel de Nata on the Drums: It's Wonderful to Be Back in Portugal |url=https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-05-18-Will-Champion-dos-Coldplay-desenhou-um-pastel-de-nata-na-bateria-E-maravilhoso-estar-de-volta-a-Portugal-03bda7fc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230519030618/https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-05-18-Will-Champion-dos-Coldplay-desenhou-um-pastel-de-nata-na-bateria-E-maravilhoso-estar-de-volta-a-Portugal-03bda7fc |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=24 May 2023 |website=Expresso |language=pt}}
{{Cite web |date=1 June 2023 |title=Coldplay Dedicate Song to Woman Who Came to Their First Manchester Gig in 1998 |url=https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-06-01/coldplay-dedicates-song-to-woman-who-came-to-gig-25-years-ago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230828114330/https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-06-01/coldplay-dedicates-song-to-woman-who-came-to-gig-25-years-ago |archive-date=28 August 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023 |website=ITV}}