Oct 10, 2023 at 11:05 am
Coldplay is on bad terms with former manager Dave Holmes, who worked with the British band from 2005 to 2022. Holmes demands millions from his former employer. Singer Chris Martin and his colleagues, in turn, want to see money.
“We grew up together,” Holmes said in a 2018 interview with Music Week about his many years of collaboration with Coldplay. Under Holmes’ management, the British band scored mega hits such as Live life in A Sky Full of Stars. “We immediately felt comfortable with each other. That has never changed.”
Five years later, that sentiment has changed considerably. The music world sees Holmes and Coldplay as an inseparable duo. The surprise is great when it turns out that the collaboration has ended and the manager even sues the band.
According to Holmes, his contract has suddenly not been renewed. Holmes says he helped make two Coldplay albums before the collaboration ended. He believes he has organized recording sessions, contacted producers and created a marketing plan.
Holmes claims that Coldplay received large advances for the tenth and eleventh albums: around 65 million pounds (75 million euros). His contract would state that Holmes also gets a share of that. It is about 10 percent. But that money is not coming and that is why Holmes has gone to court. He demands £10 million. “I feel cheated,” says Holmes.
Coldplay states that the former colleague is not entitled to that money. It would not be part of the contract he had until recently. In fact, Holmes allegedly owes the band money.
Dave Holmes (far left) poses with Coldplay and other music industry figures in 2011. Photo: Getty Images
The band has now also started a case against their former manager. Lead singer Martin and his colleagues want £14 million from Holmes. The reason? The manager is said to have had too little supervision of their budget Music of the Spheres-world tour. As a result, far too much money would have been spent.
The tour was successful with sold-out shows in the Netherlands, among others. But due to Holmes’ negligence, the concerts have not raised nearly as much money as they should, the band believes. For example, Holmes is said to have arranged far too expensive video and lighting installations. Such as a special light curtain that cost almost £8 million. The screen was ultimately only used during ten shows in Buenos Aires.
According to Coldplay, Holmes only gave the green light out of self-interest that cost. Holmes has borrowed £24 million from concert organizer Live Nation. He used that money to buy land in Canada.
According to the band, Holmes agreed to the expensive equipment to maintain good ties with Live Nation and thus be able to get that loan. Coldplay believes that Holmes has abused his position. Live Nation has already responded to this and says it supports the loan.
Holmes’ lawyer speaks of “fabrications”. “Coldplay had a contract with Dave and refuses to honor it. They should just pay him what they owe him.” The parties first try to reach an agreement through a settlement. If that fails, the case will go to court.
2023-10-10 09:05:14
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