May 9, 2012 - submitted by Trinity, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle,

Do the band always do sound checks before each show? And do they ever let members of the public in to watch (with a bought ticket obviously!)

In the words of Coldplay "I'll see you soon!" (quite literally, in 21 days :D)

The Oracle replies:

The band don't always attend sounchecks; sometimes the crew step in and test the levels. There have been what are known as soundcheck parties where fans have won the chance to be there while the band soundcheck.
There was also an occasion back in 2010 when the band were in Liverpool to play one of the Crisis gigs. Fans had been queuing outside in the snow so we decided to invite them in to watch and warm up a little.
It was quite amusing as we had to usher fans out before the last song because we didn't want anything to give away the surprise of their special guest. Back For Good was quietly practised before Gary Barlow's arrival.