Will Champion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Will Champion
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Champion performing with Coldplay in 2021
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William Champion
31 July 1978 Southampton, Hampshire, England
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| Alma mater | University College London |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
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Marianna Dark
(m. 2003) |
| Children | 3 |
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| Awards | Full list |
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| Origin | London, England |
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William Champion (born on July 31, 1978) is an English musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer and percussionist for the famous rock band Coldplay.
Will grew up in Southampton, England. He learned to play many instruments when he was young. He was inspired by artists like Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, and also by traditional Irish folk music. His drumming style is full of energy. He focuses on the main parts of the songs. Sometimes, he even sings lead vocals during live shows.
Champion studied anthropology at University College London. There, he met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman. Together, they formed Coldplay. The band signed with Parlophone in 1999. They became globally successful with their album Parachutes in 2000. They continued to release many popular albums. Will Champion has won several Grammy Awards and Brit Awards. He also received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Music for his work with Coldplay. Coldplay has sold over 160 million records worldwide. This makes them one of the most successful groups of the 21st century.
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Early Life and Education
William Champion was born on July 31, 1978, in Southampton, Hampshire, England. He is the second child of Timothy and Sara Champion, who were archaeology lecturers. He grew up in the Highfield area of Southampton. This was near the University of Southampton, where his parents worked.
Will attended Portswood Primary School. He then went to Cantell School and Peter Symonds College. As a child, he played cricket with his older brother. They also regularly went to Highfield Church. Will shared that music was always playing at home. This included music from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and traditional Irish folk music. He was also part of a group called Fat Hamster.
His childhood encouraged him to learn many instruments. He started piano and violin at age eight. He learned guitar at 12, and later bass and tin whistle. Will did not always enjoy his music lessons. He could not read music well. Instead, he played songs from memory. He would watch his teacher's hands on the piano and then copy them. Even though he was chosen to be the drummer at school, he wasn't very keen on it at first.
Champion continued his education at University College London. He earned a degree in anthropology. It was there that he met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman. They soon formed the band Coldplay. While studying, he also worked as a doorman at a bar. Will later said that knowing other instruments helped his drumming. It gave him a different view on how to play. He felt it was important to understand the "feel of a song" rather than just playing loudly.
Music Career
Joining Coldplay
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Will Champion was the last person to join Coldplay in 1998. He explained that Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman came to his house. They were looking for a drummer. Will's roommate had a drum kit and was a good drummer, but he wasn't there. So, Will offered to try. They recorded the session. Even though he didn't have much drumming experience, he was invited to join the band.
In 1999, Chris Martin briefly fired Will from the group. This happened after some arguments about his drumming skills. However, the other band members quickly missed him. They asked him to come back just three days later. This event even inspired Coldplay's song "Trouble". It was written as an apology to Will.
Will's Role in Coldplay
In Coldplay, Will Champion is often seen as the calm and sensible member. Chris Martin once said that Will is like "the base of a statue." He means that Will provides a strong foundation for the band. Other members agree that Will is good at making decisions. He helps everyone stay focused. His vote often helps the band decide things.
The band also praises Will's ability to play many instruments. They call him a "human jukebox" because he knows so many songs. While Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman sing backing vocals, Will is the most prominent. He even sang lead vocals on "Death Will Never Conquer" during the Viva la Vida Tour (2008–2010). His version of the song was included on the album LeftRightLeftRightLeft (2009). He also sings lead on "The Goldrush", "In My Place" (Live in Buenos Aires), and "Angelsong".
Other Music Projects
Will Champion has also worked on music outside of Coldplay. In 2004, he played drums on a-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen's album, Past Perfect Future Tense. He also contributed to Brian Eno and Karl Hyde's album, Someday World, in 2014.
In 2011, Will was part of a video for the Beat for Peace campaign. This campaign asked world leaders to help prevent conflict in Sudan. He also made a guest appearance in the TV show Game of Thrones in 2013. He played one of the musicians in the "Rains of Castamere" episode.
In 2019, Will and Jonny Buckland helped Jodie Whittaker record a cover of Coldplay's song "Yellow". This was for the BBC's Children in Need album. Will has also supported DrumathonLIVE, a charity event that raises money for children's mental health. In 2023, he received an honorary degree as Doctor of Music from the University of Southampton.
Musical Style and Influences
Equipment Will Uses
Will Champion's first drum kit was a Yamaha 9000. Yamaha has provided him with many custom drum sets over the years. For recent tours, his drum kit includes a large bass drum, a rack tom, and a floor tom. He uses different snare drums and Zildjian cymbals. He uses Remo drumheads, Pro-Mark drumsticks, and a Roc-N-Soc drum throne. He also uses electronic pads and a cajón.
Will is known for his energetic drumming. He once said that he didn't have the confidence to play loudly at first. This became part of his unique style. He likes to "wait" and "steal the limelight at the end" of a song.
What Inspires Will
When asked about his best drumming in Coldplay songs, Will said he was proud of the ones where everything was kept simple. He mentioned "Viva la Vida" as an example. He said it only has a kick drum, a bell, and some timpani. He explained that they tried many different drumming styles for the song, but simple was best. He felt that with all the violins and melodies, the drums needed to be simple to support the song.
His favorite album is ... & the Lash (1985) by the Pogues. In 2006, he enjoyed listening to bands like Klaxons and Arcade Fire, as well as hip-hop artists. More recently, in 2024, he recommended music from Fontaines D.C. and Grian Chatten. Some of his favorite drummers include Ginger Baker, John Bonham, and Dave Grohl.
Personal Life
Will Champion is a big fan of Southampton F.C., a football team. He has had a season ticket for many years. His parents used to DJ at local pubs. Will's mother, Sara Champion, sadly passed away from cancer in 2000. Her funeral was on the same day Coldplay had to film the music video for "Yellow". This is why Chris Martin appears alone in that video. Coldplay's first album, Parachutes, mentions her in the notes.
In 2003, Will married Marianna Dark, a teacher. He was the first member of Coldplay to get married. They have three children and live in the Hampstead area of London.
Will has shared that he loves being able to "disappear" back to his family after playing huge stadiums. His children are learning violin using the Suzuki method. His wife sings in Brian Eno's private choir. Marianna also recorded backing vocals on the song "Everyday Life" from Coldplay's album Everyday Life (2019). Will said this was his favorite sound from the album. Outside of music, Will's favorite activity is cooking. For each stop on the Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–2025), he made special drawings on his drums.
Discography
With Coldplay
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Solo Credits
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See also
In Spanish: Will Champion para niños
- List of people associated with University College London
- List of British Grammy winners and nominees
- List of best-selling music artists
