Coldplay's manager of 22 years is suing them for $12 million they 'refused' to pay him
Jess Battison
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Ole Jensen
Coldplay’s former manager is suing them for the over $12 million, claiming they ‘refused’ to pay him.
Dave Holmes managed the band for 22 years and Variety broke the news in August that he was suing them.
It was confirmed that Coldplay and Holmes had ‘quietly parted’ ways last year after what was nearly the group’s whole professional career together.
The multi-platinum British band met when they were students at University College of London, officially forming in 1997 and going by the name Big Fat Noises – seriously.
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They also even named themselves Starfish before finally settling on their successful Coldplay.
Made up of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion, they signed with Parlophone in 1999 and released their debut album Parachutes in 2000.
Coldplay re-upped its deal with now Warner Music’s Parlophone (UK) and Atlantic (US) labels in 2021.
This was soon followed by their most recent studio album, Music of the Spheres.
After over two decades together, though, the former manager is suing the band in the UK for millions of alleged unpaid commission.
Legal documents appear to show what caused this falling out between the ‘Fix you’ musicians and Holmes.
According to Variety, in his filing the manager alleges the band have reneged on a promised contract regarding their (yet unreleased) tenth and eleventh albums – which he was due to be paid commission.
It’s reported that Coldplay received an advance payment of £35 million ($44 million) for the tenth and £30 million ($38 million) for both the eleventh and twelfth – yes, even more albums are set to come from the band.
Under his previous contract, Holmes received between eight and 13 percent commission, covering both Music of the Spheres and the eighth album, Everyday Life.
Holmes also claims that as well as reneging on a contract extension, Coldplay attempted to demote him from manager to just head of touring.
He wants the UK court to declare that the contract for the tenth and eleventh albums is valid and to order payment of outstanding commission.
Holmes’ representative, Phil Sherrell told Variety: “Dave Holmes successfully managed Coldplay for more than 22 years, steering them to be one of the most successful bands in music history.
"Now, as the legal case shows, Coldplay is refusing to honor Dave’s management contract and pay him what he is owed.”
Coldplay now continue to be managed by Mandi Frost, Phil Harvey and Arlene Moon – who have worked with both the band and Holmes for several years.
Coldplay's team told UNILAD: "Dave Holmes’ management contract with Coldplay expired at the end of 2022 at which point they decided not to start a new one. The matter is now in the hands of Coldplay’s lawyers and the claims are being vigorously disputed. "