Coldplayers Biography

ABOUT

Coldplayers

the Authentic Coldplay Tribute Band

Coldplayers produces a stunning concert celebrating the music of one of the most popular bands of all time, Coldplay. Coldplayers is composed of skilled and experienced musicians that are each more than 20 years active as musician, some even professionally. They have performed in many different musical projects:

Sébastien Godfroid, Guitar
Paul Sarrazin, Bass
Davide Zecca Graczyk, Drums
Chris Van Der Straeten, Lead Vocals,

Coldplayers replicates the visuals and sound of the original band. Also detail is given to the clothing and attributes. The band will guide you through all of the favorite Coldplay hits from the last 20+ years, from Yellow to Higher Power, The Scientist to A Sky Full of Stars, Fix You to their latest hit My Universe. The show faithfully recreates the magic and spectacle of Coldplay’s record-breaking live tours! Coldplayers is also a true Belgian Band. Chris is from Flanders (which helps for the English pronunciation), Paul is from Brussels, Sébastien and Davide are from Wallonia, more in particular ‘Le Hainaut’. The band also focuses on the whole Belgian Area and is also interested in visiting other countries.

Chris Van Der Straeten, lead vocals, piano and guitar

Chris started with music around the age of 8 years at the classical music academy. He studied piano and classical organ, played with classical ensembles and choirs.

At the age of 18, Chris was in doubt to go to the music conservatory, but finally he chooses for the university, while keeping music as a hobby. At the same time Chris switched to pop music. He played keyboards and did (backing) vocals in several bands, as well covers as original compositions. Chris also wrote his own compositions and made records. He enjoyed sharing the stage with bands like ‘The Kreuners’ and ‘Soulsister’ some decades ago.

For a long time Chris performed solo as piano player, singer and as duo with a female singer at parties, receptions and restaurants. In most recent years Chris oriented himself more towards band work and lead singing. From being a long-time fan of Coldplay, and finding his voice close to the one of Chris Martin, Chris took the challenge of starting a Coldplay Tribute Band. Chris found support from Sébastien Godfroid and Paul Sarrazin with whom Chris played previously. Chris is also the manager of the band.

Chris has (not?) by coincidence the same first name as the lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin!

Sébastien Godfroid, guitar

At the age of 17, Seb picked up a guitar and never let it go. Between private lessons and self-taught periods, Seb also learned his instrument and music through jam sessions. He eventually crossed the Channel to earn a diploma from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. This was followed by three years of professional activity touring all over Europe and the East Coast of the US (NYC, Providence, Boston, etc.). He also taught guitar and coached groups for the Rock’s Cool school in Namur.

By personal choice, he then decided to leave the professional scene and keep music to the status of a passion. A born performer, during this adventure, he took the stage with numerous bands such as Freddy Loco, Restless, Take It Hot, The Gallery, The Guardians Play Alanis Morissette, and Groove Factory. At the age of 40, Seb currently plays the six strings for StrongHer, Coldplayers, and Ladies & The Tramp.

Paul Sarrazin, bass

Paul Sarrazin started his music career as a percussionist in 1994, when he arrived in France after living 8 years in Nigeria & South Africa. After 9 years playing in an African Percussion Orchestra as one of the main soloists and recording a live album with them and a big band, he left the band as he started studying in college. That’s when he integrated the world of fusion music, still as a percussionist. After hearing his bass player slapping, he knew the bass was the instrument he sought his entire life. He then started playing by himself in his room, and then played in a multitude of bands, and going from one jam session to the other (If you’re in Brussels, you’ve probably seem him at least once or twice). Paul’s heavily engaged in his instrument and loves all kinds of music, as he played Western African music, Funk, Soul, Rock, Metal, Pop, etc. and loves composing music.
Throughout the years, he’s had the pleasure to study under some of the very best: Frank Nelson, Yves Carbone, Dominique DiPiazza, Anthony Jackson, the amazing Bo Waterschoot, and a few others. After the end of his last band, Newt, he’s now in Coldplayers, and very happy to be here !

Davide Zecca Graczyk, Drums

Davide started his career as a drummer in 1994 after studying with Dante Agostini Paris. He had the pleasure of accompanying several big names of the Belgian scene from north to south such as: Helmut Lotti, Paul Anderson, Jo Vally, Midnight Team, Paul Michiels, Kate Ryan, Coco Junior, Wendy, Vanessa Chinitor, Gary Hagger, Jean-François Maljean, Battiste canta Battisti, Philadelphia, William Dunker, Sttella, Art Sullivan, Oli F,Epsilon, Ludovic Tournay, Cloclo Expérience, TCB feat Franz Goovaerts, Old love tribute Eric Clapton.

“The Elephant”

Coldplayers has mascot which joins the band on the stage for a few songs.

The mascot is inspired on the character from the video of ‘Paradise’