Coldplay Pays Hundreds of Billions to Former Manager to Resolve Contract Dispute
Know Your Idol – Coldplay paid hundreds of billions of rupiah to their former manager, Dave Holmes to resolve a contract dispute. Dave previously sued the band for £10 million. Coldplay split with Dave in 2022 after more than two decades together. This separation sparked dramatic and lengthy legal problems. In 2023, Dave claimed Coldplay had not paid a commission of 10 million pounds for the band’s 10th and 11th albums, both of which had not yet been released. However, the band, filed a counterclaim for 14 million pounds.
In his lawsuit, the Fix You singer claimed that Dave lost control of the budget for their concert tour entitled Music of the Spheres. This caused the band to spend more money, namely 17.5 million pounds. Meanwhile, documents filed at London’s High Court obtained by The Sun show that Coldplay agreed to pay their former manager an undisclosed sum of seven figures. This aims to resolve problems between them.
“Chris and his band are happy that they have drawn the line, but it comes at a price. The settlement cost millions of dollars. They just want to move on,” said a source. Since Dave’s departure, Chris’s best friend Phil Harvey, who helped fund Coldplay’s first record and was later known as the band’s fifth member, has stepped in to lead their management team.
Last year, Coldplay’s legal battle with their former manager took a drastic turn, when Dave accused the band of fabricating stories about accidents and ethical violations. Dave told the Daily Mail that he believes the British band knew they were in trouble, after they filed a £14 million counterclaim.
“Coldplay knew they were in trouble with their defense. Accusing Dave Holmes of non-existent ethics violations and other made-up violations will not distract from the real problem,” explained Dave’s representative.
“Coldplay had a contract with Dave, they refused to comply and they had to pay Dave what they owed him,” he continued.
On the other hand, Coldplay believes his tour experienced cost overruns because of his manager. The band’s lawyer alleged that if Dave had been careful in carrying out his obligations, the band would never have spent 17.5 million pounds or Rp. 363 billion. Examples given include 16 special stage poles for lighting and video costing 10.6 million euros or IDR 186 billion which are too expensive to use.
