The Secret History of Rock

So What DOES Mylo Xyloto Mean?

Ever since Coldplay announced that they were going to call an album Mylo Xyloto, people have been trying to figure out what that means. (Let’s not bother with how to pronounce the damn thing for now.  Everyone seems to have their own version.)

Sorry to disappoint you, but it doesn’t mean anything. Coldplay just made it up.  Why?  

According to Chris Martin, the band wanted something new, fresh and otherworldly—a title that hadn’t been used by anyone anywhere in any context before.  The band thought it was starting fresh with the album so they wanted a title that sounded just as fresh.  

And there’s a bit more to it.  Here’s what Chris told Mojo magazine:  “It’s a layer of crypticism to disguise the fact that it’s completely and utterly about the way I think about my life.”

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37897 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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