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Coldplay crowned most played British group of the 21st century 

To celebrate National Album Day 2024, we reveal the top 20 most played British groups since 2000. 

coldplay crowned most played british group of the 21st century 
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PPL can reveal that Coldplay is the most played British group of the 21st century, surpassing rock icons Queen to claim the top spot.  

The announcement comes as part of the celebrations for National Album Day 2024, which this year pays tribute to Great British Groups. 

According to our data, Coldplay’s music has been played 40,000 more times across UK radio and TV than Queen, who ranked second. The band’s UK Number 1 hit Viva La Vida, released in 2008, leads the way as their most popular track, averaging 27 plays per day since its release.  

Other Coldplay tracks to feature heavily on airwaves include Paradise, Clocks, Something Just Like This, and Adventure of a Lifetime.  

In total, Coldplay’s music has amassed 400 million seconds of UK airplay this century—equivalent to 13 years of continuous play. 

PPL, which licenses recorded music for use on UK radio, television, and in public spaces such as bars, restaurants and gyms, compiled the data based on extensive airplay reporting from broadcasters and performance venues across the country.  

The findings were released to mark National Album Day on 19 October, an annual event now in its seventh year, organised by the BPI and ERA in partnership with BBC Radio 2. 

Coldplay’s achievement reflects the band’s enduring popularity in a list that also celebrates several British groups from past decades. Bands such as The Beatles, Take That, and Oasis continue to feature prominently in PPL’s top 20 list, showcasing the staying power of groups that rose to fame before the turn of the century.  

The Fab Four take the fifth spot, while 90s superstars Take That are in third, followed by Little Mix in fourth. Oasis, who recently made headlines for the much-anticipated reunion of brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, rank sixth. 

The full list of the most played British groups also includes long-standing favourites like The Bee Gees, The Rolling Stones and Duran Duran, reflecting the rich history of British music.  

Many of these bands continue to release new material, with Take That, Sugababes, Stereophonics and Simply Red all dropping releases in time for National Album Day. Coldplay’s latest album, Moon Music, is set for release on 4 October. 

PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE commented on the findings, saying: “This country has produced some of the most iconic and successful bands of all time, so documenting them is a perfect way to mark this year’s National Album Day.  

“Including groups from across the last 60 years, this list is a reminder of the strength and depth of British music through the decades. Coldplay are fitting owners of the number one spot – few artists can claim to have had such a presence on UK radio and TV since 2000.” 

The Top 20 most played British groups of the 21st Century

  1. Coldplay
  2. Queen 
  3. Take That  
  4. Little Mix 
  5. The Beatles 
  6. Oasis 
  7. The Bee Gees 
  8. The Stereophonics 
  9. The Eurythmics 
  10. The Rolling Stones 
  11. Clean Bandit 
  12. Duran Duran 
  13. Sugababes 
  14. The Police 
  15. Simply Red 
  16. Snow Patrol 
  17. Electric Light Orchestra 
  18. Keane 
  19. Wham! 
  20. Texas   
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