Guy Berryman is a name synonymous with the iconic rock band Coldplay, but his talents and interests extend far beyond the realm of music. This Scottish musician, songwriter, producer, businessman, and designer has carved a unique path, marked by creativity, innovation, and a passion for both the vintage and the cutting-edge. Let’s delve into the life and career of this multifaceted artist.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Born on April 12, 1978, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, Guy Rupert Berryman’s early life was filled with a sense of freedom and exploration. Growing up near Beveridge Park and the Raith Estate, Berryman spent his childhood exploring the area with his friends . His interest in music was sparked at a young age, with a pivotal moment being his experience listening to Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour”. He credits this experience with igniting his passion for soul music and Motown, which led him to become a bass player. Other key influences include James Brown, the Funk Brothers, and Kool & the Gang.
Berryman’s family moved to Kent when he was around 12 years old, which was also when he started playing bass. He played drums and trumpet for his school band at Edinburgh Academy. He noticed that he was a “leftie who plays right-handed”. He formed a group called Time Out, which he described as a form of rebellion since he was interested in a different style of music than his peers. Berryman continued his education at Kent College, Canterbury, before enrolling in mechanical engineering at University College London. It was here that he met Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion, and the seeds of Coldplay were sown.
The Rise of Coldplay
Guy Berryman joined Coldplay as the third member in 1997. He was initially seen as an outsider by the other band members. He was described as a quiet young man with a stockpile of musical instruments in his room Along with Buckland, he recorded early demos for the band before Will Champion joined in 1998. Berryman later dropped out of his mechanical engineering degree, and an architecture program, to focus on the band. He worked as a bartender to support himself.
The band signed with Parlophone in 1999 and achieved global recognition after the release of their debut album, Parachutes in 2000. As the bassist for Coldplay, Berryman has won seven Grammy Awards and nine Brit Awards. Coldplay has become one of the most successful groups of the 21st century, selling over 100 million albums worldwide . He is known for his “slick” and “relaxed” bass playing style, contributing to the band’s signature sound. While not the most technically flashy bassist, Berryman’s creative and melodic basslines are a crucial part of the band’s identity.
● Key Coldplay Albums
○ Parachutes (2000)
○ A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)
○ X&Y (2005)
○ Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)
○ Mylo Xyloto (2011)
○ Ghost Stories (2014)
○ A Head Full of Dreams (2015)
○ Everyday Life (2019)
○ Music of the Spheres (2021)
○ Moon Music (2024)
During the creative process, Berryman is known to be more critical than his other bandmates and has started songs like “Magic” on his own. He has been compared to Adam Clayton of U2, with his style of supporting the rhythm section, rather than taking the spotlight. Some of his best basslines can be heard on songs like “Low” from X&Y, “Shiver”, “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “Violet Hill,” and “Colourtura”.
Apparatjik and Other Musical Projects
Beyond Coldplay, Berryman is a member of the electronic supergroup Apparatjik, formed in 2008 with Magne Furuholmen (a-ha), Jonas Bjerre (Mew), and Martin Terefe . Their music has been featured in a BBC Two series and they have released two studio albums, We Are Here (2010) and Square Peg in a Round Hole (2012) . Berryman has not performed with Apparatjik since 2011, making his future involvement with the band unclear.
Berryman has also contributed to other artists’ music including Magne Furuholmen’s solo albums and the Pierces . He co-wrote songs for the soundtrack of the film The Longest Night in Shanghai . Berryman founded a producing duo called The Darktones with Rik Simpson, and produced music for The Pierces, James Levy & the Blood Red Rose, and Hudson Hank .
● Apparatjik Albums
○ We Are Here (2010)
○ Square Peg in a Round Hole (2012)
● Solo Credits
○ Past Perfect Future Tense (2004) – bassist
○ “Guy Romance Theme” (2007) – writer
○ “Bass Theme” (2007) – co-writer
○ A Dot of Black in the Blue of Your Bliss (2008) – bassist
○ Foot of the Mountain (2009) – photographer
○ Love You More (2010) – producer
○ You&I (2011) – producer
○ Pray to Be Free (2012) – producer
○ Daybreak (2013) – producer
Business Ventures: The Road Rat and Applied Art Forms
Berryman’s creative drive extends beyond music into the realms of publishing and fashion. In 2019, he co-founded The Road Rat, a quarterly magazine dedicated to classic automobiles. He serves as the creative director for the magazine, which aims to capture timeless stories about cars. In 2020, Berryman launched Applied Art Forms, a fashion brand based in Amsterdam, which reflects his interest in utilitarian, workwear, and military clothing. He has been influenced by designers such as Helmut Lang, Katharine Hamnett, and Martin Margiela. He focuses on creating a permanent collection and takes a slower approach than traditional seasonal fashion calendars. Berryman has even been known to take a sewing machine with him on tour to work on designs. Berryman also launched the plant-based protein food start-up Bodyhero.
● Key Business Ventures
○ The Road Rat magazine (2019)
○ Applied Art Forms fashion brand (2020)
○ Bodyhero plant-based protein food company (2020)
Personal Life and Hobbies
Guy Berryman’s diverse interests include photography, fashion, and electrical gadgets. He is a known supporter of the Raith Rovers football club . Berryman is a collector of classic cars, with a Jaguar E-type being one of his favorites. He also collects synthesisers, cameras, and watches, expressing that he is a “completist” when it comes to collecting. Berryman founded Dawghaus, an online catalogue focused on curating good designs and promoting both well-established and lesser-known creations.
Berryman married interior designer Joanna Briston in 2004, but they divorced in 2007. He has a daughter with Briston and has two children with his current partner, Dutch model Keshia Gerrits. He currently resides in Amsterdam with Gerrits and their two children. He is the only member of Coldplay with a personal social media account. His current wealth is estimated at £113 million as of May 2022.
Musical Style and Equipment
Guy Berryman is known for his “slick” and “relaxed” bass-playing style. He is frequently seen using different models of a Fender Precision Bass, including Squier, Mustang, Jazz, and Jaguar editions. In the past, he also played a Rickenbacker 4001. His gear includes Ampeg SVT amplifiers, cabinets, and a Tone Bender pedal for distortion. In 2012, he purchased a custom-made Hiwatt bass rig, which includes a 200-watt amp head and a 4×12 cabinet with Fane speakers.
● Guy Berryman’s Gear
○ Fender Precision Bass (various models)
○ Rickenbacker 4001
○ Ampeg SVT amplifiers and cabinets
○ Tone Bender pedal
○ Custom-made Hiwatt bass rig
Guy Berryman is much more than just a bassist; he is a true creative force with diverse talents and interests. From his contributions to the iconic sound of Coldplay to his ventures in fashion, publishing, and design, Berryman has established himself as a multi-faceted artist who continues to innovate and inspire. His passion for music, design, and classic automobiles makes him a compelling figure, and his work continues to resonate with fans around the world.
