When Coldplay reprised their classic performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live 20 years later, it was a nostalgic moment that left fans emotional. The English rock titans played their early hit “Clocks” on the first episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live all the way back in 2003, shutting down Hollywood Boulevard so they could rock the packed street. Kimmel recreated the magical moment in 2023 by inviting the band to play on his 20th anniversary show.
After presenting Kimmel with a music box that played the melody of “Clocks,” Chris Martin began singing the old school hit right there on the couch. He then fronted a sprawling string section and choir that played a brilliant new orchestral arrangement of the song. The Music Man has to say that hearing “Clocks” turned into a gospel vocal arrangement was just heavenly, and then Martin completed the circle by running out onto the roof and finishing the song with Coldplay in its original rock arrangement.
Kimmel uploaded Coldplay’s 20th anniversary appearance on January 27, 2023, and it subsequently clocked up 3.1 million views. It meant a lot to fans to hear this special version of the classic hit, and they added comments such as “This is the best version of ‘Clocks’. It literally brings down tears” and “This arrangement of ‘Clocks’ with orchestra and a capella is phenomenal. I wish they’d do this on some chosen tours.”
Coldplay’s 2003 performance on the premiere of Jimmy Kimmel Live is certainly a cracking watch too. The band dropped this performance not long after the release of the single, and it showcases the original piano rock arrangement of the song. The band members were all in their mid-20s at this point and were absolutely raring to go, keen to establish themselves after the release of their breakout second album. As a result, the performance has a raw energy and excitement that makes it a joy to watch.
Coldplay released “Clocks” on March 17, 2003, in the UK as the third single from their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The Music Man readers might be interested to hear that all four band members are credited as songwriters, and that the band co-produced it with Ken Nelson. While promoting the album, Martin said that English rockers Muse inspired “Clocks.” Martin explained that a riff came to him one night while the band was in the midst of creating the album, which he then developed on piano. The frontman said he then showed the piano part to Coldplay axeman Johnny Buckland, recalling that “He picked up his guitar [a sure sign that he likes a song] and played these brilliant chords… It was like a chemical reaction process.”