50.9025, -1.40416667
William Champion (born 31 July 1978) is an English musician and songwriter best known as the drummer and backing vocalist of the rock band Coldplay. Raised in Southampton, he learned a variety of instruments during his childhood, being influenced by Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and traditional Irish folk. His energetic drumming style is based on prioritising the song's essential elements and he occasionally takes lead vocal duties during live performances.
Champion has a 2:1 degree in anthropology from University College London, where he completed Coldplay's line-up with Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman. The band signed with Parlophone in 1999, finding global fame through the release of Parachutes (2000) and following records. He has won seven Grammy Awards and nine Brit Awards as part of Coldplay. Having sold more than 100 million albums worldwide as of 2021, they are the most successful group of the 21st century.