Lost Bond Theme Surfaces After Two Decades
Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, has announced the auction of a previously unreleased recording of the band's rejected James Bond theme song. The track, which was written for the 2006 film Casino Royale, was ultimately turned down by producers in favor of You Know My Name by Chris Cornell.
The auction, conducted by Julien's Auctions, will take place in July 2026. The recording is expected to fetch between £50,000 and £80,000, according to the auction house. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the charity Music for Relief.
Details of the Recording
The recording, stored on a CD-R, includes a demo version of the song titled "The Man Who Swallowed the Sun." Martin described the track as "a bit of a lost treasure" in a statement. He added, "We were huge Bond fans, and it was a dream to even be considered. The song didn't fit the film's tone, but we've always loved it."
The CD-R also contains two other unreleased Coldplay tracks from the same era: "Famous Old Painters" and "The Goldrush." The auction lot includes handwritten lyrics by Martin and a letter from the band's management confirming the submission to the Bond producers.
Context of the Rejection
Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, marked a grittier reboot of the franchise. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have previously stated that they sought a more aggressive sound for the theme. Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name" was chosen for its rock edge, which aligned with Craig's portrayal of a more ruthless Bond.
Coldplay, known for their anthemic rock and piano-driven ballads, had submitted a sweeping orchestral piece. According to Martin, the band spent months working on the track but understood the producers' decision. "We were disappointed, but we moved on. It's nice to finally share it with fans," he said.
Impact on Collectors and Fans
The auction has generated significant interest among music collectors and Bond enthusiasts. Darren Julien, CEO of Julien's Auctions, noted, "This is a unique piece of pop culture history. Coldplay's rejected Bond theme is the holy grail for fans of both the band and the franchise."
The recording has never been leaked or performed live, making this the only opportunity for fans to hear the track. The auction will also include other Coldplay memorabilia, such as stage-worn clothing and signed instruments.
Charity and Future Plans
Martin confirmed that a portion of the proceeds will go to Music for Relief, a nonprofit founded by the band to support disaster relief and environmental causes. "It feels right to give back," he said. "This song has been sitting in a drawer for 20 years. Now it can do some good."
Coldplay has no plans to officially release the Bond theme on streaming platforms, according to the band's representatives. The auction, therefore, represents the only legal means of acquiring the recording.
