There's a nonstop flight from Tampa to London Gatwick via British Airways. :smiley:

 

 

:D Geez, I hope not, that's a 2 hour drive on I-4 and I stay off that road if at all possible.

Sam, someone here will see your problem and help you, I wish I could, I did mine by accident, and wish my sig. could be bigger. I recieved another email, which I chose the arrival on the 18th and depart on the 20th. gonna be a crazy weekend, I will rest when I get home.

 

 

Just spoke to Tommaso: The concert is on the 19th of September. Would you prefer to arrive on the 18th and return on the 20th or would you prefer to arrive on the 19th an return on the 21st?

 

 

 

Julia J

 

No worries. I just need time to figure out how the website works! Good luck with the flights..wow..it seems to be getting complicated minute by minute huh? did you try bing.com? that helps me out...if you need help..let me know!

That was a windy night I thought he was just holding the scrim from blowing away.

Thanks for a very interesting explanation cmooreNC, and never realized how well organized everything is done.

 

You may be exactly right on the "keeping it from blowing away" theory, as it is highly unusual to have someone below it be in a position to catch it as it falls. Far more "usual" to have several people standing by to whisk it away after it hits the stage. But if it was windy, they may well have had others holding it at the edges, too, in an attempt to make sure it fell properly (without hitting people or equipment on stage ---- it would certainly be a tragedy to have a band member hit in this type of circumstance, as a serious injury could result and bring the tour to a screeching halt --- witness some of the Aerosmith troubles of late!).

 

As for "how well organized" everything is, rock n' roll may not quite be a Broadway play, but it often comes close. Alice Cooper and David Bowie, among a few others of their era in the 1970's, were the pioneers that often took their staging that direction, and certainly many others have followed. The days of just standing up there and playing your music, at least in large (arenas and stadiums) settings, are long gone. Ever wonder why the setlist doesn't vary much for these types of shows? Quite simply it often can't! Each song has specific lighting and sound programming (via computers) set for all the equipment and various accompanying personnel handing the performers the exact correct instruments (pretuned guitars, pianos, etc. in place, tuned in the right key) in exactly the right position. If the performers were to call an "audible" it would derail the whole express train and create a disaster!

 

The only performer who seems to get away with this type of change-up is Bruce Springsteen, and he can do it only because of a few key things ---- 1) His lighting is very simple (check it out sometime... no special effects of any significance, basically simplistic lighting and video) and 2) Both his band and his crew have been with him a long, long time... so they know the actual setlist is often going to be shot full of holes by the time the full show is over... and the bottom line is they've come to expect it and often they are "winging it" right along with him. That's one of the things that makes Bruce so great.... he never does the same show twice. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this would work for everyone - as a matter of fact I doubt it would work well for pretty much anyone else. But Bruce has found a way to do that and he, his band, and his audience seem to all thrive on that fact. For most everyone else it's a standard one or two set lists throughout the whole tour or at least each leg of a tour. Is one way right or wrong? No. But yelling out requests for obscure songs at a Coldplay concert certainly isn't going to get the band to play any of them! They have a little leeway on the B and C stages (particularly on the "C"), since the equipment is pared down there and the lighting is not varied much. But if they were to truly start playing "audibles" without planning I'm sure they'd absolutely throw their crew for a loop!

 

That's why you so often read internet blogs from crew or band members talking about being "in the zone" or "in the groove" or words to that effect. Once things settle in to their expected pattern a comfort level is reached where everyone knows what to expect and they are hitting on all cylinders, producing consistent shows night after night. It's still exhausting, it's still thrilling, the adrenalin still flows each time, but they begin dealing with a known quantity where everyone pretty much hits his or her marks most of the time and the show can be produced with a certain high level of quality such that the audience in City "A" is getting the same exact show that the crowd in City "B" sees the next night. It's not about four guys in a band anymore (although they pretty much get all the glory), but the hundreds behind the scenes that help them pull it off night after night. At Coldplay's level all those behind the scenes folks are well compensated, so you'll rarely hear them complaining, but they all bust their butts to an unbelievable degree to make it all happen. I admire them tremendously. I'm well beyond the age, now, where I could do it. If I ever could have, that is.

 

I dabble in concert promotion occasionally, so I've seen it in action. But fortunately I've never been a "road warrior" like so many who are involved in Coldplay's current tour. I'm sure I wouldn't last a week!

AGREED! :angry:

Live Nation stinks at costumer service AND rescheduling shows.

 

I really want my refund. :(

 

Have you REQUESTED a refund and they've refused to grant you one? I would think by now they'd be obligated to give you one if you asked for it. Your ticket(s) is basically a contract, giving you admission to a specific event on a specific date. Since they couldn't provide the event at the time and place specified on your ticket, I believe they have to give you a refund if you ask for it. Try sending their customer service depart an email.

 

Personally I am not asking yet, as I'm still willing to wait for a decision on rescheduling. If they do reschedule and I can't make the new date, then I'll ask for a refund.

[quote=cmooreNC;3380161

 

The only performer who seems to get away with this type of change-up is Bruce Springsteen, and he can do it only because of a few key things ---- 1) His lighting is very simple (check it out sometime... no special effects of any significance, basically simplistic lighting and video) and 2) Both his band and his crew have been with him a long, long time... so they know the actual setlist is often going to be shot full of holes by the time the full show is over... and the bottom line is they've come to expect it and often they are "winging it" right along with him. That's one of the things that makes Bruce so great.... he never does the same show twice. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this would work for everyone - as a matter of fact I doubt it would work well for pretty much anyone else. But Bruce has found a way to do that and he, his band, and his audience seem to all thrive on that fact. For most everyone else it's a standard one or two set lists throughout the whole tour or at least each leg of a tour. Is one way right or wrong? No. But yelling out requests for obscure songs at a Coldplay concert certainly isn't going to get the band to play any of them! They have a little leeway on the B and C stages (particularly on the "C"), since the equipment is pared down there and the lighting is not varied much. But if they were to truly start playing "audibles" without planning I'm sure they'd absolutely throw their crew for a loop!

 

That's why you so often read internet blogs from crew or band members talking about being "in the zone" or "in the groove" or words to that effect. Once things settle in to their expected pattern a comfort level is reached where everyone knows what to expect and they are hitting on all cylinders, producing consistent shows night after night. It's still exhausting, it's still thrilling, the adrenalin still flows each time, but they begin dealing with a known quantity where everyone pretty much hits his or her marks most of the time and the show can be produced with a certain high level of quality such that the audience in City "A" is getting the same exact show that the crowd in City "B" sees the next night. It's not about four guys in a band anymore (although they pretty much get all the glory), but the hundreds behind the scenes that help them pull it off night after night. At Coldplay's level all those behind the scenes folks are well compensated, so you'll rarely hear them complaining, but they all bust their butts to an unbelievable degree to make it all happen. I admire them tremendously. I'm well beyond the age, now, where I could do it. If I ever could have, that is.

 

I dabble in concert promotion occasionally, so I've seen it in action. But fortunately I've never been a "road warrior" like so many who are involved in Coldplay's current tour. I'm sure I wouldn't last a week!

 

 

I completely agree about Bruce. I've seen him and the E Street Band at least 15 times over the years, going back to The River tour, back in the early 80s, when I was in high school...remember the days of the 4+hour concerts? I love how he can call audibles and the band consistently pulls it off. Guess that is what happens when they have been together over 30 years and can read each other's minds. The last time we saw him in April 2008, though, it was very sad. It was the week before Danny passed away. It was a very special concert for me, though, because they played Jungleland - my favorite Bruce song. I was in tears, it was the first time I'd heard it live. Even pushing 60 (or even older as Clarence is), Bruce and his band still rock - and still played well over 2 hours. And I even love how Jay Weinberg is filling in for Max these days, so Max can do Conan.

Had a very vivid dream, which I never usually remember dreams, I was looking at a board and the tour schedule was thumbtacked up with a NY date and a Tampa date of Oct. 10th, it also had a few tour dates with jumbled words, I suppose they were towns, but couldn't understand them.... Very weird...

Passport update... Got an email saying they would be delivered on Aug. 27th, this is now a relief to know.

Had a very vivid dream, which I never usually remember dreams, I was looking at a board and the tour schedule was thumbtacked up with a NY date and a Tampa date of Oct. 10th, it also had a few tour dates with jumbled words, I suppose they were towns, but couldn't understand them.... Very weird...

Passport update... Got an email saying they would be delivered on Aug. 27th, this is now a relief to know.

 

To tide you over until 9/19, a sweet and personal acoustic performance in Sweden just 3 days ago:

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wbGCrobg5g]YouTube - Coldplay live at Stadion, Stockholm, Sweden - UP CLOSE & FREAKING PERSONAL! Part 1(2)[/ame]

 

This looked like a very good concert, but then they all are fantastic. :)

 

I never thought I would be as addicted to anyone's music as I am to Coldplay's. I never get tired of it because it always seems fresh and new. It is the way Chris Martin delivers it that makes the difference. It's always pretty much the same show but he makes it seem new and fresh each time.

To tide you over until 9/19, a sweet and personal acoustic performance in Sweden just 3 days ago:

 

 

This looked like a very good concert, but then they all are fantastic. :)

 

I never thought I would be as addicted to anyone's music as I am to Coldplay's. I never get tired of it because it always seems fresh and new. It is the way Chris Martin delivers it that makes the difference. It's always pretty much the same show but he makes it seem new and fresh each time.

 

I've seen this video and loved it. But Jonny seems a bit "off" with his tambourine, lol, during DWNC.

Morning Dianne!!! I saw that vid too, and thought Jonny Boy was in his own little tamborine world:D

For those who haven't seen it yet, what a nice surprise they had for the ending of the Stockholm concert!

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0JHn_-b4eQ]YouTube - Coldplay Stockholm Stadion 2009-08-22 life in technicolor ii The end[/ame]

 

Coldplay has managed to keep their show as a total spectacle. To enhance the experience for some 33,000 people, it seems to have been well worth the extra expense.

Morning Dianne!!! I saw that vid too, and thought Jonny Boy was in his own little tamborine world:D

 

Yeah, maybe his earpiece wasn't synched properly...it was funny though. And then there's my Will. Nice and close-up. :heart:

 

How was the first day of school? Your kids are 9th and 11th grade?

They are in 12th and 8th, Son held back in 1st grade due to reading. yes Will was fine!!!

 

Reggie, That was cool the fireworks, I just know when they start up LIT I am going to be overwhelmed with goose bumps and tears.

They are in 12th and 8th, Son held back in 1st grade due to reading. yes Will was fine!!!

 

Reggie, That was cool the fireworks, I just know when they start up LIT I am going to be overwhelmed with goose bumps and tears.

 

Oh, ok...I knew they were close to my boy's ages, mine are 13 and 16, and going into 9th and 11th grade. My 13 year old will be 14 on my birthday, Sept. 18. The cut-off date here isn't until Dec. 2, but it seems like most people hold back boys with summer birthdays, but we sent him to school anyway.

 

It's awesome when they come out with the sparklers for LIT...sigh...I've got Oct 10 blocked out on my calendar. ;)

They are in 12th and 8th, Son held back in 1st grade due to reading. yes Will was fine!!!

 

Reggie, That was cool the fireworks, I just know when they start up LIT I am going to be overwhelmed with goose bumps and tears.

 

From my own experience, I don't think you'll have tears at the concert. I thought I would, but I was too excited and happy to have tears. Now, when I watch the clips, though, I have tears, completely overwhelmed emotionally when remembering the experience. I know I've become silly for Coldplay, but they opened my heart and touched me in ways I've never experienced before. I see it as a healthy unfolding to love. That's why, for me, Coldplay is love.

Had a very vivid dream, which I never usually remember dreams, I was looking at a board and the tour schedule was thumbtacked up with a NY date and a Tampa date of Oct. 10th, it also had a few tour dates with jumbled words, I suppose they were towns, but couldn't understand them.... Very weird...

Passport update... Got an email saying they would be delivered on Aug. 27th, this is now a relief to know.

 

Very cool about the dream....the 10th would be nice...it wouldn't conflict with the U2 concert the night before at Raymond James Stadium...! not a bad weekend if that happens..

OCT.10th, LOL mark my words, or at least like Dianne the calender, but don't be upset if it ain't true:D

I got my passport today!!!!!!!!!!!! Hubby's didn't come yet... Oh Dianne.....:D

OCT.10th, LOL mark my words, or at least like Dianne the calender, but don't be upset if it ain't true:D

I got my passport today!!!!!!!!!!!! Hubby's didn't come yet... Oh Dianne.....:D

 

Awesome news about your passport! It was about 2 weeks yes?? That's one less thing to worry about for sure!

 

sam

Sam, I do believe it's been 13 day's exactly, not that I was counting:laugh3:

@Reggie, I know I will get teary eyed, I get teary eyed when LIT starts up on the Viva CD:D

Sam, I do believe it's been 13 day's exactly, not that I was counting:laugh3:

@Reggie, I know I will get teary eyed, I get teary eyed when LIT starts up on the Viva CD:D[/quote

 

Gosh I'm really sorry about your husband's passport. I happen to have mine right here. I even still have my alien registration papers from when we had to register with the local police dept when we lived there. Can't find my British driver's license though. We won't need to rent a car though. The tube will work just fine. So where are we staying?

Sam, I do believe it's been 13 day's exactly, not that I was counting:laugh3:

@Reggie, I know I will get teary eyed, I get teary eyed when LIT starts up on the Viva CD:D[/quote

 

Gosh I'm really sorry about your husband's passport. I happen to have mine right here. I even still have my alien registration papers from when we had to register with the local police dept when we lived there. Can't find my British driver's license though. We won't need to rent a car though. The tube will work just fine. So where are we staying?

 

YowZa:D I have your # if it doesn't come, we would get into so much TROUBLE:D I can see 2 forty-something women from America in town for Coldplay on the news:

 

In the news today, 2 American woman seen fighting with an afro haired woman at the backstage entrance into Wembley today claiming to be part of the Coldplay entourage. Just before being carted off to the pokey, the drummer of Coldplay rescued the 2 Americans, claiming they traveled along way, and he would take care of them.:wink3:

Had a very vivid dream, which I never usually remember dreams, I was looking at a board and the tour schedule was thumbtacked up with a NY date and a Tampa date of Oct. 10th, it also had a few tour dates with jumbled words, I suppose they were towns, but couldn't understand them.... Very weird...

Passport update... Got an email saying they would be delivered on Aug. 27th, this is now a relief to know.

 

 

mmmm Oct. 10th, not bad.... I wish all your dreams come true ;) (including the one with Will rescuing you :))

 

YowZa:D I have your # if it doesn't come, we would get into so much TROUBLE:D I can see 2 forty-something women from America in town for Coldplay on the news:

 

In the news today, 2 American woman seen fighting with an afro haired woman at the backstage entrance into Wembley today claiming to be part of the Coldplay entourage. Just before being carted off to the pokey, the drummer of Coldplay rescued the 2 Americans, claiming they traveled along way, and he would take care of them.:wink3:

 

Oh, you know he can take care of me anytime.

I am well aware of that one, Dianne:cool:

I am well aware of that one, Dianne:cool:

 

Just wanted to be sure there was no confusion.

And this is what happens when the curtain doesn't fall smoothly. LittleMissMessy tweeted that the curtain fell on Chris and he stopped singing Violet Hill.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UO9cBDyzaY]YouTube - Coldplay Hannover 2009[/ame]