any more reviews? you've only got about 27 hours to go

Uhmm.. I'm considering entering mine..... I'll check if I can make it work :nice:

I'm almost finished with mine!

 

It's a lot longer than I thought it would be!!!

 

:) :)

Midnight tonight, right?

Like MY midnight?

or YOUR midnight?

 

 

Or whaaaa?! ;)

The weeks leading up to June 12th, 2009 were pretty un-eventful. A few friends and I had bought our tickets to the Coldplay concert at the beginning of March, and after we bought them I really didn’t think much of it. Well as the date got closer and closer I was having second thoughts about going. I had just seen the boys the November before, less than 6 months before…that is one more time then most people that I know can say that they have seen them. Sure I’m a huge fan of their work, Chris is literally one of my heroes, and I know their discography forwards and backwards. I just wasn’t really feeling it. I was strapped on cash and very seriously thought about selling my ticket, even though it was just a $35.00 ticket, that would be $35.00 more dollars that I didn’t have before. The four other girls that I had bought tickets with had begged me not to sell my ticket because they really wanted to share the “Coldplay” experience with me. I didn’t- and I thank my lucky stars.

 

Well, that Friday, June 12th rolled around and I just was not in the mood for a concert. It had been a really long week and it was raining. Usually I love rain, but not that day. We were all cramped in a tiny Jetta for a 2 ½ hour drive to Des Moines, Iowa for the show. I didn’t talk much on the way there- but kept getting a little more excited the closer we got to Des Moines. We grabbed dinner and made our way to the venue. We walked through the rain to get inside and finally had our tickets scanned. Our tickets were the nosebleeds. Section 302 Row K. We walked up 3 flights of stairs to what we thought was Level 3. It wasn’t. We had to walk up another set of stairs to Level 3. We were all pretty bummed to see how high we were, and even more bummed out to see exactly where our seats were. It seemed like we went up so many stairs. I was leading the way, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I knew our seats were going to be crappy, but I never imagined this. We were on the side of the stage, it almost felt like behind the stage. We were in Section 302- 3 levels off the ground floor, in Row K… the VERY last row in the entire arena. We were all pretty sad. We settled in and one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to go down a level and see if we could find 5 seats together. We knew the show wasn’t sold out YET and it was worth a shot. By this point my blood was pumping and I was very excited to see Coldplay again and I couldn’t help wanting to be closer. We left the 3 younger girls up top and promised not to leave them there. My friend Ann and I went down a level and over 5 sections to 207. We snuck past security and sat down. I left 3 open seats to my right for the other girls. Howling Bells, the opening band, had just gotten over and the younger girls were still worried we were going to leave them. As Ann and I were sitting there, we were starting to get more nervous. We had never done anything like this before and we were hoping we weren’t in anyone’s seats. As more and more people began to fill in we decided it would be best to go back up top. As we were discussing our escape, we saw two ladies in all black walk up to security and start talking to them. Ann and I got really scared so we just sat there for a minute. The two ladies then walked down to the front of our section and asked two guys to follow them. Ann and I were really freaking out by this point. As they walked back up to the landing, I told myself not to make eye contact. Guess who made eye contact? I did. As soon as our eyes locked, the lady in all black asked me to follow her. Ann and I got up, legs shaking, and the fear of getting kicked out resounding in our heads.

 

When we got to the landing, the two girls, we’ll call them #1 and #2, asked us if we like Coldplay. We both excitedly answered “YES!” in unison. They then told us we were going to play a little trivia game, to which we both just smiled. Ann then chimed in that she had been listening to Coldplay since she was in 8th grade and was now 21, and the two seemed very pleased and surprised. The two girls, whom we later found out, were roadies, asked us to name 2 Coldplay albums. We obliged. They then asked us to name 4 Coldplay songs. By this point we are both freaking out and things were starting to make sense to us, so we froze a little, but managed to come up with 4 song titles. I was not so frightened anymore because things start to click in my head. Two girls in all black, Viva La Vida shirts on, British accents. This has to be good. After we choke out the 4 song titles, the two asked us if we have anyone else with us. We respond yes, and ask if we should call the other three girls down here. The two look at each other and hesitantly say yes when they hear that there are three other girls. When the girls arrived, they were a little shook up because of my phone call. They had no idea what was going on. We told them that we don’t really know either and then the two roadies tell us it’s time to play a game of trust. We all look at each other. We were a little thrown off because we don’t know these two people, but being as we are Iowans, we trust just about anyone and said “Okay!”. The girls asked us to take our tickets out of our pockets and put them in our hands. I’m sure we all looked a little hesitant because one of the girls then said with a chuckle, “Don’t worry, we aren’t going to steal your tickets”. So we take them out and put them in our hands. They then tell us to close our eyes. We hesitantly do. Then we hear, “Okay, I’m going to pick up your tickets, don’t be alarmed, and replace them with slightly better seats”. By this time, we are all grinning and expecting to be in the 100 section- maybe closer to the floor or the side stage. Then roadie #1 says, “I’m going to count to 3. Then open your eyes and look at your ticket, but don’t cheat!”. “1—2---3! Open your eyes!”… We went from speechless to complete pandemonium in about 5 seconds. The two lovely roadies had replaced out tickets with Row 3 Center. One girl was crying her eyes out, one was yelling, one was just staring at the ticket, Ann was jumping up and down, and I was going in for the most thankful hug of my life. They then told us to hurry and get down to our seats and to enjoy the show. I gave each one another hug and thanked them about 100 times in 30 seconds and ran to catch up with my posse.

 

After re-grouping in the bathroom quick and drying our eyes, we ran to the floor entrance. We kept getting stopped by security, but with tickets in hand, they gladly let us past. We ran up the aisle got to what we thought was Row 3 and started to sit down. The security guard right there asked us our seat numbers and we showed him the tickets and he pointed us up 3 more rows. We froze. Because of the way the stage is set up, Row 3 Center actually means Front Row Center. We couldn’t believe it. We were about to see Coldplay, the biggest and most brilliant band in the world from the front row! We got up front and just sat there stunned. We all called other friends who were at the show and called family members to tell them of our luck, and everyone else was as shocked as we were! Here we were, Front Row Center at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, waiting for Coldplay to go on and play their first show EVER in Iowa. Holy wow!

 

As Snow Patrol took the stage, we all loosened up a bit and asked the security guard to take a photo of the 5 of us. We chatted with him a little and he shared the ropes with us and told us to have a good time. We stood up and enjoyed Snow Patrol, but the anticipation was killing us. As soon as Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol walked off the stage, we knew it was only a matter of time. We were all shaking and felt like we were going to die from waiting. The intro music began, the dancing roadie showed us his stuff, and then the beautiful orchestra piece began. We knew it was crunch time!

 

“Life in Technicolor” began and we were just beside ourselves in excitement! Then we saw 4 tiny sparklers in the distance and knew the boys were coming on to the stage. As the sparklers went out and their instruments in hand, we were all screaming and squealing! They went right into “Violet Hill” and the crowd went wild. I still could not believe I was in the front row. By this time we were all standing right up at bar in front of security. I was dead center. Chris and his microphone were 5 feet in front of me and I could see Jonny, Will and Guy so clearly. It was truly a dream come true.

 

A defining moment in the concert was during “Fix You”. It started off real quite and Chris forgot some of the words. We all had a good chuckle. Everyone was singing at the top of their lungs and I was bawling my eyes out. Then Jonny’s guitar riff began and Chris jumped up from behind his piano and I got very excited. Chris grabbed his microphone and walked to the center of the stage. Right. In. Front. Of. Me. He was leaning over one of the light boxes and was crouched over. I felt like it was just him and I- no one else existed. I was so close to him and he looked at me for a good 10 seconds during Jonny’s guitar build. I couldn’t believe it. I was looking right into Chris Martin’s bright blue eyes. It was lovely. I don’t care if I sound all “fan-girly” here, it was an amazing moment. Not everyone can say that Chris Martin looked at them.

 

I’m so glad that they played so many songs and for so long! 26 songs! It was incredible. They played many of my favorites. “In My Place”, “Fix You”, “Clocks”, “Strawberry Swing”, “Lost!”, “Lovers In Japan”, and my all time favorite “Politik”. “Lovers in Japan “ was incredible because I had only dreamt of being so close to have butterflies fall on my head. Sure I had seen videos and photos of the beautiful confetti, but I was actually there, having it fall on my head, picking it off the security guards shoulder, and grabbing bunches of it and stashing it in my friend’s purse. It was just icing on the cake for them to play “Politik”, such an amazing message. Chris was all over the stage that night. High energy and giving it his all at every moment. Will’s singing on “Death Will Never Conquer” was beautiful. Jonny seemed extra dance-y that night and even Guy had a smile on his face. It is a night that I will never forget and am so incredibly thankful to be put in such an amazing situation. After the show we waited around for as long as we could until security told us to leave. Right before we turned to go- we saw Roadies #1 and #2. I slipped around security one more time in order to thank the girls. I had to yell to get their attention and they smiled, waved and said “You’re welcome”. They asked if we enjoyed the show and we all answered “Yes!” We felt on top of the world as we left and talked about every detail of the concert on the way home. It’s been over a month since the show, and we all still talk about it every time we see each other. Thank you Coldplay and wonderful Roadies, for an unforgettable night!!

Amazing stories, everyone!

 

I have mine all written out on my ipod (:lol:), but now I have to type it up on here. Only 9 more hours :worried2:

Just Jess was that a dream or did it really happen?!?!?!? Very jealous if it did! Cant believe you managed to score 5 front row seats last minute!

Oh crap I completely forgot about this :bigcry:

My review... I feel like I got it in just on time! :bomb: It's a bit cheesy sounding, but it's all what happened. :P

 

 

The Webster Dictionary defines euphoria as "a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being, sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania". Euphoria can be different for everyone. To some, euphoria is winning your final soccer match and making it to the national championships. Euphoria is getting your prized painting entered into a gallery contest; watching a loved one get married. Euphoria is falling in love or going to Paris. Euphoria is making your first TV appearance. Euphoria is having the time of your life at a concert put on by a band you love.

 

I arrived at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at 6:16 PM, but the euphoria kicked in way before that. I decided to entertain myself during the opening acts by playing "I Spy" with the roadies- and I was able to discover 8 of them.

 

At exactly 9 PM, after sitting through boiling hot sun and mosquitos for three hours, my heart began to flutter. I heard the opening notes of Strauss's "The Blue Danube", and I knew that four incredible people would be on the stage in front of me in just minutes, playing the chords and notes of "Life In Technicolor".

 

From there, time moved way too quickly. After the incredible opening song ended with a bang and revealed a split second moment of silence, Chris Martin started up again, belting out the lyrics to "Violet Hill" and sounding like he was thoroughly enjoying himself. After "Violet Hill" came "Clocks", a classic that was set to fancy laser shows and bright red lights. The crowd knew every word, and things were seeming more spectacular by the minute.

 

Euphoria was at it's highest (or so I thought) when Will Champion started banging on the drums for "In My Place". Chris, who seemed just about as euphoric as I was at this point, decided to show off his signature moves on the catwalk, and stumbled halfway into the crowd while doing so. I wasn't sure whether I should have laughed at his silly somersaults and backwards rolls, or screamed at the fact that he was so damn close to me. But before I could make up my mind, he collapsed in a heap on the stage (while simultaneously singing the opening words of "Glass of Water").

 

And then came "Yellow"! The band put on what seemed like an entire separate show for just that one song, complete with gigantic yellow balloons, singing lessons for the crowd, and multiple showers of yellow confetti.

 

"42"'s magical repeating lyrics had an audience who had never heard the song before chanting along, and "Cemeteries of London" brought humor to the show when Chris decided to play around with the lyrics for the enjoyment of the audience. And then, finally, came one of the most cliche but beautiful moments of the show-- "Fix You". Chris started out on his own, until Jonny, Guy, and Will eventually joined in. As the song came to it's climax, Chris paused and let the crowd fill in the gaps he left in the lyrics. Even the people behind me, who had been sitting down for the whole concert, stood up and joined in.

 

After "Fix You" was "Strawberry Swing", which was upbeat, beautiful, and felt perfect with the warm Californian air. "Strawberry Swing" was about halfway through, when I felt someone bump me and turned around to see that the security guards next to me were carefully stringing caution tape all along the aisle. My mind automatically jumped to the conclusion that someone had passed out or fainted nearby, until I put two and two together when I saw Hoppy, a roadie, run past me with a mic stand. It was just as "Strawberry Swing" was ending when I realized that Coldplay would be running up the aisle inches away from me on their way to play their intimate B-Stage set. And this is when the euphoria became mania. Every light on the stage went off, and I had just seconds to position myself next to the caution tape alongside me before Jonny, Will, and Guy came bounding past me.

 

Even though they were there and gone in a split second, time seemed to be in slow-motion as I reached out and gave Jonny Buckland a hi-five, and as I reached out and did the same to Will Champion. And then, 3 slow seconds later came Chris Martin, bounding past me, microphone in hand. Time was still moving wonderfully slowly as I reached out for a third time and grabbed Chris's upper arm. And then it was over. When I looked up, the band was playing a beautiful, techno-esque remix of "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", with Chris pounding away at the piano. After the song finished, Guy, Will, and Jonny disappeared from the stage, but Chris remained to play us "The Hardest Part".

 

Quiet transitioned to loud and stirring when "Viva la Vida" started. Chris grabbed the microphone, hopped off the B-Stage, and ran right through the crowd (and right past me) to join the other three members of the band down on the regular stage, singing "I used to rule the world!" as happy fans reached out to touch him. "Viva la Vida" was rousing and exciting, and everyone sang as loudly as they could when we were directed to "oooh-ooh-oooh". After the last "oohs" faded away, Coldplay played one more song down on the regular stage ("Lost!"), before heading up to give their fans on the lawn a special treat. "Green Eyes" was chillingly beautiful, and afterward Chris handed the microphone to Will, and let him belt out the lyrics to "Death Will Never Conquer".

 

Perhaps one of the best moments of the night was when Chris announced that they'd be playing a song that was better than anything they could ever write. I don't think anyone was really expecting a Michael Jackson song to be covered at a Coldplay concert, but the crowd was happily surprised when "Billie Jean" started up, and most people began dancing and singing as a tribute to the King of Pop.

 

As soon as the spotlights on the lawn went off, the audience went crazy. Everyone was trying to locate Coldplay, and some people thought the show was over and began to trail out. After a good seven minutes, the band reappeared down on the regular stage, flashing strobe lights, banging drums, and milking "Politik" for all it was worth.

 

And then came the moment that everyone who knew anything about Coldplay and their 2008/2009 Viva la Vida tour was waiting for. "Lovers in Japan" started up, and within minutes the entire amphitheatre was covered in little paper butterflies. And they just kept coming. The confetti rained down, Chris ran around waving a Japanese parasol, and every member of the audience had their hands to the sky, trying their hardest to catch hundreds of little phosphorescent strips of paper. As abruptly as "Lovers in Japan" started it finished, but the butterflies still rained down during "Death And All His Friends".

 

Even though at this point the stage went dark and roadies started to appear, packing up all the instruments, the crowd was relentless and stayed seated. Soon a chant for Coldplay could be heard, and everyone who wasn't chanting was on their feet screaming. And, in no time, Chris appeared at his piano, saying a few words to the crowd and mentioning the live CD that could be picked up at the exit.

 

Two more songs were played for the encore; "The Scientist", which had people swaying back and forth, eyes closed, and "Life in Technicolor ii", the sequel to the song that opened the show. Chris, Will, Guy, and Jonny put every part of their hearts into making "Life in Technicolor ii" as epic as they could. I watched Coldplay bow as they finished the song, and, filled with a feeling way beyond euphoria, I tried to think of a better way for such a magical night to end. And, quite simply, I couldn't.

I'm still undecided whether to post my story... It kinda falls flat compared to the others here! And I'm not exactly good with words.

I don't know if I can make it as only few hours left...:\

 

@Min: Go for it hun ;)

 

@strawberryfields: Awesome review :D

So this is my story. I don't have much of a blow-by-blow live review but more of the experience of going to their concert. Comes in 2 parts, but they link together.

 

 

 

March 14 2009, Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia

 

This was my fourth time watching Coldplay live in 2009 but only the second concert I managed to get pit tickets to, so I was determined to snag a front row position for myself. Armed with my ‘Jonny Is My Guitar Hero’ banner, which I had previously unveiled in Perth (eliciting laughs from Chris and Jonny), I took the earliest train to the Sydney Olympic Park where Acer Arena was situated.

 

I was the third in line, and managed to pass the hours by chatting with the friendly people in the queue. Most were amazed to find out I flew in from Singapore to Australia to watch Coldplay and were tickled pink by my banner. When the doors into the venue were opened, my newfound friends and I were lucky enough to grab a standing spot at the barrier just left of centre. The camera man at the left side of the stage saw me with my banner and walked up to me.

 

‘Hey it's you again! I remember that banner!’

 

‘Haha, yes, I was front row at Perth as well! I remember you too!’ I laughed.

 

It was an amazing show, the energy emanating from the band onstage matched only by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Sydney crowd. I was jumping non-stop and singing along to every song, and every time Chris came up to the front of the stage just two arms’ lengths away from us, we shrieked uncontrollably and tried to reach out to touch him.

 

After Death And All His Friends, when the band started walking around the stage clapping and bowing, I knew they will be leaving the stage shortly for an encore. I whipped out my banner and held it high to catch Jonny’s attention. As he came to the front, a flicker of recognition crossed his face as he saw it. He looked me in the eye and smiled widely. Time stood still as he dug around in his pants pocket to find his guitar pick, bent down and threw it to me. He threw it a little short, though, as it ended up in the security area between the stage and the barrier. In an instant, everyone in the front row started screaming and asking the security guard in front to pick it up. A veritable tangle of extended arms was jostling for that one guitar pick Jonny had intended for me to have. Fortunately, the guard passed it to one of the people who spent time with me waiting in queue, who immediately turned to me, placed the guitar pick in my palm and grasped my hand close.

 

‘You deserve it, love.’

 

They were simple gestures from Jonny and my fellow concertgoer, but I was nearly choking back tears at that moment.

 

 

March 23 2009, Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore

 

Still hyped up from the five Australian concerts I just attended, I could not contain my excitement when Coldplay popped by my own country for a one-night-only show. With my trusty ‘Jonny Is My Guitar Hero’ banner again, I waited around the stadium to see if I can catch a glimpse of the boys as they arrived. One of the concert organisers was extremely irritated to see me, and said to the security guard, ‘Can you please get that fan away? I don’t want her to be around when the band arrives.’ I was extremely angry because he had no right to do so, but I held my tongue. The guard told me to move behind a barrier about 5 metres away from the entrance and I obliged because I did not want to get into a fight, and besides it was still close enough to catch the attention of the band.

 

A while later, a lot of people started to move out of the stadium, being guided out by the concert organisers. The band is coming, I whispered to myself, and I got myself ready. Soon enough, a van pulled up, and out stepped Chris, Will, Guy and Jonny. I didn’t shout out to them but waved to them quietly from the barrier, while holding up my banner as well. Will and Guy nodded at me, and Jonny gave me a wave and a smile, and the three of them ducked into the stadium.

 

Chris, however, started walking up to me with a smile spreading across his face. Much to my surprise, he gave me a small hug and said ‘Nice to see you again!’ I was in shock, but I managed to regain my composure quickly. We had a short conversation, and Chris asked me ‘So do you have tickets for tonight?’ I told him I did, but he still offered me a few tickets for my friends. I was stunned and couldn’t thank him enough before he had to leave for soundcheck. By this time, the concert organiser who previously snubbed me and the stadium staff were gawking. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled, embarrassed at the stares, but my mind was racing at a million miles a minute as I was still in utter disbelief at what just happened. A couple of Coldplay roadies walked by and one of them smiled knowingly at me.

 

'I remember that banner!'

 

Still in a dazed state, I could only giggle like a silly fool.

 

When I went to collect my tickets at the box office, I told the attendant that I was on the guest list.

 

‘Are you with the promoters?’ She looked around the counter for the tickets.

 

‘Umm, well no. I’m with the band.’

 

She took a good hard look at me, a girl in jeans, a band t-shirt and a cap. Shaking her head, she asked me for my name, and I gave her my last name. She scanned through the band’s guest list and smirked, ‘I’m sorry I can’t find you on here.’ I craned my neck to look at the list and pointed out my first name near the bottom of the list, one of the two guests with tickets from Chris. Without saying anything more, she searched for the envelope with my tickets and passed it to me.

 

My friends were ecstatic. The seats were along the catwalk with an unobstructed view of the B-stage. One of them told me she could see the blue of Chris’ eyes as he performed The Hardest Part on the piano. It was an all-seated concert, but I stood up the very moment I got the opportunity. My own ticket was for a seat third row centre on the floor. Chris caught sight of me in the middle of Lost! and he pointed at me and winked. I grinned back at him as I waved my hands wildly in the air.

 

Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Coldplay. Thank you, everyone who made it possible.

Oh what the heck :rolleyes:

WARNING: I'm really not good with words, and I'm sure the others will have better shot at winning. But since I've already have mine with me for a long time, I might as well just post it :P

 

Here's mine:

 

 

I have always believed that if you want something bad enough, you will one day get it. And I was right.

 

This is a story of my most precious three days of my entire life.

 

It all started on the 11th March 2009, the day of my first Coldplay concert. I arrived at the venue at nearly 9am which is quite early, yet there were already 9 others lining up in front of me and my friends. After we have secured our place, I have decided to take a walk around, wanting to find out the possible door that the boys will come in through. Then I saw an area filled with trucks and cars. An army guy approached me, asking if I was waiting for Coldplay, and of course I said yes. He told me they were not coming until it was around 2pm. So I went back to that place later at 2pm.

 

I waited until it was 3.30 pm, but still, no sign of the boys. I approached the security lady and asked if the boys are coming through that place after all, to which she replied “yes, they are coming through this door, but you did not hear it from me!” After the very long wait, I decided that I will just wait until 4pm, then I’ll go back to line up with the rest. And boy did I make the right decision. At approximately 3.45pm, a white mpv came in through the door, and I could see from the front Jonny and Guy, seating while smiling in the mpv. With my excitement, tears came out of my eyes a little. I decided that I will come back to that place after the show, just to try my luck again.

 

I went back to my line, chatted with the ones in front of me, until it was time to go in. It was like a war, everyone was running to go inside. Being the slow runner that I am, I was far behind from the rest. We were led to a room, where everyone should gather in first before going to the GA floor. After about an hour, we were given the cue to stand up, which means that it’s time to go…I was frustrated not to be able to be a bit more to the front. However, just when I thought we’ll never make it to the front, the guy who lined up in front of me since morning took my hand and pulled me to the front! I could not thank him enough. Then, as soon as we were allowed to go to the floor, the war began all over again. Everyone was running so fast while the securities tried to slow us down. In my head I was thinking that I will never get to the front row. While I was running, I saw someone at the front gate waving at me. It was my friend! She had secured a place for all of us, AT THE FRONT ROW! When I reached there, I hugged her and cried. It was a cry of joy of course! Have you ever had the moment when you have worked hard for something but felt that you have lost you hope, and suddenly it is there in front of you? That was mine.

The next one and a half hour was filled by Decoder Ring and Mercury Rev, and also some greeting to the roadies (Roadie Maynard in particular whom was shocked that I knew his name). Then Jay Z came on, and The Blue Danube, then it was time for…….COLDPLAY.

 

As soon as the boys came on stage behind the sheer curtain, a roar came to air. I was completely stunt for a few second, not believing what I see before my eyes. The melody and the guitar riffs of Life in Technicolor filled the whole arena. Audiences were jumping, letting out all the energy that they have built and kept long enough with them, and I was not an exception. Listening to the music that I have loved so much all these years live in front of me was the most beautiful experience. Starting from here, for the next two hours, all those 20,000 people who were united by these four brilliant men stood before them were all swayed by the magical music played. Songs after songs were played, yet the crowd still could not get enough. I wish I could pick a highlight of the show, but everything was perfect. From the yellowish atmosphere with yellow balloons flying around during Yellow, those amazing butterfly confettis during Lovers In Japan that filled the air beautifully, the Viva La Vida craze and chants, and the perfect harmonious sing along (as Chris called it) of Fix You, I was blown away by how hard these four friends have worked to bring happiness to every single person present in that space.

 

I forgot to mention my banner which I brought and made myself. On one side, it was written ‘COLDPLAY RULE AUSTRALIA’ while on the other side ‘HAPPY BELATED B’DAY CHRIS’. I wanted to wish him that, as I missed the actual birthday. While they were taking their bow after playing Death and All His Friends, I decided that it was now or never. So my friends and I screamed it there and then, and we got Chris’ attention. He saw my banner, said thank you while putting his hand on his chest. He then pointed at me, and then to his sleeves. I realized that he was pointing at my sleeve, as I was wearing the colour stripes similar to his military jacket. To get Chris to say thank you to me and noticing my sleeve while he was on stage, it is only natural that I died for five seconds. After that of course the boys came in for the encore, and finished that night’s show.

While I was still in the seventh heaven, I realized that I still had few missions to accomplish, one being to get a setlist. I saw Matt on stage and I immediately screamed ‘Matt can I have a setlist??? I want a setlist pleaseeeeeee!!!!!!!’ Matt tore the setlist from Johnny’s side and Guy’s side, handed it to the security. Everyone seems to want it after that, but the security guy said to them ‘no, this is for her!’ and handed me the setlist, and to another guy. Later that night I found out that he gave it to the guy who pulled me to the front. Now if that is not karma speaking to us, I don’t know what is.

 

So the night could not be any better right? Wrong. I went to the place where I waited for the boys during the day, where my friend I met Min (but a dream) for the first time. Not long after that, Will came out with Franksy, trying to drive through us unnoticed. Now that of course is impossible. Few other fans asked them to stop, and right in front of me is the lovely Mr Will Champion. Will, just like his voice, is like an angel. He made sure everyone got good pictures, asking to take them again if it did not turn out well. Just before he went off, I asked him if the others are coming out. He told me that Guy and Jonny has gone back, but Chris will come out shortly. So we waited. While waiting, there was a guy behind tinted van waving at us. Some of the fans thought it was Chris, but I did not think so. I went to the security lady again and asked her. She said it WAS him, and I was broken hearted. I called my friend who were there to pick me up. Just when I was stepping into his van, the security lady shouted at me “Hey young lady, Chris is coming out soon!!”. I went off the van and ran to the door again. I waited with my friend, and soon enough, the same white mpv that I saw earlier during the day came towards us. It stopped right in front of me. I hold my banner tight, while telling myself ‘yes, this is it!’.

 

Kelly came out from the front seat first. I greeted him ‘hi Kelly!’. He looked at me with a shocked expression, then said hi back (yes, Kelly is friendly at heart!). He opened another door, then with my very own eyes, I saw CHRIS COMING OUT OF THE VAN. My mind stopped working for one second, then I said with quite a loud voice “OH MY GOD!!!” along with others who were just shouting. Kelly told us to keep quiet, and Chris continued “yes everyone keep it low…We have neighbours!”. After saying hello and thanking us for coming to the show, the first thing he turned me and said, “I really like your banner, and I noticed your arm too..”. I said thank you in the most controlled voice, afraid that I might embarrass myself. Then I immediately continued “we should take picture together with it.” He smiled and agreed, but said that he will give out his signature to everyone first. He signed my cd, signed others’ and faced me again. He did that for two times, and I did not have anything else to hand to him for him to sign. Subconsciously, I gave him my cd again. He looked at me with his weird look and said, “I’ve signed that one.” “Oh right, I forgot!” I answered him. Then he smiled and said back to me, “Oh you want me to sign it with your silver pen don’t you? I’ll sign it with your silver pen..” Then he laughed. He took my pen and signed it again.

 

Then the conversation carried on for another five minutes, I talked to him about his height (which I said was 6 feet 2 but he corrected me with 6 feet 1), among other things. Then he went off. And that was the end of the first day.

 

The second day’s setlist (which was on Saturday, 14th March) was very similar to the first one. Everyone was enjoying themselves, especially because it was Saturday night. Eventhough this time I bought a seating ticket, I never sat down. Not caring what the people around me might say, I jumped and danced and sang my heart out, more than I did on the first night.

 

After the show had finished, I was hoping to repeat the joy I had on the first night. I was praying that I will meet the boys again, with the addition of Mr Buckland and Mr Berryman. However I was not having high hope as I’ve got all the good luck in the world on the first night. Luck does not always come your way was what I told myself over and over again while waiting to meet them. But I was wrong. Sometimes, good luck keeps on happening to us, and when that happens, we just have to be thankful. I met Mr Chris Martin again that night and had my friend to record the event with my video camera. This time it was even better than the first night. Chris Martin saw and recognized me, greeted me, and offered to sign my banner. I even got a hug from him, and we exchanged wristband. It never crossed my mind at that time that he will keep on wearing my wristband for a very long time, but he did, and still is. And he put a smile upon my face every time I see a new picture of him wearing it.

 

However, sometimes there was a limit to one’s good luck. I discovered later on that Mr Champion, Mr Buckland and Mr Berryman has gone back. But I was thankful enough with what I have gained so far.

 

Then came, Sunday March the 15th, 2009 which was the last day. The adrenaline rush was the same for me every time, even though it was not my first show. With the other two Coldplayers and few more others, I lined up since morning again, went through the same war of getting to the front line and succeeded to get to the centre of the first line. Few securities and other fans recognized me and my banner. When Coldplay came on stage again that night, I embraced the last night of my happiest life to the fullest, and got Guy Berryman to smile and laugh at me few times along the way. When the show ended, I was having mixed feeling. At one side, I had all the satisfaction I had waited for a long time, but on the other I was really sad that it was over.

 

I was not planning to stay to meet the boys again, but a friend of mine whom I met during the first show insisted that I did. He offered me a ride home, so I decided to stay. For the third time, I met Chris but not the rest of the band. He thanked me for coming to three of his shows and expressed how thankful he is that there are fans who are willing to go to extra length for them. I did not talk much with him that night as I figured that I’ve had my share, so I should let others to grab theirs. However, it broke my heart to finally see him walk away into his mpv, and soon enough, it disappeared before our eyes.

 

I sat down for a while after that, swallowing every bit of the memory one by one. Everything went so well, I felt like the doors were opened for me one by one. I will not say that it was all pure luck as I have worked hard to be there at the first place, but once I was there, it all paid off, and more. So next time when someone says that dreams do not come true, I would beg to differ.

 

 

So this is my story. I don't have much of a blow-by-blow live review but more of the experience of going to their concert. Comes in 2 parts, but they link together.

 

 

 

March 14 2009, Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia

 

This was my fourth time watching Coldplay live in 2009 but only the second concert I managed to get pit tickets to, so I was determined to snag a front row position for myself. Armed with my ‘Jonny Is My Guitar Hero’ banner, which I had previously unveiled in Perth (eliciting laughs from Chris and Jonny), I took the earliest train to the Sydney Olympic Park where Acer Arena was situated.

 

I was the third in line, and managed to pass the hours by chatting with the friendly people in the queue. Most were amazed to find out I flew in from Singapore to Australia to watch Coldplay and were tickled pink by my banner. When the doors into the venue were opened, my newfound friends and I were lucky enough to grab a standing spot at the barrier just left of centre. The camera man at the left side of the stage saw me with my banner and walked up to me.

 

‘Hey it's you again! I remember that banner!’

 

‘Haha, yes, I was front row at Perth as well! I remember you too!’ I laughed.

 

It was an amazing show, the energy emanating from the band onstage matched only by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Sydney crowd. I was jumping non-stop and singing along to every song, and every time Chris came up to the front of the stage just two arms’ lengths away from us, we shrieked uncontrollably and tried to reach out to touch him.

 

After Death And All His Friends, when the band started walking around the stage clapping and bowing, I knew they will be leaving the stage shortly for an encore. I whipped out my banner and held it high to catch Jonny’s attention. As he came to the front, a flicker of recognition crossed his face as he saw it. He looked me in the eye and smiled widely. Time stood still as he dug around in his pants pocket to find his guitar pick, bent down and threw it to me. He threw it a little short, though, as it ended up in the security area between the stage and the barrier. In an instant, everyone in the front row started screaming and asking the security guard in front to pick it up. A veritable tangle of extended arms was jostling for that one guitar pick Jonny had intended for me to have. Fortunately, the guard passed it to one of the people who spent time with me waiting in queue, who immediately turned to me, placed the guitar pick in my palm and grasped my hand close.

 

‘You deserve it, love.’

 

They were simple gestures from Jonny and my fellow concertgoer, but I was nearly choking back tears at that moment.

 

 

March 23 2009, Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore

 

Still hyped up from the five Australian concerts I just attended, I could not contain my excitement when Coldplay popped by my own country for a one-night-only show. With my trusty ‘Jonny Is My Guitar Hero’ banner again, I waited around the stadium to see if I can catch a glimpse of the boys as they arrived. One of the concert organisers was extremely irritated to see me, and said to the security guard, ‘Can you please get that fan away? I don’t want her to be around when the band arrives.’ I was extremely angry because he had no right to do so, but I held my tongue. The guard told me to move behind a barrier about 5 metres away from the entrance and I obliged because I did not want to get into a fight, and besides it was still close enough to catch the attention of the band.

 

A while later, a lot of people started to move out of the stadium, being guided out by the concert organisers. The band is coming, I whispered to myself, and I got myself ready. Soon enough, a van pulled up, and out stepped Chris, Will, Guy and Jonny. I didn’t shout out to them but waved to them quietly from the barrier, while holding up my banner as well. Will and Guy nodded at me, and Jonny gave me a wave and a smile, and the three of them ducked into the stadium.

 

Chris, however, started walking up to me with a smile spreading across his face. Much to my surprise, he gave me a small hug and said ‘Nice to see you again!’ I was in shock, but I managed to regain my composure quickly. We had a short conversation, and Chris asked me ‘So do you have tickets for tonight?’ I told him I did, but he still offered me a few tickets for my friends. I was stunned and couldn’t thank him enough before he had to leave for soundcheck. By this time, the concert organiser who previously snubbed me and the stadium staff were gawking. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled, embarrassed at the stares, but my mind was racing at a million miles a minute as I was still in utter disbelief at what just happened. A couple of Coldplay roadies walked by and one of them smiled knowingly at me.

 

'I remember that banner!'

 

Still in a dazed state, I could only giggle like a silly fool.

 

When I went to collect my tickets at the box office, I told the attendant that I was on the guest list.

 

‘Are you with the promoters?’ She looked around the counter for the tickets.

 

‘Umm, well no. I’m with the band.’

 

She took a good hard look at me, a girl in jeans, a band t-shirt and a cap. Shaking her head, she asked me for my name, and I gave her my last name. She scanned through the band’s guest list and smirked, ‘I’m sorry I can’t find you on here.’ I craned my neck to look at the list and pointed out my first name near the bottom of the list, one of the two guests with tickets from Chris. Without saying anything more, she searched for the envelope with my tickets and passed it to me.

 

My friends were ecstatic. The seats were along the catwalk with an unobstructed view of the B-stage. One of them told me she could see the blue of Chris’ eyes as he performed The Hardest Part on the piano. It was an all-seated concert, but I stood up the very moment I got the opportunity. My own ticket was for a seat third row centre on the floor. Chris caught sight of me in the middle of Lost! and he pointed at me and winked. I grinned back at him as I waved my hands wildly in the air.

 

Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Coldplay. Thank you, everyone who made it possible.

 

Omg Min you posted yours too! :dance:

Your name is all over my review btw..:lol:

Omg Min you posted yours too! :dance:

Your name is all over my review btw..:lol:

:blush: Glad to be part of your Coldplay memories :lol:

 

Yours is an amazing review though :D

I cant really separate you from my Coldplay memory now can I?

You are a big part of it.. :hug:

:blush: :blush: :blush:

 

:hug: :D

OH WOW BUT A DREAM! Yours is absolutely gorgeous! I enjoyed reading all of them, but yours was the one that moved me the most. Good luck and I hope you win! Lucy xoxo

Just added the following to the first post:

 

The Terms & Conditions are here: http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories/terms.html?utm_source=left_nav

 

The bits that stood out to me:

 

• The live stories submitted for entry must be on behalf of the forum, not you as an individual.
  
• Only one entry is permitted from each forum and must be submitted by a forum administrator or moderator. (As part of the entry process, you’ll have to include the forum thread/s showing the discussion your forum had).
  
• Your entry has to be made up of four live stories, one per competition. You’ll be able to match your stories to events on the entry form.
  By entering the competition, you warrant that your submission is original and does not infringe the third party intellectual property rights of any third party (and you shall indemnity Absolute Radio for any breach of this warranty).
  
• We’re looking for great stories from live events. These could be about seeing a band play, or the exploits you got up to at a festival.
  
• We need to see that your live stories are a true forum effort, so make sure plenty of your forum users contribute to a lively discussion in the forum thread you submit with your entry.
  
• Winners in each competition will be chosen by the public by way of an online vote at absoluteradio.co.uk/music/live/stories. Each competition vote will be open for five days, between 8.00am (GMT) on the Monday and 11.59pm (GMT) on the Friday.
  
• Only one vote per person per competition is permitted.
  
• The winner of each match will be announced on-air at 2.00pm (GMT) on the Saturday.
  
• For each competition, the person whose story wins (as voted for by the Absolute Radio listeners and users) will get a pair of tickets to a live event the following weekend.
  
• The prize events for each competition are as follows: 3rd to 9th August, U2 at Wembley; 10th to 16th August, V Festival; 17th to 23rd August, Reading Festival; and 24th to 30th August, Coldplay at Wembley.
  
• The winner will be asked to create a live story with their experiences from the events they won tickets to. This will then go on to represent the winner’s forum.
  

but a dream and Zeya - both of them are greaaat!

Totally loved reading them, I think the build up to a gig and then when certain things get reconised by bands is just one of the most amazing feelings in the world!

 

P.

but a dream and Zeya - both of them are greaaat!

Totally loved reading them, I think the build up to a gig and then when certain things get reconised by bands is just one of the most amazing feelings in the world!

 

P.

 

Thanks there..;)

Thanks Lucy and worldtrav :nice:

October 3rd and 4th, 2008, Rotterdam and Antwerp.

This is how a friendship is born thanks to Coldplaying.com !

 

This was really a last minute trip... I met this amazing friend, Carla, on the Coldplay forum Coldplaying.com last summer, and we always wanted to go to a concert together. We knew it would not be easy. She lives in The Netherlands, and I live in France. But we would do anything to make it happen. It was already late September, and the possibility for me to find tickets to the show she was attending in Rotterdam was inexistant. But she still posted a request on the forum asking if anyone had spare tickets for Rotterdam or Antwerp. Then on Tuesday, Sept, 30th, another member from Coldplaying.com, Frysk Famke, posted a link to that Extra video in which Chris Martin said the line "maybe I can help". Here, this is what we call Coldplay Karma! Frysk Famke said she had two tickets for Antwerp and that she would be more than happy to let us have them. Things went so fast. The show was in 4 days... What was I supposed to do ? As soon as Carla found out, she texted me, said she could also have a spare ticket for Rotterdam and we discussed about it. It was really hard to decide. I'm a student at university, would I be able to afford it, would it be okay to miss classes for a Coldplay concert ? Long hesitation, I couldn't think properly... but two hours later, my train tickets were booked ! It was so unexpected, the next thing I knew is that on Friday morning (Oct. 3rd) I was on my way to Holland.

 

Friday, October 3rd.. early in the morning, I got a phone call from my sister's fiancé. She was in labor, and about to give birth. I was crying my eyes out and it was only the beginning of what was going to be one hell of a weekend !

 

3:36pm I’m in Rotterdam ! Gotta find the subway to go the concert venue.. People are SO nice and helpful. Thanks to two very nice men I managed to get there safely. I can see Carla waving at me from far away. So we met for the first time and I felt like very close already ! I’m waiting in the line a little behind her, about 20 people between us. Later, I got a call from my sister who wanted to tell me to enjoy as much as possible and that she understood that I had to go and couldn’t be there with her ! Btw, it’s a girl (I know it’s not really Coldplay related but it made my day even better, so it’s important for me that this part’s included in the story !) I almost cried.. Still waiting, I met that group of women, they were crazy but in a nice way. I talked a lot to one of them and told her about the previous concerts I attended, and she recognized herself being the same way with her favorite band, I think it was Metalica. She nicely told me and kept repeating that she would definitely let me take her spot if she ended up being in front of me. HOW NICE ! Thanks Sally.

 

6:35pm they finally opened the doors. No security to stop me, no one checked my bag so I ran and tried to find Carla calling my name. At first, that lady between us wouldn’t let me go with her. But later, she understood that we had to be together and let me go in front of her. So I was second row, just behind Carla !

 

I cant remember the time, but then Albert Hammond Jr came on stage. Oh it was still pretty good after seeing them 4 times supporting for Coldplay already! But I couldn’t wait to see Coldplay for the 5th time in 33 days !

 

And then COLDPLAY were on ! Always as intense as the first time you see them. You’re excited, scared, happy, thrilled, worried but overall overwhelmed with joy ! And it’s even better because you share the same feeling with 10 000 people at the same time !

Highlights of the show :

-Life in Technicolor : the crowd go nuts ! and you’re full of energy, even after a long trip by train, or very long hours of waiting outside the venue !

-Clocks : awesome live, I’m sure you’ll all agree !

-Speed of sound : The cameraman wants to film my banner ‘Nothing matters except life and the music Coldplay make’ and put it on the screens at each side of venue ! THANKS A LOT FOR DOING THAT !

-Chinese Sleep Chant : I can't get over this song, especially live !

-B-stage part, always nice! And it’s the right to time to just lean on the fences or someone and just breathe, because you know you’re gonna need ALL your energy for Viva which is coming next !

-Guy and Jonny having a laugh on the main stage while Chris is doing his thing on the B-stage. It's always nice to see the non rockstar side of a band.

-Viva la vida and Lost! How can they not be highlights !?!

-Politik : time to give everything you have left ! it really really is one of the best thing live !

-Lovers in Japan : OF COURSE ! the butterflies are simply fantastic. Even if you don't like Coldplay, I swear you'd still walked out thinking "damn that was pretty amazing, wasn'it?"

-Yellow : all four of them laughing at something, they always crack up ! it’s priceless to see !

-The cameraman coming right to us and giving his setlist to Carla. Carla’s brother in law getting Will’s drumstick. AND Matt giving me Jonny’s setlist.

 

 

Again, AMAZING CONCERT ! The band’s always GREAT and really into it even though they’re extremely exhausted ! They’re giving us so much when on stage. You have to love them for that !

After the show, we (Carla, Lauren, another member from Coldplaying and myself) went to the backstage entrance and waited a LONG TIME ! People were coming in and out and a lot wondered what the heck we were waiting for... Most of them were really nice and answered when we said Good evening and everything. And then, Pete from Oxfam showed up. I HAD TO say something, so I came up with a casual ‘Hey thanks for the blogs, they’re great!’ .. smooth, right ? He was soooo surprised and wondered if we were really talking to him. Carla said his name and he felt even more embarrassed ! That was cute. He really is a nice guy and kind enough to take some of his time (it was pretty late) to stop and chat with us. Take a photo as well ! So, we talked about a lot of things and we said we would see him the day after in Antwerp. Afterwards, we met Reno Bo (Albert Hammond Jr’s bass player), and he was very kind too. We took a picture, we talked and later he came back to see us to give us some setlists and the sheet of their schedule, and he signed them ! It was lovely ! I was really really impressed by how people had been SO amazing to us all day long ! It was that security guard’s turn to be helpful and kind. He kept looking at me through the window. I thought he wanted us to leave but he was smiling. And then he came out and told us Chris was still there ! I cant believe he just told us OMG ! and gave us updates about when Chris was supposed to leave and everything !

 

AND AND AND, IT HAPPENED !!!! CHRIS MARTIN was coming right to us ! OMG OMG OMG ! I cant described how it feels, really cant ! it’s just so impressive, you’ve been dreaming about that day for sooo long and you imagined that scene in all the different scenarios possible BUT you never think it’d be that perfect ! Chris seemed so shy, I mean after all these successful years and all the great things that happened to him, he’s still amazed when he sees three desperate girls waiting in the rain after a concert for him to just sign something. I bet it’s like part of his everyday life but still, he’s not used to it ! He was so sweet and kind, and he just took his time and was in no rush even though people were waiting for him to get inside that car. It didn’t last long but more than I would’ve ever expected ! and then after we took a pic and talked a bit, we told him we would see him in Antwerp to which he replied : ‘okay see you tomorrow!’. And then when he was inside the car, as we were waving at him to say bye and just knocked a few times on the tinted windows as a reply to our waving !

Was it like the best night ever ? HELL YEAH DEFINITELY !!! what could make it even better ? maybe, if he’d recognized us the next day… oh wait, HE DID!

 

 

October 4th : Didnt get much sleep.. but it’ll be alright ! it’s gonna be the 6th time I see Coldplay live in 34 days for the Viva la vida Tour ! we’re on a OMG-we-met-Chris-Martin-last-night high, and nothing can bring us down ! We’re leaving for Antwerp early in the morning, because WE NEED our front row spots again ! Carla and I are the 4th and 5th person to be at the venue. The doors are wide open, the roadies are setting up the stage, we can see it from outside.. So we’re sitting here against the glass windows making new banners for the band and Reno Bo. Fryske Famke joins us and gives us our tickets. We have a pizza for lunch which was a very nice idea I must say as it probably was the only real meal we had for two days.

 

They open the door at 6:35pm, the security is being ANNOYING but eventually we get through, and so we run ! We struggled through security who was telling us to slow down but GOT OUR FRONT ROW RESERVED SPOTS !

 

Highlights :

- Reno Bo from Albert Hammond Jr's band saw us from the stage and laughed. We got two setlists of the band which were directly given to us by a roadie ! SWEET ! and also one of the guitar picks Reno threw in our direction !

-LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR : I keep repeating myself in each review, but the beginning is always AMAZING! That’s when the fun starts and you cant get tired of it ! Never ever !

-Violet hill : Chris said HEY TO US ! He saw and recognized the ‘you make me shiver’ banner he signed me the night before in Rotterdam !

-In my place : the yeahs were pretty awesome ! so much energy and that’s when the guys gather. AWESOME ! and the drums always kick ass in that song !

-Just before Cemeteries of London : ‘We hope you have a great time, Please sing with us, THANKS TO PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN TO OTHER SHOWS BEFORE THIS ONE!’ WAIT, is he talking about us and pointing in OUR direction at the same time ? OH YEAH HE IS !

-Chinese sleep chant : I love it ! I love it ! I love it ! oh and I love it !

-Fix you : Tears almost streamed down my face !

-Viva la vida and Lost! Such a great combination ! it rocks live !

-Politik !! I was dead tired after that one ! it was so great and powerful ! -Lovers in Japan, again the tears.. I enjoyed as much as I could because it was the last show I was supposed to see in a while !

-Chris waving back at us when he goes off stage before the last encore ! -GLASS OF WATER ! The song rocks live, I cant wait to hear the studio version. It really is something to discover a song for the first time when it’s played live. You just enjoy and you cannot not fall for it ! I thought it’d be more a slow song, but I was gladly surprised !

-They took their time to say bye to Europe.. that was nice and emotional. And that was it !

-Got a setlist from the other cameraman who came to us, although he was far and could’ve given it to someone closer .. THANK YOU! We knew, or had the feeling that the band left already but we still went to the back entrance. But no German vans this time.. bummer! We met the famous ping pong table, after sneaking in backstage when we saw a door open ! we went upstairs, went into the lounge bar, but no Coldplay.. so we left. And we went back home.. that was the end .. of this tour leg I mean !

 

Now, I saw them ten times live, and will see them again soon... I don't think I would be such a great fan if it wasn't for Coldplaying, and the good friends I met there. Seeing Coldplay live is a way of life !

Great reviews everyone!

 

It gets me all excited for everyone!

Just finishing off mine now :D!!