Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Coldplay rock Coventry's Ricoh Arena RECORD crowds welcomed Coldplay to Coventry as they wowed a sell-out audience at the Ricoh Arena on Tuesday night. More than 40,000 music-lovers flocked to the arena for the hotly-anticipated first date in the band’s summer UK stadium tour. It was the biggest turn-out for a single event at the Ricoh. Fans waved with glowing wristbands as Chris Martin and his band emerged on the graffiti-designed stage in a haze of colourful fireworks and smoke to perform their high-energy opening track Hurts Like Heaven. There were also huge cheers for the frontman as, mic in hand, he skipped along the runway into the crowd. After singing In My Place, he told the audience: “Now that was an amazing welcome. “Thank you so much. Let me firstly say how grateful we are for giving us your Tuesday evening.” The dramatic visual display continued with further pyrotechnics, laser beams and confetti as they launched into The Scientist and tracks from their latest album Mylo Xyloto which topped the album charts in 32 countries. Coldplay’s performance came after support acts from Robyn and Rita Ora, dubbed Britain’s Rhianna, who arrived at the Ricoh by helicopter. Fans waited for hours in a queue that weaved around the home of the Sky Blues from early in the morning. The Brown family, of Rugby, were among the ticket-holders waiting to enter. Keith, aged 49, said: “We’ve been such big fans of Coldplay’s since we saw them live at the NIA in Birmingham two years ago. “They were brilliant, really good, that’s why we came back. “Coldplay are as good live as they sound on TV.” Trish, 48, added: “It’s great that it’s here at the Ricoh Arena, it’s ideal for us.” Dean Spencer, his partner Emma McInnes and her daughter Holly McInnes were equally excited after travelling from their home in Wythall, Birmingham, for the gig. Holly, 14, said: “I’ve been a huge fan of theirs for ages.” Brother and sister Heather and Alex Dooley arrived with their parents from their home in Solihull in matching Coldplay tops. Their dad had bought the tickets without them knowing. Heather, 19, said: “The whole family loves Coldplay so it was such a nice surprise.” She added: “I love how Coldplay captures technology yet there is still something raw about them. “It’s nice that they’re playing somewhere so local.” Nearly 400 Ricoh Arena staff were laid on to make sure the show ran smoothly before Coldplay perform dates at Arsenal, Sunderland and Manchester City and head to mainland Europe. Ricoh Arena officials were delighted with the gig’s success. Liz Cooper, marketing director, said it had been a memorable night to welcome one of the world’s biggest bands to Coventry. “The Coldplay concert attracted a crowd of around 40,500 which is the highest number we have had for a single gig at the Ricoh,” she said. “Tickets sold exceptionally quickly and every ticket was sold whether it was standing on the pitch or the 2,000 hospitality packages we had in our corporate lounges. “We gave Coldplay a giant card before they went on stage with good luck messages from their fans as they start their UK summer stadium tour which they loved! “Fans started queuing around 9am yesterday which underlines their popularity. “Everyone had a fantastic night.” link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Gig review: Coldplay create a piece of paradise at the Ricoh in Coventry AT THE turn of the millennium Coldplay stumbled apologetically into the limelight, four skinny, sensitive chaps whose songs walked a tightrope between mercurial and mawkish. How times have changed. It is hard to believe the same band has grown into the superstars who stun the Ricoh Arena in Coventry with show of muscular magnificence. The evening opens in inauspicious fashion. Support acts Rita Ora and Robyn seemed an unlikely choice when they were first unveiled and the pair struggle to produce anything to justify the decision. Ora inexplicably cuts short the chart topping hit Hot Right Now that made her name. Meanwhile Robyn spurns her eponymous breakthrough album in favour of some decidedly dodgy dance moves over what sounds like electro-reggae before begrudgingly pulling out With Every Heartbeat to wrap up her set. By the time Coldplay emerge nearly 20 minutes late there is a slightly underwhelming undercurrent. But the moment the band set foot on stage the fireworks - quite literally - begin. Coldplay hurtle through Hurts Like Heaven as the sky above the Ricoh lights up with flashes of red and smoke drifts across the packed arena. Despite the stifling summer heat there is something festive about this stunning show. Perhaps its the geezer of gaily colour confetti that erupts during In My Place, transforming the Ricoh into a stadium-sized snow globe. Or the radio controlled armbands that flash a rainbow of colours as Paradise brings the concert to a crescendo, lighting up the arena like the world's biggest Christmas tree. And the giant, graffiti marked beach balls that bounce like bauble across the surface of the crowd. Major Minus, Life In Technicolour, The Scientist, Yellow, Violet Hill and God Put A Smile On Your Face are rattled off as a stunning sequence before Martin asks the audience if they are enjoying themselves and boldly declares that the best songs are yet to come. Coldplay then ease off the gas for slower songs Princess Of China, Up In Flames and Warning Sign. Princess of China is perhaps the only disappointment of the night as something of a missed opportunity. Given Rita Ora's widely acclaimed status as the next Rihanna she would have been an obvious choice to deputise on this duet, but instead the band settle for a video rendition from the R&B queen on the big screen. Martin and co. quickly resume their stride with Don't Let It Break Your Heart, followed by the thrilling trio of Viva La Vida, Charlie Brown and Paradise as a climax to the main set. As the band retire for a well earned rest and to rehydrate the arena echoes to the refrain of Viva as 40,000 voices join as one. The wristbands blinking like fireflies in the twilight complete a magical scene. Martin emerges on a small stage at the rear of the stadium to kick of the encore, strumming through Us Against The World as his band emerge one by one to milk the applause as they join him. Speed of Sound and Clocks follow before Fix You builds to a stunning sing-a-long finish. Coldplay finish on a high with Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall as a fresh battery of fireworks light up the night sky. Martin may have become increasingly aware how fickle fame can be, ruminating on a king who "sweeps the streets he used to own" on career high Viva La Vida. But for now Coldplay rule the music world, a ubiquitous behemoth of a band capable of commanding the loyalty of quiffed indie kids while simultaneous straddling the charts. link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulsey Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Life In Technicolour Did they mean Lovers in Japan? If Life In Technicolor is at the Emirates I will be a very happy man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Did they mean Lovers in Japan? :nod: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Setlist 1 Mylo Xyloto 2 Hurts Like Heaven 3 In My Place 4 Major Minus 5 Lovers In Japan 6 The Scientist 7 Yellow 8 Violet Hill 9 God Put A Smile Upon Your Face 10 Princess Of China 11 Up In Flames 12 Warning Sign 13 Don't Let It Break Your Heart 14 Viva La Vida 15 Charlie Brown 16 Paradise 17 Us Against The World 18 Speed Of Sound 19 Clocks 20 Fix You 21 Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 "Maybe the most spectacular musical moment I have ever witnessed." 5-star Daily Telegraph review of last night's show telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/live-music-reviews/9297766/Coldplay-Coventry-Ricoh-Stadium-review.html# A ----------------- I thought they stopped reading reviews :thinking: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringo starr Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TO4_dQeC5M]Coldplay @ Ricoh Arena 29/05/12 In My Place - YouTube[/ame] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Rita Ora on her way to Coventry link Simon Cowell charts private jet for Rita Ora as she impresses on X Factor link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringo starr Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntP0lvzXOBw]Coldplay @ Ricoh Arena 29/05/12 Paradise - YouTube[/ame] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Nails Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I thought they stopped reading reviews :thinking: They only read the 5***** ones. :wink3: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 They only read the 5***** ones. :wink3: :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busybeeburns Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 I thought they stopped reading reviews :thinking:just the bad ones :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenjie Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Coldplay kicked off the UK leg of their Mylo Xyloto stadium tour last night, and I was there to see it. Many people out there seem to think it’s cool to slag off Coldplay, but even if you truly dislike what they represent I defy you to go to one of their concerts and not enjoy yourself. It was by far the best concert I’ve ever been too, and whilst that’s not saying too much given the limited number of concerts I’ve actually been to, it’s hard to see right now how it could be topped, short of resurrecting Freddie Mercury or any of the other dead music legends. Firstly, there was the weather. Before I got inside I passed hundreds of people sitting around on the grassy areas enjoying a few drinks and ice creams. I got inside and my watch immediately told me it was Pimms O’Clock. It was just one of those days when the weather puts everyone in a good mood, and a crowd in a good mood before anyone has even performed always helps at a concert. Yet because it was a stadium concert and the first support act didn’t start until 19:15, the temperature was pleasant throughout despite the huge crowd. I can imagine that in an indoor venue once the crowds started pouring in the heat would have become rather unpleasant, but that wasn’t an issue last night. Speaking of the venue, from a personal point of view that added to the concert. On evenings like last night, you appreciate what a top-quality venue the Ricoh Arena is. It’s just a shame that Coventry City haven’t performed well enough on the pitch to do it justice since they moved in 2005, but at least the summer concerts are always something to look forward to. And it’s a nice thought that I was lucky enough to go to watch arguably the biggest band in the world right now and be able to walk home from the concert. Some have blamed the stadium for Coventry City’s recent troubles, but we shouldn’t forget what an asset it is to the city. In the days at Highfield Road, all of the big acts played in Birmingham. Now plenty of them play their Midlands gig in Coventry instead. Perhaps the only area in which the concert could have been improved was the support acts. The second act was the Swedish pop star Robyn. She came out with a terrible haircut, dubious dance-moves and even though I’ve heard a few of her songs in the past she chose to perform none of them. Instead, she went for quite a dance-based set, which might have worked in certain situations (a gig at a nightclub perhaps) but certainly didn’t work as a warm-up for Coldplay. The fact that the biggest cheer in her set came when a granny dancing in the crowd was spotted on the video screen says it all really. The first support act was Rita Ora, who I’d never really been impressed by whenever I’ve seen her on TV before. But actually I was pleasantly surprised. She seemed to be a natural at performing in a stadium, and her two number 1′s, Hot Right Now and R.I.P. did a good job of getting a crowd going that still had nearly two hours to wait for the main event. When Coldplay came out, you knew before the first song (Mylo Xyloto/Hurts Like Heaven) had finished that this was going to be a great performance. All of the music was spot on what you would hope to hear at a concert, and the staging was incredible. Never mind best concert, this was one of the best fireworks displays I’ve ever been to and easily the best light show. As you enter the gig, they give you a wristband which automatically flashes at certain times during the concert. If you saw their performance on The X-Factor [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcb_hM-Gi-Y]Coldplay's glowing gig - The X Factor 2011 Live Final - itv.com/xfactor - YouTube[/ame] you’ll understand what this looks like, but when your actually there it’s even better. This quality of staging has become a basic requirement at pop concerts, yet many rock bands still feel that simply performing their songs well is enough. In a sense it is, but if you’ve got the budget to be able to put on a show which is amazing not only in terms of sound but in visual terms too, why wouldn’t you take that opportunity? Some people might balk at my description of Coldplay as ‘rock’. Before last night, I would have probably hesitated to describe them in that way, but last night proved that they certainly can rock. Their arrangement of God Put A Smile Upon Your Face was proof that Coldplay can match pretty much anyone you’d care to mention in how to put on a rock concert. And even the songs that you definitely wouldn’t call rock songs like Us Against The World were performed in a way that worked in the stadium environment. You could definitely see the benefits that come with experience. Coldplay understand how to perform at a stadium, and have a sufficiently strong back catalogue to ensure they can go through their entire set without a single dud. A thought struck me on the walk home though that if you were able to secure a private Coldplay gig at your home, I don’t think it would be any less brilliant. Their skills as musicians and ability to alter the arrangements of their songs means that I’m sure they’d do a brilliant acoustic set that would be truly memorable and yet wouldn’t get the neighbours calling the police. After all, one of the reasons some people criticise the band is for producing ‘Dinner party music’. Well, maybe they do, but how many bands are versatile enough to produce music that works at a dinner party but can also be used for a stadium concert? I can’t think of too many, and it’s this versatility that most impresses about Coldplay. The next time you hear someone slagging off Coldplay, ask them whether they’ve ever seen them play live. I can almost guarantee the answer will be no. [thanks Scorpio Stories http://scorpostories.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/concert-review-coldplay/ ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristal Siderglace Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 True, stadium concerts in May/June don't work. I watched Muse live on 19th june, longest day of the year. In the encore it began getting dark... September is way better indeed. It worked perfectly at Nice...but they started at 10pm. I'm hoping for the people that will attend the next gigs a full of sun afternoon with a really cloudy evening...xylobands would work better! :laugh3: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Coldplay at the Ricoh: Tag yourselves into our Facebook pictures COLDPLAY rocked Coventry's Ricoh Arena with a stunning gig - now you can tag yourselves into our fans' pictures of the recording breaking night. We've published a number of pictures of the 40,000 fans inside the Sky Blues' stadium and posted them on our Facebook page. Simply like the Coventry Telegraph Facebook page and tag yourselves into the pictures - and prove you were there one of the biggest nights in Coventry's music history. To tag yourselves into the pictures, simply VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE... link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juanma Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 It should start when its dark! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busybeeburns Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Great photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/16573229@N08/with/7300984386/ e.g. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Rockers Coldplay sent to Coventry COLDPLAY re-wrote the history books to produce one of the greatest spectacles this historic city has seen by kick-starting their eagerly anticipated summer tour in emphatic style, writes Steve Carpenter. The hottest band on the planet right now have deservedly earned a reputation down the years as being the kings of live entertainment. And on a warm, sunny Tuesday evening inside the Ricoh Arena, Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion produced one of the greatest live music shows in Coventry's proud history. The colourful outfits, the graffiti, the glitter and of course the glowing wrist bands were all part of wonderfully crafted show which began Hurts Like Heaven off their latest album, Mylo Xyloto. And from then on the 42,000 capacity audience were simply in awe of this magical gig that seemed to just get better and better with every track. The timeless classics which gave Coldplay their iconic sound were not penned to become stadium anthems, but In My Place and Yellow now seem to defy that theory. And a special mention of 'coming up to the Ricoh' was cleverly slipped in by lead singer Martin who certainly knows how to connect with his audience. In fact the whole band looked to be enjoying themselves too and it was no surprise to see Martin describe the Coventry crowd as "incredible" on Twitter shortly after going off stage, adding that it was one of their favourite performances ever. Back to the action and it is not often you get to glance around a full to capacity Ricoh and see ecstatic fans on their feet giving a rapturous applause for so long. There was even a nice gesture by the band for those sitting towards the back during the traditional encore. The band sneaked onto a small setting located at the opposite end of the main stage and somehow, among all of the drama, managed to create this magical acoustic setting before returning to the front. The band's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, has charted at number one in over 30 countries and popular tracks including Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall and Charlie Brown produced unforgettable, explosive scenes which left fans simply speechless at the final whistle. The history records show that The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more recently Oasis have all graced Coventry with their presence. But after a performance like that, Coldplay and their growing support have adopted a whole new meaning to the phrase Sent to Coventry. link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Coldplay Hail "Incredible Crowd" As Start Of UK Tour Gets Glowing Reviews The Chris Martin fronted-band played for a sold-out crowd at Coventry's Ricoh Arena. Coldplay have described the crowd on the opening night of their UK tour in Coventry as "incredible". The band's sold-out gig at the Ricoh Arena marked the first time their 'Mylo Xyloto' world tour had arrived on home soil since beginning earlier this year. In a message on Twitter after the gig, Coldplay wrote: "What an incredible crowd we just played for in Coventry. Thank you so much for making it one of our favourites." Coldplay's performance featured tracks spanning their career, including hits 'In My Place', 'Yellow', 'Viva La Vida', and recent single 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' and 'Paradise'. The gig has been praised by critics, with the Daily Telegraph saying Coldplay had "earned their status as biggest band on the planet". Their reviewer added: "The explosion of light and music on Charlie Brown is just amazing, maybe the most spectacular musical moment I have ever witnessed." Coldplay are among the acts set to perform at Capital FM's Summertime Ball at London's Wembley Stadium on 9th June. They join the likes of The Wanted, Katy Perry, Usher, Justin Bieber and Jessie J on the line-up for the event. Coldplay's UK tour continues on Friday (1st June) in London. link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider-Man Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Darn!! I was hoping for a return of Life In Technicolor!! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenc Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Hi guys Did anyone who went happen to notice what time the GA seats started filling up, assuming they had them at Coventry. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackColdplay Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 It should start when its dark! Yeah but there are curfews, and if it started too late people wouldn't be able to get trains back. It should be dark when it starts, sort it out mother nature! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Great panorama shot of last night's amazing Coventry crowd (head to cldp.ly/covpnrm for the hi-res version). A pic.twitter.com/4KhZJyqX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 (Loving the elephant you can see in the front row on the hi-res version of the Coventry panorama at cldp.ly/covpnrm A) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Panorama: Ricoh Arena, Coventry 30 May 2012 3:51 pm Check out our hi-res photo of last night's Coventry crowd Good afternoon. Here's Roadie #42's panorama shot of what really was a terrific crowd in Coventry last night (they definitely set a high bar for London, Manchester and Sunderland to follow!). CLICK to see the full hi-res version. Anchorman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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