WordPress Posts: Articles

Play Dodgeball in a Car!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Coldplaying.com Affiliated Promotion

Toyota is putting on a free event tour in 12 cities across the US: San Francisco, Chicago, NY, Portland, Philadelphia, Denver, Cleveland, Kansas City, Miami, Boston, Dallas, and LA.

These outdoor festivals are completely free, and in most cities will feature such games as Vehicular Dodgeball, Speed Tag, and Red Light, Green Light using actual Toyota vehicles! Besides these interactive driving experiences, there will be playground games like musical chairs, and of course lots of music, food, and giveaways!

You can find out more here

Check it out!

What's The Similarity Between...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Madonna & Guy Ritchie?

Joan Collins & Percy Gibson?

Chris Martin & Gwyneth Paltrow?

You can find the answer here!

Oh for a bit of Coldplay album news... [sigh]

Norah Jones or Joss Stone?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A few differences of opinion on the messageboard who is the best singer out of the two - so why not create a poll!

Who is Norah Jones?

Who is Joss Stone?

Vote here

Apple Paltrow-Martin's Frienster Profile

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

"Something about being saddled with an utterly retarded name seems to make celebrity offspring a little precocious. Infant Apple Martin, the progeny of Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay singer Chris Martin is already cruising Friendster in search of online companionship..."

Read the article here.

Pisstake? Possibly. Harsh? Definately. I'm sure they'd love to hear your comments!

EMI reports $127.4M loss

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Music company EMI Group PLC said Monday it lost about $127.4 million in its latest fiscal year as sales continued to fall, but added that the music market showed signs of improving.

EMI, whose artists include Norah Jones, Coldplay and Robbie Williams, posted a loss after tax and minority interests of 71.6 million pounds in the year to March 31, 2004 in contrast to a profit of 234.2 million pounds in the previous 12 months.Group sales for the year was 2.12 billion pounds ($3.77 billion), down 2.5 percent from 2.17 billion pounds in the year to March 31, 2003. But EMI said it outperformed the global music market, which declined by 5.6 percent, and chairman Eric Nicoli expressed optimism for the year ahead.

"For the first time in several years, there are encouraging signs of market improvement, particularly in the United States, the world's largest music market," he said.

The company also reported rapid growth in revenues from new sources such as downloads. It said legitimate digital music revenues trebled to over 15 million pounds ($26.7 million).

Shares in EMI was down 4.15 percent to 236.75 pence ($4.21) on the London Stock Exchange.

Peaches: Calling Baby Apple Was Bananas

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Bob Geldof's daughter Peaches yesterday warned that Chris and Gwyneth's one-week-old girl Apple faces years of taunting at school.

Peaches, 14, whose middle name is Honeyblossom, said: "At primary school I got teased a lot, just as little Apple will."

Fellow pupils used to shout: "Oi, Peaches, are your parents bananas?" Other taunts which still annoy her include "I'd like to take a bite out of that peach" and "Look at those peaches".Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have joined celebrities such as Geldoff and his late wife Paula Yates who opt for the unusual. Peaches said: "Why do the rich and famous give their children such ridiculous names?

"Mine has haunted me all my life, and will continue to do so. I am named after a fruit. This doesn't make sense at all."

In her Sunday Telegraph column, she added: "When I tell people my name, most laugh incredulously. I'm always asked to repeat it twice." But her name is normal compared to rocker Frank Zappa's daughter Moon-Unit and David Bowie's son Zowie.

And it does help her stand out from the crowd.

She said: "It's exotic, it's not boring. It also gives me (or so I like to think) an air of mystery."

Source: Mirror.co.uk

Fruit Named In Honour of Baby Apple

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Chief executive of English Apples & Pears Ltd, Adrian Barlow, is delighted that Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have named their baby daughter Apple "after such a popular fruit".

He says, "We decided to name our next variety 'The Paltrow' in honour of the birth."

The Oscar-winning actress gave birth to her first child a week ago and named the baby girl Apple Blythe Alison Martin.

Source: ContactMusic

Baby Apple Meets The Press

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow took her baby for a three-minute stroll yesterday - and invited along the world's press.

However, there was some doubt as to whether six-day-old Apple was actually in the pram as the Oscar-winning actress paraded up and down outside her Belgravia home.

Paltrow's husband Coldplay singer Chris Martin arranged the 1pm outing to give the world's press their "one and only chance to photograph them for a very long time".The meticulously-planned event was an attempt to defuse some of the media attention surrounding the birth of the couple's first child. Some 15 photographers were waiting on their doorstep when Gwyneth, Apple and two bodyguards emerged.

Martin watched from the balcony of their £500,000 firstfloor-flat as Paltrow walked 50 yards pushing the black pram, then strolled slowly back to her front door.

Asked how motherhood felt, she beamed and said: "It is absolutely wonderful and I feel great." Of Apple she said: "She is wonderful. I think she looks a bit like both me and Chris."

When asked if Martin was taking well to his new role as a father, the actress gave a thumbs-up sign, adding: "He's great too."

Source: Evening Standard

Meanwhile, she doesn't know it yet but little Apple Paltrow-Martin has friends in high places.

One-week--old Apple's mates have their fingers in a lot of showbiz pies. But judging by the presents they have sent Apple, daughter of Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay star Chris Martin, the most important is Cherry Pie.

That's the Los Angeles baby store which took an amazing £5640worth of orders in the couple of days after Apple's birth last Friday. Cherry Pie refused to say which celebrities had ordered gifts.

But stars known to turn there for presents include Madonna, who was one of the first friends to ring to congratulate the couple on the birth. Their other celebrity mates include British actress Sadie Frost and designer Stella McCartney.

Gifts ordered from Cherry Pie included a £24 child's swimsuit, pink suitcases with cashmere booties and a stuffed bunny and a tiny £18 bright yellow sundress. Friends also bought a £64 package of baby care products and a set of bibs, each with a different day of the weekon the front,for £45.

A spokeswoman for the store said: 'A number of the people who bought gifts are household names. It shows what a popular couple they are.'

Source: Daily Record

Its all just... NAPPIES

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

In celebration of the birth of Apple Blythe Alison Martin, a short commemorative "video" has been produced by Coldplay. Please click NAPPIES to take a peek. Its not pants!

The footage will only be available to view online at the official site for one week.

Coldplaying.com Screensaver

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Bored with that same old Windows XP screensaver? Want something with real meaning and passion? Well OK, then just something a bit different!

Try the All New Coldplaying.Com Screensaver here!

Nappies Lyrics

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

After 'disectomizing' the video for a while I've come to the conclusion that these are the following lyrics:

Sometimes you're happy, sometimes you frown

With your hormones bouncing up and down

Sometimes you’re happy, sometimes your sad

It’s a weird nine months that you have had...There’s shit going down that you can't disguise

When you boobs gone up ten times in size

Your cup’s gone up from an A to D,

It's bad for you but its fun for me

Now just because of a little rumpy-pump

Now you're walking round with a great big bump

You might think if you were French you should have said "non"

Or at least you would’ve made me put a condom on

I think you might find that it’s really fun

I know its no use unless you make a bun

It's something to learn, yeah it really is

Now you know what that sticky stuff is

I'll be there with you baby through the thin and the thick

I'm gonna clean up all the poo and the sick

I'll be there to make you happy and keep everything clean

I'll change the nappy through the washing machine

'Cause I ain't no baddy

I ain't no baddy

I am your baby's daddy

Oh!

Whoo!

Sometimes you think "What a fool I am…why did I marry this awful man"

Now a baby's part of my family plan

Can it kick me?

Well yes it can

My name's Ken and I've got three

Do you like being a daddy?

Yeah definately!

Well I have to warn you although its fun

there are times when you wish you had been a nun

I'll be there with you baby through the thin and the thick

I'm gonna clean up all the poo and the sick

I'll be there to make you happy and I'll bring in the bread

Or I'll be the nanny you can go out instead

I know that you'll be grumpy that's what everyone says

And you're not going to hump me for 42 days

If you don't want more babies and you cannot disguise it

Then I'll take my cock and vasectimize it

'Cause I ain't no baddy

I ain't no baddy

Sometimes I make you saddy

I ain't no baddy

I am your baby's daddy

Mother!

I ain't no baddy

I am you're baby's daddy

Ho!

Break it down now

She told me to crawl this way (bawl this way)

Related: Mum's The Word For Gwyneth

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnant Gwyneth Paltrow is taking inspiration from her mother, Blythe Danner, who put her acting career on hold to raise Paltrow and her brother, Jake.

Now that the 31-year-old actress is expecting a child - though she will not say when she is due - with her husband, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, she said: "I might not work for ages."

"My mother turned down every fantastic movie there was," Paltrow tells W magazine for its June issue.

"She turned down these amazing things that would have made her a huge movie star."

Paltrow played poet Sylvia Plath opposite Danner last year in the film Sylvia, which she says is "the thing I've done that I'm most proud of".

"There are certain women in this business who have children, and I just think, 'You must never, literally never, see them,'" Paltrow says.

"You can't do movies back to back to back and see your child if they go to school."

Coldplaying.com Fanlisting

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The Coldplaying.com fanlisting has a new site you can visit. Please click here to find out more. Please join today!

mtvU

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

January 20th saw the launch of mtvU, the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students, and also a part of MTV itself. Coldplay is one of the featured artists on the promotional CDs.

mtvU will not just be dedicated to TV, but to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they hang out through on-air, online and on campus components. mtvU will focus on content, including music programming, news, student life features, events, pro-social initiatives and more.

Celebrating the launch of mtvU, Special Ops Media is offering a few, select sites opportunities to host giveaways such as exclusive, limited edition sampler double-CDs, mtvU T-shirts, mtvU Ramen (for all those broke college students) and mtvU posters. Coldplaying.com is one of them... (click more)Coming soon, CD's, posters and t-shirts will be up for grabs. The tracklisting of the CD is as follows:

mtvU Sampler Track Listing:

DISC 1

Howie Day “Perfect Time Of Day”

Chingy “One Call Away”

Coldplay “The One I Love” – live version

Butterfly Boucher “I Cant Make Me”

Ben Harper “Diamonds On The Inside”

The Rapture “Sister Savior”

Taking Back Sunday “Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From The Team)"

Obie Trice “The Set Up”

Something Corporate “Ruthless”

Yellowcard “Ocean Avenue”

Elephant Man “Signal De Plane”

The Raveonettes “That Great Love Sound”

Death Cab For Cutie “The New Year”

Linkin Park “Breaking The Habit”

DISC 2

Atmosphere “Trying To Find A Balance”

Jack Johnson “Taylor”

Switchfoot “Meant To Live” – live version

Bubba Sparxx “Back in the Mud”

Story Of The Year “Anthem Of Our Dying Day”

Guster “Careful”

Jin “Learn Chinese”

Starsailor “Silence Is Easy”

The Distillers “Drain The Blood”

Trapt “Echoes”

Dilated Peoples “Marathon”

Katy Rose “Overdrive”

Melissa Auf Der Maur "Followed The Waves"

Jet "Cold Hard Bitch"

Keep a close eye on the site for more information. In the meantime visit the mtvU site at mtvU.com

Ian

Seattle review 1: Coldplay concert's stunning visuals at KeyArena overshadow music (25th April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Rock band Coldplay performed a visually stunning concert at KeyArena Wednesday, but the special effects somewhat overshadowed the authenticity of the music, writes the Seattle Times in a review of Coldplay's concert at the Keyarena, Seattle last night (25th April). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live [seattle] forum now. Read on for the Seattle Times review article...

There was a moment during Coldplay's KeyArena concert when singer Chris Martin did the seemingly impossible: He ended "Paradise" on the main stage, and moments later began singing "Us Against the World" standing near the back of the hall in the cheap seats. He managed it by being in good enough shape to sprint 100 yards, but also because the clean-cut Martin can easily fit into the landscape of his audience.

Everyman populism has always been at the core of Coldplay's success, and that was abundant at the band's sold-out show Wednesday at KeyArena. The band delivered 90 minutes of hits, complete with state of the art production that rivaled a Broadway show. Those effects started during "Hurts Like Heaven" when wristbands given to the audience began to blink, making the crowd appear like a Lite-Brite toy whenever the band cued up certain songs. Soon, confetti machines filled the sky. During "Major Minus," a cascade of beach balls followed.

The night's high points, however, came when Martin and his three bandmates dispensed with the chicanery, as on "Violet Hill," and let their anthemic rock soar unadorned. And though this was the "Mylo Xyloto" tour, it was the title track from their previous album, "Viva La Vida," that most engaged the audience, albeit with canned strings, particularly with drummer Will Champion's skilled playing.

A show with so many special effects and lighting cues had to lack some spontaneity, so it was telling that Martin's most authentic sentiment came not during a song, but during an introduction, in which he said he was singing about his "self loathing." As if he'd revealed too much, he quickly added, "no, it's about a girl." Both sentiments could apply to every song in Coldplay's catalog, but this one, done at the piano, felt like Martin unguarded.

A show that started with confetti, flashing wristbands and laser lights was bound to end that way, and Martin was soon back to running all over KeyArena. By the time he threw up his arms during the finale of "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall," he seemed both filled with the exuberance of an athlete sprinting across the finish line, and an actor hitting the final curtain call of the night. [Article Ends]

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Keyarena, Seattle, WA (25th April 2012):

Photos courtesy of SeattlePi (click for more!)

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

3 Los Angeles, CA @ American Idol show [discussion] [NEW!]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Wembley Stadium (Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012) [discussion] [NEW!]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

The new range of Coldplaying merchanise (unofficial of course to the official shop) has hit our stores, with our biggest range of goods so far. Prices are as low as they can be for a Cafepress shop so more people will be able to afford them. We don't take any profits for the sale of the merchandise as a result. Take a browse in one of the online stores nearest to you: UK | US | Canada | Australia | European (shipping is worldwide, but you can choose what currency to pay in) - simply alter the country dropdown menu at the top of the shop page. [thanks to TracieMorgan and zzz]

Portland review: Coldplay bloom at the Rose Garden (24th April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Chris Martin seems nice. This is something that is written almost every time he does an interview, and was especially prevalent in the coverage last fall when his band, Coldplay, released their latest record, "Mylo Xyloto, writes the Oregon Live in another review of two concerts at the Rose Garden in Portland (24th April). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the Oregon Live review article...

USA Today led with how Martin turned tables and energetically questioned the questioner. The New York Times was fond of how he apologized for being late when he was five minutes early. Seems like a relatively normal guy. Highly likable, which sounds like an awful thing to say about a rock star, but isn't. He probably does understand "all the crap" fans had to go through to see Coldplay at the Rose Garden on Tuesday night. All "the money, and the parking. And we hope we don't let you down," he said.

To that end, over the course of 90 minutes, Martin and friends employed lights and lasers, confetti and balloons, thousands of illuminating wristbands, a lot of sweat and 90-minutes of music that has made them one of the world's biggest bands. Which is to say anthemic arena sing-alongs. Coldplay writes ear-worming "whoa-oh-oh-oh-oah-ohs" as naturally as the rest of us write our names.

"No wonder you produce so many great bands," Martin said as the mass of voices faded out of "Major Minus" in a chorus of "ooh-oohs." Now, there's no way any one group of 15,000-20,000 people sounds any different than another. But whatever. The point is, the Rose Garden was nearly sold out.

Did you happen to see Chuck Klosterman's Grantland piece about going to see Creed and Nickelback on the same night in New York? It was passed around a lot yesterday. In it, he suggests that in the last 20 years, there have been five bands it's acceptable to "hate reflexively," without any need to justify. Those bands are: Bush, Hootie and the Blowfish, Limp Bizkit, Nickelback and Creed. All those band are also (or have been) very popular.

Coldplay, despite its popularity, is also plenty unpopular, and could have made the list. Then again, unpopular isn't the same as hate. "Meh" isn't "#$%! those guys." Still, with one ad-libbed from Seth Rogan to Paul Rudd in the "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," it became totally acceptable to slag Coldplay. "The Big Lebowski" did the same thing to the Eagles.

"Mylo Xyloto" is, loosely, a concept record about love and art in dystopian times. It's painted in pastels, as if a 13-year-old with his first black light got together with Ocean Pacific's design staff. It has all the musical trappings of a Coldplay record -- big arrangements, lofty melodies. It's made for the big stage, and there it does its job.

Entering the Rose Garden on Tuesday, everyone was handed a wristband. A few minutes before Coldplay took the stage, the video screens began flashing, in a rainbow of colors, the words, "Please Put On Your Wristbands. It's Part of the Show."

Then Jay-Z's "99 Problems"* was cranked up, followed by the theme music for "Back To The Future." Wristbands** flashed to life around the arena and Coldplay droned the 42-second instrumental title track to their new record and then launched into "Hurts Like Heaven."

(*The problem with using "99 Problems" the way Coldplay used it is this: They don't have a better song, which isn't meant as an insult. Most bands don't have a better song than "99 Problems.")

(**These wristbands, are they going to light up every time Coldplay plays anywhere in the world? Will they chase me with marketing pitches? Is this nice guy thing all just an act?On the last night of the tour, will they all explode at once while Martin travels via private jet to his super villain island lair built into a mountain carved into the shape of an apple? The mind wanders when entranced by lasers.)

"Yellow" -- the band's breakthrough 2000 single -- was given a little extra punch. Actually, most everything was given a little extra punch. Which was nice, and necessary. They were joined, via video, by Rihanna for "Princess of China." Martin sprinted and hopped and bounced around on his piano stool. He worked. Guitarist Jonny Buckland worked. Bassist Guy Berryman worked. Drummer Will Champion worked. Having exhausted all the space on stage, they began the encore near the entrance to section 115, Martin explaining they had to run "about 600 meters" to get there. Which is, like, two gallons, or 15 feet or something. They played "Us Against The World."

Then sprinted back to the stage to work through "Clocks," "Fix You," and "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" in a wash of lasers and lights and more sweat, because they seemed genuinely not to want to let anyone down. It was big and fun and shiny. It was ... nice.

(P.S. In order to comply with the conventions of writing about Coldplay: Radiohead, U2, Gwyneth. Whew. Almost forgot.)

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Rose Garden Arena (24th April 2012):

Photos courtesy of FiveZeroThree.com (click for more!)

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Wembley Stadium (Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012) [discussion] [NEW!]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Vancouver review 2: Coldplay pulls out all its spectacular gimmicks for Vancouver shows (20-21 April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

If Coldplay proved anything with its Rogers Arena concert on Friday, it’s that it knows what it's doing. If you're going to play a concert in a stadium, this is how you do it: make the audience go absolutely apeshit right off the bat, and keep it on your side for the next 90 minutes. writes the Straight.com in a review of two concerts at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver (20th & 21st April). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (20th) and here (21st) now. Read on for the Straight.com review article...

And if the band sometimes resorted to gimmicks to achieve that at the first of its two Vancouver shows, so be it. They were, after all, pretty spectacular gimmicks.

When the English quartet made its entrance, it did so to the flashing of thousands of multi-coloured wristbands, timed to light up right as the band launched into "Mylo Xyloto". Then came the confetti cannons, which dumped a veritable blizzard of paper shapes—hearts, crowns, teardrops—onto the audience. And then down came the balloons, which descended from the rafters and were then batted about the room by a sea of eager hands. One headed straight for me. I swung my fist at it, and when I connected, the balloon burst open and showered me with still more of those paper shapes. And that was all within the first 10 minutes. Anyone not solidly in Coldplay's corner by that point was probably a cynical old fuck. Hell, I'm a cynical old fuck and even I thought it was pretty okay...

Did all the DayGlo confetti and rainbow-hued lasers distract from the music? Sure, but in that department frontman Chris Martin promised to deliver "119 percent". Despite the mathematical implausibility of that claim, the band did give its fans a lot. At least 104 percent. Coldplay's influences aren't hard to pinpoint, but Martin and his cohorts (guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion) have avoided the excesses that have plagued its antecedents. Coldplay has never alienated large portions of its listenership by diving down the rabbit hole of experimental inclinations. (And yes, that is a dig at Radiohead.) Nor has Martin, despite fully embodying the persona of outsized rock frontman, become infuriatingly self-important. (And you know perfectly well who I'm talking about there.)

All of which may position Coldplay in the middle of the road, but there are worse places to be. Leaving aside the bells and whistles—to say nothing of the lasers and confetti cannons and video-assisted duets with Rihanna—a Coldplay concert is an event because Martin knows how to connect with an audience. Yes, he skipped up and down the catwalk clapping his hands like a ponce on Friday night, but even that was endearing, in a dorky kind of way. Also, Coldplay can rock the fuck out when it wants to. Well, okay—no, it can't. But it came close with "Yellow". And with "Viva La Vida", it showed that it can do anthemic on a scale grand enough to get a whole arena singing along. Everyone with the possible exception of one cynical old fuck, that is, and even he was tempted, for a second. [Article ends]

And also this review from The Province, entitled "Coldplay go big, but not stupid, with Rogers Arena mega-concert": When you’re one of the biggest bands in the world, you probably are expected to have one of the biggest concert productions in the world. This, Coldplay provided Friday. It wasn’t as extravagant as, say, U2’s ill-starred and expensive Pop show, which is an example of the “more money than brains” tour that often strikes popular acts. Coldplay is too sensible for that.

Nonetheless, the band filled Rogers Arena with swirling screens, lasers, balloons, showers of confetti, three stages, graffiti-inspired visuals and the piece de resistance, issuing all concert-goers with wristbands that lit up at crucial moments, presumably with the single press of a button by a lighting tech. In a second, 15,000 fans lit up and swathed the darkened arena in a blanket of multicoloured glow. No doubt Coldplay does this every night of its current North American tour, but hang the cost, the band can afford it and still not tip over the money-to-brain line. It’s an amazing sight. Almost makes the music, which is at the bottom line of all this, take a backseat. Coldplay, which is back at the arena Saturday night, put in its best Vancouver appearance by far. It helps that it is touring on the strength of its best album, Mylo Xyloto, whose selections dominated the night. Mylo purportedly is the story of a woman trying to find love in an apocalyptic world. That message might or might not be a unifying theme, but it does hint at its cohesion. If previous album Viva La Vida sprawled and, ultimately, was aimless, Mylo is tighter and more complex. The band, led by Chris Martin, is exploiting background vocals (or sing-song chants that stir up the fans); and the sound is more dense, reaching its peak, Friday, with “Paradise,” but climaxing effectively with the churchy “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall.”

By comparison, a familiar “Clocks” from Coldplay’s A Rush Of Blood to the Head is simpler, almost transparent in its relatively clean lines. Martin has become an ingratiating frontman, suitably humble and frequently smiling, and is ably supported by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion, who’ve all grown into showmen. Squeezed into a small space at the front of the stage, opening act The Pierces never announced itself. The quartet just showed up and then disappeared after its set. Somehow this was appropriate. Unless on a mission to make the world safe for a China Crisis revival, the band is irrelevant. [Article ends]

New fans photos of Coldplay at the Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada (21st April 2012)

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Wembley Stadium (Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012) [discussion] [NEW!]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Vancouver preview: Coldplay typecast as good guys

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

There is no arguing Coldplay has been an omnipresent force on the pop-rock scene for the past decade, but what is it about the British quartet that has enabled them to endure for so long, writes the Times Colonist in a prevew of Coldplay's concert at the Rogers Arena (night 1) in Vancouver tonight (20th April 2012). You can check out all the latest photos, tweets and videos from tonight's concert at the Coldplay Live forum [Vancouver] now. If you want more discussion on the #ColdplayFilm that has been stenciled onto all the Xylobands for the shows, head over to the Coldplay forum. Read on for the preview article...

Coldplay's rise to fame was never rooted in a reputation for being cuttingedge innovators or rock saviours. Instead, the success of the band, which plays in Vancouver Friday and Saturday, can be attributed to something far simpler: inoffensive, accessible, feel-good appeal.

Let's rewind to June 2001. Coldplay was touring North America with a set consisting of every song on debut album Parachutes. Their concerts included a pretty spectacular rendition of hit single Yellow, complete with a giant mirror ball sending myriad yellow stars spinning around the room - that number being the sole draw for many of those in attendance at such venues as Montreal's Metropolis, Toronto's Warehouse and Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre.

In My Place was the encore, a song that would become the entry point for 2002's sophomore and best effort A Rush of Blood to the Head, an album that is arguably Coldplay's artistic peak. But another song made its way into the set, and you won't find too many mentions of it these days: Hank Williams' forlorn classic Lost Highway.

This may have been Coldplay at its edgiest, doing a song that didn't require Chris Martin singing 'woah-ooh-ooah' at the top of his lungs, no megaphones, no confetti or streamers raining down from the ceiling and certainly no lasers. Coldplay playing Lost Highway had a subtle hidden meaning: it represented four guys lost on the road, swept up in a sea of hype and coasting on unexpected success, unsure of what was supposed to happen next.

We all know what did happen: Coldplay became a stadium-filling tourdeforce that dominated the media. Covering Lost Highway also gave the band a certain sense of music-nerd cred: here was a British pop-rock band showing love for one of America's biggest country music legends, one that most of their crowds barely knew. It wasn't exactly an innovative thing to do, but it showed a band willing to experiment beyond its borders. After all, Parachutes was, as Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine once wrote after Radiohead abandoned guitar-rock for electro weirdness on 2000's Kid A, the album that made Coldplay "everything Radiohead weren't, but what the public wanted them to be."

There was something immediately accessible about the freshfaced bunch, especially in Chris Martin's good-guy appeal. Most importantly, his persona was easier to identify with than the weird and tortured Thom Yorke. It didn't hurt that the love story between Martin and actress Gwyneth Paltrow was keeping at least one fourth of Coldplay on the magazine stands.

If Coldplay was considered a younger generation's U2, Martin didn't pretend his band was changing the world. Coldplay just played anthems people could lose themselves in. Coldplay connected with just about everyone. They had become pop stars. It didn't take long for imitators to crop up: Single Clocks became the most plagiarized piano line of the past decade (how many commercials have readapted the melody to sell their products?), with drummer Will Champion's pounding beats becoming the blueprint for a pile of sub-par alt-rock.

Just as so many tried to emulate Radiohead at the turn of the millennium, all of a sudden it was all about trying to sound like Coldplay. Unlike Radiohead, Coldplay was never afforded the luxury to truly reinvent itself. Each new album since X&Y in 2005 has retained the basic essence of the band, whether on 2008's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends or on last year's Mylo Xyloto, both recorded with luminary Brian Eno. Both featured notable sonic reinvention, namely less piano balladry and Martin falsetto, more earthy tones, and a slicker pop direction on Mylo Xyloto. Ironically, much-imitated Coldplay began to look like imitators themselves.

Viva La Vida's French Revolution-style costumery and marching band imagery in videos like Violet Hill were certainly reminiscent of classic rock pageantry, but also strangely in tune with indie trailblazers Arcade Fire's emotive populism from Funeral, the landmark album recorded around the same time as X&Y.

Coldplay was also accused of lifting elements from guitarist Joe Satriani's If I Could Fly on Viva La Vida, but the case was dismissed. Unfortunately, not every new approach worked on Mylo Xyloto. What could have been a grand statement felt more like a series of missed opportunities. Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall was a detour into the insufferable nu-folk trend, and Paradise was a shiny, anthemic number, with little depth lifting the underlying elements of candy pop. Mylo Xyloto was a superproduced affair that showed Martin and pals not as grabbing the world and shaking it up, but as being shaken by it, trying to remain in tune with a new generation of music fans learning about Coldplay.

The downside is that it has made Coldplay look like a band that's trying to hang on, rather than one willing to dictate where it wants to go. By playing the "good guy" and always aiming to please its fanbase, Coldplay has remained at the top, but it may have done so at the cost of its freedom for authentic artistic reinvention.

More new photos of Coldplay at Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary (18th April 2012)

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Calgary review 3: Night of fun and joy with Coldplay (18th April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

You know how I know I’m gay? OK. Obvious, sure. But it’s important to remember that the music of Coldplay was once tagged, for an entire Judd Apatow generation, with a disparaging definition of the word, writes the Calgary Herald website, in another positive review of last night's Coldplay concert in Calgary (18th April). Catch up on even more of the latest tweets, pictures, videos from this show at the Coldplay Live forum now - thanks to everyone who has contributed so far! Read on for the Calgary Herald review article...

They were considered by some an effeminate act whose songs could be enjoyed by women and only men of non-hetero orientation. Well, that was the 40 Year Old inference, anyway. And, slur aside, it was a stigma the band, in recorded form, anyway, was stuck with for the first half decade of its career, with a catalogue that was as precious as it was often moribund — navel-gazing music for sensitive souls.

Remarkable, then, that over the course of the last two albums, beginning with Viva La Vida etc. and fully realized on the current release, Mylo Xyloto, that the U.K. quartet has embraced the word — or rather reclaimed the original context of the word. Happy. As in happy music for happy people. And Wednesday night at the Saddledome in front of a sold-out crowd, Chris Martin and Co. put on an unabashed celebration of happy, an uncontested display of fun that the sadsack Saddledome hasn’t seen in some time.

It was a night of joy, bliss, lightness and, above all else, fun, with a soundtrack and a stage show that had only those things as their focus. That tone was set immediately, the second you walked through the doors and were handed a free, high-tech wristband, which would later light up as the band took the stage and launched into an exuberant version of Hurts Like Heaven, and then intermittently throughout the show. Visually, it was a stunning moment that lifted the spirits of everyone in the room, paving the way for further eye candy by way of laser lights, a fluorescent graffiti wall, circular screens and beach ball balloons.

But while the party favours fed into the ebullience of the evening, it was the music, its energy and its delivery that truly made it one of the better stadium shows. True, the band still dipped into the drippy and dramatic piano balladry that many chose to define them by — The Scientist was an early offering and a pretty great one, at that — but it was merely one flavour, one colour in a palette that is far more complex than many are willing to give them credit for.

They laid that out masterfully throughout the next 90 minutes or so, changing the tempo, but never that upbeat mood, with a selection of songs that ranged from the classic track Yellow to the wonderful Rihanna collaboration Princess of China — diva appearing on video screen — to spectacular versions of Violet Hill, God Put A Smile, Viva La Vida, Paradise and Fix You. Musically, they’re as tight and powerful an arena act as any other — they really did sound fantastic, bringing the muscle out when necessary, pulling back when need be, and generally filling the room with their melodies and lush instrumentation.

They physically did the same, making great use of the main stage, the catwalk — where Martin exercised often and which they planted themselves in the middle of for a few tracks — and even the audience, where the band popped up in the middle of for the first encore. And as hosts, no, they’re not the chattiest of cats, the frontman offering the minimum of banter, making an exception when they screwed up a song — second show of the tour, we’ll give them a free pass — and an audience member urged them to start again.

“Even when you’re the seventh biggest soft rock band from England, you still need encouragement,” the vocalist said to great applause and to even greater delight. Which was the evening in a nutshell. It really was gay old time — in all of it’s fabulous, fantastic and flamboyant connotations. It certainly got off to a simmering, simply wonderful start with sister act The Pierces. Around for more than a decade, but new to more than a few, the Alabama-bred sibs — Catherine and Allison Pierce — and their exceptional backup band delivered a steady 30-minute cool breeze of sweet, West Coast new classic rock to a surprisingly strong early audience.

From the California Dreaming sound of Kissing You Goodbye to the suitably titled closer Glorious, they gave an impressive showcase of songs from their latest album, You & I, one which appeals with its fresh-faced take on the Fleetwood Mac feel. Fair-haired Catherine certainly invited the comparisons, with her gorgeous, witchy voice and a summery dress with Nicksian sleeves. But it never seemed as if it was affected, merely a natural musical, textural and physical display of sand, sal****er, surf and sunshine.

As for synthy, British pop act Metronomy, it was a little less successful, but still in keeping with the overall theme of the evening. The British band, too, is a decade-plus veteran, but the Coldplay slot was presumably an introduction for most of those in attendance, and the group seemed invigorated by the challenge and opportunity, bouncing around and making the most of the room afforded at the centre of the stage. Sonically, though, there was a little dark, broodiness in their nu wave set, some of that foreboding that the ’80s and its cold war environment bred, but still, there was an underlying peppiness thanks to the bleeps, blorps, beats and cowbell action in the discordantly catchy songs.

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Calgary review 2: Coldplay’s comfort rock (18th April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

First of all, how the hell could anyone have been violently slashed at the Coldplay concert? From where I was sitting, it was the most cleancut show I’ve ever attended. writes the Fast Forward Weekly blog, in a review of last night's concert in Calgary (18th April). Catch up on more of the latest tweets, pictures, videos from this show at the Coldplay Live forum now - thanks to everyone who has contributed so far! Read on for the FFWD reviews article...

The men could only be described as “people who noticed when Randy River and Bootlegger went out of business,” while the women, a vast majority of whom could be described as “cool moms,” were dressed more business casual than any administrative employee I ever saw in my years as a temp. A lot of sleeveless blouses for the women and weirdly cut black leather jackets for the men. While the Saddledome normally smells like hot dogs, beer, weed and farts at these giant events, the Coldplay concert smelled very upper middle class. The room’s collective cologne wafted together, colliding with the strong smell of clean laundry to create something that can only be described as suffocatingly pleasant.

The only reason I noticed all these things was that I didn’t really want to be there. I was sulking in my seat, thinking about how much I disliked the band’s sappy light rock and how their overly earnest, heart-on-sleeve schtick was not for me. Then the set started, and holy crap do these guys know how to beat the shit out of your heartstrings. First of all, everyone who bought tickets was given a wristband that lit up along with the music. It was seriously magical, and brought me on board as soon as they started. The live gimmicks peaked early as they followed up the wristband trick with confetti canons, giant beach balls, lasers and, halfway through the set, weird inflatable objects.

Then there was the music. Here’s the problem: to say you hate Coldplay is to pretend that you’ve never heard them before. When they’re not doing a better U2 impression than U2 themselves, the band plays some seriously enchanted music. I tried to be a hater, but I can’t help having a heart. You would have done the same thing. Coldplay is a fucking lite rock hit factory. I don’t care how many Eddy Current Suppression Ring LPs you own, you would have been singing along to “Fix You” too.

As people, too, they’re charming as shit. Chris Martin looks like a Quentin Blake illustration from a Roald Dahl book, and he’s so funny. He won me over with the line “Gwyneth’s making drumsticks” on Extras, and he was even more awesome onstage. He interrupted one of the band’s quieter songs, saying, “Oh fuck, we messed it up.” Then he referred to his own band as “the world’s seventh biggest soft rock band from England.” Dammit! Even Coldplay makes fun of Coldplay!

That’s not to say the whole night was a warm musical hug. There were some awkward moments, particularly when Coldplay tried to “rock out.” Loud Coldplay is some sort of weird, shitty twang rock that doesn’t sound very good. But it does get the moms shuffling their feet in a sensible manner.

Then there was the weird duet that Chris Martin did with a video of Rihanna performing. While the more up-tempo songs have the sort of agreeable beat that’s ideal for rich women to tap their frail, diamond-encrusted fingers on the steering wheel of a Range Rover, it was less exciting in person.

In my section, the ultimate momgasm occurred during the band’s debut hit “Yellow,” as a legion of middle-aged ladies gently swayed back and forth as they sang along and recorded some guaranteed-to-be-unwatchable iPhone videos.

Before ending the show with a one-two punch of their most recent singles (which further proved their invincibility when it comes to writing waiting room hits), Chris Martin took the mic to thank the audience for coming. “Thanks for putting up with parking and all the other hassles that involve coming to a concert.” If that’s not proof that this is upper middle class rock, I don’t know what is. Aside from finding a good accountant and booking the right all-inclusive holiday, these people’s biggest inconvenience is finding a decent parking spot for their night out. And their biggest pop stars are the world’s seventh biggest soft rock band from England.

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Calgary review 1: Coldplay paradise at Scotiabank Saddledome (18th April)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The proof is on the stage. The measure of any great band is — and always should be — judged by its live show. Sure, over the past 15 years, Coldplay has become one of the biggest and most consistent recording bands in music — all well and good, writes the Calgary Sun in a review of last night's concert in Calgary (18th April). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from this show at the Coldplay Live forum now.

But in front of a sellout crowd of nearly 15,000 fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome Wednesday night (Day 2 of the group’s North American leg of the Mylo Xylotour), Chris Martin and his mates made a statement as one of the best live acts in recent rock and roll memory. Despite selling more than 55-million records, the easy knocks of being a “chick band” (a term likely buoyed by the group’s tendency towards syrupy pop balladry), pop-rock “lightweights” or, worst of all, a “poor man’s U2,” become unfounded and/or irrelevant when the band walks onto a concert stage...

If the snippy criticisms carry any weight whatsoever, it was important for the disbelievers to forget what they thought they knew. Cynics be damned! As a frontman extraordinaire, Martin possesses the kind of presence and star power that projects to the last row of the third deck — no small feat in these heady times of the American Idol-ization of commercial pop and rock music.

In front of a snappy and colourful black light, graffitied backdrop, several round video screens and bathed in lights of red, blue and yellow, Martin commanded the stage as very few can through set opener Hurts Like Heaven, which followed the intro music of the Back To The Future theme and the title cut from Mylo Xyloto.

The effect was enhanced by the 15,000 glowing wristbands that were handed out to fans entering the arena. The dizzying effect, as well as the first of many arena rock gags: Confetti cannons which covered the main floor with a mass of paper flurries, only added to the excitement through Lost! Guitarist Jonny Buckland and the rhythm section of bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion brilliantly backstopped the colourful onstage assault on the senses.

Clearly, the crack players give Martin the freedom and gravity to work the room into a frenzy — prancing, preening, spinning and even sitting still long enough play piano here and there. “Is anybody out there, Calgary?” he asked to thunderous applause. “Thank you for giving us the best job in the world!”

After a storm of multicoloured beach balls dropped from overhead, the crowd erupted as Martin led a crowd sing-along during The Scientist, which only got twice as loud through the band’s first major North American hit, Yellow, from the 2000 album Parachutes. The pace was picked up with God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, followed by the duet Princess Of China, which featured Rihanna’s portion on screen. It was slightly … well, tacky, but still effective as the group seemed to be gaining momentum.

On a night where believers knew what they were getting, non-believers became the converted. With Calgary’s concert schedule growing every week, Coldplay will go down as one of the year’s best. Opening the evening was the curious contradiction of the atmospheric electric folk sister duo, The Pierces, followed by British electronic dance outfit, Metronomy.

Despite playing to a sparse crowd, many of whom were still entering the venue, Catherine Pierce channelled her inner Stevie Nicks to her sister Allison’s Christine McVie during a number of thrilling lead vocal swappings, coupled with numerous outstanding harmonies. Standouts such as Drag You Down, Kissing You Goodbye, Love You More and You’ll Be Mine make these Alabama-born, New York-based sisters worth further investigation.

Although Radiohead has nothing to worry about, Metronomy had its moments through bouncy funk-laden busts such as Heartbreaker, Radio Ladio and Holiday. You may have liked them better when they were called the Pet Shop Boys.

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Calgary preview: Why are the British so bloody good at rock 'n' roll?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The impending arrival of Coldplay has filled area rock fans with a level of joy not seen since the last time Coldplay came to town, writes the Gig City in a prevew of Coldplay at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary tonight (18th April 2012). You can check out all the latest photos, tweets and videos from tonight's concert at the Coldplay Live forum [Calgary] now. If you want more discussion on the #ColdplayFilm that has been stenciled onto all the Xylobands for the shows, head over to the Coldplay forum. Read on for the preview article...

So rarely do we get to see such a top-level British rock band in Edmonton, and it’s always a delightful treat. That’s because we still bow to the Queen of England, touch her face on our money and feel deep down in our bosoms that British rock bands are superior to North American rock bands. Should there ever be some grand Intercontinental Rock Band Warz with both Simon Cowell and Howard Stern on the judging panel (followed by a fistfight to the death between the two), we’d know for sure, but for now, it’s a gut feeling. A big one.

Coldplay performs Wednesday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. You might say expectations are high. There are few North American counterparts to Coldplay’s arena-anthem-ready brand of piano-rocking goodness. Semisonic? Too flash-in-the-pan. Ben Folds? Too obscure. Billy Joel? Never mind. Coldplay has the piano rock thing all locked up, backed up by battalions of like-minded Limey ivory tinklers led by General Sir Elton John and the deadly arsenal of Supertramp hits in reserve.

Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin can be credited for single-handedly (double-handedly) bringing the humble piano back into rock ‘n’ roll front and centre, which in the ‘90s had been sorely missing keyboards of any kind. (Now there’s too many; be careful what you wish for.) Martin’s sensitive lyrics, haunting melodies and rugged good looks didn’t hurt Coldplay’s popularity any. Like Nickelback, they paid the price for their massive success, called “bedwetters music” by yobs from bands like Oasis – whose nearest American counterpart would have to be the Smashing Pumpkins; throw them both into the ocean – and are to this day often dismissed as “rock for girls.”

And the problem is? Point being: Not too many bands are like Coldplay over here.

It’s strange because the British sure seem to rip off – pay homage to – huge swaths of original American music. Americans can take credit for the invention of blues, jazz, hip hop and other forms of music invented by blacks and subsequently stolen by whites, but the British have dominated almost every type of rock that came out of it. Many great British bands got their start playing early American blues, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, you name it – and look at them now.

Mr. Obvious would also like to point out that the Brits dominate heavy metal. Metallica rules, as did Iron Butterfly, but AC/DC rules more. Iron Maiden more than that. And Ozzy and Black Sabbath even more. Don’t forget Judas Priest. And Led Zeppelin. And Motorhead. It’s a rout turned to 11. Don’t forget that Spinal Tap was fictitious British metal band played by AMERICAN actors.

Fleetwood Mac tapped into the arty, poppy side of rock, but so did the Police with equal impact – and besides, half of Fleetwood Mac is British. They got their start in London. Art rock might as well be a British invention even if it isn’t: Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Deep Purple, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Jethro Tull, plus both the Moody Blues and Procol Harum, and later, Radiohead, Muse, the prog-rock redcoats just keep coming. Rush can’t defend our borders all by itself.

The battle of living male rock legends appears to be an American victory at last, with the Generals Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen leading the charge – only to be met by Field Marshals David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel and Rod Stewart. OK, maybe not Rod Stewart. Stack him against Bryan Adams – and Bryan moved to England a long time ago. Hey, this is like Stratomatic Baseball for rock bands! Like Elizabeth I, Adele by herself has done much to defend the Crown of England in the War of the Women of Pop, but the plucky lass cannot withstand a continuous assault of the big American guns Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna, with Madonna bringing up the rear every five years or with the cycle of album-movie-fragrance-branding as predictable as the 17-year cicada. Eat our crops and go away already. Folk music would be a lock for the yanks were it not for the Irish. Rap rules in North America, too, while the Brits are frightfully up-to-date on the electronica scene. Country – and therefore Lynyrd Skynyrd – could only have come from white America. But Mr. Obvious digresses. Rock ‘n’ roll is the issue here, and why the British seem to be so bloody good at it. An angrier underclass, maybe?

The question of the best punk rock band ever is a contentious issue. However we love our Iggy Pop and the Stooges and the Ramones and Green Day on Broadway, and argue all you want who invented the punk genre, more people associate the Sex Pistols with all things punk than any other band. Canny fashion was the deciding factor.

Name the biggest American rock band you can think of and chances are there’s a bigger and better British counterpart – with the possible exception of Bon Jovi vs. Def Leppard. We’ll call that a draw of banality. The International Rock Table of Comparisons would surely also include The Rolling Stones vs. Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix vs. Eric Clapton, The Who vs. The Eagles, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. U2.

This is fun. Line ‘em up! On one side of the ocean, it’s Pearl Jam, Nirvana, the Doors, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, REM, Beach Boys, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Tom Waits and the White Stripes. On the other side, The Clash, Queen, Muse, Eric Clapton, The Kinks, The Smiths, Stone Roses, Bush, Peter Gabriel, Dire Straits, Yardbirds, Chemical Brothers, Blur. Don’t forget the Beatles. And don’t forget Elvis.

Well, it’s been fun typecasting rock bands with pernicious cultural comparisons to create an imaginary war, hasn’t it? The gut feeling remains: The British rock better than we do. The question now is why. Consider that their culture has been around 10 times longer than ours has, that the UK is riddled with violent history upon violent history, mystery piled on mythology, not to mention a surfeit of wealthy, deep-thinking art students turned musicians steeped in said lore plus Earl Grey tea and maybe LSD. And consider that the aforementioned oppressed underclass has had a lot of time to brood and come up with original ways to express themselves through music. They chose to do it in its most emotional, evocative form. That would be rock ‘n’ roll. Coldplay is just one weapon in the UK’s vast arsenal against the underdog North Americans, whose current pain is sure to produce some great music to come. For now, we wait and surrender to the British rock ‘n’ roll hegemony.

At least until Van Halen comes to town next month.

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

5 Los Angeles, CA @ KROQ's Weenie Roast y Fiesta [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Charlie Brown - single reviews - "Quite possibly the best thing Coldplay have ever recorded"

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

More reviews of Coldplay's latest single, Charlie Brown, have surfaced online in the past week - most of them have a release date of circa. 19th March, however the official site has listed Charlie Brown in their recordings section as being released on 3rd February. Very confusing! Anyway... we'll have some more Mylo Xyloto album reviews from March, in the meantime here are the latest Charlie Brown single reviews you may or may not have read yet... [discussion in the Charlie Brown sub-forum here]

Unreality Shout (5/5 stars): It’s not hard to trace the progression of Coldplay as they venture into what is widely considered and equally as widely misinterpreted as “going commercial” for their fifth album, ‘Mylo Xyloto’. On an album themed to anti-establishmentarian revolutionaries with a fiercely anti-War message buried under your typical Coldplay fanfare, ‘Viva la Vida’s central track, the luxuriously colourful, wide-eyed spectacle of ‘Lovers In Japan’ was everything (in conjunction with ‘Strawberry Swing’) that brought the rest of the album’s dark tones to that pivotal, obligatory feeling of breaking through the clouds that personifies Coldplay’s latest offering, ‘Charlie Brown’.

Further research would tell you that ‘Lovers In Japan’ was the last song recorded for the band’s fourth album, and simply listening to it would tell you that they had already started to move away from the lead-heavy melodies of songs like ‘Lost!’ and ‘Violet Hill’ and that it merges seamlessly into the vibrant incandescence of their fifth album...

But it’s still a misinterpretation to brand Coldplay’s recent efforts as “going commercial” - they’ve always struck a chord as somewhere between high-brow commercialism (see: ‘Fix You’, ‘Speed of Sound’) and left field alternativeness (see: ‘God Put A Smile Upon Your Face’, ‘Strawberry Swing’) - commercial isn’t something new to Coldplay, it’s always been there. And, quite contrastingly to popular belief, this isn’t something that’s hindered them here.

In terms of sound, ‘Charlie Brown’ recalls the yangqin-lead ‘Life In Technicolor II’ in it’s surging, triumphant refrain; a wonderfully spacious sound that resonates with a sense of glorious accomplishment and manages to counteract the dulcet tones of Martin, whose frequently pathos-less whining dwindle the very soul of band’s work in the past. Thankfully though, Martin overcomes the urge to slow down the pace too much when the first verse arrives, and it’s also refreshing to hear lyrics that carry some weight as something relatable yet transcendent to something imaginatively fantastical at the same time.

It’s a crying shame that Coldplay’s best material isn’t the stuff that sells. ‘Paradise’ did well for the promotion of ‘Mylo Xyloto’ despite never actually raising any pulses until the dizzying, sky-scraping falsetto and football chants kicked in. Contrastingly, ‘Charlie Brown’ needs no warm-up period, and there’s no moment where the song’s momentum lapses, even in the quieter verses, thanks to Buckland’s effervescently chiming riff. A true testament to it’s sparkling resilience is that, even when otherwise hackneyed Coldplay lyrics like “All the boys, all the girls/All that matters in the world” roll around, the song still hurdles from strength to strength, swirling up a rousing finale to quite possibly the best thing Coldplay have ever recorded.

And there's this from, The Student Newspaper, another positive review giving the song 4/5 stars: "Despite the fact that Coldplay are musical veterans, their latest single is fresh, exciting and sounds young and carefree. Continuing their new electro/soft-rock sound, “Charlie Brown” is a floor-filler with heart, featuring a riff that will be stuck in your head for days. The best part is, you won’t actually mind.

Amid the rousing lead guitar and spangly electro-effects, Chris Martin’s voice is as distinctive as ever, harping back to the band’s earlier days. Yet this upbeat track symbolises their staying-power, proving that they’re not afraid to keep evolving and experimenting without losing that characteristic Coldplay essence. Guaranteed to fill both dance floors and stadiums, this track will make you want to ditch your studying, grab some mates and dance across the Meadows in the sun. If you’re looking for a summer anthem, this might just be it."

Finally, Digital Spy also gave Charlie Brown a 5/5 star rating: "Coldplay's Chris Martin may have a regrettable sense of humour when it comes to early morning chatshows and joking about the title of their latest album Mylo Xyloto, but thankfully and rightfully that's where the criticism stops. It may be a fact that people from different parts of the world might struggle with the record's pronunciation, but should they really care when it contains gems like new single 'Charlie Brown'?

"I stole a key and took a car downtown where the lost boys meet/ I took a car downtown and took what they offered me to set me free," Martin confesses over a foot-stomping beat and tapping guitar strums, before the chorus charges head-first into a blissful folk-pop hook of anthemic proportions. 'Charlie Brown' may be Coldplay's most youthful sounding cut to date, but it's their well-worn ear for a stellar riff that's the main attraction here.

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [CANCELLED]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion]

MARCH 2012

2 New York, NY @ Good Morning America [discussion]

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Review: Coldplay perform iHeartRadio benefit for LA charities (8th Feb)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Coldplayer Jason-DeBord has written a fantastic review to go with his up-close and personal photos of Coldplay's benefit concert last night, which took place at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, in collaboration with iHeartRadio and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Los Angeles radio stations KIIS FM, 98-7FM and MYFM. The proceeds of the show benefit two charities – A Place Called Home and Youth Mentoring Connection. Read Jason's full review at the link above (excerpt and a selection of photos below), and find out more about A Place Called Home and Youth Mentoring Connection. You can also read some more reviews of last night's show, including the setlist, at WikiColdplay now.

A Place Called Home

A Place Called Home is a safe haven in South Central Los Angeles where underserved youth are empowered to take ownership of the quality and direction of their lives through programs in education, arts, and well-being; and are inspired to make a meaningful difference in their community and the world. Click to visit official website

Youth Mentoring Connection

Youth Mentoring Connection awakens at-risk youth to their power, unique gifts and purpose by matching them with caring adult mentors and placing that “match” within a structured group dynamic that provides the resources youth need to reach productive, conscious adulthood. We further seek to awaken society to the needs, promise and value of this overlooked population. Click to visit official website

I saw Coldplay quite a few times last year (Los Angeles, Madrid, London, Paris), so it is always interesting to compare and contrast experiences. Given the size of the venue, my proximity to the stage, and the sheer energy of the band (I don’t think I’ve ever seen them this happy – they were truly beaming with joy), I think I can say this is absolutely my favorite show I’ve been to, as far as the show itself goes and my own personal enjoyment during the show (to factor in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ and other variables, I would have to favor my “Hidden Gig” events in December 2010 in Liverpool and Newcastle).

This concert featured more or less their standard set list of late, framed by the newest album Mylo Xyloto with many of the older fan favorites mixed in, sans “LOST!” and “Politik” (though the latter appear as the midsection of the encore on Guy’s set list (see photos below), which I was able to obtain after the show). The biggest bonus was closing out with the older “Everything’s Not Lost”, which was the one song I captured (mostly) in its entirety on video, as Chris Maritn had said the encore was not being broadcast via iHeartRadio (though the technicians were still filming it).

Given the broadcast, I took almost entirely still photos, since it was being professionally filmed. Hopefully the broadcast will be made available in some manner in the future.

It was a great, energetic crowd which enjoyed some of the interactive staples that have evolved from their tours over the years, the highlight being the light-up interactive bracelets which flash on cue with different songs (and some background on the inventor of these was recently published on the official Coldplay website): Interview: Xylobands inventor Jason Regler

This is the closest I’ve been to the band for a full concert performance, and it was really just amazing. I was right in front of Chris Martin, and was so close to the stage (which is unusually small for the high energy and acrobatic frontman) that I found myself splashed with his sweat several times!

Among many personal highlights for me during the show (and there were many), the best moment for me was when the band came out to pay some gratitude to the crowd following the first set, guitarist Jonny Buckland locked on my face and pointed at me smiling for quite a while. I don’t know if he remembered me from my meet and greet with him a few years ago, in which I had let him know that I won his “VIVA” guitar at their charity auction and discussed it with he, Chris Martin, and Jonny’s guitar tech Matt McGinn earlier that day, or if maybe he just kind of recognized me and couldn’t place why or how. Then again, it was a long day of standing around, and it’s now 4am, and I’m maybe a bit delirious… I’ll probably never know, but it was a truly surreal moment and just very cool whether it was real or imagined on my part.

Another really awesome moment was when Chris Martin came out by himself to open the encore, sat down right in front of us at the edge of the stage, and performed “Us Against The World” with his acoustic guitar (joined in by the rest of the band a bit into it). Something incredible to experience, standing just a couple feet away. [Read full review]

New photos of Coldplay at the iHeartRadio benefit concert at Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA (8th February 2012):

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion] [NEW!]

9 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion] [RESCHEDULED FROM 7TH FEB!]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion] [NEW!]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion] [NEW!]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [NEW!]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [NEW!]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion] [NEW!]

MARCH 2012

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion] [NEW!]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion] [NEW!]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion] [NEW!]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion] [NEW!]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]

Mylo Xyloto review 20: Coldplay remains consistent, brings the goods (Daily Collegian)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Over three months on from the release of Mylo Xyloto, reviews of Coldplay's latest album are still trickling in. The latest online review comes from The Daily Collegian - a magazine that hails from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. Here is their review, spelling out that MX "leaves audiences in awe of its incredible whirlwind of musical brilliance"...

After almost three years of waiting, Coldplay fans finally have a reason to celebrate as of Oct. 21, when the band released its newest album, “Mylo Xyloto.” The album satisfies every expectation fans may have anticipated, giving listeners a taste of Coldplay’s classic sound, as well as introducing them to a new, more synthesized version of the band. In a clear statement of the band’s musical evolution, Coldplay shows it is not afraid to grow and try something new in “Mylo Xyloto.”

Since the release of its first album, “Parachutes,” and its heavyweight breakthrough single, “Yellow,” in 2000, Coldplay has been on the map of mainstream music as one of the most iconic bands of the new millennium. Coldplay has lived up to its reputation ever since and has continued to produce hit after chart-smashing hit. The band followed its debut into the spotlight with three more albums and a slew of monster-sized hits such as “The Scientist” and “Clocks,” off its 2002 sophomore effort, “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” and its first number one single, “Viva La Vida,” from the eponymous album. After a marathon of success through the 2000s, the band took a long hiatus from music, as they decided on their next musical endeavor. However, right as fans began to wonder, Coldplay returned, and after a summer of country and pop-dominated charts, music lovers everywhere finally had something new and fresh to listen to, and who better to provide them that than Coldplay.

Coldplay’s distinguishable sound is clear and precise in “Mylo Xyloto.” Chris Martin once again captivates listeners with his soaring vocals and incredible range, as his band mates follow up with the smooth sounding acoustics for which Coldplay is so well known. The early release of lead single “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” gave fans a taste of what can be expected on “Mylo Xyloto,” which could be considered Coldplay’s most musically evolved effort to date. “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” is a buoyant blend of acoustic instrumentation and electronic synthesizers, and true to form, Coldplay makes the two sounds flow into one effortlessly. The acoustic guitar strums are mild but fast and create a delightfully light yet powerfully moving rhythm. Accompanied by Martin’s ever impressive and unique vocals as he sings about triumphs and overcoming hardships, the song blends spectacularly into a medley of sounds, literally creating a musical waterfall.

“Paradise,” following the same genre as the first single, opens with a mix of synthesized electronic effects and string instrumentals. After a soft introduction, the song explodes into a powerful melody of synthesizers joined with Martin’s high-pitched vocals, only adding to the brilliance. Also easily identified in “Paradise” is the classic piano accompaniment known and adored by any fan of Coldplay.

“Mylo Xyloto” is a “love story with a happy ending” according to Martin, taking listeners on a musical journey. Said to be inspired by 1970s New York graffiti and the “War of the White Roses,” an anti-Nazi movement started and lead by two students from the University of Munich, the album has an edgy and rebellious, but still hopeful and resilient sound to it. “Mylo Xyloto” contains a range of different sounds, painting with a broad palette of moods and emotions. Some songs, such as “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” and “Hurts Like Heaven” are uplifting, clearly relating to the more joyful moments in life, as does “Paradise.” Others are edgier and have a more synthesized, defiant sound, like “Princess of China,” which deals with the more hurtful aspects of life and love.

Amidst the excitement of its new album, Coldplay managed to throw a few curveballs, like the song “Princess of China,” where the band creates an unlikely duet by teaming up with pop sensation Rihanna. A bold move and bound to garner mixed reviews, Martin fearlessly blends his renowned vocal approach with Rihanna’s eclectic pop-alto stylings. However, no matter how unexpected the duo may be, they are nothing short of successful in the melding of their unique sounds and filling the gap between electronic pop and acoustic rock, seamlessly weaving the two styles together.

Following “Princess of China,” Coldplay caters to life’s more sensitive and emotional situations, as Martin sings “Up in Flames” at a slow tempo with a simple piano accompaniment alongside. Very simple and raw, Coldplay shows a more intimate side to its music with “Up In Flames.” Then, there’s a sudden lift in spirits as Coldplay preaches a hopeful message with “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart,” another song driven by upbeat tempos, encouraging lyrics and soaring vocal melodies.

Leaving audiences in awe of its incredible whirlwind of musical brilliance, Coldplay ends its fantastic new album with the lyrics, “Send me up to that wonderful world/And then I’m up with the birds,” in the album’s closing track, “Up With the Birds.”

Don't forget to check out your tour discussion thread if you are getting Coldplay tickets or just getting excited for the European & North American 2012 shows and other forthcoming appearances:

FEBRUARY 2012

7 Los Angeles, CA @ Jimmy Kimmel Live [discussion] [NEW!]

8 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia (iHeartRadio) [discussion] [NEW!]

10 Los Angeles, CA @ GRAMMY Week MusiCares Person of the Year tribute [discussion] [NEW!]

12 Los Angeles, CA @ 54th Grammy Awards, Staples Center [discussion] [NEW!]

16 Sydney, Australia @ 2DayFM, Mobile Live Set (intimate show) [discussion] [NEW!]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Sunrise (intimate show) [discussion] [NEW!]

21 London @ Brit Awards 2012, O2 Arena [discussion] [NEW!]

MARCH 2012

4 New York, NY @ The Secret Policeman's Ball, Radio City Music Hall (Amnesty International) [discussion] [NEW!]

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

27 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

28 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose [discussion]

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion] [NEW!]

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

22 Nice, France @ Stade Charles Herman / Nikaia [discussion]

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

7 Sunderland, UK @ the Stadium of Light [discussion]

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion] [NEW!]

28 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum [discussion]

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

3 Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena [discussion] [NEW!]

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

1 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills [discussion] [NEW!]

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

11 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center [discussion]

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

16 Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Eden Stadium [discussion]

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

Read also: European Stadium Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the Europe tour)

Read also: North America Tour announced! (general discussion thread for the US/Canada tour)

Kit yourself up for the forthcoming MX tour and get spotted with Coldplaying's new range of merchandise! [click on the items for the full shop]