More fan reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Estadi Olimpic in Barcelona that didn't make the review article yesterday morning, have been posted at the Coldplay Live forum. Most of them feature comments on the sound problems (video) that marred parts of the concerts, as well as voice problems that Chris Martin allegedly suffered. Those who left the stadium last after the show were also left without a LeftRightLeftRightLeft CD because of short supply due to concertgoers taking handfuls. Here are some more of the reviews...

I was very very near to the stage and the boys definitely noticed the sound problems. Chris looked to the side of the stage several times saying "f*ck" during Violet Hill. After that, the gig was great. I don't understand all the critics. I was standing in the front and it was great. I had friends seated on the sides and they said it was great too. There were a lot of cameras recording the show (6 or 7 only in the main stage!). [thanks ITF]

I think problems wasn't in backing tracks. Problems happened when they forced the big loudspeakers baffle (translation of altavoz?) that where hanged to both sides of the stage. That SSCRRREEE was the typical baffle problem when you force it and it doesn't reach the tone. They don't need to be connect to that big baffle sound to listen themselves playing, then they didn't realise what was happening. Sometimes you are paying and you don't listen the same that people is listening, in a s such a big scenario this problem can be bigger, you have to reach to a lot of people. (My father had a electronic components shop, and my husband plays in a little folk music group for fun.) [thanks mygdalom]

BTW, i have to alert everyone that getting the free CDs was a battle! Everybody got a couple or three.. so maybe people who were at first rows in the pit left with no CDs, i don't know... but the delivering was MAD! and there was a bit of disorder, i had tickets for section 123, and since it was the first seating section the view was too side and we couldn't see the screens, so the crew said we could seat in section 120... i wonder what happened with the people that had section 120 tickets..... [thanks strawberryswinger]

I thought Billie Jean was one the very few highlights of the gig. I have been to 6 coldplay concerts now, and this was poor by their standards... the failure of the sound also showed there must have been some sort of communcation problem to the band to let them know the sound fecked up big time... If they knew I am sure they would have stooped... Or they could not halt the backing track. Both excuses are very poor too. I hope the dont make the DVD from Barcelona, it was a poor showing, and I know they will be more up for it at Wembley..Still also cant get over the price they charged to get in... The sound problems were not even reconised by the band until someone told them, they should have played Violet Hill again.... as it ruined the song, and showed them up to have a CD running in the background... ! I still love Coldplay, that love will never go away... Maybe it was the Barcelona crowd, we went with such high expections... as always there was people that went to their very first coldplay concert... and they hmost likey did not sleep for days in anticpation... guys... its gonna take us a while to get over what was a shocking and very piss poor performence... remember I have been a member here for 6 years... and love coldplay and have a very personal debt of gratitude I could never repay... Chris, will, guy, or johnny if you ever read this thread.. please try and understand we also paid a lot of money to go into the gig... we paid up to a 100 euros, it was crazy the ticket tout tickets were actually cheaper... when have you heard this before... take some time out lads.... now your very tired... I would be espically after alll that flying and checking in and out... Come back one day and if Barcelona means that much to you, do a gig at la merce.. PLEASE NEVER AGAIN LET YOUR COMPLENCY, CARRY YOU THOUGH YOUR CONCERTS... in addition please dont think we are ungrateful and sad bunch... neither... when u come back, renturn to basics,,,, Parachutes... play more than yellow please.. [thanks bart]

Hi everyone... This is my first post here, I´am from Barcelona so sorry for my english. Yesterday I went to my first concert of Coldplay and I was really excited. The concert was great, Chris and the guys were great and sadly I can confirm the sound problems. I was near the stage and seated and the sound was really poor. I couldn´t hardly understand what Chris was saying when he was singing or talking. The last time they played in Barcelona, they did it in Palau Sant Jordi, a place maybe smaller but covered but this time it wasn´t and I think maybe that was the problem, but the people responsible of the sound should have known that. The people at the end were a little bit sad, but if Coldplay read this, they should know that Barcelona loves them and that we are very grateful that they chose Barcelona again to play live. We wait for them when they tour again probably with a new CD and in a big stadium as they deserve, but please with bigger loudspeaker lol lol. Believe me I don´t regret every euro that I spent for the ticket. It´s just that I was so so sad for them, because they don´t deserve that. I was so happy that they had chose Barcelona to play live again. I just want to let them know that Barcelona really loves them. We went to the concert so excited ........ I just hope that they come back again.... [thanks silvia75]

I was there last night, in the middle of the stadium floor and I have to say the sound problems were definitely real and long lasting. They sounded like they were playing underwater all night. You could hear the people around you in the crowd talking more loudly than the music from the stage, the speakers stopped working. It started in the middle of Violet Hill and it only seemed to improve a little towards the end. The worst thing is that it seemed like the only reason they didn't stop (yes it was that bad for anyone who wasn't near the front) was that they were filming the gig. They should have stopped and sorted it out. Well they will have a lot of editing to do to get rid of the sound of the whistles and the chants of 'no se oye' (we can't hear). What a shame, we were really looking forward to this gig and it was a real disappointment, as the atmosphere was killed by the fact that everyone was so fed up about the sound. Badalona years ago was ten times better, I wasn't at the San Jordi gig last year so can't compare. And yes, Billy Jean was shit. What was that?! Finally well done to anyone who got hold of one of the free CDs. We didn't see anyone giving them out at the exit we left by, which was one of the main ones. Sorry to moan but it is gutting when you spend €50 and wait for a gig for months and then that happens, and the truth needs to be told because it seems the press all had a great time, they must have been near the stage speakers in the press area. I will of course go and see them again if i get the chance but never again in an outdoor venue. [thanks beastiegirl]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Estadi Olimpic, Barcelona, Spain (4th September 2009):

Pictures by Sharker @ Flickr

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In what may be the largest confetti effect ever at a touring event, Coldplay is shooting hundreds pounds every night during its summer stadium tour – around 440 pounds, depending on the venue. This feat, fulfilling the vision of lead singer Chris Martin, would not be possible without the tech experts at Strictly FX, who invented a whole new way of distributing confetti just for the band, writes Live Design Online.

The new units were specifically designed by Mark Grega, a partner in the company, and Reid Nofsinger, Strictly FX special effects designer, to maximize throw with a patented process that makes use of both thrust and vacuum to create a perfect environment inside the unit to propel contents further and in larger amounts than other units on the market.

The effect is dramatic — millions of oversized U/V butterflies floating over the audience during Lovers in Japan, from six Strictly FX CO2 truss-mounted Confetti Cobras ™ and 38 CO2 ground-based Strictly FX Confetti Cobras for the stadium configuration.

The confetti is just one highlight of a technologically sophisticated show. Continuing a relationship that has been in place throughout the Viva La Vida tour, Coldplay has also turned to Strictly FX to layer in more lasers for the band’s summer stadium/festival tour. The extensive programming experience and animation design background of Strictly FX programmers are a great fit for the band, which had a strong vision for the show and wanted tight cues – sometimes note-for-note. David Kennedy, the programmer, has worked hand in hand with Paul Normadale, the tour Lighting Designer, in the various re-designs of this Viva La Vida tour since April 2008. The band is now using six High-Powered White Light Arctos Diode lasers, placed across the upstage ledge and controlled by a six-card Pangolin LD2000.net system, capable of a broad spectrum of colors. Each of the lasers is programmed independently, enabling them to use different colors to emphasize different parts of the song simultaneously.

About Strictly FX

Strictly FX is a full-service special effects company, offering a complete range of state-of-the-art pyrotechnics, flames, CO2, lasers and confetti and a wide variety of custom applications. In 2007, Strictly FX received the prestigious Parnelli Award for Pyro Company of the Year 2007 – the industry’s highest honor for live event professionals. Visit them on line at www.strictlyfx.com.

Thanks LittleMissMessy

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New pictures of Coldplay at Stade de Suisse, Bern, Switzerland (2nd September 2009):

Pictures by kusito @ Flickr

No one apologises like Chris Martin. Onstage and off, the word "sorry" or a close variant thereof is never more than a few minutes away from the Coldplay singer's lips, writes Q Magazine, in the October 2009 issue.

During the course of the evening, for instance, he will verbally flagellate himself for everything from the state of his hair to the fact that his band have, in his eyes at least, shoddily neglected Britain and their British fans when it comes to touring their latest album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. For a man who fronts one of the most successful bands on the planet, with all the attendant lifestyle perks that brings, this is a strange state of affairs.

"Oh God, I thought all that had gone out of the window years ago," says Coldplay drummer Will Champion after the show, still clad in the regulation 19th-century French army cast-offs that constitute the band's stage costume. He's perched straight-backed and attentive alongside similarly attired guitarist Jonny Buckland on a comfy green leather sofa in a small, dimly-lit room signposted "Chill Out Room", somewhere under the banks of seats that line Toronto's Rogers Centre.

Unlike their singer, Buckland and Champion are neither habitually apologetic nor twitchily energetic. Instead, they're friendly, impeccably polite and not given to public bouts of self-recrimination. It's the drummers birthday 31st birthday celebrations today; within minutes of meeting Q, he's invited to us along to a party at a swanky boutique hotel on the other side of Toronto's city centre. Having known each other since school, they're more than familiar with their singer's penchant for apologising. "At the early gigs, he'd say sorry 500 times a night on stage," says Champion. "The year 2000, I think that was the height of the apologies.

A bulging white dome that nuzzles the base of the needle-like CN tower (at 1815 feet, one of the world's tallest structures), the giant concrete souffle that is the Rogers Centre hosts the 140th date of the Viva La Vida tour. A 44,000 stadium that's usually home to baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays, tonight is stage to the biggest solo headlining show of the band's career, something which Buckland and Champion confess to being daunted by ("We were quite nervous," admits the guitarist afterwards, with characteristic understatement). These nerves aren't in evidence before the show. The hollering, shouting and general bustle of industry that usually soundtracks concerts of this scale are all noticably absent, replaced by a tangible air of calm. Even the security guards offer a smile as you pass.

An hour before playing, the four members of Coldplay can be found in a curtained-off room, just off the two-lane subterranean road that circles the inside of this giant stadium. They're dutifully taking part in a meet-and-greet with fans, exchanging pleasantries and handing over signed copies of LeftRightLeftRightLeft, the free CD they've given away at every date on this leg of the tour (presumably at great expense). Following this, there's a presentation of platinum discs to the band and some celebratory champagne for birthday boy Champion. As proceedings draw to a close, Martin catches Q's eye and wanders over.

He's already wearing his Les Miserables-style stage costume, albeit barefoot. His hair explodes from his head in cherubic curls, the longest its been for years. Up close, he looks tired and drawn; it's been a hectic time, and the band only arrived at the venue 20 minutes ago, having filmed an appearance on Carson Daly's talk show. Still, he's charm personified, thanking us for making the trip over (which is no problem) and asking if we've been treated well (we have). The singer isn't officially doing any interviews, but he still wants to talk. "Are you sticking around? There's a couple of questions I want to ask you," before proceeding to pleasantly grill Q as to the current state of the music press.

With many other rock stars, this could easily be seen as a deliberate and possibly cynical charm offensive. But with Martin, it's both genuine and entirely in character; there's none of the supreme bluff of a Noel Gallagher or the bullet-proof confidence of a Bono here, just a winning blend of affability, insecurity and peculiar need for approval. As his bandmates head back to the dressing room, we drift into the corridor. Talk turns to tonight's gig ("[Peturbed] This is our biggest show, so I'm worried the stage set might look a bit small for the venue"), his concerns that people in Britain, even Coldplay's own fans, hate the band ("[Aghast] We played one gig, and the reaction after the first song was terrible. I felt like a rapist"), and the forthcoming Wembley gigs ("It's such a big thing. I think we'll be OK. Do you think we'll be OK? Sorry, shouldn't ask you").

After 10 minutes, he needs to head off. "I'm sorry," he says. "I really need to go and get my head together. [Frown] Are you going to be OK? [Concern] Let me know if there's anything you need. [beaming smile] I'll see you later, right?"

Conversation over, he lollops away, jogging around the track and back to his dressing room. Out front, the Rogers Centre is slowly filling up. Rows of chairs line the playing field, ensuring there's no embarrasing gap at the back. It must be a daunting sight for tonight's hand-picked all-British support line-up, not least rockabilly revivalists Kitty, Daisy & Lewis. This is the teen sibling trio's very first tour, and while they acquit themselves admirably in front of a half-full venue, they've yet to master touring etiquette ("I saw them watching us at the side of the stage at one show, brazenly smoking," said Martin earlier. "I was like, [Waves hands] er could you do that a bit more out of sight"). Even old hands Elbow look like they're struggling to come to terms with the scale of it, though a combination of Guy Garvey's gruff Northern charisma and eternally uplifting closer One Day Like This conspire to win over several thousand previously different Canadians.

"We've got used to these bigger gigs," says Buckland. "You can't actually see the audience. Do we miss the intimacy of small shows? In all honesty, no. We do occasionally do smaller shows, where you can see what people are ordering to drink. Those gigs are absolutely terrifying for us. When you take away all the stage set, we feel naked."

If intimacy is a long-vanished concept for Coldplay, the quartet have certainly raised their game on a visual level. This is the summer of the stadium spectacular, with everyone from U2 (giant claw) to Take That (huge circus) offering more bang for your buck, and Coldplay haven't been left behind. Not that there weren't teething troubles. "At one point we had a trampoline at the end of one of the walkways," says Champion. "It was a little trampette, like you get with pommel horses. The idea was that Chris would run down, jump on it and go flying through the air. It was all well and good, but we quickly realised that it was going to ruin Chris's knees."

It might not be as grand as U2's current extravaganza, and it may sadly be bereft of opportunities for mid-air gymnastics, but the Coldplay live experience certainly offers its share of spectacle, from the sparklers whirled by the band behind a dark gauze during opener Life In Technicolor, to the hundreds of giant balloons launched into the crowd during Yellow. But there's a winning lack of bombast here: during Lost!, the giant screens that hang from the dome-like roof zoom in on a vintage TV set, itself tuned to Martin's face. Unsurprisingly, Martin is the focus of the display. All that nervous energy is channelled into a performance that finds him constantly swirling, spinning, shadow-boxing and dive-bombing - one part lightweight contender at the punchbag, one part hyperactive kid running around the supermarket.

During a monumentally abrasive Politik, he sits hunched over his piano like an 18th-century composer, before leaping up and pointing heavenwards (he does this a lot, as if seeking some sort of divine validation). Sometimes he tries too hard with the self-depreciation. "Some critics say it's the best value for money we've ever given," he says of the aforementioned free CD. Then there's his coiffure, a particular butt of his own jokes. "We call this the Michael Bolton tribute section, mainly due to the singer's hair," he says before a solo piano version of The Hardest Part. The same song ends with another laboured quip: "The hardest part is having hair like Justin Timberlake just after he left 'N Sync."

While hardly small scale on record, the size of the venue suits Coldplay's expansive music. In this cathedral-like dome, the hymnal qualities of Fix You or Glass Of Water are amplified 10-fold. Even the delicate, Tinariwen-influenced guitar lines of Strawberry Swing take on an unforseen magnitude. There are moments that don't work, not least the clumping "dance" version of God Put A Smile Upon Your Face: performed at the end of a long walkway, it sounds like the sort of remix that might have been buried on a 12-inch B-side in 1986. Much better is the acoustic mini-set, played on a tiny, stand-alone stage in a far corner of the arena. As the rest of the venue goes black, the spotlit quartet rollock through Green Eyes, the Will Champion-sung Death Will Never Conquer and a ramshackle, campfire jam cover of Billie Jean, complete with impressive falsetto squeals from Martin. The set ends with Champion being dragged out from behind his drumkit and presented with a birthday cake by former manager and "fifth member" Phil Harvey. He looks a lot less sheepish than you'd expect. He certainly doesn't apologise for getting it.

Post-show, and things are no less sedate than they were before. The distant rumble of trucks hauling away the stage on the other side of the arena aside, the ambience around Coldplay's dressing room has the air of a slightly funky library. In a few hours' time, the band, their entourage, plus a hundred or so of Toronto's more beautiful young things will commandeer the patio of a swanky uptown boutique hotel to celebrate Champion's birthday (though Martin will be noticeably absent, presumably having sent his apologies). For now, Champion and Buckland are enjoying a relaxing glass of post-gig, pre-party red wine. In a month, they will start their very first stadium tour, which eventually brings them to Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow and Wembley - the latter, at 80,000 capacity, almost doubling tonight's record-breaking audience.

"Are we nervous?" says Buckland. "Oh, more nervous than about anything else we've done. It's our home. All our friends will be down. But we've done our homework, checked out other concerts. We want it to be an event."

The pair talk about the support act at Wembley, Jay-Z and Girls Aloud ("We could have filled it with loads of bands who, to be honest, sound just like us"), and the next Coldplay album, currently a little more than a loose assemblage of ideas being worked up on the road ("Our Wikipedia page says it's due out at the end of the year? Which year?"). Then there's the band's debut in a forthcoming episode of The Simpsons. "They approached us about four months ago," says Champion. "We're all fans, so it was a no-brainer. Do we speak? No, only Chris. We have no voices."

"Story of our lives," adds Buckland, with a laugh.

And there they go again with the self-depreciation. If they're not taking the piss out of themselves, they're apologising for being Coldplay. It's both endearing and frustrating. What exactly do a bunch of successful, largely acclaimed rock stars have to feel sorry for? There's a moment of silence from them both. "We do tend to agonise over things," says Champion eventually. "Ultimately, we just want to get better. There are so many things we want to do. The whole apology thing, it's part and parcel of who we are and what we do."

There's a pause and a smile. "Sorry."

Article: Q Magazine, October 2009

More new pictures of Coldplay at Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy (31st August 2009):

Pictures by Ambra @ Flickr

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More fan reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf that didn't make the review article on Monday evening have been posted at the Coldplay Live forum. Here are some more of the reviews...

Before the concert I read somewhere on the net that Gwyneth will be attending that concert as well. I thought that was a bit ... well a thing that's not going to happen. But now I think she might have been there. After they had played Fix You Chris put his hand on his heart and pointed to the stand where I think VIPs were. And he also pointed there after Strawberry swing.

The best song besides Clocks was Politik for me. They played it really "hard". I also enjoyed Lovers in Japan- I was standing in front of the thing where butterflies were coming out, I was basically attacked by them... Oh and I think that Guy was really in a good mood yesterday. He kept smiling and posing for people who were taking photos of him. As if I weren't pleased at the concert completely I was also given the set list which made the evening perfect.

I was trying to make an eye contact with any roadie but they were so busy. Then I waved to someone and he only waved back. But then somebody heard my screaming about set list ... first he showed that he folded it and that it's not in the best condition. But I made it clear that I don't really mind that so he threw it at me. [thanks _petra_]

Chris never said anything about how good Italians are to make love, but how good we are to "make a fuck of a lot of noise" during this nice song before Will sung Death Will Never Conquer. Here's the lyrics:

"When the sun has gone down and there's no more light

When you're playing in Udine on a Monday night

Oh you've got to play for those girls and boys

Well I know Italians make a fuck of a lot of noise

(can't understand here)...there's one more rhyme

Can you please make some noise if you're having a good time

Oh and just to give you an extra thrill

Oh give a whoo whoo for our drummer Will"

They also made the it on the most important Italian TV News. I didn't get the (LRLRL) cd either, we went around the stadium trying each exit, they were all gone, bad organisation on the part of those giving them away, I've heard of people who got plenty of copies and someone even stole entire boxes. [thanks iriden]

I got two (CDs). But gave one to this guy who was with me in bus. I think that they should give CD when you enter the stadium. one by one. I almost got run over my some idiot. He yelled on that poor girl who was dealing the CD's. She looked really scared!!!!!!! [thanks lndnsky]

Hello, I'm back after few hours riding back and forth I still have energy for few more concerts. first of all, did you guys notice that on setlist is song "till kingdom come" but they played green eyes? o.O I'm glad that they changed it cuz green eyes is my fav song! Months in advance I knew that I wanted to go back to their concert, especially when I enjoyed last year in Budapest. I secured agreement with the Agency (ticket + transport) and expecting for 31th july. Unfortunately, as soon as we boarded the bus, we got a notice that we have tickets for the bleachers (i dont know right word). all the way, we discussed how to get down there, but there was no option. We arrived in Udine at 2pm and 4 hours are used for sightseeing, lunch and after all shopping in the front of stadium where I had no luck. T-shirt is very much the wrong date which irritated me (did you notice for 2008 and earlier dates).

I bought a shirt with long sleeves, but the male model that I will not wear often, but I have a memory, and a bag from official merchandise. We entered the stadium just as white lies finished with last two song and i was disappointed when we saw our position. even though we were on the right panel of the stage (and in the middle), imagine heart pain when you see all those fans who are already down, especially in the fan pit area. I didnt want to look on the internet for recordings or photos for full surprise. you have no idea how much I enjoyed when I heard Magnificent introduction to the concert. I really like U2 and that song is very much affected! as soon as they come out with mini fireworks (i dont know right word either), balloons have come to the fore and violet hill began. I was thrilled! so I wanted to jump but I was on the scale because I didnt want to sit like 90% of the audience around me. That terribly depressed me because I wanted to be down with you and with you singing and jumping. They were pretty quite and I didnt want to sing out loud cuz I just do not sing well) green eyes is one of my favorite songs and I was totally thrilled when I heard it live! then butterflies on lovers in japan, even I saw it, this is great to see from another perspective (we took them to the road on the return). I did not expect fireworks and it is totally complete the entire concert. I eventually managed to get the free CD, we have raised hands in the air, we looked like zombies. [thanks viva la vida]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy (31st August 2009):

Pictures by iriden

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Two Italian fansites, ColdplayItalia – the first Italian community about Coldplay born in 2002 – and ColdplayZone - have worked together to make up a choreography for tonight's Coldplay concert at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, writes Italy's Il Giornale Del Friuli Libero ahead of tonights highly anticipated concert.

Their aim is to produce as many paper crowns as possible at one concert, inspired by the second version of the 'Viva la Vida' video directed by Anton Corbijn, and also fill the stadium with balloons in tribute to 'Life in Technicolor' with the help of people attending the show. The two choreographies, already witnessed at the Bologna and Milan shows last September, will also be set up in Udine to both thank Coldplay and to participate in an unusual but creative way in one of the most eagerly awaited show of summer 2009.

Moreover, the main French fan website decided to promote the crowns choreography for the forthcoming Coldplay concert at Parc des Princes in Paris on September 7th. On the website ColdplayItalia they reported: “We know it can be a good way to spread, even in a playful manner, a message of collaboration”. Meanwhile, at Coldplayzone, there will be a live blog (in English and Italian) which promises to have live images and updates throughout the day direct from the venue today.

Roadie #42's blog from last year's Italian concerts:

As we arrive at the airport in Zurich, ready to head for Bologna, we see that there are some fans gathered at the entrance. Not so unusual, except that they are the very same fans that were waiting outside the hotel when we just left. Not only do they know our movements, but they've done the same journey as us and beaten us here.

It gets even more strange when Trainer Dan (who keeps the fellas in shape) mentions that they were around when he and Guy went out for a run. I'm not even sure if they weren't at the airport when we arrived yesterday. They've collared the guys for photos and signatures several times in one city. It's like some strange inverse micro-touring.

The band are travelling from city to city to play to as many fans as possible and here are a group of fans travelling all over a single city to see the band as many times as possible. They're harmless enough and pleasant, but you have to wonder how exactly they know where everyone's going to be and when - particularly when we generally have little idea from one minute to the next!

The trip to Bologna is quick, but beautiful. Here's a quick view from our morning ride into work:

It's another very boomy arena in Bologna, which once again brings out the RAWK! in soundcheck. Back In Black gets another rollicking run through, which morphs into 136. I'm not sure I've heard that one since they did it in Reykjavik in 2002 with Tim from Ash on guitar. Also this afternoon, comes another run through of Glass of Water. Today sees another rather interesting additional guitar player join the camp for this track. The chorus on this one is pretty monstrous. It seems to fit huge echo-y arenas perfectly. It's rocky and it's joyous and it expresses a band at the top of their game very well I think.

Italy can occasionally be somewhat challenging for roadies. Things here are, hmmm, how does one put this? "More relaxed", I guess is the best phrase to use. Vital things such as the huge electrical supplies that power the entire show can be rather cheerfully vague and efforts to correct major issues can be met with an even more vague shrug. The thing that overrides all of this though and makes it worthwhile is the Italian crowds. They are unfailingly wonderful.

I'm under the stage having a tidy up when the doors open to the punters in Bologna. This lot are already singing the Viva tune as they stream onto the floor. An Italian fansite has also organised the bringing of balloons, which they're bouncing and batting about the place long before the band take the stage. If they're this noisy and excitable at an empty stage, the gig can only be a good 'un.

And indeed it is. I can't remember a louder crowd this whole tour. It's a great point in the tour to get a crowd like this. The set has settled to the point where the band can actually start really relaxing and enjoying it, as well as being aware of what's going on around them. We're also about five weeks into a run of shows and frankly, everyone is knackered. A vibe like tonight lifts everyone like a very, loud cheering and screaming shot in the arm. The balloons make an appearance on the B Stage, as one makes its way up. Chris announces that he will perform "the next song as a fat man. This is what Coldplay will look like in thirty years' time" The balloon goes up the shirt and true to his word, the song is delivered in a most overweight fashion.

As well as balloons, there are gold paper crowns, presumably in tribute to Anton Corbijn's Viva La Vida video. Chris picks one up in the midst of the song and it soon ends up perched on Guy's head. Rather suits him, actually.

This brings us to Milan. Glass of Water gets another airing, again with mystery extra band member. The crowd arrive with even more balloons and even more gold paper crowns. They're also just as loud as last night. It's a top, top show which brings us towards the end of what has been an utterly fantastic touring leg. There's a whole bunch of touring to go before this campaign is over, but if it's all as good as this past month or so has been, we're all going to go home for Christmas very happy.

Roadie #42

We continue with even more comprehensive reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf that have been published at the Coldplay Live forum since the concert on Thursday. If you haven't read it yet, we urge you to check out an excellent review by Anna (SueDeNimes), which includes some exclusive pictures from inside the Esprit Arena, which you can view here, and also a review of the new 'Adventures of Kris' in Dusseldorf. Here is part 2 of the Dusseldorf fan reviews...

So, I'm well-rested but still happy and all excited. I was standing on the right side from the band's view, somewhere between row 5 to 10. That changed a lot, quite funny. The people around me were, well, it could have been better but it was okay. Sometimes, especially during Glass of Water, I felt like being the only one who's singing. It started with the Kilians. I've heard their name before, but none of their songs. They were alright, definitely better than Howling Bells, which I disliked.

Right from the first note of Magnificant, I was totally nervous. A few minutes later, the lights were switched off and I felt like being in a trance for the next two hours. They were just perfect, marvellous and gigantic. After it was all over, I felt electrified. That's fitting. It was like happiness and incredulity were combined. Very strange. Luckily, I was able to grab a lot of butterflies and also a copy of LRLRL, but I'm not sure whether my sister has a spare...

The setlist was great, I had doubts because VLVODAAHF is the album which I like least, but these doubts weren't affirmed, it was amazing. My personal favourites were In My Place, LiT ii, LIJ, The Scientist, Politik, Fix You and Cemetries of London. I was kind of surprised that they played Til Kingdom Come, but disappointed and sad about the missing of Speed of Sound. But all in all, it was great and I'm sure I'll never forget this Thursday night [thanks BlueberrySwing]

Just got back from my little trip to Düsseldorf. I'm tired as hell, so I hope you don't expect me to write a proper review now. Maybe it will follow next week, but I'm not quite sure yet... Most about the concert has been said already anyway... Well, to make it short: What a great night! The boys were just wonderful as always and did an amazing job! I'm also glad I had such an awesome time with all the people I met (Thank you so much again, guys! ). Well, I should say that the organizing at the venue was catastrohpic and that I was rather gutted about it at first, but I decided not to let it ruin my whole concert experience and I tried my very best - and it worked (most of the time). So, now I'm just hoping that these "little" things will work out much better tomorrow in Munich and that the Coldplaying-Karma will be with me... [thanks Ilione]

Phew, we're finally back at home as well... God it was SO brilliant!! My friend and me had soooo much fun and although we were already exhausted before the concert, we just couldn't stop dancing and jumping. Volunteering for Oxfam was great too, except for the people who said to us that the world is beyond help and it's a waste of time to do something against it and crap like that The other volunteers were impressed though with all the email-addresses (for the Oxfam-newsletter) we've got, so I think we weren't that bad. We were standing in the front row, on Guy's side, we couldn't see a lot of the stage because we're so small and we were too far away for the butterflys, but we had such a great time there anyway. After the concert, we had to wait 5 hours until our train came. We were sitting on the stairs of the arena until we were asked to leave , walked around the building and then went to the central station. And then suddenly I felt really sick. I don't know why, maybe I ate something wrong or it was just the combination of it all, having not enough sleep and food during the day, travelling 5 hours in 5 trains, the exhausting gig... so we had to sleep in a hotel instead of staying up all night, which kinda makes me sad. We met aniskywalker at McDonalds and I really would've liked to stay there listening to her storys about signs and t-shirts and chocolate. Also at McDonalds, a guy came to us and asked us how the concert was, so we told him how much fun we had. And then he said "Oh.. I've been to a Coldplay concert 6 years ago here in Düsseldorf and I wanted to see them again this time, but the tickets are so expensive... but it seems I missed out on something, right?" Oh yes he did! [thanks Jea]

A small Review of the concert (a little later, however, all the same). We have arrived with 4 people by the train. We were thus about 11am before the arena and have gone to the entrance north-east. There were maybe just 10 people. We start some conversations with some people. What one should make, also whole 6 hours ..^^. Of course it became more full it of the time. All at once everybody has jumped up and has come forwards. It was 4pm although an admittance only at 4pm was (We do not know yet why this happened ). Then around POINT 5pm we walked in. We are running to the entrance to the interior coagulated. However, then the running was forbidden. Then we came one of the first to the damn big arena. It was to be walked quite cool in an empty arena. We have selected a good playce and then we had to wait again 2 hours to the Support Acts started to play. Kilians were quite okay, but Howling Bells... When it went off then, finally, the mood was unbelievable in front! After 10 hours wait, finally, we have got this what we wanted: COLDPLAY The sound very felt also well and the performance of course. Unfortunately, I could not see Chris in "The hardest part": ( The whole concert was perfect. Chris could say even a few things in German. So then at 11pm end was, we are out fast, because we wanted a CD of LRLRL. We have also taken one of it. Luckily we were there by train and this also went very fast. They have gone because at 2 minutes of tact to the CENTRAL STATION And then a great evening draws to a close. [thanks Freddyos]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany (27th August 2009):

Pictures by spiral-stairs @ Flickr

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More comprehensive reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf that didn't make the review article on Friday morning have been posted at the Coldplay Live forum. There is also a huge review by Anna (SueDeNimes) with pictures which you can view here, and a seperate review of the 'Adventures of Kris' in Dusseldorf. Here are some more of the reviews...

We arrived at the ESPRIT Arena at 4:15 pm, but didn`t queue up, because we had seats. There weren`t many people queuing up at that time though. At 5 pm, the gates were opened, and we were interviewed by a reporter of the WDR while we went inside, so we`ll possibly be on TV this evening! (Aktuelle Stunde at 6:50 pm today). Inside we bought a tour book and some VIVA cups(You were supposed to bring them back, but we didn't). Kilians started playing and they were quite good, but the Howling Bells were terrible...

After they finished, the crew removed the curtain and prepared everything for Coldplay. Then Coldplay started playing. The sound was really good for an outdoor arena. But when Chris sang Violet Hill and Clocks, you could hear that he was a bit sick. Clocks sounded terrible, in fact. Chris' falsetto was great, but he had problems hitting the "normal" notes, and sang everything a bit to high! They also had technical problems during the first songs, but the crowd was great, and so we had a good time anyway. Even most people in the seats were standing, singing and clapping all the time.

The show got better and better. During The hardest Part and the C-Stage songs Chris sounded great, and Viva la Vida and the Encore songs were amazing, they put so much energy into their songs. Chris was talking in German to us very often, and changed a lot of the lyrics. They even played a short 30 second song about the gig and düsseldorf after Til Kingdom come! Overall, it was a great concert and it was over way too fast. We left as soon as the Escapist was playing, because we wanted to get a copy of LeftRightLeftRightLeft, they were handed out at the exit. On the way out, I was able to pick up a piece of butterfly confetti that was lieing on the ground! [thanks dasdull]

Okay, here is a short review how I got Chris' shirt. Months ago I joked with TickingClock about a banner for my concerts.We had stupid ideas like "Chocolate or bondage?" and such things ... Finally, I ordered a banner on the Internet with "Chris, please let's make a deal - you give me your shirt and I give you some chocolate?!" I didn't really believe that he would give me his shirt, but I found the text well and "If you never try you'll never know" Yesterday I managed to exist in the first row and stood next to Chris Piano. And as he sat down and began to play"Clocks", I held up my banner. He saw it, stopped short, read it again, looked at me and nodded briefly. I thought "Okay, he has seen it and now?" At the end of the concert, when all four guys came forward, I held it up again. Chris looked at me again and nodded again. The guys then came back to play the encore and I saw Chris was wearing no shirt under his jacket (the jacket was buttoned). Chris sat down at the piano and told about LRLRL and suddenly I saw Phil running at me. He held something in his hand, remained in front of me and said, "That's from Chris for you" and gave me the shirt. I must have looked stunned at the moment. I said to Phil "OMG, thank you and that's for Chris," and quickly gave him the chocolate. I held the shirt pressed close to me. The band began to play, and Chris looked at me again to see if I got the shirt. I beamed at him and screamed as loud as I could, "Thank You!" He grinned at me and sorry, at least since the moment I was definitely dead... [thanks aniskywalker]

At present there are very few rock bands with so numerous and different fans as Coldplay. Whether he or she is a schoolchild or an old rocker, whether she is a housewife or a student - who left the "Esprit Arena" after the Coldplay concert this Thursday evening had the same enthusiastic / euphoric look upon his or her face. Enchanted by Coldplay. Many fans had also travelled far in order to see and hear the band around lead singer Chris Martin "live" for the first, second or more times. Chantalle and Mariette travelled to the concert from Luxemburg, Björn and Nadine from Meschede, Natalie and Daniel from Bad Homburg. Like almost everybody else they found the long travel worth while. "The versatility of the band is beyond description", Joachim Richter from Brilon in Sauerland says very enthusiastically and continues: "The variety of the songs, the many instruments that they play, Chris Martin's charisma - simply high-class." For a long time it has not been necessary for Coldplay to be afraid of / avoid being compared to the leading forces within the music industry. Jens from Essen sees it in the same way: "Coldplay is much, much better than U2. Both the songs and the show are sensational and cannot be exceeded as regards imaginativeness." Each fan picked out his or her personal bon-bon of the evening. It could be the British band's interconnection with the fans ("fan intimacy") - in spite of the Arena being so huge - it could be the bombastic stage show, or it could be the songs' high degree of emotion (emotionalism). Or it could also simply be the good organisation inside and outside of the Arena: The trams / streetcars were running smoothly - much to the delight of the fans who got home much easier than feared. Maybe because many of the concert-goers had left the Arena before the last couple of songs - they were almost running away to make sure that they could catch a tram / streetcar. It turned out to be unnecessary as traffic was running relatively smoothly. [translated by Nancy Boysen.]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany (27th August 2009):

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Noel Gallagher has said intolerable 'violent and verbal intimidation' and a 'lack of support' from management and bandmates forced him to quit Oasis. In a statement, on his blog at Oasisinet.com, he said: "The details are not important and of too great a number to list. I feel you have the right to know that the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable. And the lack of support and understanding from my management and bandmates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new."

He went on to say the rock group's success had been a dream come true, adding: "I take with me glorious memories. Apologies are probably not enough, I know, but I'm afraid it's all I've got," he wrote. He also said sorry to fans who hoped to see them at the V Festival in Essex last weekend. "Again, I can only apologise - although I don't know why, it was nothing to do with me. I was match fit and ready to be brilliant. Alas, other people in the group weren't up to it," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a family and a football team to indulge," he concluded.

How fitting an end to an outspoken band - verbal intimidation. So with that in mind, lets recap a few verbal volleys that the Gallagher brothers kicked in Coldplay's direction over the years, which have included references to their clothes, drugs, music, environment, and plantpots...

"I look at Chris Martin who says he has never taken drugs in his life and I think he is an idiot. "Doing drugs is the most beautiful thing about being in a rock band. "Up until 1998 I must have spent £1m on drugs then I stopped because it is bad for your health, brain, life and for people around you. But while you use them - except for heroin which kills people and which I have never tried - as you lot (Italians) would say 'Mamma Mia'. We get on the stage and play. I have been to loads of concerts where bands don't play they just talk about politics. At a U2 or Coldplay concert there is always a message about poor people or people dying from hunger. OK, but can't we just have a nice evening? Do we always have to feel guilty?" [Noel Gallagher / Corriere Della Sera interview]

"These days, all the geezers in bands wanna look like women. Like, why's everyone in bands wearing braces? If you're gonna wear braces, try buying a pair of jeans that fit. The worst dressed band have got to be Coldplay. What are those uniforms about? My kids have got play outfits that are better than Coldplay's. I mean, if you're gonna win a Grammy Award, don't turn up looking like binmen! Disgraceful. Make a bit of effort, I say." [Liam Gallagher / MEN CityLife interview]

Chris Martin's attempts to discuss environmental issues with Noel Gallagher fell on deaf ears when the Oasis frontman said that he "genuinely couldn't give a fuck". Gallagher told the Coldplay singer that his immediate environment was all that occupied his mind and everything else was "not [his] problem". The singer, who recently fuelled speculation that he is to release a solo LP, said in a Talksport interview: "I actually couldn't give a fuck about what's going on outside my family: me, my missus, my two kids and my mam, and her parents...that's it, for me. Other than that, it's not my problem, but that's not to say you shouldn't care about it! You should all care about it, but I just like to look after my own." [Noel Gallagher / Talksport interview]

Despite the global fame of Chris Martin’s group, Liam Gallagher insists Oasis is still the best band on the planet! “I think their fans are boring and ugly and they don’t look like they’re having a good time,” he told Times Online. Liam, in a recent interview on Loaded Magazine said they aren’t as big as they could be in America because of their attitudes. “I don’t give a shit about Coldplay. We are the coolest band and we are the best fucking band. We are the most important band. We may not be the biggest band in America but who would want that?” [Liam Gallagher / Times Online / Loaded]

"Radiohead and Coldplay think too much. They get to a certain level and start worrying about the environment. That's for the governments of the world to worry about. We need to concentrate on fucking women, taking drugs, wearing sunglasses and being cool. Never mind the polar bears." [Noel Gallagher / Blender]

Taken from an MTV Nelly Furtado interview, she explains how Liam Gallagher snubbed her new single because the 'plantpot' that is Chris Martin, penned the song. "I’ve met Noel Gallagher before, but (after the awards) I ran over to Liam and said, ‘Hi, hi, I’m Nelly, I’m a big fan, and you were great tonight’, and he went, ‘Oh right - I like your song’, and I’m like, ‘Which one? ‘All Good Things Come To An End’? And he’s like, ‘Yeh, that one’, and I’m like, ‘Chris Martin helped me write it’, and then he goes, ‘Oh, then I hate it, it’s rubbish.’” [Liam Gallagher / MTV]

On picking up Coldplay's award for Best Act In The World Today, Chris Martin said, "Liam is charming, He said some rude things, but you know, we don't have an argument with anyone. We'd like to show our undying love and respect for Oasis."Showing his contempt, Gallagher heckled, "Knobhead! Come on, have a pop. You're a plant pot."He later added, "That lot are all wankers, fuck 'em." [Liam Gallagher / Q Magazine]

"When Coldplay did this gig they banged on about the war, that's wrong. Chris Martin shouldn't be using this cause to bang on about his own views on the war. If him and his gawky bird want to go banging on about the war they can do it at their own gigs.” He further added: “That lot are just a bunch of knobhead students - Chris Martin looks like a geography teacher. What's all that with writing messages about Free Trade on his hand when he's playing. If he wants to write things down I'll give him a pen and a pad of paper. Bunch of students. These gigs are about kids who have got cancer, they've got to fight a war every day of their lives. That's what we're all here doing this for”. [Liam Gallagher / The Sun / Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show]

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New pictures of Coldplay at Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany (27th August 2009):

Barcelona football coach continues to rile up his troops with 'moderately-paced middle of the road rock', Coldplay

As they cruised to a historic treble last season, Barcelona revealed the secret to their success: a love of Coldplay. Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of the band, and regularly plays their hits to inspire his players in the dressing room beforebig matches. It clearly worked, and Xavi revealed his particular fondness for unofficial Barca anthem ‘Viva La Vida’, a song that is frequently played through the PA at the Camp Nou: “Viva La Vida is a sophisticated piece of grandiose orchestration that motivates and gives us luck.”

Despite his considerable ears, teammate Dani Alves wasn’t quite so enthused: “That song does not motivate me because I do not understand what he says.”

Regardless of Mr Alves’ opinions, Spanish paper Sport report that fanboy Guardiola will achieve one of his dreams next Friday, as the Viva La Vida world tour brings Chris Martin and co to Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium. The international break will allow Pep to meet his heroes, with whom he is apparently “eager to exchange views”. He will be accompanied by his assistant Tito Vilanova and any other players who have not been called away for international duty.

Guardolia also had the pleasure of meeting U2 when they brought their behemoth 360° Tour to the Camp Nou a few weeks ago, which begs the question: why does he want to meet Bono JR when he has already met Bono?

New pictures of Coldplay at Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany (27th August 2009):

Chris Martin hates it when his showbiz peers complain about being their fame. Chris — who is married to Martha Stewart-wannabe Gwyneth Paltrow — insists he is grateful for his stardom, writes Showbiz Spy. “I hate people who complain about being famous,” said Martin. “I’ve got my dream life at the moment. I’m not going to complain, it’s ridiculous.”

The frontman also said he believes one should never take stardom for granted. “You can never say you’re big — I don’t think you can ever take anything like that for granted,” he said. “That’s when you get shit automatically.”

Meanwhile, speaking of fame, Noel Gallagher has announced he is quitting Oasis because he can no longer work with his brother Liam. Noel, the group's lead guitarist, made the statement on the band's website. He said a series of rows with his brother led to the decision.

The guitarist said: "It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. "People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer. Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan," he added.

Earlier it was announced the band had cancelled their second gig in the space of a week because of "an altercation within the band". They had been expected to play the Rock en Seine festival in Paris, but fans at the concert were told by the support band that Oasis would not be performing. Many of the crowd thought it was a joke - until screens at either side of the stage showed the message "as a result of an altercation within the band, the Oasis gig has been cancelled".

Hamish McBain, from music magazine New Musical Express, said despite a long history of falling out between the two brothers, this split has an air of finality. He told the BBC: "The relationship between Noel and Liam has been frosty over the last tour, to say the least, but it's been frosty before. Noel has left tours before, Liam's not showed up for gigs before, and they've carried on. But this, certainly the way Noel's presented it on the Oasis website, it does feel like it has a degree of finality to it."

New pictures of Coldplay at Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany (27th August 2009):

A comprehensive review of Coldplay's concert at the Olympiastadion, Stockholm, Sweden (22nd August 2009) has emerged online, courtesy of Rock Revival. Here is the review and some of the photos, more of which you can see at their blog (links provided):

Before Coldplay walked on stage they played U2’s Magnificent over the PA, followed by Jay Z’s I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) during which one of their roadies came out on the catwalk break dancing! What a great way to get the crowd fired up! This was followed by the mandatory Blue Danube during which a crew member up front directed the audience to wave their arms and clap at the right points.

Then it was time for Coldplay! There was an animation of the earth on the screens that zoomed in on Stockholm. The band took the stage behind a transparent black curtain, all holding up sparklers. First song was Life in Technicolor, the perfect opener in my opinion. This was followed by Violet Hill, Clocks, and In My Place - what a great way to start the show! During In My Place, both Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland came out on the catwalk right by us! That was so cool! We got some great pictures of that. When they left the catwalk Chris said “Tusen tack allesammans” (”Thanks everyone”).

The first four songs were the same as Coldplay’s last concert in Sweden on September 18th 2008. For Yellow, the crew brought out all these giant yellow ballons filled with confetti to the audience. It was fun to see them bounce around during the song. Chris actually popped a couple of them with his guitar when they flew up on stage.

It was nice to hear Glass of Water live, it had a really cool space-type animation on the screen behind the band. Towards the end of Fix You, Chris came out on the catwalk again doing his bit where he stumbles around before falling backwards on to the stage. Great fun to witness up close!

Just like last year they did a couple of songs out on the other catwalk. I think it’s really great how the band strives to give everyone in the crowd an up close experience. I do however find it a bit disappointing that they keep doing the “techno” version of God Put a Smile Upon Your Face. What’s wrong with the original one?

After this little segue it was back to the main stage and what I consider the highlight of the show: Viva La Vida. I absolutely love this song, Coldplay’s absolute best piece of music so far. It’s so cool with drummer Will Champion playing symphony drums and a bell! When the whole audience join in on the oh-oh-oh part it’s just amazing!

After the fantastic Lost!, the entire band walked down the catwalk and right in front of us on their trek to the b-stage in the back of the stadium. It was great to get to see all four of them so close. The b-stage part was great. They did Green Eyes, and Will sang Death Will Never Conquer, which I really enjoy. Then Chris asked everyone in the audience to turn on the lights on their cellphones and instructed us all to do the wave with our cellphones. This looked very cool - I think the days of waving cigarette lighters at concerts are officially over. For the last song on the b-stage they did Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. This is the third MJ tribute I’ve seen this summer; both U2 and Madonna tipped their hat at the King of Pop as well. I thought that Coldplay’s acoustic full-song tribute was amazing! It really shows what a great singer Chris Martin is. There are some quite high notes to hit in that song, and he did it flawlessly.

Back on the main stage it was time for Politik. I hope they will always keep this song in their set. It’s so explosive, and Chris Martin really gets into it, rocking back and forth on his piano seat. Next up was Lovers in Japan, complete with butterfly confetti. Towards the end of the song Chris walked out on our catwalk with a japanese-style umbrella, which he ended up leaving on the catwalk. Out of all the epic songs from Viva La Vida, Lovers in Japan is the perfect closer for the main set. Talk about ending on a high note.

For the encore they started with The Scientist. It was great to hear a full band version of this, since last year when I saw them it was done as an acoustic number on the b-stage. Coldplay came full circle by ending the night with Life in Technicolor II. As fireworks went off above the stage Coldplay walked off, and The Escapist came over the PA.

Read the full excellent review and see all the pictures at Rock Revival now.

Coldplay at Olympic Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden (22nd August 2009):

Pictures by Rock Revival

Natalie Imbruglia has joked that collaborating with Chris Martin was hard work. The Australian singer has recorded material written by the Coldplay frontman, 32, for her new album.

'When I worked with Chris Martin he was very honest and brutal with me,' Natalie, 34, tells NME. 'He helped me with my tracklisting and we got rid of riff-raff. Sometimes we agreed, sometimes we disagreed... the hard bit is him saying which songs he doesn't like, but it's refreshing to have someone of that calibre with you. So yes - I had a semi-nervous breakdown.'

Meanwhile, Natalie Imbruglia suffered a technical hitch during her V Festival slot at Staffordshire yesterday afternoon (August 22). The singer, who arrived onstage dressed in a black sparkly dress to a packed Arena tent, was greeted with huge chants of "We can't hear you," as she attempted to sing new track 'WYUT' blissfully unaware there was no sound coming from her mic.

Imbruglia then walked offstage once she was informed of the technical hitch, staying backstage for five minutes while the crowd bellowed: "You're not singing anymore." When she eventually came back onstage she apologised to the throng that had gathered and said: "I think we had a false start. Don't have an issue with me and I won't have an issue with you."

More discussion on the Chris Martin / Natalie Imbruglia collaboration is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks lostsides]

New pictures of Coldplay at Koengen, Bergen, Norway (19th August 2009):

Pictures by mountainstruggle @ Flickr

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As promised and further to part 1 and part 2, here is the third installment of more excellent reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009) have been posted at the Coldplay Live forum, that were written after the main review article was published:

I went to the concert yesterday, it was my first concert. my friend and i had seats in 525, which weren't all that bad because it was near the middle. the daisy kitty louis band was a bore, not a great act to start off a coldplay concert. elbow, another one of my favourite bands, were brilliant as well. guy had so much energy, although i was the only one going nuts and singing in my section. after elbow, another couple came and kindly told us we were in their seats (we were one section too far!) , which actually benefited us because our actual seats were in the middle! and then coldplay came on, and they were fantastic. the singalongs were amazing, and fix you and viva la vida were definitely the highlights...

Everyone got up and was singing/dancing/clapping along, even the old folks in front of us! and as we were leaving, at union, people were still chanting "OoooooOOOooo" and there were butterflies strewn everywhere .. the energy was still alive! all in all, im so happy i went, just to be together with thousands and thousands of coldplay fans in one dome .. i'm never going to forget this day! [thanks mitali_29]

Hey everyone! I am also one of the purple girls (red hair) I was the one who was a cry baby. Thanks everyone for sticking up for us when they were trying to push us back! Sorry to anyone iI have have view- blocked with our signs... I just really really wanted them to see them. Guy smiled at us when he saw our sign, he was looking right at me! AHH Later Chris waved at us and smiled while looking at me too! Every single thing that i wanted to happen, did. Oh and also Chris pointed to his hand, motioning to me about our equal signs! I almost died. I have to say, I was standing RIGHT in front of Guy, and before this concert he was probably my least favorite member of the band. But at the concert he was smiling at us and dancing for us, so he's moved WAY up in my list. He looked like he was having so much fun. I used to think he didn't really care about the fans like the others did but he was really paying attention to us and making sure everyone had a good time. He is now tied with Chris. [thanks Emily1931]

I went to the Coldplay Toronto Concert! I'm, Karen and I'm from Buffalo and I went to the concert with my two friends Emily and Katie. We got to Rogers Centre around 1-ish and sat in line. After a few hours the security guards decided they were going to split the line up and open another gate. We stayed in the original line but that wasn't really fair because then the people who came later could go in the same time as the people who waited hours and hours. But later the security guards closed the gate they had the second line in front of and they decided to make it all one line again. They claimed to remember who was in front before and they were going to cut off the line right in front of us so we'd get in later. And we were there since one but everyone in line stuck up for us, The Purple Girls, and all the Coldplayers were sticking together so we got to keep our spot. We made friends with the people in front of us in line and our "mummy", helped us to get to the front of the pit and the three of us ended up in front and center on the railing more towards where Guy stood. Myself, Emily and Katie (the Purple Girls) brought 3 signs we made to the concert with us. On said "Viva la Jonny" on one side and the other side said "You Go Guy", the second sign said "Chris Puts my Life in Technicolor" and the back of that says "Have a Spektakular Birthday Mr. Champion", and our last sign said " Bring Back the Nappies". Early on in the concert we decided to put up our poster for Guy because he was right in front of us and he saw it and smiled! After which all of us screamed "Guy I love you" and he also smiled and laughed at that! Then during Yellow the balloons all kept going on the stage instead of back in the crowd and Chris was mouthing to Guy to kick the balloons off of the stage and pop them. After lovers in Japan they were walking off and Chris came over and he read our sign for him. He looked at us in the eyes, laughed, smiled and waved. then ran off stage. Jonny also read our sign. But for Will when he was near the side of the stage no matter how loudly we screamed he didn't hear us so he didn't see the birthday sign we made for him. And we got to be really close to the "fifth member of Coldplay" Phil and Miller "Roadie 42". It was the best concert experience ever! And we'd like to thank our "mummy" if she sees this for helping us at the concert! [thanks Karen6321]

Oy, I'm still exhausted a day later, but I'll try to write out my highlights now. I'm from Connecticut, so we had to drive about 12 hours to get to Toronto (we were going to be there anyway to pick up my brother from camp). I missed Kitty, Daisy & Lewis because I had to be at my brother's hockey game, but arrived right as Elbow came on. Our seats were...not brilliant. I'm afraid I'm now spoiled after being so close the past few times. I was in section 134a, which is right on the left side of the stage, but the issue was that the stage didn't span the entire width of the playing field like it does in smaller arenas, and I didn't bargain for that. However, I perked right up when I was informed by the security guards that the boys would be passing RIGHT in front of our section, and I was in the second row! I didn't take many pictures, but I got a few fairly good ones from the HD screen right in front of me, as well as a crap-lit video of the boys walking right past me, which I'll post later. The show was awesome, and I was so grateful to go when I totally didn't expect to be able to, so I would have taken even crappier seats just for the experience. However, I just don't feel nearly as connected when I'm not in the front anymore...the people in my section only knew the singles. I also loved singing happy birthday to Will. Anyone else get one of the awesome Toronto posters? I had to get one. [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

WOW, what an amazing experience! I didn't get in the line up til around 4:00. But I was there when security tried to put the second line back into ours. I was about 5 people back from "the purple girls" and was part of the pack hollering to make sure they cut the line in the right spot. I was luck enough to get a pretty good spot in front with only two people between me and the stage!!! I think I was in shock the whole time...I kept thinking "I can't believe Coldplay is right there in front of me!" LOL The music was superb and the pit atmosphere was great! I also liked how the pit sang happy birthday to Will and he acknowledged us before Chris had the whole arena sing. The only bad part of my experience was that I got stupid and totally forgot about the LeftRightLeftRightLeft cd! DOH. It was taking forever to get out and my back and feet were sore from standing for soooo long that I ditched the line and went out a back door. It wasn't until I got back to my hotel that I remembered! Of course I downloaded the album from their website ages ago. But I was still looking forward to having the actual hard copy. But other than that the whole experience was beyond words! I am now off to set up a you tube and photo bucket account so I can share! Thanks everyone for all the pics and videos. It's great to see other points of view and angles of the show. [thanks mamgirl]

Last night was amazing. Took the night from Montreal to Toronto. The guy sitting next to me wouldn’t stop talking to me. It was like 3 in the morning on a crowded bus…shut up. I arrived in Toronto at 6:30, checked I, had a shower and went for lunch with a friend. I was arrived at the venue around 12:30.There were a few people there already so I waited in the line with them. I was on my own because my friends are going to the Montreal concert (which I originally couldn’t attend but now can). We waited for hours under the sun. I got I nice tan but still it was HOT. Then there were problems with the gates because security decided to divide the line and let people in who hadn’t been waiting for long at the same at those who had been waiting for hours. After 2 hours of demands etc we were ultimately allowed in first. Guess we might have made a few people angry but we had been waiting for 5 hours I walked (really fast) to the pit and got first row, Guy’s side. Exactly what I wanted. The security guys were funny and talkative (except for one guy who looked a little lost). Kitty, Daisy and Lewis were good. The boy is SUPER young, he looks 16 but he can play so many instruments. Elbow were BRILLIANT! Seriously great. I wish they had played longer. I’m seeing them tonight again, this time longer because it’s a festival. They started setting up for Coldplay so I saw Vicky, Franksy, Miller and the rest of the crew. The Dancing Roadie was hilarious. Crazy moves on the ramp. The Security guys were laughing. They weren’t expecting it and I think they first thought that it was someone from the audience who had jumped on stage. The bad thing was that the camera man stood in front of me so I had perfect view on Guy and Will (Will most of the time) but couldn’t see much of Jonny. Thankfully Chris moves a lot so he was no problem but the cameraman was too tall...

When Coldplay came on, the stadium (50,000 people I think) went ballistic. Chris was impressed by the number of people. The crowd was fantastic! Really good sing-alongs. In my section, people knew all the words so that was great. We also tried to sing happy birthday to Will several times. Guy was on high form. He smiled and laughed A LOT (on a Guy scale)!! During “Yellow” a lot of balloons came in stage and he couldn’t stop laughing. He looked happy throughout and seemed impressed by the venue cause he was looking at the roof. The roof is REALLY high so it did look great with the lasers and butterflies. Glass of Water is brilliant life. Everybody knew the words in the pit. Will goes CRAZY on the drums. 42 and Fix You were amazing. Very good sing-along during Fix You. Before the Hardest Part Chris went on about his hair and hairdressers being on strike in Toronto. He dedicated the song to someone named Seth. Some of us were trying to turn around to look at Will. I love his singing on that song. Guy was sitting next to him. Viva La Vida was brilliant, of course. The “oooooh” chant went on for a while and sounded amazing. Will beat the hell out of the bell and drum.DOn't know how that thing resists his wrath. "Lost!" was very energetic although when Chris threw the big drumstick in the air, it almost hit Guy. Guy had some problems with his bass at one point but got it fixed quickly. Two songs later, can’t remember during which song, Chris came over to him and asked if he was okay. I guess he was referring to the bass...

The C stage was GREAT! The venue at the back and sides went mad when they realized what was happening. I loved Green Eyes and of course DWNC. Chris introduced Will as the scary yet lovely drummer. I love Jonny’s guitar on “Billie Jean.” Sounds fantastic. He played really well that night, even though the camera man was kind of hiding him from me. Oh well… "Lovers in Japan" looked amazing with all the butterflies because the roof was so high do rained butterflies forever and Chris sand the last line several times Before "The Scientist" Chris thanked the audience for being so great. He said something like “You’ll never know how much you’ve done for the band today” or something like that. I don’t know why. Maybe they had a tough day. There was lots of backslapping during the bowing part. Chris slapped Guy in the back, I thought he was gonna knock him over. Guy is the skinny, you never know (actually when you see him he is not too skinny but he did have to straighten his jeans a few times) We sang Happy Birthday to Will and Phil brought out a cake. Guy and Chris were singing on the top of their lungs. Again, I couldn’t really see Jonny. He was already having a beer anyway. Guy cracked up at Chris “It’s Will’s birthday...in England at least” joke (I tell, Guy was in a really good mood I think he was already partying for Will’s birthday). It was great to see Phil. Will looked hilarious with his cake and balloons. Chris described Will as the rock and diamond of the band and gave him a hug, Will went in for another one and told him something (these two, you never know between them)Then he gave Jonny and Guy a hug. Cute moment. I’d never heard Lit ii live and I love it. It’s great song to show the show on. Anyways, it was a mind-blowingly good show. I think even better than the one last year. Can’t wait see them again tonight in Montreal. [thanks marie/pims]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009):

Pictures by mamgirl @ Coldplaying

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Once again, Coldplaying.com has been lucky enough to obtain an exclusive interview with the Oxfam Tour Co-Ordinator on the 2009 Viva La Vida Tour. We previously interviewed the 2008 Oxfam representative, Pete Lusby during the second North American Viva La Vida tour leg. Whilst the band have been busy at the 2009 European festivals, Soha took some time out of her break to answer some questions for us...

Coldplaying.com would like to start by congratulating Oxfam America on reaching 100,000 sign-ups whilst on tour with Coldplay. It's a fantastic achievement to have reached that many people, especially in the limited time you have to talk with them. What does it feel like to have been involved in that achievement?

Thank you! Simply put, it was awesomely gratifying and validating. Congratulations are certainly due to the several Oxfam affiliates that that trained and deployed teams, especially Oxfam Canada who was the Oxfam affiliate to drive the total number of people who have taken action to 100 thousand.

I am thrilled to have been involved in such an accomplishment, and to have presented it to Coldplay and their management. Exceeding the 100K point not only validated the countless hours of reevaluation and strategic planning that took place in the months leading to North American tour, however. It demonstrated our ability to utilize the enormous potential of this tour to build an international community of activists comprised of Oxfam volunteers and Coldplay fans. The 100 thousand figure does not do justice to that fact, or to the community of Oxfam activists that is united by music and our shared concerns about poverty.

You've been an activist for Oxfam America for a while, how did you become involved with them?

At a Coldplay show! Being a local activist and long-time supporter of Oxfam, I approached the table at the Forum and learned about how I could get involved with the Los Angeles Oxfam Action Corps. The Action Corps participate in a range of things from community events to political lobbying, and I quickly began volunteering as a concert team leader. At that same show I’d also learned about an “Outreach and Organizing” internship opportunity from the man who is my supervisor today, Brian. After being interviewed by phone and being offered the position, I moved to Boston. I would not have moved away from home had the internship been with any one else, but Oxfam is my dream organization. It was when I started working there that I learned that I’d be coordinating the volunteer effort of the Coldplay tour.

So if you volunteered with Oxfam at a Coldplay show last fall, you’ve received many an email from me! Brian never told me the internship had anything to do with Coldplay because he wanted to ensure that my commitment was to ending hunger and poverty first and foremost.

What do you like most about working for Oxfam?

Oxfam does amazing work in the US and in developing countries that literally saves lives. I am so humbled and proud to be one piece in the Oxfam mosaic and to represent Oxfam on the Coldplay tour. Having said that though, I love my team. Brian, our Senior Organizer, Bob, our Music and Media Outreach Coordinator, Flora our new Outreach and Organizing Intern, and myself comprise what we’ve come to lovingly refer to as “Team Rock.” Since the beginning of my time with Oxfam, Brian and Bob have been amazing teachers, mentors, and advocates. Their confidence in me continues to exceed the confidence I have in myself. And Flora, well, she’s my girl. She always has my back.

Coldplay & Oxfam have a long standing relationship of around 7 years. How valuable is this to Oxfam America?

I can’t underestimate how important it is to us as a tool to raise awareness about Oxfam. While Oxfam is a household name in Great Britain, in the United States we are not as well known. The Coldplay tour has given us access to millions of people! I can’t even begin to tell you how many fans, concert volunteers, Action Corps members, CHANGE Leaders, Clubs organizers and interns first learned about Oxfam through Coldplay.

However, the Coldplay tour is also valuable to Oxfam America as a means to build a community of activists. Recently we called upon our volunteers to call their representatives to urge them to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security act. The bill is important because it puts the US on a pathway to reducing carbon emissions and provides funding to help poor communities in the US and abroad survive severe climate induced crises. It passed by one vote.

We later found out that the ratio of lobbying calls from the oil industry versus calls in support of the bill were 3:1! It wasn’t until that mobilization that we began to realize the full potential of concert outreach to cultivate activists.

Which areas is Oxfam America focusing on during the 2009 leg of the Viva La Vida Tour?

Oxfam America is encouraging fans to sign a petition that urges the President to call for a fair global climate change treaty this December when the UN convenes its Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Climate change not only perpetuates global poverty, it contributes to it through an increase in severe floods, droughts, debilitating storms, crop loss, and disease.

Oxfam America approached the US portion of the tour differently than any of the other Coldplay tours that we had done in the past. During the Rush of Blood to the Head and Twisted Logic tours, Oxfam used a pre-existing international petition related to our Make Trade Fair campaign. This petition was signed by hundreds of thousands of people!

This time around, each country is focusing on the campaign of their choice. This gave Oxfam America the freedom to emphasize quality conversations with fans at shows rather than quantity of sign-ups. Not only do fans sign our petition, they talk to us about how they can act locally to end hunger, poverty, and injustice. In terms of the volunteer experience, we are refining how to convert a short-term volunteer gig into a meaningful, empowering beginning of a relationship with Oxfam. We aren’t manufacturing a one-time interaction, but cultivating a real experience for fans, and inviting as many volunteers as possible to have this experience with us.

I believe you were a huge Coldplay fan before joining them on tour? What's it like having your two passions combine in this way, and how did the opportunity arise?

Ah, yes. You’re alluding to the “Soha story” of how I went from Coldplay fan to Coldplay roadie that my colleagues at Oxfam love to share. Whenever I ask my crewmates this same question, the general answer is that they became roadies through a combination of luck, ability, and ambition. This sounds like an accurate description. As an intern, I had a unique view of concert outreach at a Coldplay show because I understood the experience from the perspective of a fan, concert team leader, volunteer coordinator, and team rock member.

After my brief stint on the tour filling in for Pete last fall, it was decided that should an Oxfam America employee be asked to represent Oxfam on the tour, that it would be me. I thought it was cool that I was considered, but didn’t actually think I’d end up on the tour one day… funny isn’t it?

How are you finding life on the road?

Spectacular. I love travelling. Coldplay’s crew is so friendly and fun to hang out with. Perhaps you should ask me again when this leg is over, I may be more road weary by then. The key for me on the road has been to pack light, get at least 7 hours of sleep, and never lose sight of how awesomely cool this once in a lifetime opportunity is. I also travel with a guitar, so I’ve been learning how to play to keep me busy.

What's been your favourite moment on tour so far?

The hardest question thus far! I think the moment that stands out was on my first day on the tour in West Palm Beach. It was the day before the show and Bob and I had spent the day organizing the Oxfam materials and such. That evening when we wrapped up, we headed to the lawn to watch sound check. As I lay on the grass and looked at the stars, it hit me where I was, what I was doing, and how amazing my life was. I had the whole summer ahead of me. I was so happy; I started trying to do cartwheels on the lawn as “Yellow” played. I have moments of realization like this often, but the cart wheeling fiasco hasn’t been repeated. Here’s a picture of me falling on my behind after attempting a cartwheel. It’s my favorite picture I have from this tour.

You've mentioned in your blog that you've missed some family events whilst on tour, does this make it harder? Or do you not have much time to miss home?

I think it’s harder on my family then it is on me to be honest. I was sad about missing my brother’s graduation, but missing it was a choice I made and accepted when I joined the tour. I got some pretty heavy news while out on tour and didn’t have a moment to deal with it. I was in a funk for days; that was hard. It’s funny too because Brian came out for a show during that period and it was the first time he had seen me train a team of volunteers. And you know what? I totally BOMBED it. It was horrible. That night Brian and I talked into the wee hours of the morning about a lot of things. That’s when I wrote the entry “Drop the Bricks and Carry the Balloons” in the blog.

If anyone would like to help out Oxfam America on the Coldplay tour, are there any volunteer slots still available? If not, how else can people become involved with Oxfam America?

Yes! Check out our newly re-launched site: oxfamamerica.org/coldplay where you can offer to volunteer. You can also email me directly at syassine@oxfamamerica.org and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about a show near you. I also highly recommend that Coldplayers in the US join Oxfam America’s Climate Change Action Team. You’ll be given simple ways to educate your friends, Congress, and the media about the effects of climate change on poor people in the US and in developing countries.

Much love to Coldplaying.com for your unwavering support!

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(CBS) This story was first published on Feb. 8, 2009. It was updated on Aug. 13, 2009.

The small, exclusive club of rock musicians that can legitimately claim to be among the very best in the world got four new members this past year - the British rock quartet Coldplay, led by singer Chris Martin, writes CBS News in a recap of February's 60 Minutes interview with Coldplay. If you haven't yet seen Coldplay's '60 Minutes' slot that aired just before February's Grammy Awards, you can see it again via YouTube in two parts at the Coldplay forum here [thanks Christa1 & NiteOwl51762]

In the midst of a recession, in a music industry fighting for survival, the group's fourth straight multi-platinum album "Viva La Vida" has sold an astounding eight and a half million copies and the bands current world tour is virtually sold out, as 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft first reported in February after following the band from Orlando and Chicago to London and Belfast.

London just before Christmas - the soaring melodies, the thumping beat of the music, and the quirky charisma of lead singer Chris Martin had the crowd on its feet. "We rely more on enthusiasm than actual skill," he told Kroft. "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically and people will like it more. I can't dance like Usher. I can't sing like Beyonce. I can't write songs like Elton John," he said. "But, we can do the best we can with what we've got. …. And so that's what we do. We just go for it."

They're all barely 30, but they have already been together for 12 years; Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion. By the time this tour ends they will have played before three million people, but you wouldn't know it from talking to them. When Kroft first met Martin and Buckland at a pub in northwest London, which served as their first office, we found them modest and self-effacing. "Look, you guys are one of the biggest groups in the world right now. How did that happen?" Kroft asked. "There's a lot of people asking the same question," Martin said. "All we do is, we try really, really hard," Buckland said, laughing. "And the other reason why we do well is because U2 is still on holiday. So…they're back in March. So, you know, as soon as they come back, we drop down the ladder a bit," Martin joked. "So, we're in our last week of substitute teaching."

The band's life still revolves around the neighborhood where they first met. Four middle class college boys, all sons of teachers, who shared a love of music and a $100 a week flat on Camden Road. They signed a record deal upon graduation, and most of the songs written there ended up on their debut album, which shot to number one on the British charts. "Your very first album…you had a world wide hit, in 'Yellow,'" Kroft noted. "What's it about? F… knows," Martin replied. "I've got no idea. I still think about that every day. I love playing it. I love the tune. I love the chords. I love the balloons that we use live. But I still can't quite work out what it's about," he said, laughing. "Even if I don't really feel like playing it, those guys have paid their ticket money. They wanted to see us play 'Yellow,' so we'll play it," he said.

"You wanta give 'em what they came for," Kroft said. "And something extra, because when we look from the stage, you can't really see people so much, but you can see the light of the doorway of all the exits so the way to tell at the beginning of a tour, which songs are working, and which ones aren't, is if you see people it - people's silhouettes in the exits, then it means you're probably not playin' the right song, 'cause a lot of people are goin' to get a hot dog, or whatever. So I know we're doing okay, when all the exits are clear. That's my way of judge it. The silhouette factor," Martin said.

There was certainly no one leaving after the first few notes of "Clocks," their Grammy winning record of the year for 2003 and one of the hits off their second album. All exceptional musicians, their distinctive, alternative rock sound has found a huge mainstream audience that spans several generations of fans. Not even Chris Martin quite knows how to classify the music, the band or himself as we found out. "And you decided to be a rock star, when?" Kroft asked. "Well, I don't like the word 'rock star,' the two words, 'rock star.' Not even 'soft rock star,'" Martin replied, laughing. "Not even limestone star. I don't like those words."

Asked why, Martin told Kroft, "Because I don't wear the right pants for that. You gotta wear the right trousers if you're gonna be a rock star."

You won't catch the band in tight leather pants or snorting drugs of the back of a stripper. The British press often rags on them for being too earnest and boring. They are extremely conscientious, dedicated to their music and leave a small carbon footprint. They all share equally in the profits and Will Champion and Guy Berryman are thrilled that Chris Martin gets all the attention. "I couldn't imagine coming out of my house and there being photographers out there. I wouldn't be able to just walk away from that," Berryman explained. "It’s a blessing to be in this band and to not be the singer," Champion added.

"They seem perfectly happy to let you have…the spotlight," Kroft noted. "I know, and that annoys me. My dream is that Will suddenly says, 'I'm gonna be a flamboyant, homosexual, drummer, wear outrageous clothes, and say outrageous things,'" Martin said. "I would love nothing more, partly just to see how it looked, but also, because, you know, sometimes, you want a bit of help."

Someone wrote that Chris Martin "is like watching an unsteady trapeze act" - one moment brimming with self confidence, anxious and angst ridden the next. We saw some of it at the band's Camden recording studio, where he was both structured and random, a bundle of kinetic energy always on the move. "One of the things that surprises me, you're out on tour. You're not even finished with this tour, and you're already workin' on the next album?" Kroft asked. "Take a break?"

"No. Take a break when I'm 40, or 35," Martin said. "Not now. I've gotta keep writin' songs as long as I've got hair, 'cause once it goes, then I won't be able to go on stage."

He is a compulsive worrier and list-maker. He sends himself electronic messages, and scrawls notes on scraps of paper, on his hands, and anything else that's available, lest he forget some brilliant idea. "And you have notes written on the piano," Kroft pointed out. "Yeah a little, but this is just the beginning, so, in six months, this will all be covered, I think," Martin explained. "Then you have to repaint the piano?" Kroft asked. "Yeah. So when we finish something, we repaint, you know?" Martin said.

Like many artists, he is openly, gloriously neurotic. "Then we have all our rules here. We've got our rules, so you can't have more than 42 minutes. These are just things you just have to remind yourselves of all the time. The rules are important," Martin told Kroft, showing him a list of rules pinned on a wall. "See, look at rule number six, not many interviews. That's a rule."

"Always keep mystery," Kroft read from rule number six. "Always, always keep mystery," Martin said, laughing. "This is private stuff."

With the band in the middle of a tour, most of the new music is being worked on during sound checks before concerts. It is a collaborative effort with Martin and Jonny Buckland leading the way, but everyone has a say. "The song Viva la Vida, the one we just did last year. I said, listen man, I got this and it goes something like that, I always say something like that… and it drives him crazy," Martin said, playing the piano and singing. "And Jonny says what?" Kroft asked. "And if Jonny says he likes it then I have to show it to Will, which is one of the things I fear most in my life," Martin said. "So this is like the UN Security Council, one veto and its…," Kroft said. "One veto and it goes on your solo," Martin explained.

Given their professed history with Viva La Vida and their past track record writing songs, the band was stunned when not one but two different artists claimed that Coldplay had plagiarized part of the melody. The band says any similarities are a coincidence and they have refused to settle out of court. "I think that the way to deal with these things, if you know it's not true then you just have to say, 'I'm really sorry, but it isn't true.' That's it," Martin told Kroft. "The other alternative is give like a seven hour rant about why it isn't true, and how it's just not possible. And I think for the purposes of this interview its best to say we would never do that."

Martin is used to some unwanted attention. Besides being rich and famous, he is also married to one of the most beautiful women in the world, Academy Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow. It has made them prey for the paparazzi, with whom Martin has frequently clashed, and fodder for the tabloids, which regularly run stories that the marriage and the band are on the verge of breaking up. Asked what it's like living in a tabloid world, Martin said, "One week you're divorced, the next week your band's broken up. It's terrible."

"That's what they're sayin' now," Kroft pointed out. "I'm glad I'm not me," Martin said, laughing. "That, by the way, is a Bob Dylan quote, in case you thought I thought it up". "Right. And we shouldn't we shouldn't take these articles about the band breaking up and you and your wife breaking up," Kroft said. "All I can tell you is, I mean it's news to me," Martin replied, laughing.

The couple seemed perfectly happy when we were around at this concert in London, but they don't like cameras present when they are together, refuse to sit for joint interviews and insist on keeping their careers separate and their private lives private. Asked why their public lives are completely separate, Martin said, "Well, it's just the way it feels best." "Is this the one thing that you hate talking about the most?" Kroft asked. "Well, you can see from my body language that it makes me really uncomfortable," Martin acknowledged. "Okay, we'll stop now," Kroft said. "This is the bit which in an outtakes where people storm out. I'm not storming out, Steve," Martin said, laughing. "I like you very much. But, I don't know how to talk about this stuff, to be honest. I don't know how to deal with it."

As they head out on the next leg of the tour, there is no road weariness or talk of exhaustion. In fact they have been thinking about a song for next Christmas. They are all still young enough to find this fun, enthusiastic about what lies ahead, and confident that they are not yet as good as they are going to be. Martin sang a bit of a Christmas tune. "The goal is to try and make the perfect song. Which of course will never happen," Martin acknowledged. He had written the tune the day before. "That's gonna be good, though. …I can feel it."

More photos from Coldplay's set at All Points West festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by bestmusiclive.com

As promised and further to part 1, here are more excellent reviews of Coldplay's concert at the Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009) have been posted at the Coldplay Live forum, that were written after the main review article was published. We'll have a third part shortly, in the meantime here's the second part, of just some of the many:

Coldplay saved our house. Literally. We got back from America yesterday morning (my dad drove all night) and arrived to see the pipe in our fridge had burst and flooded our kitchen and dining room and parts of the basement. Everything is okay now, thank goodness for insurance! My parents wanted to stay longer in America but Coldplay comes first and a good thing too because I'm pretty sure our entire main floor and basement would have been damaged.

So my sister and I arrived at the GA gate around 2:30. We didn't know where the other Coldplayers were but got in line anyway. We met cazmartini in line but didn’t know it was her yet haha. By 4pm or so, things started to get hectic. The security people said that they were going split up the line and stand at another gate and we were sent to another gate. People started to complain that now it was unfair for those who had lined up at 11am (someone apparently lined up at 6am!) and I agree that is definitely not fair...

The security guard said that they would let the people in the original gate 4 minutes ahead of the gate from where we were moved to. We decided to move back to the original one. By 5pm-ish we overheard that they were going to cut right before us and move a slew of people in front of us because the other gate wasn’t being used anymore which is really unfair as a lot of people in the back of that line came later than us. But the coldplayers stuck up for one another and told the security that we and the girls behind us that we had been here for a long time and they started the line up after us. Coldplayers rock!

Gates were supposed to open at 6 but they were having technical difficulties and opened it around 6:20ish (I think that was the time). People wanted to cut us but the mother of one of the girls from buffalo made sure no one did. Coldplayers are awesome, did I mention that? After getting in, my sister was behind but we had decided that one of us would have to book it to get a good place and I walked fastly (not allowed to run) and caught up with cazmartini and the girls from Buffalo and my sister soon followed and got to know one another. The centre of the pit was filled up already (by the 6am and 11am people, they deserve it) so we were on the centre-ish right of the stage, still front row! Kitty Daisy & Lewis came on around 7:30 and I thought they didn’t really suit Coldplay’s genre of music but they were okay. I don’t think many people liked them. But the instruments were pretty cool! They played five songs or so. Elbow came on and they were amazing, really liked them. I’m planning on getting some of their songs. They played a handful of songs as well. They ended at 9pm.

My legs were starting to hurt from standing but the moment the lights went down and Technicolor came on, I didn’t think about my legs once during the remainder of the concert. Everything seemed so surreal, Guy was right in front of us doing his thing on the bass and Chris was flying around everywhere on stage (even did a somersault!). We couldn’t see Johnny and Will that well but we did occasionally see them and they were full of energy! The entire band was so energetic and Guy was smiling so much!! The pit people were great as well, tons of chanting and singing from the start to the end of the concert. The entire stadium (I think it was 45,000 instead since the whole stadium wasn’t used) was singing as well. Yellow was amazing and the yellow balloon balls and noticed that people were trying to put them on the stage and Chris popped a couple with his guitar. All of their songs were so perfect but at times Johnny and Guy’s guitars seemed to have problems but I don’t think anyone noticed. Chris made jokes along the way (about his hair, the garbage strike) and included Toronto in some of the songs which were great!! They went into the crowd on the c-stage (Green Eyes, DWNC, Billie Jean) and they sounded so amazing. I loved Green Eyes!! Politik was amazing as well, my fave song! I filmed it too! Lovers of Japan and the confetti were amazing and they glowed in the dark and it looked so pretty!! They said their goodbyes after DAAHF and my mom thought that was the end (she was in the 500s) and had left early, missing the last two songs. The stadium sang happy birthday to Will (the pit people were trying to sing the song before in the concert but didn’t really work out) and brought out balloons and a cake which was really nice! After they played the last song, I still wanted more; the concert went by so fast! They said they were coming back a couple of years later which made me sad but understood why.

I took tons of pictures and videos along the way and some turned out great! It was difficult to take a good picture of Chris, he moved too much! As well as the getting a picture of the entire band. A lot of people were staying behind to get a setlist but we had to leave quickly as our dad was waiting outside. But we decided to ask a man in red coat who looked as though he could be the head security and he pulled a setlist from his pocket and gave it to us! As we were leaving, we saw a woman with Will’s balloons and took a picture of them, she was so lucky! It was so difficult to leave Rogers Centre, everywhere was clogged with people trying to get out. It was because of the free CDs and we went outside to see that all of the CDs from our gate was all gone. But our mom knew something like this would happen and got our CDs beforehand. I will never forget this night, it was fantastic!! It was so great to see other coldplayers!! Most of all, to see Coldplay so up close. Thank you Coldplay for saving our house!! [thanks Aunie]

Wow what a show... Can I just say that Coldplay fans are the best. We were in the front row of the pit along with Aunie from here and another guy who's name I can't remember (sorry) and the 3 young girls from Buffalo. Also standing with us were 3 grade 8 boys who were at their first concert ever... Ahhh they were so cute. We met David and Dj in line and they were really great at holding our spot when we needed a loo break or a walk.. also David made sure we got to the front of the pit. What an amazing guy. Aunie is sure to have the best pics. I am sure she will be posting later. Wonder what happened to Marie? anybody hear from her? Anyway it was an amazing concert and my daughter and I had the best time. Hopefully they will be back soon.. Can't wait to see all the pics... my camera is crap and died before we could get any shots... thank goodness for Aunie [thanks cazmartini]

It's probably been said thousands of times before, but the concert was absolutely amazing! This was my very first concert and I had so much fun! I'm also new to Coldplaying although I have heard about it before. I was quite impressed and more than satisfied with everything about the show, except for the fact I was one of the unlucky fans around Gate 5 that didn't receive a free copy of LeftRightLeftRightLeft... I went to the concert with a friend, but we had separate tickets, so I spent the night alone. My favourite part of the night were the butterflies during Lovers... although they never reached my section, my friend had brought a bag and opened it up to get about a dozen. Another interesting part was on the way back home via ttc and being several stations away from the Rogers Centre, still being able to find some butterfly confetti floating about as the subway swooshes by! One thing is for sure last night will be an experience I hope soon to never forget. and I can't wait for the next concert! (Even if I have to wait a couple years). [thanks jonathanwm]

More new pictures of Coldplay at Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009):

Pictures by pink_elephant @ Coldplaying

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For more than a century, EMI Group Ltd. has survived waves of turmoil: the breakup of its top act, the Beatles; its firing of the Sex Pistols over unruly behavior; and a long-running merger standoff with rival Warner Music Group Corp, writes the Wall Street Journal.

But the storied record company is now facing a problem it hasn't yet been able to shake: the heavy debt from a leveraged buyout gone bad. Wounded by collapsing music sales like the rest of the industry, EMI was acquired in 2007 by British financier Guy Hands and his Terra Firma Capital Partners for £2.4 billion, or about $4 billion now.

Mr. Hands applied the buyout formula that worked when he acquired everything from British pubs to German service stations -- raising large amounts of debt and cutting costs aggressively, with an eye toward selling the streamlined business at a big profit. Mr. Hands figured a new tough-minded approach to the profligate music business could trump falling CD sales, according to public reports by Terra Firma.

Instead, the deal has boomeranged. Terra Firma has written down a large portion of its investment, and been forced to inject extra cash into EMI. Today, London-based EMI is working to prevent its recorded-music unit -- which has been home to Pink Floyd, Coldplay and Radiohead -- from going into default or requiring further cash injections, according to people familiar with the situation. Despite a decade of trauma in the industry, no major recorded-music company has defaulted on its loans.

Mr. Hands is pressing forward in efforts to alleviate EMI Music's debt problems. Earlier this year, he asked J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. to see if it is possible to raise money on the junk-bond market to pay off part of a Citigroup loan used for the acquisition, according to a person familiar with the matter. Blackstone Group LP is helping Terra Firma negotiate with Citigroup to try to restructure EMI's debt.

These days, EMI's recorded-music division, EMI Music, isn't generating enough profit to comply with a £950 million loan from Citigroup, according to people familiar with the matter. Mr. Hands's focus on financial efficiency succeeded in trimming waste and boosting operating income at EMI -- but clashed with a culture focused on pleasing performers. The resulting turmoil made it harder to recruit artists, EMI executives say. EMI's new signings virtually froze after Terra Firma's acquisition before rebounding somewhat recently. At the same time, some famous acts ditched the label -- like the Rolling Stones, who left last year, despite a personal pitch from Mr. Hands to Mick Jagger over lunch.

The situation has put EMI's management in the position of attempting to calm the nerves of artists. "EMI has been around for 120 years -- it will be around for another 120 years," said Roger Faxon, head of EMI Music Publishing. "It's a natural part of the business that it moves on from ownership to ownership over the course of a long term," said EMI Music's chief executive officer, Elio Leoni-Sceti, in an interview. He says changes introduced by Terra Firma should allow the company to grow amid the industry turmoil. "The diversification of revenue is the long-term objective," he said.

You can read the full exclusive interview here at Wall Street Journal online.

New photos of Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC (7th August 2009):

Pictures by EnergonCube @ flickr

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As we skip over Coldplay's postponed Tampa show at Ford Amphitheater, reviews are still being written about the band's last show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Charlotte. This latest review is courtesy of The Examiner:

So it's been two, almost three, days since Coldplay rocked the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre this past Friday, and I'm finally writing about. Why now? Well I've been trying to come up with the right words to explain just how amazing this show was. When I attended the show on Friday I expected nothing less than a stellar performance, and what I experienced was completely indescribable. Not only did the band sound phenomenal, but the lighting was fantastic and Coldplay, and more specifically lead singer Chris Martin, have this insane amount of energy.

It was one of those instances where you know you are witnessing something great because you get goosebumps. I don't get goosebumps very often in the dead of summer, at an outdoor venue, but I got goosebumps several times on Friday night., which I personally think speaks volumes about my concert experience.

We arrived to the show "late", which was perfect because we managed to avoid most of the ridiculous Verizon traffic (Side note: Managment or traffic control, DESPERATELY needs to fix that, not only is it horrible within the arena vacinity, but Tryon and surrounding side roads are ALWAYS jammed). Coldplay had literally just started playing their first song as we walked into the venue. Once we stepped inside the actual arena, I couldn't believe how many people were crammed in there. I've been to a few concerts at Verizon, most of which have been full, but this place was packed! It wasn't surprising since it was Coldplay playing, but I was just surprised that many people could actually fit in there. So, we managed to squeeze through the crowd and into our seats just in time for their second song. And, once we got settled the out-of-body, can't believe I'm here experience began.

It's definitely obvious people that attend their shows are SERIOUS fans. The cat next to me was belting out songs so loudly I almost couldn't distinguish between him and Chris Martin. However, I didn't care, mostly because I found it comical that this dude was jamming out to Coldplay, but again I was simply mesmerized by the performers on stage. They sang the obvious classics like my personal favorite "Yellow" and "Fix You." Then they did something I've never seen at Verizon. They had a side stage setup, up towards the front so fans could get a closer look, where they played one song. Pretty cool. Then they setup a stage towards the lawn, which I was maybe twenty feet away from, where they sang several songs including a tribute to MJ by singing a cover of "Billie Jean." I really can't do the show justice it's one of those "you had to be there" moments, but it was absolutely phenomenal.

Source: The Examiner

New photos of Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC (7th August 2009):

Pictures by EnergonCube @ flickr

With lovelorn Manchester tunesmiths Elbow having supported Coldplay for the last few weeks, we called up frontman Guy Garvey for a chat ahead of the Charlotte show. Here's the official interview of Guy Garvey talking about supporting Coldplay in America:

Hello Guy. You've been with Coldplay for a couple of weeks now, how it's going?

It's great. It's a really good vibe. The crew are dead hospitable and the other band that are on, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, are great - we've been hanging out with them a lot. The Coldplay boys have been very, very generous. Their shows have been amazing too. And we've been playing for 40,000 people a night, so that's been great. It's a lovely tour to be on.

According to Roadie #42's blogs most of the Coldplay crew watch you from the pit every night.

That's true, yeah! That's really flattering. They've all been very complimentary about our set. I'm made up.

You guys have had a very successful couple of years in the UK. How are things going for you in the US?

In comparison to the UK, it's still relatively early days for us. We were due to do the Letterman show the other night, but they over-ran and we didn't make it on.

Did you actually go to the studio?

Oh aye, we'd got our hair and make-up done, ready to go on and they said, "Sorry, we've over-run, we've not got time for you".

Who was the guest who talked for too long?

Some guy from a theatre production. He crapped on at length, having our air time for breakfast! But apparently it's happened to loads of people - including the White Stripes, twice!

Have all four Elbow albums been released in the States?

Yeah, to varying degrees of success. This is certainly the biggest one so far over here. We're on Geffen in the US now, so it's a much bigger affair this time.

Elbow and Coldplay go back a long way. So far, in fact, that you were both signed via the same In The City showcase.

That's right, in Manchester in 1998. I'm not sure we met them then, but we do have many Coldplay-related memories. Pete reminded me of one yesterday actually. At T in the Park in 2000 or 2001, our splitter van got stuck in the mud and a load of the local crew started helping to push us free and Chris joined them. He just ran up and helped us get the van out. So, yeah, we've known each other for years.

Do you remember where you met?

I actually met Chris upstairs at the Barfly in Camden the week that Yellow came out. We were playing a gig there and Chris came along. He had a copy of the Newborn EP ahead of the first album and started chatting, saying that he really liked the stuff.

And you guys played with them at the Bolton gig in 2005.

Yeah, at the Reebok Stadium. Typical northern weather, it was really quite wet. But wonderful.

You said before that show that you'd bring your mum in a limo.

Haha! Yeah, that didn't quite happen. In fact, she actually missed our performance because the traffic was so bad. That was a bit of a shame.

So, how did you come to be on this tour?

Chris phoned me up and asked me if we'd be up for it, and of course we were delighted and said yes. I think he was washing up when he phoned. I was over the moon.

Sorry, he called you while he was washing up?!

Yeah, I think that's what he was doing. Either that or bathing his babies or something. There was definitely splashing involved.

You've been doing your own US dates between the Coldplay ones.

That's right. We did one at the Wiltern in LA, and another at the 9.30 Club in Washington DC. It's nice to squeeze in a few headline shows.

Is it tiring to be so busy? You're playing pretty much every night.

It is quite knackering. Although the Coldplay opening slot is only 40 minutes, so it's not like I'm doing a full gig. But, yes, I am very tired, I must admit.

And you've been on the road for ages with this album.

Yeah, probably around the same amount of time as Coldplay. Our album came our just before Viva, I think.

Is it hard to maintain the energy to play live?

To be honest with you, the performance itself is never the problem, it's everything else around it. It's the travel and the waiting around for a shower - all the unglamourous stuff.

But presumably being busy is a nice problem to have for a band?

Oh yeah, it's bloody great! I love what's happened for us with this album.

Almost 20 years after you formed, you're suddenly winning all the big awards and playing arenas.

Mental, isn't it? I still can't really believe it. I think I need a bit of a break just to start getting my head around everything that's happened.

Has your life changed much? Do you get recognised now?

I do get recognised more. And me being me and being a bit dopey, I always forget. So I'll be walking down the street and somebody'll be looking at me and I'll be thinking, "What the fuck's his problem? Why's he looking at me like that?"

Do people have one thing they tend to shout at you?

People do wave their elbows at me. And we get "mantra lunar" a lot from the Delamere Forest gig we did. I actually said to the crowd, "In future if you run into any of the band in the street and you say this to them, they'll know that you were at this gig." And then I said "mantralunar", because the moon was out.

With your ego having been nicely plumped over the last year, what's it like playing support shows?

It was a little bit of a culture shock initially, but nothing serious. It was just a bit like, "Oh shit, we've got to win people over again"! But we've got the muscle memory from doing it in the UK for however many years that was!

Have you been on the road in America a lot?

Yeah, we've come here every album at least once. I love it. It's a fascinating place to tour - like 50 countries rolled into one.

Do you get to see the places much?

Not on this tour as much as I'd like, just because most of the gigs are in arenas outside of the main towns. But in the past, yeah, I've got to see an awful lot of it. We've made a point of seeing some of the beautiful side of it, as well as just the cities.

Is there any one place you'd recommend a visit to?

Anyone who's not been to New York has to do it. It's just amazing. If you get the chance to live there for a bit, I would. In fact, I've been thinking about doing it for six months in the future. We'll see.

Presumably you've watched Coldplay's set on this tour.

Yeah, it's a great show. We've caught it whenever we can.

Have you seen them a lot over the years?

Absolutely. I think I saw them at the Camden Monarch first, actually. The only prop they had then was that globe that was on the front cover of Parachutes, sat on Chris's piano.

They've come on since then.

Bloody hell, just a bit, yeah.

Do you think you could've predicted back then at the Monarch that they'd end up where they are?

I don't think so, no. But they're very, very hard-working and ambitious and they stepped up to the plate. And they're not at all out of place in those big places. You've got to be one of those bands that wants people to have the two-way experience of a big arena. And one of the best things about gigs, as far as I'm concerned, is that it's all about loads of people coming together for one reason. And they're kind of celebrating their involvement with that music by doing that. If you don't make people think that every single performance is special and different to you, then I could see it getting boring. You've got to give.

So, what have you chaps got coming up for the rest of the year?

We've got another show with Coldplay, in Dublin. And we've got a couple of dates with U2, including Wembley Stadium. We've also got V Festival and then we're headlining Bestival. And then we've got our big Manchester show on September 18th. After that, it's back in the bunker.

Have you made any progress on the new album yet?

Yeah, I would say we've got about 30 or 40 new ideas. Now they need hammering into song shape.

Presumably people are already asking whether you're feeling the pressure for the next one.

Yeah, that's happening a lot. At this point, we're not. But I'm sure that'll start to happen towards the end of it, when you lose sight of what you're working on. Or, it could be, anomalously, the easiest record to make of all time. We might have it knocked up in two months and it just be the finest piece of music anyone's ever heard. I'm gonna aim for that! We know that in terms of accolades we can't possibly do better than we did on this album. But I'm kind of done with awards ceremonies now anyway. Seen 'em all. Sampled every canapé they've got. Haha!

Finally, what is your favourite Coldplay song?

Um... let's think. I love The Scientist. It's beautiful and it's got an amazing simplicity to it. I'm a sucker for his romantic stuff.

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New photos of Coldplay at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX (22nd July 2009)

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RALEIGH -- The easy points of comparison for Coldplay are Radiohead and U2, both of which certainly apply. But if you want to get beyond sonic similarities and consider Coldplay's broader place on the landscape, the group's current stature resembles no one so much as 1970s-era Elton John -- someone else who commands a lot more respect now than he did in his prime, writes the News & Observer.

Tastemakers put Coldplay down as a denatured version of Radiohead and U2. But four albums and a decade into a recording career that's getting bigger all the time, the well-established Coldplay brand shows every sign of outlasting its detractors. The group drew a near-sellout crowd to Raleigh's Time Warner Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Thursday night, and a run of stadium dates in Europe beckons. And what do you know, Coldplay's latest album has outsold the latest from U2 by multiples.

The biggest reason for Coldplay's popularity is that the group still provides that communal classic-rock experience. And when the group connects, it's pretty great. A perfect riff is a perfect riff, and piano hooks don't get much more perfect than the one to Coldplay's "Clocks."

Thursday night's show offered up a two-hour serving of highly likable arena rock, heavy on songs from last year's "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" (Capitol Records). As capital-S Shows go, it was state of the art.

Each song had a separate and discrete visual presentation, with dazzling lights and lasers and effects that marked an impressive step up from Coldplay's last Triangle show in 2005. There were fancy visual props, such as the five large overhead globes flickering with images, offset by some downright low-tech effects.

The band came onstage twirling sparklers from behind a screen, and butterfly-shaped confetti figured prominently into "Lovers in Japan." The group ventured out from the stage not once but twice to play on two separate satellite stages. And frontman Chris Martin even got the crowd in on the special-effects act by coaching everyone to do a "cell-phone wave."

Martin is the group's signature personality, and he is more of a capable than an inspired performer. Yet he commanded attention, projecting an impressive balance between average-guy charm and rock-star presence. With his paramilitary jacket and "OBA/MAR/OCK" armband, he looked like a ragamuffin gendarme in charge of an urchin army. That would have been the crowd, which he coached to holler and sing along repeatedly.

Highlights included a pounding "Politik," with strobe lights blinding enough to induce seizures; the opening "Life in Technicolor," and an acoustic cover of "Billie Jean" from out on one of the satellite stages, a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. The latter song was ragged but right -- always nice to see rock stars willing to let the warts show, too, especially when they're the biggest rock stars on the planet.

Source: The News & Observer

More photos from Coldplay's set at All Points West festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by Jamd

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There's a lot of gloomy, end-of-times talk in the record business these days about the death of the industry. Fewer and fewer new acts break through every year, and the ones that do never seem to have any staying power, writes the Charlotte Observer.

But that paradigm doesn't apply to Coldplay, which plays Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Friday. At a time when “gold is the new platinum,” this British quartet still moves tonnage that recalls the industry's glory days. Last year's “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” (Capitol Records), Coldplay's fourth album, has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide – easily the top-selling album of 2008.

Somehow, Coldplay has emerged as The Last Big Band, combining mainstream popularity with industry respect and widespread (though not unanimous) critical acclaim. Similar to Fleetwood Mac in the '70s, U2 in the '80s or R.E.M. in the '90s, Coldplay has become one of those omnipresent consensus bands whose lyrics get scribbled in yearbooks.

As to why that is, Coldplay's members are just as puzzled as anyone else. “I know what you mean, there just aren't many bands that tour at our level these days,” says bassist Guy Berryman, calling from a tour stop in Houston. “I don't think we're the last one, but who knows when the next will be? The key to us is that we just work really, really hard. We've constantly written and recorded and toured, visiting places over and over and over. We've just stuck at it and never really stopped the last 10 years. That's it.”

Coldplay's perch is so lofty nowadays that potshots are inevitable. One of the less-welcome salvos to come the band's way was a plagiarism lawsuit filed last December, in which guitarist Joe Satriani claimed that Coldplay stole the riff of the “Viva La Vida” title track from his 2004 composition “If I Could Fly.” The case is still pending. “Yes, that's something we could do without,” Berryman says of the lawsuit. “But I guess it happens. We just have to deal with it in whatever way it needs to be dealt with. But it's very distressing to us. It was very surprising when it happened.”

Of course, some of Coldplay's detractors might say that charges of plagiarism are only comeuppance. For all the pleasantness of Coldplay's music, it's hardly ground-breaking. It does, however, fit right between two of Britain's leading contemporary bands as a synthesis of Radiohead and U2 – more accessible than the former, a bit less than the latter – creating a perfect commercial micro-niche in the field of anthemic, majestic arena-rock. Throw in a charismatic frontman in singer/keyboardist Chris Martin (husband of Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow) and the group's well-intentioned political activism, and it's small wonder that Coldplay has prospered.

To his credit, Martin has said of Radiohead, “We owe them a career, really.” And the band certainly tried to stretch a bit on “Viva La Vida” by enlisting producer Brian Eno, one of the primary architects of U2's cathedral-like sonics. While it's not a huge departure, “Viva La Vida” does sound more atmospheric than Coldplay's previous three albums.

“Every producer is slightly different,” Berryman says. “Some are more geared up to the engineering side, with microphone settings and equipment, while others are more into ideas and concepts. That's what Brian is about. He's less interested in fine-tuning sounds than the concept, the songs and rhythms and arrangements and how they all fit together. He was instrumental in making this album sound different from anything else we've done before. ”

Another change on “Viva La Vida” is that Martin sings most of the songs in a lower register than his signature falsetto croon. And even though Coldplay has never been the cheeriest bunch, this album might be the group's bleakest yet. Multiple songs make references to death (“Bury me in honor/When I'm dead and hit the ground”), or falling short of a heavenly afterlife (“You didn't get to heaven but you made it close”).

But when asked whether or not Martin's lyrics indicate a growing melancholia, Berryman politely demurs. “The lyrics are all Chris,” Berryman says. “The rest of us might flag something that doesn't seem quite right. But he's a great lyricist, so we usually just let him get on with it. And we don't analyze things, really. The best lyrics come out naturally without you having to think about them at all, and we'd rather leave interpretations open to others. So we don't get into heavy discussions about what they mean. There's a feeling from the lyrics, and we leave it to everyone else to decide what they might mean.”

Source: Charlotte Observer

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New photos of Coldplay at Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009):

Pictures by Caroline Forest

Coldplay is the biggest rock band on the planet by almost every rubric: The polite English quartet's latest record—the misty, Brian Eno-helmed Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends—sold more than 700,000 copies in its first week as other respectable rock acts struggle to crack half that, writes Indy Week.

2008's best seller, Viva La Vida has since been certified double platinum in the States while moving nearly 8 million copies worldwide. And now, the band is in the midst of a string of 30 dates at North America's biggest venues. When they return to Europe, the king of hip-hop, Jay-Z, will open for Coldplay for two days at Wembley Stadium. Impressed yet?

Perhaps the most compelling distinction Chris Martin and company can claim is that they're the first band to break the million mark in digital album sales. In other words, they're the Internet Music Kings. Billboard hooted and hollered about the broken record last month, and music trade magazines groveled. Indeed, in a market where selling 50,000 records seems to be the new 500,000, it's instructive to consider why a little band from London changed the rules of digital success.

The short answer is Apple. Last year, iTunes' parent company launched a full-scale ad campaign for its latest software in conjunction with the release of Viva La Vida. Coldplay got the whole shebang: full pages in glossies, billboards in every major market, that ubiquitous commercial featuring the band emphatically playing through the title track as colorful, iTrademark silhouettes. But Apple didn't pick Coldplay out of the ether. Rather, its always-shrewd marketing and advertising department chose Coldplay to carry the banner for very specific reasons. And so, the short answer falls short.

First, Coldplay represents the evenly distributed weight of the past 30 years of serious rock music. When they emerged with 2000's Parachutes and its slow-[e]mo "Yellow" video, the band was fairly pegged as Radiohead biters. Then, with 2002's A Rush of Blood To The Head and 2005's X&Y, Martin and company dug further into the past and deeper into the crate, cribbing from the romantic melancholy of Echo & the Bunnymen and the stateliness of U2. In each instance, the reference points were sanded down to their least threatening iteration. Coldplay has always has been about safety and familiarity. The band, its music and its lyrics are made for easy connections. Despite insistence to the contrary, there's only a small bit of art here. It's mostly a commodity.

To be fair, the 1.4 million online shoppers who've snatched up Coldplay records over the past eight years have likely done so as a result of their connection with Martin and the bouquet of his weepy falsetto and plaintive lyrics (and some tertiary tabloid appearances and some activism, for good measure). The front man/ mouthpiece/ figurehead focus allows "serious" rock fans to entertain the notion that they're listening to more than a singer-songwriter, even as the lights go down and Martin sits alone at his piano, spotlight on nothing else.

That's not to take too much away from the surrounding players: Jonny Buckland's dry guitar leads peak in moments of Edge-like melodrama. Guy Berryman anchors the era-spanning bombast with simple, direct bass lines, inspecting the rhythm alongside Will Champion's no-frills timekeeping. This offers the perfect support for the perfect heir to Bono's throne, each member getting out of the way while fans foster a deep connection with Messiah Martin. But that's not enough to explain Coldplay's electronic eminence. Plenty of acts have emblematic figureheads, after all.

Couple Martin and the band's familiarity with the momentum Coldplay creates for itself online, and we begin to understand the figures. Last year, Coldplay gave away a free download of the first promotional track from Viva. Most major labels and, by proxy, their bands still curse leaks and keep their content under lock and key (an idea that's slowly yielding). In May, Coldplay unveiled a free live album for download on its Web site. And the band and its crew regularly post behind-the-scenes vignettes, allowing a level of constant access that fans increasingly demand in a world of Twitter accounts and RSS feeds.

The drawback, of course, is that the construct of "band" is no longer restricted to albums and live shows. Coldplay is now a full-scale, 24-hour enterprise, churning out backstage content and general ephemera (set lists, song ideas, an "Oracle" you can question) at a furious clip. The mass of "stuff" saps some of the magic and mystery from the old idea of a rock star. But it's the way the band negotiates around that falling barrier—never half-assing it, fully embracing even the tiniest online initiatives (really, a blog at every tour stop?)—that turns that lost mystique into a net positive. In short, Coldplay rewards its following (specifically online), and its online following has repaid the band handsomely.

It's important to note, though, that Coldplay is not trailblazing with these techniques. Established titans have been experimenting with similar or even more radical lab tests for releasing music for years. Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor has given away actual studio releases and turned his Web site into a social media hub. Radiohead forwent pricing and adopted the ballyhooed pay-what-you-want model for its most recent album, In Rainbows. Had the sales administered through the band's own W.A.S.T.E. store (reportedly somewhere near 2 million) been counted by Nielsen SoundScan, you'd be reading a different article today.

And Coldplay's many years behind indie artists who, out of necessity, have transferred their focus from the old radio-CD-print press model to this new open, fan-engagement approach. Independent labels like Merge or Matador depend on intimate connections with their fans or on giving information directly to the people who care. Coldplay has simply taken that strategy to more people. Indeed, through kind circumstance and a handful of smart decisions, Coldplay stands almost alone within the major-label system as a shining example of how to do it right—and how to do it big—in the digital era.

Coldplay performs Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek at 7 p.m. Elbow and Kitty, Dasiy & Lewis open, and tickets cost $35-$97.50.

Source: Indy Week

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New photos of Coldplay at Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON (30th July 2009):

Pictures by Caroline Forest

The Coldplay of 2009 favours sounds that are both soft and subtle and loud and booming. They like mixing styles, throwing curveballs, and shifting between the sublime and the silly - a massive balloon drop during “Yellow” and butterfly-shaped confetti shooting everywhere during “Lovers in Japan.” The English quartet, who played Comcast Center last night for nearly two hours, put on a full-on rock show, writes the Boston Herald today.

Which is to say, singer Chris Martin is no longer the introspective piano player we met back in 2000. He has evolved into a Bono-esque rock star and showman, not bound to the piano of yore. He bounces around the stage untethered. He plays guitar but still spends some serious, quiet time at the ivories. From the rush of the opening “Life in Technicolor,” into “Violet Hill” and “Clocks,” it was clear Coldplay brought its A-game.

In a fictional survey taken at Comcast, it was revealed that 99% of the women wished they were Gwyneth Paltrow. That was likely, especially so during “In My Place,” with Martin begging for salvation, and in “Fix You,” where Martin promised to “learn from my mistakes” and “ignite your bones.”

Two things about the current Coldplay, though: They’re touring behind an album co-produced by Brian Eno, which means they’ve incorporated more texture and ambient, experimental sounds.

After a small-stage performance at the rear of the lawn - including an acoustic cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” - the sound system pumped out a techno mix of “Viva La Vida” until they returned to the main stage and kicked into “Politik.” There was grandeur. There was majesty. There was humility. Preceding Coldplay was the England-based quintet Elbow, augmented by two violinists. They were, at their best, hypnotic and atmospheric. On occasion, the music’s heft supported his gesturing, but too often it seemed like he and his band were Coldplay in training - sensitive rockers who wanted to be stars.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, three siblings joined by their parents on stage (including former Raincoats drummer Ingrid Weiss), opened with a neo-retro set of swing and jump blues.

Source: Boston Herald

More photos from Coldplay's set at All Points West festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by Jamd

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MANSFIELD - For the casual fan seeing Coldplay live for the first time since the band performed at the Paradise in Boston many years (and many millions of accumulated fans) ago, last night’s triumphant two-hour performance at the Comcast Center was like seeing your younger family members for the first time in years. You just can’t stop marveling at how big they’ve gotten, writes Boston.com.

In a set that reached back to their 2000 breakout album Parachutes, where they first sewed the seeds of their anthemic Brit-rock grandeur, Coldplay flipped through the pages of a hit-rich catalog. With crowd-pleasers like the love drunk “Yellow’’ and the chiming, downtrodden plea of “In My Place,’’ vocalist Chris Martin and company laid down their deviously contradictory m.o., using heartbreak writ largely to buoy the spirits of the masses. On those two songs in particular, each note of Jonny Buckland’s delay-heavy guitar shimmered and fell like bursting teardrops.

Tears of the literal sort were in abundance as well, particularly on ballads like the resounding organ climb of “Fix You’’ and an acoustic mandolin version of Green Eyes. The foursome, dressed like a thrift store Sergeant Pepper’s, performed the latter from a satellite stage in the lawn seats before kicking into an ad-libbed blues harmonica jam, a song featuring drummer Will Champion on vocals, and a cute but underwhelming cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.’’

An electronic dance medley of God Put a Smile Upon Your Face and Talk changed the tempo considerably, transforming the space into an impromptu dance club - although anyone in attendance looking to keep up with the lithe, yoga-like stretching of Martin’s aerobic pace had their work cut out for them.

The majority of the set was given over to tracks from the band’s winning Viva la Vida. On Lost Martin sang, “You might be a big fish in a little pond. It doesn’t mean you’ve won." One imagines it’s not easy hitting the right piano keys with your heart weighing so heavily on your sleeves.

For the album’s title track, drummer Champion conjured a marching cavalry with timpani drums and church bells embellishing the song’s rhythmic string section sample attack. None of which managed to distract from the real draw, which is Martin and mates selling the drama like they mean it. Singing songs this sad has rarely seemed like so much fun.

Source: Boston.com

More photos from Coldplay's set at All Points West festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by Jamd

MANSFIELD - Coldplay brought their Viva la Vida tour to the Comcast Center Monday night and showed why they are probably the hottest act in music today, writes The Sun Chronicle.

Lead singer Chris Martin was in full control throughout the show and played the audience like one of the finely tuned strings on his guitar. The Brit quartet stormed through a strong sampling of their huge CD "Viva la Vida" as well as many of the hits from their relatively brief career. They rocked the main stage, held court from a side stage, and even went to the back of the lawn section of the venue for three numbers.

After they were done, no one could have possibly felt cheated on a gorgeous August night with a brilliant orange moon keeping watch overhead. It was all reminiscent of Bono, The Edge and company as they ascended to the height of their career and conquered the music world.

The show kicked off with the standing room only section in front of the stage swaying to the strains of the "Blue Danube Waltz," which many of the fans seemed to know would soon usher in Coldplay. The band took the stage and launched into the incredibly catchy "Life in Technicolor," the first track from the "Viva la Vida" CD.

From there, it was a quick transition into the equally foot-tapping "Clocks" as multicolored laser lights shot over the audience. The band played in front of a huge tapestry with the revolutionary "Viva la Vida" CD cover and several giant white globes hanging overhead.

After "Clocks," Martin belted out "In My Place" as he danced and jumped across the stage in his ragtag soldier's outfit, looking almost like a marionette. Then it was onto "Yellow," a huge hit for the band made all the more memorable by the scores of large yellow balloons that somehow emerged from the Comcast Center audience and bounced their way across the sea of hands.

Playing four hits right off the bat, Coldplay obviously wanted to get the audience immediately into delerium, and succeeded. They went on to perform an incredible version of "42" from "Viva la Vida" with black and white silk screens adding a nice effect. Martin turned "Fix You" into a sing-along, letting the audience sing much of the enduring hit, then performed a stirring rendition of "Perfect Day."

On the tiny side stage, Coldplay performed the hit "Talk" then Martin went into a relatively sedate piano solo before returning to the stage and launching into the title track from "Viva la Vida" with the audience shouting out the chorus without cue.

Martin tossed multicolored sticks into the crowd as he pulsated through "Lost!" - another big hit from "Viva la Vida" - then Coldplay made their way through the audience and to the back of the lawn where they performed "Green Eyes," a number written and sung by the drummer Will (the name of which I did not catch), and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." The gesture to the late pop superstar was touching, though it was pretty obvious from the start that Chris Martin is no Jacko. He did get points for his falsetto, though.

Source: The Sun Chronicle

More photos from Coldplay's set at All Points West festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by Jamd