When established rock groups tour in support of a new album, they typically give their fans a fairly brief taste of their fresh tracks, maybe four or five songs. Not Coldplay, writes Miami.com today, in the first review of last night's Coldplay show at the American Airlines Arena (29 June). Catch up on more on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the rest of their review article (and others as we get them, too...)

The Grammy-winning British band – led by the lovably manic Chris Martin – dazzled a sold-out AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown Miami on Friday night as part of its “Mylo Zyloto” tour by performing all but two of the album’s 11 songs. And why not? The new material from the group’s fifth album uniformly stands up to Coldplay favorites, especially live. The fist-pumping anthems “Charlie Brown,” “Princess of China” (with vocals by Rihanna mixed in on the video screens), “Paradise” and the closing “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” are instant classics, sure to be a part of Coldplay shows for years to come, and all whipped the adoring crowd into a frenzy...

But as well-received as the recent songs were, the older ones provided most of the emotional spark. The heart-wrenching piano ballad “The Scientist” had everyone howling along to the chorus’ lyric “Nobody said it was easy”; Martin performed a tender version of “Warning Sign” on a piano that rose from the end of the runway in the middle of the arena floor; the bracing “Viva la Vida” was as compelling as ever, with its ending “Oh-oh-OH-oh-ohhhh-oh” chant that’s reminiscent of happy football hooligans celebrating a victory over a pint; and the gripping “Fix You” showed Martin at his best, with his falsetto strong and pure at the beginning, and his stage-roaming showmanship on full display at its cathartic end.

Other highlights included the riveting “Clocks,” with Martin flailing dangerously on his piano seat, and “Yellow” and “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” rearranged to open in mellow fashion before exploding into their full glory. As the band strives to involve the entire crowd, Martin appeared in an aisle toward the back of the arena with an acoustic guitar to sing the swaying new ballad “Us Against the World,” and then the rest of the band surfaced – with a piano, even – to bang out a low-key version of “Speed of Sound.” On his way back to the main stage, Martin ran up into the crowd to lay a big kiss on his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who proceeded to blush furiously.

More clever gimmicks also helped amp up the party atmosphere. Each concertgoer upon entry was given a colored wristband, which lighted up automatically during the racing opener, “Hurts Like Heaven,” creating a sea of red, green, pink and white lights throughout the packed arena (even extending behind the stage). The effect was exhilarating, as was the massive confetti blast during “In My Place” and the huge, paint-splattered balloons that dropped like beach balls during “Lovers In Japan.” But all the hoo-hah actually served to enhance rather than distract from the musical performances – this evening felt like a celebration from start to finish.

And that vibe comes mainly from Martin. There isn’t a more dynamic, energetic, charismatic – and ridiculously talented – front man today. He rocks the piano, strums a mean acoustic guitar, sprints around the stage, charms the crowd (he congratulated the Miami Heat for its NBA championship, and promised to try and live up to that standard on this night), sings like no one else can (both his falsetto and low range are surprisingly resonant) and leaves everything he’s got on the floor, literally collapsing in a sweaty pile. So for all you Coldplay haters out there (it’s apparently become hip to diss the band – I guess it’s like hating the Heat for being so talented), it’s pretty obvious you’ve never seen them live. Pity.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL (29th June 2012):

Photos courtesy of Sun Sentinel (click for more!)

Thumb by drgordis @ Flickr

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Not being a Coldplay fan, I felt like an atheist at a revival meeting, nervous that I might be the only one of my kind at the sold-out show, writes the Tampa Bay Online today, in their review of last night's Coldplay show at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL (28th June). Catch up on more on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the rest of their review article (and one from Tampa Bay Times too...)

And just like a revival preacher, Chris Martin and his band mates took the converted to ecstatic heights at the Forum on Thursday night. The openers, Wolfgang - a young British band that can only be described as Coldplay Jr. - and Swedish pop star Robyn were given pleasant responses from the well-dressed, clean-cut crowd waiting patiently for their cleric. Robyn, especially, seemed out of place in this context better suited for the Ritz in Ybor than the Forum.

At roughly 9:07 p.m., electronic wristbands on every fan started to glow as the theme from"Back to the Future" faded into the title track from "Mylo Xyloto" and "Hurts Like Heaven," a beautiful sight to behold, even if the Forum looked like a Lite Brite. It was the first of many such spectacles, some of which would not have been out of place at a Flaming Lips show, including confetti bombs, beach balls and a light show that would have impressed a jaded U2 fan...

An endearingly goofy dancer, Martin, dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans, was a crowd pleasing carnival barker with a remarkable live voice. He mentioned Tampa every chance he got, while encouraging sing-a-longs and thanking the crowd profusely for giving him the best job in the world. The sound was impeccable, besides a few times the vocals were low in the mix. However, the crowd didn't care as long as Martin gave them what they wanted, including highlights "The Scientist," "Violet Hill" and "Viva La Vida."

The first set ended with the visually stunning light show connected to the song "Paradise," which will be a concert-ending staple for years to come. The crowd, already hanging on the band's every move, sang as if they were enraptured by a heavenly presence. The encore started in the middle of the cheap seats for a semi acoustic set in which Martin flubbed the words to "Us against the World," but no one cared. After a jaunt through the crowd, the band ended with the very singable "Clocks, Fix You" and "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall," easily the best choice they could have made for an ending song. A Coldplay show is everything its fans want it to be and everything its critics hate. They will never convert the music snobs with their crowd pleasing clichés. However, with fans like those gathered Thursday night, they will never have to. [Article ends]

Also this from the Tampa Bay Times: Coldplay is stone-cold rousing and huggable... Coldplay takes a lot of hits for being overly gushy, overly sensitive, overly over the top-top-top. And yet, as the oh-so-emotional Brit-poppers showed at a packed, roaring Tampa Bay Times Forum on Thursday, they're sincere in their swoony manipulations. In other words, the best-selling Grammy winners believe every sappy seduction they sing. For almost two robust hours, Chris Martin & Co. wore their hearts on their sleeves, and the quartet demanded that the near-sold-out crowd of 18,402 did as well. Well, at least on their wrists. Each ticket came with a Xyloband, a blinking bracelet synced with much of the anthemic 21-song set list, which never lacked for crescendoes and sing-alongs and lead singer Martin pointing into the nosebleeds as if he were nasally crooning for them, just them.

With all the lights and lasers and neon kapow, the joint looked like the most mellow rave in history — or maybe Christmas in June — sparkly-eyed women swaying in unison with their loyal, trying-to-stay-macho dates (who might not admit to their fellow dudes that they dig Coldplay. (It's okay fellas, I really like 'em, too). Coldplay put on the equivalent of a 21st century embrace. This is the kind of band that launches confetti three songs into the show. There were balloons a couple songs later. Seriously, there hasn't been this much stuff launched into a crowd since GWAR roamed the planet. From the opening number, the instrumental title cut from new album Mylo Xyloto (a concept LP about star-crossed lovers), the band aimed to crowd-please. "We're going to try and play the best (bleepin') show of our lives," Martin said. "We're already having a great time."

Of course they were. A few of the anthems played like Coldplay Mad Libs. Paradise was cloying, although that was, admittedly, an eye-popping Xyloband moment. But thanks to underrated guitarist Jonny Buckland and his prickly riffs, more songs than not were altogether rousing. The one-two punch of The Scientist, a truly devastating breakup tune, and Yellow, their slow-build, hammering first big hit, made for a transcendent tandem. And God Put a Smile Upon Your Face was an altogether slamming rock song, a true star moment for Buckland.

So eager to please, Coldplay performed on a main stage, then a middle "X" stage, where, with the help of Rihanna on a video screen, they performed gut-check duet Princess of China. Later, Martin appeared with an acoustic guitar on a makeshift stage smack-dab in the middle of the throngs toward the back of the venue, playing Us Against the World and Speed of Sound. For the encore — more lasers! more Xylobands! — the band, always bouncing these blokes, unloaded a steroidal Clocks (awesome), the utterly Coldplayian Fix You (meh) and the take-this-U2 explosion of Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall. Oh, it was sweet, and it was sappy. But hey, in this cynical cynical world, who couldn't use a good hug now and then? [Article ends]

New photos of Coldplay performing at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX (22nd June 2012):

Photos courtesy of Tampa Bay Online (click for more!)

Thumb by 88mileswest @ Flickr

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Entering Toyota Center, I almost didn't take the wristband that the ticket taker offered. That would have been a mistake. Even before the first song of the Coldplay concert Monday night, a recorded version of Jay-Z's "99 Problems" boomed through the stadium and activated the sound-sensitive wristbands into a glow that enveloped the massive arena, writes the CultureMap website this morning, in another review article of Coldplay's two Houston show this week (Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th June) at the Toyota Center. Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (25th - Monday) and here (26th - Tuesday) now. Read on for CultureMap's review...

And a magical night of confetti in neon colors, flashing lights, bouncing rubber balls and songs that everyone at the sold-out concert knew every word to by heart began — and it was pure delight. Coldplay stepped onto the stage to the theme of Back to the Future, which segued into the opening track, "Hurts Like Heaven," from the band's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, released in late 2011; the audience, waving glittering, glowing wristbands in unison, immediately felt a part of the experience.

(The band estimates they spend $640,000 per concert on the electronic wristbands — most of the tour's profits — but are hesitant to give them up because "it just feels so magical," guitarist Johnny Buckland said.) After the end of the second song of the set — "In My Place" from 2002's A Rush of Blood to the Head — I was curious to see where the concert could possibly go from there, since lead singer Chris Martin was already positioned in a near-backbend, swimming in a sea of confetti.

I shouldn't have doubted.

From there, following Martin's lead, the band took the audience through a decade-long catalog of songs, from "Major Minus" to "Lovers in Japan" to such resonant hits as "The Scientist" and "Yellow," mixing in thoughtful piano solos with high-energy rock tunes, all accompanied by stunning lights and visuals.

Early on Martin thanked the audience for "taking all the crap" of finding a parking spot, slogging through the crowds, paying too much for tickets and overpriced food — all on a Monday night — to come hear the band and promised, "We're going to try to make this the best fucking show we ever had." Then he delivered.

A nonstop whirling dervish of energy throughout the 90-minute set, Martin continually ran around the circular stage and catwalk piled high with confetti debris, piano and guitars defaced with the same type of neon paint that I used to graffiti my junior high desk. He leapt on risers to get closer to the audience, he jumped up and down in pure unadulterated joy, he did gravity-defying kneebends and, at times, sprawled out on the floor at the end of a song as if thoroughly spent before the audience's energy willed him back into action.

If, at times, his voice sounded strained from singing so enthusiastically for so long — he sang 21 songs (an unusually large number for a singer of his stature in an arena concert) — it didn't matter. Though he's a superstar singer with a movie-star wife, at heart, he's really just a working class guy determined to give the crowd their money's worth — and more.

Midway through the evening, the band set up at the end of the catwalk for a mix of songs, and then returned to the main stage for renditions of a drum-laden "Viva La Vida" (with surely one of the all-time great sing-along refrains), a graphics-accompanied "Charlie Brown" and a hard-hitting "Paradise," where the audience again sang along in unison. At the conclusion of the song, Martin said, "You're making me feel like this is a holiday."

After what felt like an encore pause, the band reappeared in the middle of the audience in the cheaper, higher seats away from the action — complete with an upright piano — for two heart-wrenching acoustic songs, "Us Against the World" and "Speed of Sound," before returning to the stage for a real finale triad: "Clocks," "Fix You" and "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall."

Then, the four-member band who have known each other since college, stayed on stage for several minutes and cheered the audience in return, as if everyone was reluctant to leave. It was that kind of night.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Toyota Center, Houston, TX (26th June 2012):

Photos courtesy of Erikahtx (click for more!) [thanks Clifford]

Thumb by: itsallamirage @ Flickr

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

It was a magical evening at the American Airlines Center on Friday night as fans filled the sold-out arena for the first night of Coldplay’s two day stay in Dallas, writes the Pegasus News website this weekend, in a review article of Coldplay's Dallas shows (on Friday and Saturday night - 22nd & 23rd June). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (22nd - Friday) and here (23rd - Saturday) now. Read on to see what Pegasus News thought of Coldplay's shows in Dallas...

Attendees were handed different colored Day-Glo wristbands as they walked into the venue without an explanation. It wasn’t until Coldplay took the stage later in the evening that the bracelets revealed their purpose.

Wolf Gang, a London britpop band influenced by Coldplay, tried their hand at warming up the crowd as they trickled in. The band’s sound was clear and concise, leaving many impressed with what they had heard, but it was Swedish electro europop sensation Robyn that got people out of their chairs. The pint-sized pixie is not as well known in America as she is in Europe, but she put on quite the show. She danced all over the stage to her electric beats, performing tracks like “Dancing On My Own” and “Call Your Girlfriend” from her Body Talk album series...

When it came time for Coldplay to take the stage, the air was electric with anticipation. The British band is known for its crowd interaction and props, so it was fitting when the arena went dark that each wristband lit up and blinked along while John Williams’ theme from Back to the Future played. Fans went wild and screamed to a deafening pitch when lead singer Chris Martin struck the first notes of the night. A rainbow sea of lights illuminated the arena with their twinkle glow – a magical sight to behold.

Coldplay wasted no time in kicking the celebration up a notch as the air filled with an overflow of confetti during the second tune of the night “In My Place” – which could have been reserved for the encore. During another tune, giant balloons fell from the rafters and bounced around the arena. The stage, the lights, and Martin’s clothes kept with the neon splatter paint graffiti theme of the band’s newest release Mylo Xyloto. Coldplay went through most of the hits in their musical catalog from their first album, Parachutes, to their most recent record. “The Scientist,” “Yellow,” “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face,” “Viva la Vida,” and “Paradise” were some of their biggest performed in Dallas on Friday. The band reserved the bigger hits for the encore.

As usual, the band made its way to the back of the arena a play a few acoustic tunes in the audience during the encore. Performing “Us Against The World,” each member appeared in the audience one by one, adding beautiful harmonies to the song. Fans surrounding the band loved it, many grabbing their phones to take photos or record the special moment. After Coldplay performed “Speed of Sound,” they made their way back to the stage where they closed the evening to a sea of blinking wristband lights with “Clocks” and “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall.”

The bouncing balloons, confetti, and singing in the audience were expected, but the twinkling wrist bands really tipped the experience over the edge. We can’t wait to see what they do with their next album and tour.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX (22nd June 2012):

Photos courtesy of D210.tv @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Dallas Friday night, Coldplay began at the end. More precisely, the convergence of a confetti deluge, enormous balloons, columns of smoke, blitz of lasers and thousands of vivid, blinking lights adorning the wrists (a LED-powered freebie known as a "xyloband") of a sold-out American Airlines Center felt like the climax of an epic performance, the culmination of two hours' worth of music and sensory overload, writes the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) website today, in a review article of Coldplay's first of two Dallas shows on Friday night (22nd June). Catch up on more on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on to see what the media thought of Coldplay's return to the US...

Instead, Chris Martin and his Grammy-winning, multi-platinum bandmates were just on the second song of the night. They were only getting warmed up. (The band plays the final, likewise sold-out installment of its two-night stand Saturday.)

What was most apparent, aside from the fact that Coldplay now has a confetti budget to rival that of the Flaming Lips, was this veteran band is finally displaying a brashness only previously suggested. Martin and his collaborators have always been the aw-shucks sort of group, routinely selling out global, years-long tours, but laying on the self-deprecation thick in concert. No more of that -- touring behind last year's dreadfully titled Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay brought an impressive confidence to the stage Friday, ripping through a 100-minute set and scarcely pausing for breath...

Mixing the new material with staples like In My Place and Yellow, while also taking care to put fresh spins on tracks like God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, Coldplay managed the rare feat of playing nearly all of its latest album while never letting momentum slip. Part of that is due to the ADD nature of the night -- the band had crammed screens or inflatable widgets in seemingly every corner of the AAC -- and much of it is because Martin continues to be one of rock music's most charismatic frontmen, bouncing around like a kid making his dreams reality. The trade-off, of course, is that Coldplay's more tender, intimate moments are scrapped in favor of excess. When the band did stop down to play something less outsized, like The Scientist or Warning Sign, the intensity continued to smolder, rendering even the heartfelt in shades of swagger. Not that Coldplay's embrace of its status as bona fide superstars is a bad thing -- I'll take exuberance over timidity any day in an arena show -- but in doing so, it's erasing part of what made the band stand out to begin with. But then, a good 15 years has passed since Coldplay first formed, and they've evolved from shameless Radiohead recyclers into something more grand, more globally minded and more interesting. The over-the-top spectacle is earned, grounded in songs rich in feeling and melody. Perhaps the reverse engineering of its show is instructive: Coldplay might just be warming up.

Openers Wolf Gang and Robyn neatly bridged the headliner's past and present. London quintet Wolf Gang anchored the "past" end of things, full of brio for a baby band and delivering chiming songs underpinned with synthesizers and a dash of style swiped from the Killers.

Indefatigable Swedish dynamo Robyn continues to make the rounds of American venues, doling out smart, highly danceable sets steeped in electronica and just enough quirk to keep arriving audience members from heading back out for another order of nachos and beer. It remains an utter mystery to me why Robyn has such difficulty breaking through in America, but her fantastic songs set the mood in style.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX (22nd June 2012):

Photos courtesy of D210.tv @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Coldplay raised the bar and raised the roof at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night - and in a stunning assault on the senses, the world-famous foursome did not disappoint with a performance which will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to witness it. writes the Mancunian Matters website this week, in another review article of Coldplay's Manchester shows on Saturday and Sunday night (9-10 June) at the Etihad Stadium. Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (9th - Saturday) and here (10th - Sunday) now. Read on for the Mancunian Matters review...

The tone was set from the moment spectators entered the stadium with each privileged punter given an official Mylo Xyloto wristband, the purpose of which was spectacularly revealed during the show. Each wristband, worn by the 55,000 crowd, lit up automatically on Chris Martin’s command bathing the arena in an early-evening neon glow.

The band entered to a breathtaking display of fireworks and set the benchmark belting out a pitch-perfect version of Mylo’s opening track Hurts Like Heaven. They followed with the ‘Rush of Blood To The Head’ favourite In My Place before moving the crowd to a standstill with an emotional rendition of The Scientist...

Chris Martin brought his own manic style to the show and revelled in having the amazed audience in the palm of his hand throughout. His unique showmanship was encapsulated when he launched his guitar 20ft into the air after a particularly energetic version of 'God Put A Smile On My Face'.

The early evening descended into night and the true impact and the scope of the fluorescence could be fully appreciated. Confetti cannons and luminous beach balls scattered the night sky as the band entertained the captivated the audience with hit after hit. Crowd favourite 'Viva La Vida' was a definitive highlight while the new collaboration with pop megastar Rihanna, Princess of China, showed fans what lies ahead in the charts.

To rapturous applause the spectacular stage show closed with a deafening chorus of 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' accompanied by yet more fireworks and laser dramatics. As the foursome bowed to the crowd the captivated audience were left wondering if such a show could ever be topped – perhaps only when Martin and Co return.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Etihad Stadium (9-10 June 2012):

Photos courtesy of bpmharris @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Revelling in dayglo and melody, Coldplay light up north London in a spectacle of sight and sound that proves the pinnacle of one of London's most remarkable long weekends, writes the London Evening Standard today, in another 5/5 review Coldplay's concerts at the Emirates Stadium in London this past weekend (1-4 June). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (1st - Friday), here (2nd - Saturday) and here (4th - Monday) now. Read on for the London Evening Standard review article and some new pictures...

Beige no longer, Coldplay’s stadium stint in north London this weekend proved to be the most colourful live spectacle I have ever witnessed.

While it was pure red, white and blue for the Queen down on the Mall, up here umpteen thousand wristbands flashed red, white, blue, green and pink in a bewildering sight that dazzled far beyond expectations. Everybody’s bands started flashing during the whizz-bang opener, Hurts Like Heaven, during which they were outshone by so many fireworks that the stadium was awash with smoke. Then they stayed off for just long enough to be forgotten about, until the sun went down, Charlie Brown and its line about “glowing in the dark” came on, and the space exploded into light in perfect time to the music...

Such bold thrills are notably absent from Coldplay's quiver – just how are their more muted charms going to command the attention of a damp 60,000-strong stadium audience?

The production values are lavish: five vast iris-shaped video screens, plus an armoury of rockets and roman candles, confetti cannons, beach balls painted like the globe and audience wristbands that blink multi-coloured lights to the music, transforming them into human lighting rigs. The effect is not unlike a Flaming Lips show, albeit with their psychedelic lunacy firmly dampened down...

It was a sight that will not be forgotten by those who saw it, an audience that included stadium-filler-in-waiting Adele, for a very long time. An expensive gimmick, perhaps, but it united the masses in a manner that has become Coldplay’s trademark. When the fans weren’t bellowing the “woah-oh-oh”s of Viva La Vida as one, they were howling approval for the band’s return, one by one with the addition of honorary harmonica player Simon Pegg, to a small stage at the back for the first encore.

The song was Us Against the World, but there was no conflict here. “I can see you at the back,” Chris Martin assured us. “The more you give the more we give.” There was no divide between crowd and band, no stars versus plebs – if anything Coldplay seem to look up to their audience. Musically they have brightened up too. Having moved beyond the need to match U2’s gravitas that drags down any young band lucky enough to start filling arenas, they now revel in Martin’s dayglo gift for melody.

Rihanna appeared brandishing dangerous fingernails on the five big screens during the glorious synthpop of Princess of China. Those amazing wristbands sparked up again when they played the supremely catchy Paradise. Even quiet guitarist Jonny Buckland had a dance down the ego ramp during his solo on a pounding God Put a Smile upon Your Face.

The stadium staples were ticked off – confetti blasts during In my Place, giant bouncing balloons everywhere for Lovers in Japan, yet more fireworks for the hyperactive finale, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. For sight and sound, it was surely the pinnacle of one of London’s most spectacular long weekends.

New photos of Coldplay at the Emirates Stadium, London (1-4 June):

Photos courtesy of imagesworldwide @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Minutes before stage time, Jay-Z's 99 Problems booms over the PA system, stirring the bedrizzled punters on the covered pitch, its titanic strut perfect for these vast environs, writes the Guardian this week, in another of our featured reviews of Coldplay's three concerts at the Emirates Stadium in London this past weekend (1-4 June). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (1st - Friday), here (2nd - Saturday) and here (4th - Monday) now. Read on for the Guardian review article and some new pictures...

Such bold thrills are notably absent from Coldplay's quiver – just how are their more muted charms going to command the attention of a damp 60,000-strong stadium audience?

The production values are lavish: five vast iris-shaped video screens, plus an armoury of rockets and roman candles, confetti cannons, beach balls painted like the globe and audience wristbands that blink multi-coloured lights to the music, transforming them into human lighting rigs. The effect is not unlike a Flaming Lips show, albeit with their psychedelic lunacy firmly dampened down...

These pyrotechnics are not enough to distract from the show's longueurs, those moments when Coldplay try to rock. Turning up the guitars on the likes of Major Minus, they're beholden to their clearest influence, U2, the Edge's instantly recognisable chime haunting most songs, while the cod-Celtic arena-rock of Princess of China – with Rihanna guesting via pre-recorded video – betrays the hollow bluster of Simple Minds. Their rock gestures just don't convince, not even when Chris Martin hurls his guitar skyward at the end of God Put a Smile on Your Face. He's clearly more Manilow than Marilyn Manson, thanking us for waving our "beautiful arms", for giving him this "wonderful job", gushing showbiz gratitude that is probably genuine, but doesn't entirely feel like it.

Tonight's show works best when Coldplay lean upon their soppier, soft-rock instincts, Martin singing with a sincerity that transcends the sentimentalism of his songs. His delivery redeems Viva la Vida's woolly positivity, as he throws himself into it with unabashed abandon, rendering its euphoric stomp giddily infectious as it fills the stadium. The group's finer ballads – Yellow, Fix You – also triumph here, Martin's expert lachrymose melodies and vaguely emotive lyrics enough to spark grand cathartic singalongs, enough to sweep even cynics up in the communal moment.

As the soft-rock confections reach their crescendos, with the confetti cannons and fireworks at full blast, Emirates Stadium feels like the set of some twee, manipulative, "magical" mobile-phone ad – but then subtlety counts for little in venues like this. Still, it's not the spectacle that wins the crowd over tonight, but the songs with which they connect so easily, conjuring unlikely moments of intimacy on a crowded football field.

New photos of Coldplay at the Emirates Stadium, London (1-4 June):

Photos courtesy of louisehunt1 @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

It is fitting that Coldplay are playing the Emirates stadium over three nights during Jubilee weekend; they’re the only band who can match the pomp and pageantry taking place throughout our city, writes the Londonist today, in the first of our featured reviews of Coldplay's three concerts at the Emirates Stadium in London this weekend (1-4 June). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum here (1st - Friday), here (2nd - Saturday) and here (4th - on Monday) now. Read on for the Londonist review article...

It is fitting that Coldplay are playing the Emirates stadium over three nights during Jubilee weekend; they’re the only band who can match the pomp and pageantry taking place throughout our city. They’re undeniably the biggest band in the world so while the world watches London, they are flying the flag of great British music, and boy are they making themselves noticed over the gun salutes.

Stadium gigs are always detached, impersonal shows; four tiny blokes on a stage with a screen – thank you and goodnight. Not Coldplay; their Mylo Xyloto world tour is too small for stadia, so the setup has three performance areas – main stage, middle arena jam section and an acoustic stage for the back – a trick only employed by the U2s and Rolling Stones of the rock world...

Catwalks for the obligatory rock star strutting jut out at three angles, and four giant screen discs in front of a massive neon banner covering the Clock End, mean London’s second stadium feels cocooned by the rock spectacle. This is part of Coldplay’s charm. Love them or hate them (tending towards the latter to be honest – DN) the four piece have maintained their connection to their fans, even on their vast stages, having a humble appreciation of the fame bestowed upon them. Radio controlled wristbands given to each attendee adds to this inclusiveness, everyone is part of the show as the bands’ LED light flashes in time with the songs, filling the Emirates with pop dragonflies.

As they open with the thunderous Mylo Xyloto the Emirates shimmers with twinkling lights, while laser lights dance on the North Bank End, and we are treated to a barrage of pyrotechnics. No one is paying attention to the music, rather everyone’s jaws drop at the spectacle. Then there’s more. Hurts Like Heaven explodes with confetti cannons which cover the stadium, and outside, with neon tissue butterflies and birds swirling around with the eddies. Then there’s more. In My Place combines the flashing wrist bands with more confetti. Then. There’s. More. Thirty neon balloons appear throughout the crowd like a slow motion Van Persie header for Major Minus. It’s been a visual onslaught which is is a perfect gambit, even stadium show cynics (well, us) are in awe of what’s before us and swells the adrenaline ready for the heart of a Coldplay show – soaring melodic rock.

The highlight is Yellow, a song never written for stadiums, yet its intimacy is transformed into an epic rock anthem, and Islington hasn’t heard a sing-a-long like it. The audience are vocal throughout, which is visibly moving to Chris Martin – or maybe it’s the rock star training. Either way the devotion they inspire is amazing; for much of the audience this is their only gig of the year and they have been given the perfect opportunity to air their lungs. Although a slick polished affair there’s a glitch during Princess in China. The VT of Rihanna’s vocals comes in late warranting a restart. There’s also a problem with the stewards allowing too many people into the reserved area, causing some overcrowding – but that’s an Arsenal issue.

Although Coldplay’s melodic pop rock can be rather plodding, show-wise it was faultless. A stadium gig needs to be an event and the Mylo Xyloto tour, with its vast dystopian neon set, has set a new benchmark. Mass appeal pop music lives in the stadium, and Coldplay are the best at it. The Jubilee celebrations and even the running and jumping have some hard work to do to surpass this magnificent show.

New photos of Coldplay at the Emirates Stadium, London (1-4 June):

Photos courtesy of EmileeGeorgiaa @ Flickr (click for more!)

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

At The turn of the millennium Coldplay stumbled apologetically into the limelight, four skinny, sensitive chaps whose songs walked a tightrope between mercurial and mawkish. How times have changed writes the Coventry Telegraph today, in yet another positive review article of Coldplay's concert at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Tuesday night (29th May). Catch up on more on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the Coventry Telegraph review article...

It is hard to believe the same band has grown into the superstars who stun the Ricoh Arena in Coventry with show of muscular magnificence. The evening opens in inauspicious fashion. Support acts Rita Ora and Robyn seemed an unlikely choice when they were first unveiled and the pair struggle to produce anything to justify the decision.

Ora inexplicably cuts short the chart topping hit Hot Right Now that made her name. Meanwhile Robyn spurns her eponymous breakthrough album in favour of some decidedly dodgy dance moves over what sounds like electro-reggae before begrudgingly pulling out With Every Heartbeat to wrap up her set. By the time Coldplay emerge nearly 20 minutes late there is a slightly underwhelming undercurrent... but the moment the band set foot on stage the fireworks - quite literally - begin...

Coldplay hurtle through Hurts Like Heaven as the sky above the Ricoh lights up with flashes of red and smoke drifts across the packed arena. Despite the stifling summer heat there is something festive about this stunning show. Perhaps its the geezer of gaily colour confetti that erupts during In My Place, transforming the Ricoh into a stadium-sized snow globe. Or the radio controlled armbands that flash a rainbow of colours as Paradise brings the concert to a crescendo, lighting up the arena like the world's biggest Christmas tree. And the giant, graffiti marked beach balls that bounce like bauble across the surface of the crowd.

Major Minus, Life In Technicolour, The Scientist, Yellow, Violet Hill and God Put A Smile On Your Face are rattled off as a stunning sequence before Martin asks the audience if they are enjoying themselves and boldly declares that the best songs are yet to come. Coldplay then ease off the gas for slower songs Princess Of China, Up In Flames and Warning Sign.

Princess of China is perhaps the only disappointment of the night as something of a missed opportunity. Given Rita Ora's widely acclaimed status as the next Rihanna she would have been an obvious choice to deputise on this duet, but instead the band settle for a video rendition from the R&B queen on the big screen.

Martin and co. quickly resume their stride with Don't Let It Break Your Heart, followed by the thrilling trio of Viva La Vida, Charlie Brown and Paradise as a climax to the main set. As the band retire for a well earned rest and to rehydrate the arena echoes to the refrain of Viva as 40,000 voices join as one. The wristbands blinking like fireflies in the twilight complete a magical scene. Martin emerges on a small stage at the rear of the stadium to kick of the encore, strumming through Us Against The World as his band emerge one by one to milk the applause as they join him.

Speed of Sound and Clocks follow before Fix You builds to a stunning sing-a-long finish. Coldplay finish on a high with Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall as a fresh battery of fireworks light up the night sky. Martin may have become increasingly aware how fickle fame can be, ruminating on a king who "sweeps the streets he used to own" on career high Viva La Vida. But for now Coldplay rule the music world, a ubiquitous behemoth of a band capable of commanding the loyalty of quiffed indie kids while simultaneous straddling the charts.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, England (29th May 2012):

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Coldplay re-wrote the history books to produce one of the greatest spectacles this historic city has seen by kick-starting their eagerly anticipated summer tour in emphatic style, writes Steve Carpenter of the Coventry Observer today, in another positive review article of Coldplay's concert at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Tuesday night (29th May). Catch up on more on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the Coventry Observer review article...

The hottest band on the planet right now have deservedly earned a reputation down the years as being the kings of live entertainment. And on a warm, sunny Tuesday evening inside the Ricoh Arena, Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion produced one of the greatest live music shows in Coventry's proud history. The colourful outfits, the graffiti, the glitter and of course the glowing wrist bands were all part of wonderfully crafted show which began Hurts Like Heaven off their latest album, Mylo Xyloto...

And from then on the 42,000 capacity audience were simply in awe of this magical gig that seemed to just get better and better with every track. The timeless classics which gave Coldplay their iconic sound were not penned to become stadium anthems, but In My Place and Yellow now seem to defy that theory. And a special mention of 'coming up to the Ricoh' was cleverly slipped in by lead singer Martin who certainly knows how to connect with his audience.

In fact the whole band looked to be enjoying themselves too and it was no surprise to see Martin describe the Coventry crowd as "incredible" on Twitter shortly after going off stage, adding that it was one of their favourite performances ever. Back to the action and it is not often you get to glance around a full to capacity Ricoh and see ecstatic fans on their feet giving a rapturous applause for so long.

There was even a nice gesture by the band for those sitting towards the back during the traditional encore. The band sneaked onto a small setting located at the opposite end of the main stage and somehow, among all of the drama, managed to create this magical acoustic setting before returning to the front.

The band's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, has charted at number one in over 30 countries and popular tracks including Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall and Charlie Brown produced unforgettable, explosive scenes which left fans simply speechless at the final whistle. The history records show that The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more recently Oasis have all graced Coventry with their presence.

But after a performance like that, Coldplay and their growing support have adopted a whole new meaning to the phrase Sent to Coventry.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, England (29th May 2012):

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

When Coldplay first graduated to stadiums in 2005, I thought they were too drab to command the space; they had big songs but little charisma, four earnest men dressed in black in front of a black back drop. No one could accuse them of being colourless anymore. Quite the opposite, in fact, they may be the most colourful band on the planet, with a palette that could make a children's TV set designer queasy, writes the Daily Telegraph in the first review of Coldplay's concert at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Tuesday night (29th May). Catch up on the latest tweets, pictures, videos from the shows at the Coldplay Live forum now. Read on for the Daily Telegraph review article...

They storm onto a graffiti splashed set in hand crafted outfits wielding paint spattered instruments and turn the stadium into a sea of day glo light with flashing wristbands, giant red, green and blue balloons, fireworks, glitter, ticker tape, and every laser this side of Star Wars.

You can't even accuse the old bedwetters of trying too hard to make up for a lack of charisma, They throw everything at their audience, including themselves. This is the kind of stirring, sweaty, heartfelt, energetic, emotional and uplifting show that could give stadium entertainment a good name.

Coldplay have been around for over ten years now, and they have a catalogue of hit songs to match any of their stadium rocking predecessors. The crowd is singing lustily along by the second song, In My Place. Five songs in, they threaten to drown out Chris Martin on The Scientist. "We haven't even got to the good songs yet," he jokes. "We're just getting started."

Yellow opens surprisingly as a tender piano ballad then explodes into a screaming, stomping guitar anthem. The "Oh-way-ohs" that bounce around the stands at the end of Viva La Vida are fantastic, reminding you of the communal essence of great musical spectacle. When it comes to a big singalong, Coldplay are hard to beat.

The appearance of Rihanna on big screens singing her chorus from Princess Of China is a reminder of how easily Coldplay fit into the modern urban pop landscape. Although they have the drama, intensity and epic dimensions of rock music, their melodic instincts are pitched squarely at the pop mainstream. No shame in that. They may be the most poppy rock group since The Beatles.

They have earned their status as biggest band on the planet with massive singalong tunes. But they have grown into the role too, really using every inch of the stadium space, filling it with their personality as well as their songs, overloading the senses with every technological and showbiz trick in the book. The explosion of light and music on Charlie Brown is just amazing, maybe the most spectacular musical momemt I have ever witnessed. Coldplay have become one of those rare groups for whom bigger really does mean better.

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, England (29th May 2012):

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

18 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion] [NEW!]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Every word uttered by Chris Martin seems to become a trending topic. Chris's recent revelations that he suffers tinnitus from playing loud music and regrets calling his band's fifth record Mylo Xyloto (but later joked this was untrue) both copped a flogging on all good sites where opinions rule, writes the Herald Sun, in another article from down under, ahead of the Australasian shows later this year. Read on for the article... you can also discuss it at the Coldplay forum too [thanks Tash]

He mock groans when told Mylo Xyloto and "stupid" are easily Googled. "You say something stupid and someone tells you it is trending," he says. "How come no one ever trends about that time with those strippers? Me and my wife and those six strippers, no one trends that!"

Both of us laugh knowing this will indeed trend and by the time the American and British gossip sites get a hold of it, a joke will have become a headline: "Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's hot night with strippers!"

For all the earnestness ascribed to their brand of anthemic stadium rock, Coldplay's frontman is one of the funniest chaps in rock. He doesn't miss an opportunity to complain that his wife has achieved a feat in Australia that his band cannot match. Paltrow hit the top of the singles charts here in 2000 with Cruisin' from the film Duets.

The closest Coldplay has ever got to No.1 was with their biggest hit Paradise, which peaked at No.3. The song scored high rotation during summer when it soundtracked promos for Revenge which has become one of the year's small-screen hits. "It fucking took 12 years to get up there but the reason we keep going is so we can get a No.1 single in Australia one day," Martin says. "We'll do anything that lets us keep coming back to Australia to go on tour there. We're ready now but just need to lose a bit of weight and get our teeth in order."

While they have always embraced the visual aesthetic of show business, Coldplay take it to yet another level with Mylo Xyloto and its world tour. The album artwork, the videos, the concert backdrops and lighting are all integrated, as they have been since their third album, X&Y, but now all the artforms and imaging are even more aligned. Martin credits the inspiration offered by their continued collaborations with creative mentor Brian Eno, who receives a credit for his "enoxfication" of Mylo Xyloto.

"It's meant to be an immersive experience, that the music sits in a visual place and everything links together," Martin explains. "We were always moving towards that but didn't quite know how to do it. Working with Brian Eno, who is such a visual person as well, and getting our own space where we can paint a bigger picture helped us get there. If you came into the studio, the building looks like the record. We've drawn on the walls ... it all looks like the beginning of what the record became. We wanted to present another visual image beside the four of us standing against a wall. And we're not so good at the 'walking' photo. What we've learnt from Brian over the last five years is to have fun with it all."

Fluoro is fun. Splashes and slashes of paint are fun. And for the band's fans, there is an extra dose of fun at the concerts, thanks to LED wristbands that will throw bursts of colour around the stadium, synchronised with the music. If you have seen the Charlie Brown video or checked out live footage of the tour, you'll get just how amazing it will look in Australia in November.

The idea was brought to the band by a fan. "It's a little self-indulgent, but we love the way it looks when there are 15,000 or 40,000 or however many people all with those lights on them," Martin says. "The technology is still very experimental, so most of the money we're earning on the tour is put into the wristbands. We have to figure out how to keep it going without going broke because it's such a crucial part of the concert."

They did think about asking for the wristbands to be popped back into a basket after each show for recycling. But that would have created an even bigger bill. "You then have to clean everything in case someone picks up herpes or tuberculosis. Our lawyers told us we'd get sued and having been sued a few times, we're not keen on that," Martin says. "We do try not to upset people, but we still manage to. We attract some really weird, nasty s--- but that's life."

For every weirdo, there is a fan who has stayed the course with a band the critics love to hate and the comics adore to satirise. Like Radiohead and Pearl Jam, Coldplay ignored those outside the tent and embraced the faithful on the inside, setting up an almost intimate internet relationship fed by regular contact via social media and free or limited-edition goodies offered online. Martin says having the direct contact is a "blessing" and helps to defuse the sting of misinformation when it hits.

"Let me say that when someone comes and talks to you in the street, they are thinking 'OK, this person is a rock star' and they don't have to engage in any understanding of your real life," he says. "With the direct relationship, it gives a much more balanced reflection of what your music is meaning to people and it's taken away a lot of anxiety."

Rock stars and their anxieties. Age seems to have reduced Martin's care factor about success. But watching Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and Beyonce concert footage has helped translate that attitude to the concert stage. During the last Australian tour, the frontman enthusiastically threw himself into the performance, spreading his infectious joy. "Watching those heroes of mine, there was a common thread between them when they go on stage and that is they don't give a f--- about anything other than being totally in that moment," he says. "Being English, that is slightly harder to do because you have this hurdle of insecurity and some kind of guilt as to why I have been given this job. So now every day before we play, I tell myself to let go. I know it looks silly but the only thing it has in its favour is it is genuine and passionate."

But his fear returns if all he can see is fans frantically working their smartphones. While those people may be tweeting they are at the gig of a lifetime, Martin equates the behaviour with boredom. "The only thing I fear is texting. If they are texting, they are not enjoying the music. I remember when those phones first came in, we played a song and two people clapped and 2000 were just watching us and I thought we must have really f---ed it up," he says.

"Then I realised everyone was filming. We asked if they wouldn't mind clapping for just one song that night so we wouldn't get paranoid."

New photos of Coldplay performing at the Stade Charles Herman, Nice, France (22nd May 2012):

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

9 London, UK @ Paralympics Closing Ceremony [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

As Coldplay prepare to bring their world tour to Australasia in November 2012, Scott Kara from the New Zealand Herald caught up with guitarist Jonny Buckland to talk about current life in Coldplay. Read on for their article...

It's taken a few years to get used to it but Coldplay are now feeling entirely comfortable being one of the world's biggest bands. "Generally, we're much more at ease with ourselves and with what we do than we ever have been," says guitarist Jonny Buckland on the phone from New York where they are about to play Radio City Music Hall as part of an extended global jaunt which brings them to New Zealand in November. And, he adds with a satisfied and cheeky chuckle: "We're less likely to listen to the people who don't like us anymore."

These days there is no denying their pulling power as one of music's few stadium-sized drawcards. Not only are they playing bigger shows than ever, but they have collaborated with the likes of hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, and R&B superstar Rihanna features on Princess of China off latest album Mylo Xyloto.

They may have had humble musical beginnings, and grew out of the Britrock movement of the 90s, but Coldplay went on to supersede bands such as Radiohead, and become a global music phenomenon. Still, ask Buckland who is the better band out of Radiohead and Coldplay he is adamant: "Radiohead. No, I mean really, they are. They are great."

Which is hardly surprising considering along with U2 and Scottish band Travis, the Thom Yorke-led group were a big influence on Coldplay around the time Buckland started the band with frontman Chris Martin in London in 1996. The recently acquired confidence that he talks about also comes through on Mylo, which includes singles Every Teardrop is a Waterfall and Paradise, and is the backbone of the current stadium tour. "The idea was to make the most visual album we'd ever made, to think of it visually, so every song had a place and almost filmic quality. So it is more of a sort of conceptual album, and all that sort of rubbish," he laughs.

And when it came time to take Mylo on the road the band wanted to make the shows as "interactive" as possible. "'Interactive' is a horrible word," says Buckland, "but when you go to see it, it feels like you are part of something. You're not just going to look at four idiots up on stage, you really feel like you're stepping into something, like you're in something."

Coldplay return to New Zealand for their fourth visit - they were last here in March 2009 for two shows at Vector Arena - on November 10 for what is likely to be the biggest show of the summer. They started touring in June last year and haven't let up since, with a constant stream of dates throughout this year.

"It does seem a little bit scary when you first look at it," says Buckland. "But once you start doing it it's great because we genuinely love touring, travelling, and playing - you know, it's a good life."

However, rewind to the mid-2000s and it was not as rosy as it is today. As Coldplay became the new U2, Chris Martin became the new Bono - a rock star given to good causes and living a seemingly perfect life with his movie star missus and kids. Also around this time, all was not well in the Coldplay ranks.

Though the polite London chaps were not exactly throwing instruments at each other in the recording studio, they were not having much fun making music.

Following 2002's second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and songs such as In My Place and Clocks, they were contenders for the world's biggest band, but, come time to record follow-up X&Y, they were at a loss. "It was the hardest album to make," remembers Buckland. "We didn't really enjoy being in the studio. We were really happy with some of the songs that came out of it, but we didn't really quite know what we wanted to be."

And X&Y was no match for their previous records. Still, with songs like the rousing Speed of Sound and the tenderness of Fix You, they survived the backlash and the album went on to sell more than 8 million copies - 75,000 of those in New Zealand. However, the real turning point for the band came when they set up their own studio to record next album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. "We hadn't had our own space since playing in my bedroom in 1996," laughs Buckland. This meant they could experiment more, which was something Coldplay had never done. It turned out that they were quite good at it, and the multi-part songs and lush sonic scope of Viva La Vida showed a very different side to the band.

Though it is their least successful record to date it is their most ambitious and intriguing. "We found our love of music again when we made that record," Buckland says. "We'd just try stuff, not worry about how much it was costing, and enjoyed being in the band again."

Martin came out the other side too, and these days his boundless energy, endearing goofiness, distinct voice, and hunched piano-hammering make him one of music's best frontmen. The concert at Mt Smart Stadium will be their biggest New Zealand concert to date. Following in the footsteps of U2, who played two nights at Mt Smart in 2010, it also marks Coldplay's return to the same venue where they played a mid-afternoon slot at the 2001 Big Day Out following the release of their debut album Parachutes which featured breakthrough single Yellow.

Back then, Coldplay were a quaint little band who struggled to make themselves heard at the rowdy Auckland festival. "We've done an awful lot since then," ponders Buckland. "All our lives have changed completely. But the one constant is that we have each other and our relationship is still kind of the same really."

Buckland and Martin met each other and formed a band at University College in London, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion came on board a little later, and over the last 15 years they have grown up together. "It's great because when ever things are bad there is always someone to pick you up. And whenever you get too full of yourself there is someone to bring you down. We just rely on each other."

The band's popularity took off with Yellow, and Parachutes was an enchanting and quietly uplifting album. "We wanted to make, I suppose, very simple music in a way," says Buckland. "And with lots of space, and like Neil Young on Harvest, or something like that."

Then came Rush of Blood, the band's most popular record and arguably their best which set in stone the classic Coldplay sound. "We had been out on tour and realised we needed some louder songs," laughs Buckland. "So after touring, part of A Rush of Blood came from wanting to play the guitars a bit harder and hit the drums a bit harder."

And they did, with songs like Clocks, an anthem that escalates and spirals beautifully. But possibly the album's most memorable moment is still ebbing, plaintive ballad The Scientist. Fast forward to Mylo, and though they still sounded like Coldplay, Buckland says with producer and ambient music master Brian Eno on board again, they wanted to take their music even further. "We thought we'd got somewhere with Viva where we thought 'it's good but we can push this further' and we went straight to work after we'd finished it on Mylo.

"We really enjoyed experimenting, spending weeks and weeks playing music without any expectation of finishing songs. Just trying new sounds, and listening to different stuff; we kind of felt free to go anywhere we wanted with it."

It may not be as large in scale as U2's last shows at Mt Smart Stadium, with the 360-degree staging and audience configuration, but Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto stage show will be a grand affair, with lights galore. And you, the fans, will be a key part of the show. Every member of the audience is given a special LCD wristband on entry. The wristbands feature a plastic box with the Coldplay logo, which lights up during the concert to complete the show's state-of-art lighting display. "We met this inventor last year who invented these lights that everyone can wear," says guitarist Jonny Buckland. "So the light show goes everywhere and we just want the show to be this very involving thing."

Judging by accounts from overseas shows, the band perform a number of tracks on a catwalk adjacent to the main stage and, similar to the Viva La Vida tour from 2009, they also play on a pop-up stage at the back of each venue.

Rihanna also makes a guest appearance for her duet with Chris Martin on Princess of China, but don't get too excited, because she's beamed into the venue via video screen. And the set-list - though it may change once they get to New Zealand in November - is generally around 20 songs, consisting of a mix of their best-known tracks and a handful off Mylo Xyloto, including a finale of Every Teardrop is a Waterfall from that album.

Past Coldplay shows in New Zealand

January 19, 2001

Intimate gig the night before Big Day Out at small Auckland venue Galatos.

January 20, 2001

Mid-afternoon set at the Big Day Out. "Pleasant though Coldplay were, the act was not one to make you go home and play their splendid album again," is how Herald reviewers described it.

August 11, 2001

St James, Auckland - "By the time they got to the multiple encores ... Coldplay left the clear impression that they are a far better, far more confident and exciting band than the one-album-wonder their earlier visit might have suggested."

July 24, 2003

Auckland Showgrounds - "Frontman Chris Martin seemed genuinely ecstatic to be here, flinging himself around the stage like a skittish puppet, and later hunching so low over the piano he almost disappeared into it. At one point he hammered the keys so passionately he had to have his hand bandaged."

March 18 and 19, 2009

Vector Arena - The band ran from the main stage to the back of the arena and into the grandstand - where they played songs including a cover of the Monkees' I'm A Believer - the sell-out audience beamed as the band showed they weren't too cool to get among them. "You can't come all the way to NZ without coming to the back of the room," said Martin. "After a 97-hour flight, you want to meet everyone."

Various pictures and stage setup for the Coldplay show at the Dragao Stadium, Porto, Portugal (18th May 2012):

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

FEBRUARY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2012

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

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

APRIL 2012

17 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion]

18 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome [discussion]

20 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

21 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena [discussion]

24 Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena [discussion]

25 Seattle, WA @ KeyArena [discussion]

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

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

MAY 2012

1 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

2 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

4 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl [discussion]

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

18 Porto, Portugal @ Dragao Stadium [discussion]

20 Madrid, Spain @ Estadio Vicente Calderón [discussion]

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

24 Turin, Italy @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

26 Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund [discussion]

29 Coventry, UK @ Ricoh Stadium [discussion]

JUNE 2012

1 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

2 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

4 London, UK @ the Emirates Stadium [discussion]

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

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

9 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

10 Manchester, UK @ the Etihad Stadium [discussion]

22 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

23 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center [discussion]

25 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

26 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center [discussion]

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

29 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena [discussion]

JULY 2012

2 Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena [discussion]

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

5 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

6 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center [discussion]

8 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

9 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center [discussion]

23 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

24 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre [discussion]

26 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

27 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre [discussion]

29 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

30 Boston, MA @ TD Garden [discussion]

AUGUST 2012

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

3 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

4 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center [discussion]

7 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

8 Chicago, IL @ United Center [discussion]

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

28 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium [discussion]

30 Stockholm, Sweden @ Olympic Stadium [discussion]

SEPTEMBER 2012

2 Paris, France @ Stade de France [discussion]

4 Cologne, Germany @ Rheinenergie Stadium [discussion]

6 The Hague, Netherlands @ Malieveld [discussion]

12 Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion [discussion]

14 Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Stadium [discussion]

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

19 Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium [discussion]

22 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Arena [discussion]

NOVEMBER 2012

10 Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt Smart Stadium [discussion]

13 Melbourne, Australia @ Etihad Stadium [discussion]

17 Sydney, Australia @ Allianz Stadium [discussion]

21 Brisbane, Australia @ Suncorp Stadium [discussion]

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

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

Read also: 2012: Live Appearances - Easy Thread Finder (last updated - 12th January 2012)

Read also: 2012 tour date rumours (please post dates for ALL countries in here)

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

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

Coldplay fans are least likely to have sex on a first date than fans of a slew of other acts - according to a new survey. Music-based dating website Tastebuds.fm, which matches potential partners based on their taste in music, has carried out the research.

They asked users how far they’d likely go on a first date. Users were given the options of "I’d only meet up for a chat", "Perhaps a kiss" and "I’d go all the way if the mood was right."

Answers were then matched with users' tastes in music, leaving Tastebuds with the result that on average Coldplay fans were the least likely to have sex on a first date, while Nirvana fans were the most likely. Other acts with average fan responses in the 'Least Likely' category included Adele, Lady Gaga and Kings Of Leon, while fans of Metallica, Linkin Park and Kanye West were high in the 'Most Likely' category.

Says NYMag: Perhaps this study should have also been broken down by gender; we think the salient "statistic" that has been uncovered here is that women won't tell dating sites they'll bang on a first date but men will.

The results were:

Least Likely to 'go all the way'

1. Coldplay

2. Adele

3. Lady Gaga

4. Katy Perry

5. Kings Of Leon

Most Likely

1. Nirvana

2. Metallica

3. Linkin Park

4. Kanye West

5. Gorillaz

Recent pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Bakery (end March 2011): [thanks to coldpatrix, illuvcoldplay and Gabriele ]

Liam Gallagher says he and his bandmates are “scathed” every day, compared to bands like Coldplay, he has said in a recent magazine interview. The former Oasis frontman has enjoyed a successful career, often grabbing headlines for his no-nonsense behaviour. Now he is looking to carry on this attitude with his latest venture – Beady Eye – which was formed after he fell out with former colleague and his brother Noel.

But Liam feels as though some of his peers are not being rock and roll enough. He says that he saw British indie band Coldplay and couldn’t believe there was no friction between them, which he thinks is a healthy part of any group. It happened while Beady Eye guitarist Andy Bell was wearing an unusual piece of attire. “I bumped into a couple of the Coldplay lot in the pub,” Liam explained. “Jonny [buckland] said, ‘We’re just really happy.’ What, not one of you pissin’ each other off? Nothing happened? People have got to have something to talk about, haven’t they?”

Liam loves how, even though he is still going strong, his fellow musicians go through pain for the cause all the time. “We’re scathed every fuckin’ day and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” the 38-year-old told Q magazine. “Our new keyboard player’s broke his foot already. Dropped a bowling ball.”

Beady Eye will release their album Different Gear, Sill Speeding in the UK on February 28. Liam claims that if people don’t expect much of the record it can only be because he is too much of an icon. “Well, that’s pretty sh*t,” he said when asked how he’ll react if the public doesn’t like his latest project. “If people have low expectations of us it because you’ve been fuckin’ blinded by what you idolise man, that’s what you’ve been. That’s what’s happened.”

[20/01/2011] Chris Martin performing at Gary Barlow 40th birthday gig:

The Coldplay frontman's wife Gwyneth Paltrow can already see signs that their youngest child, four-year-old Moses, will follow in his father's musical footsteps, but says he has very different tastes to his rock star dad.

The Oscar-winning actress – who also has a daughter, six-year-old Apple, with Chris - said: 'Moses sings the most in our house. He's humming and singing all day long. Not my husband's songs – he's more into T-Pain or he'll just sing whatever song he hears on the radio. Super-poppy music.'

Gwyneth is set to showcase her own vocal talents in forthcoming movie ‘Country Strong' - in which she plays a down-on-her-luck musician - but the blonde beauty insists she is the least musically talented person in her household. Asked if she helps Chris with his songwriting, she told Britain's Hello! magazine: "No! No, no, no, no, no. He wouldn't ask me to either. I would be the worst person to come to – I would write the most shit lyrics of all time. The kids could probably write better songs than me."

Check out a brand new alternative Coldplaying LP5 blog entry: How #43 Got His Booze Back

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Corkus]

Guess who’s back? Yes, ungrateful peasants, I have returned. I suppose I owe all of you an explanation for my lengthy absence. After all, explaining myself would make me a better roadie than #42, who irresponsibly took the summer off without warning his most loyal fans. First of all, I hope you are enjoying the Digital Transmissions section of Coldplay.com.

Personally, I was so enamored by the concept that I felt like treating Coldplay’s fans to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of last year’s Wembley shows (Has it really been a year? Or have I just been drinking too much to remember anything?) involving Chris and Jonny giving each other manicures backstage. Of course, such footage was so incredibly awesome that it crashed Coldplay.com and caused various glitches to appear across the site, and Digital Transmissions has run sluggishly ever since (tech management tells me it’s because my file was too large, but I know they’re lying scum buckets). As a result, Coldplay.com lost the BT Digital Music Awards.

As punishment, I was temporarily laid off from the Beehive’s staff. This gave Miller the opportunity to rush back from his extended, extended, extended holiday and provide some juicy blog updates about how little the boys have actually accomplished with LP5. In the meantime, I found temporarily labor working for Keane. Oh, the agony! If I wasn’t so completely drunk the whole time, I may have actually learned to like a band other than Coldplay! Granted, #42 has spread a lot of truly nasty rumors in his latest blogs that have fans questioning things beyond their literal interpretation. In his mid-September blog, #42 mentioned “a good healthy dose of tutting and cursing”. Now, I may not know what the hell “tutting” means (I assume it involves dressing up like King Tut when you’re super-wasted, and in that case, I enjoy tutting all the time), but I do enjoy myself some good cursing! He mentioned how making huge music is not like The Flintstones. I am inclined to disagree. Chris is totally Fred Flintstone. Not only is he a stubborn loudmouth, but he enjoys shouting silly catch phrases at inappropriate moments. (Some examples include “Gee willikers, Will!” and “Heeeeere’s Jonny! No really, here’s Jonny!”)

However, most will agree that Blog #122 was a pointless endeavor that only served to inform everyone that the band was still alive and had done diddly squat over the summer. Fortunately, Blog #123 came one week later and included lots of picture goodness to make all my adoring fangirls drool. #42 mentioned how “the plan has been shaken up like a fizzy drink can”. And as everyone knows, the only proper thing to do in that situation is to drop a Mentos in the can. The boys are obviously very excited about a particular song they have been working on. That said, it is apparent that the boys are also very excited about the other 200 song ideas they have come up with, so they have created a song-selecting process that involves putting on a blindfold and throwing darts at a wall with song titles on them. (I suggested adding drinking games to the mix but was quickly shot down by Guy, who is a recovering alcoholic, as we all know.) In the blog, it is also mentioned that Chris’s vocals are heard from behind Phil’s door. I guarantee you that these are not lyrics, nor are they harmonic. Presumably, Phil badly destroyed Chris in an arm-wrestling match, who let out a wail of pain that sounds not unlike an angel being struck by lightning – still angelic, yet filled with despair.

Roadie #42 also said that Chris has been stuffing his notebook full of doodles and lyrics. Personally, doodles and Chris’s lyrics are the same exact damn thing to me. (In fact, I’m pretty sure a stick man drawing has more depth than “Those who are dead are not dead”.) At the end of the blog, he teased the next record by leaving a picture of the journal. I don’t know why #42 would purposely reveal the album artwork like that. Don’t try to convince me that it’s not it. After seeing the latest Weezer album cover, I am willing to believe anything can be album art. Speaking of which, if someone paid me $10 million to break my band up, I’d sure as hell do it! That’s like a lifetime of paid-off booze! Unfortunately, I have no more space to discuss Blog #124, which I will save for next time. I also realize that I haven't cursed this entire blog, which is a fucking shame if you ask me. Likewise, I will leave you with a list of my favorite Coldplay drinking songs:

- Glass of Beer

- Swallowed in the Sea (of Beer)

- A Rush of Beer to the Head

- Viva La Vodka (so overplayed, though)

- Warning Wine

- Wine Shadows

- Tequila Come

- Fix You (a Drink)

- Liquor in Japan / Rum of Love

- A Whiskey

R#43

Coldplaying Christmas Secret Santa 2010 - add your name to the list and vote yes in the poll!

Nomination stage voting is now open in the Coldplaying Awards 2010! (Click the banner):

Check out the brand new first (and possibly last) alternative Coldplaying LP5 blog entry from Roadie number 44: #44 succumbs to the impatient

Read the full entry and discuss this blog at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks NumbersGirl AKA R#44]

So even though you all are fully aware by now that the band has not been in the studio recently (not in its entirety, anyway), you still whine about the lack of reports from the lovely Roadie #42. What exactly is it that you would like him to report, I wonder? “Hello. I’m here to report that the band isn’t in the studio right now. Goodbye.” I don’t think so. And he has been ordered to take a break anyway...

I must say that I enjoy reviewing your analysis of 42’s previous blogs, how you read way too much into every detail, even insinuating that he hints at track titles with “quotations”, drool over the solar system bit, etc. So, with Roadie #42 on break, Roadie #43 on hiatus or M.I.A., I give you – ME. Roadie #44: the janitor of the Beehive. I’m not sure that I can come anywhere near the aforementioned in terms of storytelling, but I will try. Because you know, there’s ALL SORTS of juicy things going on when the band’s not here. Yeah.

Janitor, you ask? Well of course; the band needs to someone to keep the Beehive relatively clean while they are away. The hours are great; it’s not your typical 9-to-5 job. Although there’s no music-making going on in the studio “at the moment”, and Roadie #42 was ordered to take a break, he does still occasionally pop in from time to time. He just can’t stay away! And I also occasionally see this tall, “lanky lad” bringing cigarettes to and from the Beehive. I haven’t asked his name, and he otherwise doesn’t look familiar. I’m just going to pretend that he’s Guy’s personal assistant.

Aside from the occasional Roadie #42 and lanky lad sightings, the only living things keeping me company whilst cleaning are all the plants. Those. Damned. Plants. I’m a janitor, not a horticulturist. Pruning the greenery is not in my job description. You know that lounge area that he mentioned in an earlier blog? The plants are even starting to take over that area, too...

Read the rest of the blog entry here (recommended!)

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Chris Martin is sporting a cast on his foot after reportedly injuring himself in a surfing accident. Chris has been spending time in the Hamptons area of New York, hitting the waves in between recording sessions for the band's upcoming album.

But his board time is said to have been hampered after he hurt his right ankle last week and he has been photographed wearing a cast while he recovers from the injury, according to The Sun.

The Sun wrote: "It looks like Chris is a happy man at the moment. He even pulled off some ridiculous squat poses for the cameras. It's great to see him looking so relaxed. It might be down to his new fitness regime, which he has stepped up in the past few months. He has been surfing every morning and hitting the gym - until injury struck. The surf dude mentality is also creeping into their music, with a real change of direction on their new album. After the epic feel of Viva La Vida, the new material is a more stripped-back affair with an acoustic feel."

Pictures of Chris Martin enjoying a beach party wearing an ankle support (August 2010):

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Check out a brand new alternative Coldplaying LP5 blog entry: #43 has a swig of Viva La Vodka

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Corkus]

Long time, crud buckets! It may not be British Independence that is being celebrated today, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use this as an excuse to get hammered, right? A lot has happened since I went on my last binging spree and decided to interview Chris. Oddly enough, I ran into Chris in The Beehive a few days later, and the fellow doesn’t recall ever being interviewed. I can only assume that he was as delirious as I was. Anyway, I felt I would give you folks an update of what has been going on in the studio before I get too smashed...

My sworn nemesis – Miller #42 – seems to have blogged while I was gone. As sworn defender of the truth, however, it is my duty to clarify a few things that he wrote. First of all, #42 wrote about his mornings in the studio with his desk and coffee. Did you read that correctly? He actually gets a desk! And he gets free coffee! Why is it that I have to actually walk across the street and pay for my coffee? #42 also dug into the experimental stages of Coldplay’s upcoming fifth record, which sounds “like it’s arriving from another planet”. I don’t know about you folks, but I completely believe in alien conspiracies, especially when I’m drunk. I fact, I believe I have stumbled upon a sickening truth. Are you ready for it?

That’s right. Will Champion is actually an extraterrestrial.

How could nobody have seen the signs before? It was so painstakingly obvious. His egg-shaped head that resembles an alien egg. His stare of death that can kill kittens. His unworldly ability to show disapproval of new songs and make Chris cower in fear because of it. I will be probing this development in the coming months with the help of my know-it-all alien investigation team, consisting of former X-Files actors and the members of Muse. Rumor has it that Will is scientifically brewing an alien formula for immortality, but like Guy’s love potion and Chris’s hair tonic, it’s merely in its premature stages.

But I know most of you are far more interested in the new songs. Some of you have intelligently deciphered #42’s song title hints – “Moments” and “Up”. Rest assured that – like with Viva’s demos – these are just two of possibly a hundred potential song names that may or may not be used. I can confirm that “Moments” is a special song that Chris has dedicated to Jonny Buckland. Sure, both men may be happily married now, but every now and then the two will have “moments” when one will accidentally stumble upon the other in the shower. (Chris claims he never looks, but shower security tapes say differently. For the record, rumor has it those are Jonny’s security tapes.) “Up”, meanwhile, is yet another song about how Chris’s feet won’t touch the ground. Of course, Jonny is the only one of us who actually knows what Chris’s feet look like, and he says Chris walks on air, so we believe his lyrics.

How are Guy Berryman and Phil Harvey doing, you ask? Well, Guy still needs your old photographs, so keep submitting them! I believe he is still holding out for the one photo that looks like a 70-year-old version of himself. That way he can create a convincing fake ID out of it and use it for senior benefits. As for Phil, he can’t wait for Guy to actually turn 70 so that he can become the most handsome member of Coldplay. (Phil remains convinced that he is invulnerable to aging.) In the meantime, it’s back into the “studio” for me, which is really just a fancy way of saying that I need to head back to the liquor store. And to all you Americans, have fun celebrating! I’ll be drinking with you in spirit!

R#43

A station manager turned sleuth to return family photos of Chris Martin and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow which had been left on a train by Chris's dad, according to the Mirror this morning. You can discuss this story at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks SueDeNimes]

Honest Matt Fearn found the snaps, worth a fortune to a magazine, in a jacket handed in at Plymouth station. Matt guessed they were private photos and realised the jacket must have been left on the train by a member of Chris's family travelling to Exeter.

He knew the Coldplay frontman was from the city and traced his father Anthony to his nearby home rather than following procedure and sending the jacket to a lost property store. The retired businessman said: "I'd like to thank him very much for tracing me."

Photos of Coldplay live in Parque Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia (4th March 2010)

Photos by Yussef

Check out a brand new alternative Coldplaying LP5 blog entry: #43 interviews "Chris Martin"

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Corkus]

In between binging sessions, Roadie #43 has managed to catch up with Chris Martin! Now, some of you may be a bit skeptical of this interview, especially since there are, indeed, many people in the world named "Chris Martin", but Roadie #43 assures us that he went through a very through identification procedure. Whether that procedure was done under the influence, nobody knows. Regardless, enjoy the interview!

R#43: “Good to see you, Chris.”

Chris: “It’s good to see you too, Millard...”

R#43: “Now, first things first. You ARE the real Chris Martin, correct?”

Chris: “Well, you’re the real Roadie #42, aren’t you?”

R#43: “Uh, yeah, sure, why not.”

Chris: “Listen, this had better be quick. My daughter, Banana, has a recital later today.”

R#43: “Don’t you mean Apple?”

Chris: “That’s what I said, wasn’t it?”

R#43: “Are you sure you’re not just some James Morrison-type doppelganger?”

Chris: “Depends on how much I’m being paid for this interview!”

R#43: “Let’s move on. How is the new material coming along?”

Chris: “Oh, it sounds fantastic! Just to make things even more experimental, we put Jonny on the drums and Will on bass just to mix things up a little, you know. As for me, I’ve decided to take up playing the triangle!”

R#43: “That’s fascinating, Chris! How involved is Brian Eno on the production side?”

Chris: “Oh, that old bum? Every time I would play something, that bald coot would yell at me for being too overdone and similar to past material. So we replaced him with a scarecrow. After all, we do plan on starting a new musical – and spiritual - revolution that will usher in a new age of enlightenment and prosperity!”

R#43: “Mmm hmm. Any ideas yet for a title for the next album?”

Chris: “Well, so far the material has sort of a rainbow-y feel to it, so we were thinking something along the lines of ’In Rainbows’.”

R#43: “Wow, what an incredibly original and inspiring name!”

Chris: “Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.”

R#43: “So, this apparent leak…is it real? Is that truly your voice?”

Chris: “I could tell you…but then I’d have to kill you.”

R#43: “Some of our readers at Coldplaying.com had some questions for you, Chris. Coldplaying@Hogwarts asks if Jonny’s favorite food really is cake.”

Chris: “Oh my, yes! The entire reason Jonny got married is so he could have the world’s biggest wedding cake! He even says he wants to purposely divorce and re-marry his wife over and over again just so he can keep having gigantic cakes made for him!”

R#43: “That’s a brilliant idea! He should marry all sorts of fangirls just so he can have cake! Everyone’s a winner!”

Chris: “I know, right?”

R#43: “Totally. Moving on, MelColdplay on Twitter wants to know what you think about Latin American fans.”

Chris: “They’re the best fans in the world! Every time we play there, they just get louder and louder! It’s a darn good thing they know what the phrase ‘Viva La Vida’ actually translates to, because I sure as hell don’t!”

R#43: “She would also like to know what your biggest fault is.”

Chris: “Well, to be quite honest, I don’t think I’m nearly deserving of the success that Coldplay has gotten. In fact, I think we suck. But mostly I’m ashamed of the fact that I won’t ever be able to appease all my adoring fangirls with whatever dirty favors they may want from me. I just too loyal to my wife, Anne Hathaway.”

R#43: “You mean Gwyneth Paltrow? You know, for someone who claims to be the real Chris Martin, you sure are forgetful of family names!”

Chris: “Hey, I’m a rock star! It doesn’t matter what you or Will Berryman think!”

R#43: “Okay, then, prove it. Say something only the real Chris Martin would say.”

Chris: “My balls hurt.”

R#43: “Hmm…it’s true that Chris DOES like to talk about his balls a lot. Good enough for me!”

Chris: “No, I wasn’t answering your question! My balls really do hurt!”

R#43: “You're a funny guy, Chris. Time for one final question that we ask all our guests in our interviews – What is your favorite Coldplay song?”

Chris: “Where the Streets Have No Name.”

R#43: “Wow, me too! Hey wait, I thought…”

Chris: (yawning) “Well, I gotta run now. Catch ya later!”

R#43: “Oh, uh, thanks Chris! There you have it, folks, an exclusive interview with the one and only Chris Martin…I think. I’m gonna go get hammered after a long day of doing nothing productive. Toodles!”

Not content with travelling the world with an internationally popular rock band, nor with funding a village cricket team in rural Gloucestershire, Coldplay's bass player Guy Berryman's latest venture sees him trying to break into the antiques business. You can discuss this story at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks iriden]

The Sun reports that Guy has launched a company with his brother Mark, a former chef, called Berryman's Antiques. Mark Berryman lives in Sweden and his role is to locate and restore Scandinavian antiques, before the brothers ship the items, which include tables, chairs and cabinets, to the UK to be sold over the internet. A source was quoted as saying, "Their stuff sells for anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand."

Dealing in antiques is not the only extra-curricular activity Guy Berryman has been dabbling in, with it emerging last week that the bassist agreed to sponsor cricket team Slaughters Utd with the rest of the band.

He has also been busy with Apparatjik, a musical project of Berryman's that includes members of Mew and A-ha, who recently released a free EP available for download and re-release their album 'We Are Here' via iTunes on June 15.

Check out a brand new alternative Coldplaying LP5 blog entry: #43 and the nasty hangover

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Corkus]

“Trying is the first step towards failure.”

I thought I would start this blog entry off with a wise proverb. After all, I give and give and give to this fandom, and what do I get in return? Thankless requests from unappreciative punks. “Show us new song titles, #43!” “#43 post naked pictures of yourself and the band!” Note that I’m currently on stalker alert, especially seeing as how some of you have actually located The Beehive. I told Chris and the others that we should have moved underground. I really did. But no, they would not listen. Likewise, I have decided to stop trying altogether.

Now, I realize that some of you were highly offended by my last entry. Admittedly, I was pretty dang drunk that night, but even if I were only on my fifth bottle of champagne (which I admit to swiping from Guy’s luxurious liquor cabinet), it probably would not have sounded that different. There have also been some ludicrous claims that I secretly hate Coldplay and am only in this for the booze and the drugs. While the latter may be true, know that I do love Coldplay for bringing me the latter. Hell, I love Coldplay so much that I purposely sabotaged U2’s upcoming tour by breaking Bono’s back just so Coldplay could remain the biggest band in the world. If you disagree with the fact that Coldplay is so almighty and flawless, you are clearly not a true fan and thus should not be on this website in the first place.

Many of you are continually pestering me and The Oracle about the releases of such songs as Famous Old Painters, Christmas Lights, and Wedding Bells. Let me tell you that because you numskulls cannot get over the fact that these songs are DEAD, GONE, SCRAPPED, KABOOM, The Oracle is currently locked up in an institution (her replacement – The Sage – will be answering questions in the meantime). You have heard about the Will Champion Seal of Disapproval, correct? Did you know that the Seal of Disapproval is actually the head of a seal that Will clubbed and clobbered simply by staring at it? And whenever he hears a song he doesn’t like, he pulls out the head and refuses to put it away until Chris agrees to leave it off the album? It really reeks, and as you know, Chris has to keep every room smelling like dainty apple blossoms.

How’s the progress in the studio, you ask? Well, Chris’s bodily fluids finally digested the planets that he ate from the solar system project, and now Brian Eno and the others have been recording the yelps of pain Chris has been making in the bathroom as a spectacular new audio effect that will give the band’s upcoming album a real bowel-clenching atmosphere (you will be amazed by the falsetto of those yelps). Guy Berryman is still happily accepting your old photographs. Nobody knows what evil purposes he has in store for them, but I assume he plans on brewing them into the ultimate love potion. I told him that was a stupid idea, given how he has enough Berrygirls as it is and that he should share the fangirls with the rest of us, but he clearly isn’t yet satisfied. What a monster.

Several of you have been curious about what other music I’ve been listening to besides Coldplay. Well, I’d recommend that you all pre-order Arcade Fire’s new album, The Suburbs, but that would be precious money that would be better spent re-buying all of Coldplay’s albums to make me even richer. I’ve also been listening to Together by The New Pornographers, although I was initially interested in such a band because I thought it was a collection of Chris and Jonny’s most intimate moments. Phil also recommended me the new Katy Perry single, but I told him he was gay for listening to it. This sent Phil on a gay little speech about how using the word “gay” as an insult is politically incorrect. It was really gay.

Roadie #43 will also be happily accepting any questions you may have about the band, the roadies, the studio material, or how to get lucky with any of us. If I deem your question non-stupid enough, I may answer it in a future blog. Hasta la vista, jerks!

R#43