San Diego review: Coldplay ‘vivas’ their ‘vida’ at Cricket Amphitheatre

British alt-pop band Coldplay thrilled a packed house at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Thursday night, performing their decreasingly-unique brand of melancholic piano jams to the thousands in attendance, writes the San Diego News Network.

Playing mostly cuts off of their 2008 release “Viva La Vida,” frontman Chris Martin and Co., used an array of dazzling lights and lasers and clever camera angles to enhance the visual experience.

In addition, in typical Coldplay fashion, they had fan interactivity as well, including releasing giant yellow balloons which spectators bounced around like beach balls, during the band’s signature single “Yellow.” Martin also urged fans to start a “cell phone lights wave,” and eager concertgoers obliged, holding up their phones and doing the wave from left to right, in a unique dazzling display.

But the highlight of the night (at least for those in the nosebleeds) was the band’s mini-set performed smack dab in the middle of the lawn seats. Joined by guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion, Martin performed “Green Eyes,” “Death Will Never Conquer,” and a special cover version of the late Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

It was a real treat for those close enough to shoot pictures or video of the worldwide sensation. Upon leaving after Billie Jean, my friend whose name is coincidentally enough Michael Jackson (no joke), shouted “One more for the peons!,” followed by “We paid the least amount to see you!” Unfortunately, neither of these were enough to keep the boys there for additional songs.

Whether you like Coldplay or not, there’s no denying their global appeal. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular bands in the world, shows like the one Thursday night are the reason why.

Pictures of Coldplay at Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA (13th July 2009):