Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued through Europe last night as they played at the Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) in Stockholm, Sweden. The Coldplay-shaped puppets are seen chillin' in Stockholm - see those pictures after the jump. Speed Of Sound was again omitted from the setlist, and Death Will Never Conquer returned in place of Til Kingdom Come and was sung by Will Champion on the acoustic stage. Quote from Chris Martin during the show: "So far you're being a goldmedal audience, your singing is fantastic. This is gonna be fun."

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by kochauf @ Flickr

Coldplay delivered an efficient and amazing show at the sold-out Stockholm Stadium. At the same tid they managed to create a strong intimate feeling (a "WE / US" feeling) with the audience (meaning that Coldplay connected well with the audience). Mr. Håkan Steen employed by the newspaper "Aftonbladet" was in place and ready when an attendance of 33,000 people Saturday evening saw Coldplay enter the stage at Stockholm Stadium. – The spirits of the audience were high, and the band felt it – the high spirits were contagious. Using simple effects Coldplay delivers an efficient and amazing show – with very much feel. In spite of the huge arena the band manages to create an intimate feeling and a good connection with the audience. – Coldplay performs a part of the set on a very small stage among the audience – which creates a strong "we / us feeling" with the audience, so Mr. Håkan Steen. Tomorrow you can read a review of the concert in both the newspaper and on the website " Nojesbladet.se ". Karolina Strömbäck Horney, who was sitting in the press (gallery / box) to the right of the stage...

When the concert was over I noticed that the newspaper "Nöjesbladet" on its website had minute-by-minute tweets from the concert and answered questions. One of the questions was about the audience. Reply: The audience was varied - most of the crowd was white middleclass "boys and girls" around 30 years old. They played U2 (probably the magnificent "Magnificent" (sorry, but "Magnificent" is magnificent )) before the dancing roadie did his act. They did not play U2 in Denmark before the dancing roadie did his act. Maybe U2 was again played as a gesture and tribute to U2. The U2 jet brought the band to Stockholm. It seems that Mr. Superhero needed BONO's assistance to be airborne!! [from aftonbladet.se, translated by nancyk58]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

The Coldplay-shaped puppets chillin' in Stockholm:

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour continued through Europe last night as they played at Koengen, Bergen in Norway. The Coldplay-shaped puppets go boating in Bergen - see those pictures after the jump. Minor changes to the setlist include Speed Of Sound being moved earlier into the set. Til Kingdom Come was once again played but this time sung by Chris Martin on the acoustic stage. And yes, Chris has finally had a haircut.

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Speed Of Sound

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes

Til Kingdom Come (Acoustic, sung by Chris)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by Mountainstruggle @ Flickr

The concert was not very different from the one in Herning on 16 August. But the Danish crowd seemed much more into it than the Norwegian crowd. In one of the articles it said that Chris had a hard time trying to move the crowd / get it into it. I understand that it was raining in Bergen, but there is a saying that "it always rains in Bergen"! Chris Martin had a haircut (and really needed it, I must say - and I am one of the fans preferring him with curly hair, but it was some centimetres too long imo. I was afraid that he would have shaved off too much hair, but I find his new haircut amazing - just perfect for the rest of the tour. [thanks nancyk58]

I am seldom so impressed and convinced by a band as tonight. It is difficult to reproduce the massive sound from the Coldplay records, but they managed to do just that to the full. And the "live" element makes it even better. And the crazy show! (by Stephan Meidell).

Very good concert today. I have heard Coldplay two times before, and both concerts were not nearly as good as this one. A great concert with a great band. (by Torbjørn).

One of the greatest concerts I have ever been to. I have been to concerts with Stones, Kiss, Beck, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Metallica, Gasolin (a Danish band, popular throughout Scandinavia), Blur, Oasis, Springsteen, Eagles, the Who. Should have been to the Michael Jackson concert in London. The concert tonight was magical. Amazing! 6/6* from me. (by Oddikk).

Thank you so much! Fantastic sound! Fantastic video show! Very good lighting -, laser - and pyro effects (fireworks)! Chris Martin is really fit for fight. Hitparade! Moving tribute to Michael Jackson! All this combined was MAGIC and without a doubt one of the best performed quality concerts in Bergen ever. PS: I was not even a Coldplay fan, but I think that I became a Coldplay fan yesterday. (by Trond).

Thanks to Nancy Boysen for the translations. More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

The Coldplay-shaped puppets go boating in Bergen:

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Ex-Neighbours star discusses her 'beautiful' Chris Martin-created song

Natalie Imbruglia’s upcoming album features three tracks recorded with the help of Coldplay's Chris Martin, including what he claimed could have been the 'best Coldplay song ever'. "I feel very lucky to have it and he’s not having it back," she laughingly told 6 Music News about the song which Martin hadn’t initially intended to give to her.

The track from, Come To Life, is called Fun and the Torn singer told us about the first time she heard it: "When I went into the studio and he said, 'I’ve finished the song', and he sang it to me, I nearly did one of those ugly cries because it’s so beautiful."

Back in March, Martin joked to Heraldsun.com.au that he half wished Coldplay had kept it, but was excited about the final product. "She sounds brilliant on it. I think she has a very unique talent and an incredibly unique voice," he said. The song is "really simple and not overdone but kind of awesome at the same time," Imbruglia explained. "It’s really big, lots of strings. There’s just something so emotive that I think is really stunning."

Imbruglia has released three albums including her 1997 debut, Left Of The Middle, and is now signed to Island Records. She revealed she was on the verge of releasing album number four when the prolific songwriter and successful Coldplay frontman got in touch. "That was an opportunity that was too good to refuse," she admitted. "So I went back in the studio. I had to get rid of some songs and re-jig the track-listing but he was really, really helpful with all of that and brutally honest with me which was great."

Martin ended up writing two tracks for her and helped her re-work one of her own. Meanwhile Brian Eno also worked on an album song called Lukas, at one stage during its evolution, but at no point was Imbruglia in the studio with him. "They’d been working on that track for their last album [Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends], but it didn't end up making it onto the record, so that’s why Brian’s name is on my album, which is amazing, but he actually wasn’t there in the room when I did my version of it, it was Chris," she explained.

Musically, Imbruglia said we can expect a varied album, which introduces more electronic sounds and dance beats, and focuses on themes of love. She played to a very select crowd at the Lexington in London last night (19 August) ahead of the album release on 2 October.

A song called Want has also been long-awaited by Coldplay fans since March, when Chris Martin claimed it was some of his best writing to date. But Coldplay won't be performing it. The track will appear on Natalie Imbruglia's new album, Come to Life, debuting October 15th. Listen to a sample of Want now at Natalie Imbruglia's MySpace page.

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

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

Source: nrk.no

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More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 19, 2009 - submitted by Amandine, France

Q. Dear Oracle, During the Arras concert, Chris said "Bonsoir biloute". How did he know that it's people Northern France's nickname? Did he inquire into the region? Sorry for my English it is "broken" :-) Why do you never answer to my question and to another questions from France? You aren't interested in French fans dear Oracle? Thank you!

The Oracle replies:

They do their homework! Seriously the band do care about where they play and finding information about that area too so it's not unusual at all.

I LOVE France and do answer questions from all over...

August 19, 2009 - submitted by Tamara, United Kingdom

Q. Dear Oracle, The boys are best friends in real life? They're hanging out together?

The Oracle replies:

Yeah totally, they are the best of friends. Obviously when they're on tour they spend a LOT of time together so when they get home they spend time with their family and friends but are often hanging out at the studio and do socialize together too.

August 19, 2009 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay

Q. Dear Oracle.. I have asked you some random questions before but no answer, but this time is serious I do need you, I've been crying for two hours now because my 4 month Weimaraner got this virus disease and I'm insanely sad, I can't stop thinking about her and I was there holding her paw when the doctor put her to sleep and carried her away please give me some happy words or whatever. I really really need you.

The Oracle replies:

Aw Gabriela how sad for you. It's natural to feel this way but hopefully you will feel some comfort that you were with her at the end so she wasn't alone. I know she was only young but that won't make you feel any better having only had a short 4 months with her. Death is a part of our lives and it's bound to happen. Our pets don't tend to outlive us so accepting that they will die is hard but given she had such a short life it must feel like you have been denied a significantly longer period of time with her. I feel very sorry that you are grieving but you will feel better one day but it's still early days. I know you can't replace her so maybe take time before you bring a new animal family member into your home. If you do get another dog it won't be the exact same but you can give it affection in her memory. Other than that it's all a matter of time I'm afraid. I was trying to think of something that might cheer you up and what I suggest is that right now do something fun and don't feel guilty for it. Go to see a movie, spend time with friends, go to your favourite place, bake a cake, listen to uplifting music or maybe do some exercise as a form of venting your emotion. It's going to be hard but give yourself a moment during your day where you do think of her and your happy memories. It's ok to cry but as I said to someone yesterday, don't sit in your sorrow. I've compiled a short list of words that will hopefully evoke some happy thoughts: dancing, hugs, children, singing, chocolate, laughing, smiling, bicycles, balloons, ice-cream, hide-and-seek, birthdays, candlelight, snow, stars, cookies & milk, jokes, smell of flowers, waterfalls, holidays, photographs, smiles, kisses, music, pancakes, slides, sunrise, sunset. Hope that helped a little, maybe you could add your own words?

August 19, 2009 - submitted by Robyn, Lebanon

Q. Dearest Oracle, Is it humanly possible to love someone so much, and hate that same person all at the same time?

The Oracle replies:

Not everyone would agree but I do believe you can love and hate someone at the same time and that the emotions are driven by different parts of our psyche. How true the love can be is questionable because if you also hate someone, they're obviously not worthy of the love. If you get hurt by someone you love, it sounds pretty plausible to me to have an overlap of both emotions. You often hear people saying "I love you but I don't like you very much" and this also highlights how very different love is. It seems to be an unfathomable force that we have little control over. I'd investigate what you think it is you love about someone and then compare it to what you hate; it may be that you don't actually feel either! If Prince didn't ban everyone from putting his music on the Internet I would have linked you to his song that also answers your question. As I can't, here's one line...

I hate u because I love u

But I can't love

Because I hate U

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August 18, 2009 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. "U2 breaks audience records in Wembley"...they wrote today. 88.000 people joined their gig on Friday. Do you think Coldplay will break even this record on 18/19th of Sept.? (You can count on me - I'll be there!!) Thanks

The Oracle replies:

The record attendance was down to the stage set up that U2 have which allows more room for audience so for that reason Coldpay won't beat it.

August 18, 2009 - submitted by Sophie, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle, My ex and I broke up about six months ago and I still feel miserable. I would love nothing more than to move on and find someone else, but it seems impossible for me to like anyone now. Am I broken? Is there something wrong with me? How can I finally move on and be happy again? Thanks, Sophie.

The Oracle replies:

Don't worry Sophie, you are not broken. You don't need a new someone to make you happy, that's down to you. It does take time to get over a lost love and six months is an absolutely normal time frame to grieve. You will find someone else but at the moment you just haven't found anyone who makes you feel that's possible. When you do something will switch inside and you'll be amazed how instantly good you feel. You may just need a little more time to heal. It's ok to allow yourself sadness and tears but don't get "stuck" in the sad place. Love will come but don't look for it or wait, just try and get on with your life and do things that make you happy. Once you are truly happy you may realize that you're happy on your own and don't need to replace one love with another.

August 18, 2009 - submitted by Emelie, Sweden

Q. Sooo, I've been together with my boyfriend for 2 years now but I don't love him anymore. We are going to a Coldplay concert together this Saturday, so should I do it before or after the concert?

The Oracle replies:

This is a tricky one Emelie because I'd usually think it best to act as soon as possible rather than keeping someone hanging on. However, given that the concert is in a few days time I would think it wise to wait until after the show. I don't mean for you to break up with him as soon as the last chord has been struck or even on the way home. However and whenever you choose to do it, be as gentle as possible. He may be feeling high after the gig and your news could bring him crashing down to earth. If you do it before I can't see how he can enjoy the concert.

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour arrived back in Europe last night as they played at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark after over a week out of the spotlight. Roadie #42 was back with the tweeting saying, "Very much a first night no doubt, but the vibe of THAT many people & the huge new production is just beyond belief." See more of #42's stage pictures after the jump. The Coldplay-shaped puppets are spotted back in Europe (Denmark, to be precise) - see those pictures after the jump also. A few changes to the setlist which included the re-addition of Speed Of Sound, and 'Herning Song' and Til Kingdom Come (sung by Will) both added to the acoustic stage.

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist: [thanks Khalplay & RoosAnne]

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

Speed Of Sound

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes

Herning Song (acoustic)

Til Kingdom Come (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

What a night.. As always, it was a truly amazing concert! To me, it seemed that Chris wasn't all fit for fight though. Poor guy! But that didn't change the fact that the Danish crowd was totally blown away. Me and my family got 1., 2. and 3. row right in front of Chris and I met Julie (ClocksInMyPlace), who was standing about 3 m to the left of me during the gig! A few changes in the setlist, including Speed of Sound and Till Kingdome Come sung by Will (which sounded fantastic). Thank you Coldplay, for yet another amazing night! [thanks RoosAnne]

According to the Danish media the show was absolutely brilliant, but they had some problems with the sound. The strong wind was probably responsible for it. Furthermore Chris' voice was still a bit bad due to his illness... Perhaps that's why R#42 called it a "first night". I'm a bit disappointed about the setlist though. It's very similar to the European gigs they've done last year... But great that SOS is back and the stage is simply awesome! [thanks Larry & aoh.dk]

Fantastic concert! I got there around 10 am and I was one of the first, although that by no means guaranteed me the first row. I had to run like a mad woman to get it. It was a gruelling experience but all worth it to see them so up close and to see the awesome special effects. After a long struggle and considerable muscle pain I endured hrs of waiting to then get to the front row, but what with the yellow balloons , the psychedelia of Speed of Sound and the confetti of Lovers in Japan, it was DEFINITELY all worth it! What a magical night! Only by seeing Coldplay live, can you really apppreciate the meticulous detail they put in everything they do. It was a true delightful VLV package, topped by the LRLR cd given out at the exit. A little gem was also hearing Will singing Til Kingdom Come: totally sweet and also hearing my beloved Green Eyes. They moved around a lot and played two sets of songs out there in the crowd. Here is my little contribution to the video with a few seconds of The Hardest Part, which they played on another stage. A note: The butterfly confetti were fluorescent. I don´t know if they are in all other VLV concerts, as this is my first, but I thought it was worth mentioning, just in case They were fantastic! The huge screen behind was there for White Lies too but it was not used really , just to show a big white W. But when Coldplay came it was used to play all sorts of things, like planets and stars during Speed Of Sound, the balloons during Yellow ,etc. It was really cool! CM was talkative as far as I could tell. He cracked jokes, talked about the bad weather. His voice was also in perfect shape. He did seem a tad tired if you looked at his face but it certainly did not let it show as he jumped around and was his usual charming self. [thanks valypan]

I'm finally back on my little island from my 1st Coldplay show. The show was fantastic!!!! Fucking great night! I have never screamed, jumped and sung along that much! I was in 2nd row. I've been desperate to come back on here as I need someone who understands to quote Til Kingdom Come since I've had watery eyes like 1000 times today when thinking about that it's over. I will write detailed review. I took some photos but they were all blurry. Stupid camera phone. The videos turned out a lot better actually (though my focus is really bad and I sometimes accidentally block the microphone ). I will post that too. [thanks Clocks In My Place]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

Pictures by aoh.dk

Tweets from Roadie #42:

Wandering round the crowd earlier it suddenly struck me: this is going to be completely amazing. R#42

White Lies up next. Crowd is well up for it! R#42

The Coldplay-shaped puppets are back in Europe (Denmark, to be precise):

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A couple of bits of news from Coldplay.com's Anchorman this morning, as Coldplay's Tap Tap iPhone game is at a reduced rate for the next couple of days, and also an update on a further airing of the Coldplay feature on 60 Minutes. Here goes:

We're pleased to announce that the enormously popular Tap Tap Coldplay game for the iPhone and iPod Touch is on sale at a reduced price in the iTunes App Store this weekend. Until midnight on Sunday, the game is available for £2.29 in the UK, €2.99 in Europe and $3.99 in the US. Click here to get it from your local iTunes store. What's more, the 1,000th user to download Tap Tap Coldplay at the sale price will win a signed Coldplay album. ps - Don't forget you can also get the excellent free Strawberry Swing app from the iTunes store, by clicking here.

Meanwhile continues Anchorman, You might remember that Coldplay were featured on esteemed US TV show 60 Minutes in February. If you missed it, they're showing the segment again on Sunday (August 16) on CBS at 7pm ET/PT. Or, you can watch it right now on the video player here.

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

Pictures by EnergonCube @ flickr

More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 14, 2009 - submitted by Mat, United States of America

Q. I've been listening to LeftRightLeftRightLeft and Chris keeps prompting "Jake" to play guitar. Is this Jonny Buckland? Or a new member who we have not heard of yet?? (If it is Jonny, what happened to "Jonny boy"?) Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

It is Jonny but he was saying J not Jake. He still refers to him as Jonny Boy too.

August 14, 2009 - submitted by Gabriella, Guatemala

Q. Dear Oracle, I really need to know... the song For You, was it ever dedicated to someone?

The Oracle replies:

The title suggests that 'You' was someone in particular but no, the song was never dedicated to a specific someone.

August 14, 2009 - submitted by Ishii, United States of America

Q. I saw the 60 minutes episode on Coldplay and one of the rules Chris talks about how no album can have more than 9 songs. X&Y has 13! What's up with that?

The Oracle replies:

That interview was recorded long after X&Y and in fact Viva la Vida was already out so Chris was referring to future albums. Watch this space; everything is always subject to change.

August 13, 2009 - submitted by Mackenzie, United States of America

Q. Dearest Oracle, I've been laughing at Coldplay's alter-ego band, the Nappies, video on the timeline and I was wondering who the fifth person was with the red curly wig?

The Oracle replies:

You may have seen me mention Dan Green on here a couple of times? He's the sound man and also the mysterious red wig wearer. If anyone hasn't seen the Nappies video yet, head to our timeline and click 2004 and then select May...

August 13, 2009 - submitted by Gerardo, Mexico

Q. Dear all knowing Oracle, Who got to sing more songs in The Beatles, was is it Paul or John?

You know that with The Beatles whoever is singing lead in the song, generally wrote it? They were obviously well-known as a song writing duo but it would be too close to call over their entire catalogue. To be honest it was pretty even given that they both not only sang lead but also harmonies. Towards the latter end of their career Paul sang lead on the most songs though.

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The casual observer would roundly label Harvey Danger as the textbook definition of a one-hit wonder: The Seattle band rose to prominence in the late '90s on the strength of the intensely catchy single "Flagpole Sitta" off its 1997 debut Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?, and then seemed to disappear. But Harvey Danger was busy breaking away from the clichéd arc that dogs most groups that are suddenly hugely successful.

To commemorate his band's passing, Harvey Danger frontman Sean Nelson sounds off to The A.V. Club about the bands he and his bandmates would like see drop off the face of the earth forever, and which should get back together. (No band is safe.) As for the Coldplay dis, Nelson calls their songs “generic” and “inspired by the boring parts of Radiohead. Here's the full quote:

I think it’s funny that bands aspire to be the biggest band. That’s all I can think of about Coldplay. When “Yellow” came out, they were [one of the] bands that sounded like they were really inspired by the boring parts of Radiohead. They all seemed like they came out as the antidote to the weirdness of OK Computer. They came out and it was like all I ever heard about them was that they wanted to be the biggest rock band in the world, as big as U2, and Chris Martin got that faraway glaze in his eyes. Then I heard the third record and all the songs were truly generic—they could generally be applied to anyone in any situation...

But that aspiration might have been due to pressure from Capitol—they built up so much hype and were banking on that band singlehandedly putting them in the black a couple of years ago. You do ultimately have to participate in that when you’re at that level. It’s one thing if Sir Giles Cricketbat from the MI says, “We’re expecting big things from you, son!” But it’s ultimately what you say at that position as a pop figure that matters. I would never know what it would be like to be in that position, so it’s hard to say. But I agree [with guitarist Jeff Lin, who chose them], what is the point of Coldplay? That’s a much simpler question to answer.

Harvey Danger would like your favorite band to break up. And they would like a few to reunite, as well. You can read the other disses here at AV New York.

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

Pictures by EnergonCube @ flickr

A song called Want has been long-awaited by Coldplay fans since March, when Chris Martin claimed it was some of his best writing to date. But Coldplay won't be performing it. The track will appear on Natalie Imbruglia's new album, Come to Life, debuting October 15th. Listen to a sample of Want now at Natalie Imbruglia's MySpace page.

In his March interview, Chris Martin regretted letting the song go, although at the time of the interview Coldplay fans didn't know which track he was referring to. "A bit annoyingly we've given Natalie the best Coldplay song of all time," he said. "Half of me wishes we still had it. But she sounds brilliant on it."

The song's pop potential is evident in its lyrics. Take a good look at what you gave up because a heart can't be unbroken/Baby the memories are all you get now and I'm moving on. Martin sings backup: All that you want, I hope you get all that you want, 'cause I didn't.

Listeners, however, will have to decide if the writing is really on par with Coldplay greats like "Clocks," "Yellow" and "Fix You." The Sun blogged this morning about the new track, saying it wasn't as good as Clocks. Here's what Gordon Smart's Bizarre column had to say:

Chris Martin claimed he had handed the greatest track he had ever written to Natalie Imbruglia earlier this year. I've had the first listen to his masterpiece, and I have to disagree with him. The tune, called Want, is better than good but certainly not his best - Clocks knocks the socks off it, if you ask me. Want has a bit of Kate Bush about it, with a hint of A-Ha - which will ensure a top three chart result after it is released at the end of September. It's also a promising sign for Come To Life, Nat's forthcoming album. The single sounds like Kate's 1985 smash Running Up That Hill, with a bit more venom in the lyrics. The former Neighbours star blasts a past lover for not coming up to scratch - a dig at ex husband Daniel Johns perhaps? She seethes: "Take a good look at what you gave up because a heart can't be unbroken/Baby the memories are all you get now and I'm moving on." Chris's backing vocals on the chorus goes: "All that you want, I hope you get all that you want, cos I didn't."

Chris Martin recently revealed his dismay at giving Natalie Imbruglia [pictured] a track that he claims could have been the "best Coldplay song ever". The song is expected to be the first single from Imbruglia's forthcoming new album 'Come To Life', and may be titled 'Scars'. "A bit annoyingly we've given her the best Coldplay song of all time," Martin joked to Heraldsun.com.au. "But because we're off-cycle we can't do it ourselves. Half of me wishes we still had it. But she sounds fucking brilliant on it. I think she has a very unique talent and an incredibly unique voice."

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

'Lukas' was produced by Brian Eno, with Blur and Elbow collaborator Ben Hillier helming the remaining songs. Imbruglia will play a gig at the London Luminaire venue on August 12 – which has sold out. The tracklisting of 'Come To Life' will be:

'My God'

'Lukas'

'Fun'

'Twenty'

'Scars'

'Want'

'WYUT'

'Cameo'

'All The Roses'

'Wild About It'

New pictures of Coldplay at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY (27th July 2009):

Pictures by draculamusical @ Flickr

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More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 12, 2009 - submitted by sam, Australia

Q. Oracle, Who's hand is it in the Blue Room EP cover? Who's idea was it? Why is that version of Don't Panic so different and cool? Who made them change it to the version on Parachutes?

The Oracle replies:

It isn't a band member; it's a deep sea diver. The design company Blue Source, erm, sourced the photo. Mark Tappin who used to work there still has a creative input on Coldplay artwork. The first version of Don't Panic was recorded with a different producer to the album. Chris Allison worked with the band before Ken Nelson was brought it for Parachutes. The band and label preferred the material with Ken's production.

August 12, 2009 - submitted by Rob, United Kingdom

Q. On this website it states that Jay Z is supporting Coldplay along with Girls Aloud on the 18th of September, is this correct? It would be great if it is but it was just Girls Aloud and White Lies when I bought my tickets. Thanks

The Oracle replies:

Originally it was Girls Aloud opening the first night and Jay Z the second. Our website's live dates are correct though as both acts are now gonna be performing which will be absolutely fantastic!

August 12, 2009 - submitted by Jude, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I saw the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are and the song playing in the background sounded awesome!! What is it called? Thanks again.

The Oracle replies:

Hey Jude (sorry, couldn't resist!)Coldplay will agree with you there as what you heard was Wake Up by Arcade Fire.

August 12, 2009 - submitted by William, United Kingdom

Q. Was Guy ever in a Doctor Who episode?

The Oracle replies:

No, Guy has never appeared in Doctor Who! Or should that be Doctor Who?

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More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 10, 2009 - submitted by Carlos, Mexico

Q. Hello Oracle, I have found a song called It's Not Too Far, is it really a song recorded by Coldplay? If so when did they recorded, do you know for what album was intended to come out.

The Oracle replies:

I have never heard of a Coldplay track of that name my friend.

August 10, 2009 - submitted by George, Cyprus

Q. Oracle could you please tell me which song is used for the trailer of the Max Payne film?? Thank u!

The Oracle replies:

It's If I Was Your Vampire performed by Marilyn Manson. If you're not familiar with his music and have a strong constitution, maybe check out The Beautiful People. If however you found that tame and fancy skipping sleep for the next three nights from nightmare induced images, this video for The Dope Show might be more to your taste! You have been warned!

August 10, 2009 - submitted by Juli, United Kingdom

Q. Oracle, Why do you never answer question on weekends? It really bothers me. I always figure out good questions to ask you on Sundays and forget them by Monday. Thanks for not answering this like you always don't. Juli

The Oracle replies:

Ha! Sorry for laughing, but given that I AM answering you, it's funny!

Don't worry Juli, it doesn't mean you can't ask a question at the weekend as it will still get read. It might not get answered but that's another story. When you think of a question, send it whenever you like! What can I say? I'm an old fashioned Oracle who likes a 5 day week...

August 10, 2009 - submitted by Bianca, Germany

Q. Hello Oracle, I'm pregnant and if it's a girl, her name will be Lena. But if it's a boy, I've no idea. It must be a name with "L" cos my first child is called Lukas. Have you any ideas? Please let me know. O oracle

The Oracle replies:

How about Lars? I made friends with a Lars when holidaying in Hahnenklee a very long time ago. And Kai which I know doesn't start with the letter L but is a splendid name also.

Coldplay's European tour will continue as scheduled, according to the official site tonight, and will resume at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark on Sunday. Here's Anchorman with the very latest news on the tour schedule, including a slight update on the Tampa show:

Following the cancellation of last Sunday's Tampa show, many of you have been in touch to ask whether the upcoming European shows will be affected. We're pleased to report that the Viva tour will resume, as scheduled, in Herning on Sunday, August 16. For details of the band's 17 upcoming shows (culminating in two homecoming gigs at Wembley Stadium), please click here. We'll post an update on the rescheduled Tampa show as soon as we have some details. Thanks folks. Anchorman

While this means that the Tampa show is unlikely to go ahead any time soon, it leaves the door open for it to be tagged onto a Latin American tour, should one be announced for the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010. More discussion on this latest news at the Coldplay forum and also at the Tampa thread. All scheduled summer live threads continue as normal in the Coldplay Live forum here [thanks SueDeNimes & lfdianne]

Greetings from Tampa: Wish Coldplay and you were here. The Coldplay-shaped fans on tour. (9th August 2009):

The Coldplay-shaped fans took a dolphin cruise. Helena from Italy, Dianne from Orange County,CA, Kelly from Chicago, and Denise from Italy

The Hardest Part video location - St. Petersburg Pier

The Coldplay-shaped fans sneak up to Ford Amphitheatre to see what could have been.

The Coldplay-shaped fans would have been in the pit, minus the folding chairs.

Pictures by Ifdianne @ Coldplaying

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There may have been no Coldplay action at the Ford Amphitheater in Tampa on Sunday, but that didn't stop Coldplayers from making a day of it in the Florida sunshine. In true Coldplay-shaped puppet style, Helena, Dianne, Kelly and Denise treated us to some sights of their travels, and a peek inside the empty Ford Amphitheater, where Coldplay may yet play their final US show, on a date to be announced. The also visited St. Petersburg Pier where the video for 'The Hardest Part' was filmed. Here's the story and pictures, as well as some other recent comments:

We drowned our sorrows in chips and salsa and 2 for 1 margaritas at Chilis. And we all had a nice weekend away with friends, old and new, right? And um, we got to go somewhere we might not have even gone to. And uh, a change of climate is always good? Ok ok, nothing will quite make up for missing the boys - and I was looking forward to Elbow, too. Two shows with KDL and Amadou and Mariam was enough - while they were fine, a change would have been nice. We tried to enjoy ourselves. We went to the venue and sweet talked the parking/security guard into letting us go in the venue to take pics and we wanted to see the inside layout . The stage was empty and the chairs may have been set up for the next show. The pit was set up with folding chairs. It was good size but not huge like at Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Then we went to Chilis for margaritas and boo hoo'd at 9:00. And it was a beautiful night here, too. No rain today or tonight, but it is freaking hot today...

Did you talk to that nice livenation guy at the parking booth? He felt really bad for people who hadn't heard, and told us about the sadness, shock and tears. I would not have wanted his job, especially when we saw the party Hummer drive up. MK is fun, but yeah, hot and exhausting. That's cool you got to see Jackson Browne, too. Are you one of us Coldplay fans of "advanced age?" So I just noticed I got a tweet from some news guy in St. Pete wanting to know if I wanted to be interviewed on camera regarding the postponement - oh well, too late now. [thanks Ifdianne]

Dianne called they are all going to the movies.... They stopped by the venue and took a pic of the flashing billboard "COLDPLAY POSTPONED" they said people were showing up and as they were leaving one of those Party Hummers were pulling in.... How could people not know? I mean ya bought tickets thru LiveNation and they sent an email to all ticket holders yesterday morning saying it was not happening. They won't come back for 1 show, wouldn't be in their best interests, but if a Latin American tour gets added to the bill after Wembley, they could possibly stop off here in Tampa before or after The latin Tour. DIANNE!!!! BEST COLDPLAY LIVE PUPPETS EVER!!!!!!!!!!! They need to post those from Roadie #42 on his next update, that was cool, appreciate all the pics and of the venue, I think I might have spotted my VIP area, Hopefully this contest group of peeps won't forget me. I'll make sure to keep bugging them. The site is taking so long to update a re-schedule cause I am betting they are putting together a Latin Tour and setting dates and stuff and then we will be added. I guess this is Jonny's girl tweeting.. Jonny's fiance has twitter and she says this: "Sad to end our trip so abruptly, but it is lovely to be home! Keeping jet lag at bay with afternoon tea at Ottolenghi... no one can resist those cakes!" [thanks MartinFan]

I was there, too, as I didn't "get the message" about the postponement until I arrived at the Tampa venue about 2:00-ish on Sunday afternoon. Totally bummed. But I am encouraged that we haven't received notice of a cancellation yet. That means that they are indeed trying to figure out a way to get this show rescheduled, somehow. I'm not counting on it, though. The logistics seem incredibly difficult. I drove back up from Florida yesterday (was staying right on the edge of WDW property in Lake Buena Vista for Saturday and Sunday nights). Jackson Browne was incredible in St. Augustine on Friday night, the Magic Kingdom was exhausting (and EXTREMELY hot and humid) on Saturday, then Sunday was, well, a pretty big let down. But I'm holding out hope.... [thanks cmooreNC]

I'm still in Tampa, wish I were in NY already, at least I would have shopping to do, plane is in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ok my next mission will be leaving a "get well soon" messagge to Chris when I get to London on Thursday. @Dianne: have a safe second flight back home, I really enjoyed myself yesterday..oh and we saw a racoon on the way to our car after we said goodbye, first time I see one with my eyes, didn't know they live in florida as well. [thanks iriden]

I'm amazed that they let you in. You ladies must have really turned on the charm! Did you happen to notice what the "orchestra" section seats look like at the back of the floor? Are they elevated from front to back? I would probably go for those seats if they are still available when they announce the new date, assuming it will not be this coming week. Live Nation isn't showing the Tampa concert at all now. I haven't checked, but I think tickets could probably be bought pretty cheaply in the resale market but I'm worried about buying tix there. If the show is canceled, the refunds would go to the original ticket holders. I'm waiting to find out about the reschedule date along with everyone else because I definitely want to go! We'd make out like bandits if they reschedule during the winter when Florida is a haven for the winter-weary. It would also give enough time to get the best priced airfare. So far, they have said "postponement" not "cancelation" so there is every reason to expect a new date. The resellers don't list the tix either, probably because one has to know the date first, and that is currently unknown. [thanks starfish42]

hey again guys...sorry if another thread was started on this...but now that Tampa has passed...what about those free concert cd's we were supposed to get! argh! i downloaded mine when it came out of course..but i was hoping to be the one of the lucky 20 that got the autographed version! maybe for the tampa crowd they can autograph more copies! oh well....we can all dream can't we? [thanks gatorsamiam]

It was up the day the show was canceled. Mel and I were laughing because the band's web site said "canceled for medical reasons" and we both giggled and said Teh Coldplays got teh herpes! Well I am finally home. My gate changed 3 fricking times in a 10 minute span and I ran all over the Orlando airport. The place was packed with all the bloody Ratland visitors. They over booked and offered vouchers if you took the 8:30pm flight and I thought about it, but at this point with the way things have gone, I was sure that 8:30 flight would get canceled or something and I would end up sleeping at the airport, so I said fuck that and got on the flight. This wasn't my first experience with shows being moved/canceled. The show for Houston was canceled during the X&Y tour due to Hurricane Rita. Last year I spent three days in Phoenix because the band had moved their date after I had paid for a flight, hotel and car....all of which were nonrefundable. That show was moved because their tour just wasn't ready yet. WTF! I wasn't very happy about that kind of reason at all! When I met Jonny and Guy in Chicago, I had told Jonny, actually I think I kinda bitched at him, about me having to suffer in Arizona for 3 days without them. He was so cute, he apologized and wrote "Sorry you had to go to Arizona" on my AROBTTH CD. And now, here it was again. Oh well, what can you do. If someone is sick, they are sick. So Mel and I are driving to her house and we start talking about all the people that are coming to Florida for the show and how many of them, are en route and totally unaware of what they will soon find out. We call Lori and deliver the bad news. Lori says she has a nonrefundable ticket and she checked with the airline and to change her flight to another date is almost as expensive as a new ticket so what the hell, she will just go ahead and fly in and join our pity party. We send Kelly a text to tell her about it but she is also in the air and doesn't find out until it's too late. Unfortunately, she's flying into Tampa and will be stuck there on her own. Turned out to be OK because she ended up hooking up with some other people that arrived there to the bad news. [read full blog article] [thanks TheAngie]

Hi Dianne, I want to THANK YOU so much for sharing these WONDERFUL PIX with us. I'm so glad that you did have some fun even though the show was postponed. And I am pleased to see that you are smiling and very positive in spite of the disappointment. Not only the great pix, but particularly the TEXTS made me laugh a lot - I love your creativity and your humour. Now I wonder if it was possible for you, without too much trouble, to transfer the texts and the pictures - of you and the 3 other girls "on dolphin cruise" as well as the picture of you in front of the Amphitheatre and/or of the empty venue - to banners or t-shirts to be shown at the rescheduled concert so that the band will actually see / read them. I read the review of the concert on 7 August including about Iriden's (Denise, right?) and friend's (Helena, right?) banners with the text "Coldplay's missionaries in foreign fields" - Chris and Guy read the banner text at the show on 7 August 2009 and bowed and laughed, respectively. I am sure that they will be impressed and probably laughing having seen these pictures and read the wonderful texts. [thanks nancyk58]

You can read more comments and contribute to the latest Tampa discussion at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards. Thanks to all those who have added to the thread so far.

Greetings from Tampa: Wish Coldplay and you were here. The Coldplay-shaped fans on tour. (9th August 2009):

The Coldplay-shaped fans took a dolphin cruise. Helena from Italy, Dianne from Orange County,CA, Kelly from Chicago, and Denise from Italy

The Hardest Part video location - St. Petersburg Pier

The Coldplay-shaped fans sneak up to Ford Amphitheatre to see what could have been.

The Coldplay-shaped fans would have been in the pit, minus the folding chairs.

Pictures by Ifdianne @ Coldplaying

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DJ Steve Lamacq has been axed from Radio 1 after 16 years with the station. Steve, 43, who joined it in 1993, helped launch the careers of bands including Oasis, Blur and Coldplay on his show the Evening Session, the Mirror are reporting this morning.

Since it ended in 2002 he hosted a Monday night slot but bosses announced a schedule shake-up yesterday. Lamacq, who will still present on BBC6 music and Radio 2, said of his time: "It was a wonderful opportunity to try and subvert pop music radio from within, which I hope we managed to do."

New evening shows will include Stories of the Noughties on Monday at 9pm, DJ Nihal reviewing tunes and films on Tuesday, and experimental music on Wednesday. A slot for young DJs features on Thursdays and on Fridays Pete Tong and Annie Mac will swap their 7pm and 9pm slots. Deputy controller Ben Cooper said: "Radio 1 must evolve to sharpen our offer to younger audiences."

Last year, Steve Lamacq caught up with Coldplay events and wrote about them in his online blog. Here's the entry:

So what we suspected - but weren't at liberty to confirm - turns out to be true. There will be another Coldplay album next year, currently set for release in December '09. Chris Martin broke the news during a convivial chat with REM's Michael Stipe and yours truly on BBC 6 Music on Saturday afternoon. What's more surprising is that there will be a new EP, Prospekt's March, released around Christmas... ("hopefully December 26th, something like that").

All of which seems to confirm earlier suspicions that the sessions with Brian Eno for the current album Viva La Vida were so productive that they had songs to spare - although the band still claim the next album is far from finished. In the meantime, we got to hear a laid-back Coldplay democratically choosing the title for the EP, live on air, with the added bonus of Stipe having the casting vote.

Released from the uncomfortable routine of promoting a record Martin - and the rest of the band for that matter - chatted away as if we'd just met at a bus stop. There's even a point where I thought bassist Guy was about to get his holiday snaps out

To follow the interview, they went on to play a tiny gig in the BBC Radio Theatre in front of about 300 fans which was equally warm and relaxed. Martin, sporadically chatty and self-deprecating, was also back to his old cheeky self, introducing Trouble with the line "We wrote this song so long ago that some of you weren't even in your 40s."

Which is a subtle role reversal isn't it? Band heckle audience! I've heard groups berate their followers over sundry, silly matters before; or seen failing support bands try and shout and swear their way off a stage, but I don't think I've come across a band taking the micky out of us. But here lies some of Coldplay's charm.

And anyway, maybe it's about time that some bands sharpened up their act. We've given them enough stick down the years.

The grief bands get at gigs comes in many forms. There's the ironic cheer when a support band announce "This is our last song", or the more minimal, basic "get off you're rubbish (or colloquial words to that effect)". But I quite admire a clever heckle. Does anyone remember the new wave band 'These Animal Men' falling apart on stage at Reading Festival and in a gap in the shambles someone at the back of the tent, helpfully hollered "Taxi for These Animal Men!" Being chaps who could duly take a joke they used the line as the title of their next album!

I once saw a friend of mine - the guitarist in a band - stumble and nearly keel over during a particularly effusive guitar solo in the middle of one of their songs. He managed to regain his composure before toppling off the stage, looked round to see if anyone had noticed and casually raced to the end of the song. Sadly someone had noticed. After the applause had dribbled away a lone voice shouted: "Oi you! Fall over again!"

It didn't sound malicious, but as all good heckles do, it burst that bubble of cool. And that's enough for most people....until audiences go bad.

The most destroying heckle I've ever heard was saved for The Tears - the band formed by ex-Suede members Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. Making their big London debut at the Astoria - which was all pomp and bluster for the opening five minutes - they finished their second song, only for a voice of doom to cut through the hall.

"Awful. (pause). Really awful."

Never have three words sounded so loud (they reverberated round the theatre for what seemed like hours) and so viciously damning. I wonder if they ever truly recovered from them. For a group of well respected, not to mention tactically aloof musicians to be cut down to size so easily must have been incredibly traumatic. It's like those nightmares you have about giving a speech at school, except you're naked on stage at the lectern and you've forgotten the words. And then the headmaster from the back of the class yells "Awful Lamacq! Really awful."

This is why I've revised my opinion about introducing football chants at gigs. Although don't let me stop you if you're faced with some talentless over-priced twerps getting too big for their boots. I'd suggest "Down with the Britpop, you're going down with the Britpop." Or maybe: "Hit band no fans, hit band no fans." Or even: "One song....you've only got one song." Although don't try that one out on Coldplay. They've apparently got bloody hundreds of songs.

Discuss this blog entry from Steve Lamacq here

The postponed Tampa date has been and gone and rather than the usual reviews, setlists and pictures, there are instead more comments on Chris Martin's well-being and predictions about a possible rescheduled Ford Amphitheater date, which is looking increasingly unlikely to take place this week. Coldplay are set to play their next live show at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark on August 16. Here is the fourth installment of Coldplayer comments that have flooded the messageboard (plus some more APW photos for your perusal):

I imagine part of the problem is that the cancellation happened on a weekend. Who knows how many phonecalls have to be made and how many people/organisations are involved in the plans... they might not all be around on a weekend. Even little details like Oxfam getting it volunteers together have to be considered. And it's possible they might be seeing if the patient recovers over the weekend? I'd imagine there'll be some kind of announcement by tomorrow afternoon UK time, which is only 48hrs after the announcement - that's not too bad going really... [thanks RedGirl76]

I'm not sure whether LiveNation would be personally notified by the band as to who is sick, but according to some posters here who attended the Charlotte show, Chris was not looking or feeling too great at that show. He apparently seemed out of it and at times had a hard time getting through the whole performance But I agree, I just hope that it's nothing too serious and that it's a speedy recovery. [thanks technicolor_love78]

When I was buying tix for the concerts I attended 7/13 and 7/14, I was looking at how many of the shows were only one or two days apart, and thinking, "How could they possibly be at their best with such a hurried schedule?" Yet ironically, in the second show I saw on 7/14, Chris Martin actually seemed fresher, perkier, and his voice was unbelievably stronger than the very day before. So, there's no telling how the schedule affects Chris' performance. I think that the cumulative effect of many weeks led to the illness that caused them to postpone the Tampa show. Thus far, that is the official word, that it will be postponed, not canceled, so Coldplay will definitely make good on their word, even though it may be a month or more. This will still be the last U.S. show for the Viva tour, so it will be all the more special anticipating their return. I think we should all send Chris the power of our loving thoughts for his speedy recovery. That's kind of George Noory'ish, and it does work! The show will be rescheduled since they announced a postponement, not a cancelation. I'll start looking for tix right away because there's a good chance it will be in fall or winter. But, there is a chance it could be this Thursday. They didn't just make that up about Chris' being a superhero. He really is a kind of superhuman, you know. [thanks starfish42]

I'm sorry for all the people that find out about the postponed gig at the Amphitheatre. That is really bad. Most people don't have internet access while they are traveling. Besides, all the people who bought the tickets from brokers did not get the e-mail from LiveNation. [thanks Yangarin]

Hey everyone! I've been following this forum since got the tickets when they went on presale and I found out about the show being postponed by LiveNation e-mail.. Just want to say that I hope whoever is feeling under the weather gets better and that I'm looking foward to whatever comes next. It's great to meet you all! [thanks Túschay]

I think they should have had Roadie#42 post something like "We are here is sunny Florida with all the gear, just in case". Coldplayers update: Dianne and Crew are now getting Ice Cream!!!!! Wish we were there!!! It's 6:20 and we all should have been in the venue by now. Dianne called they are all going to the movies.... They stopped by the venue and took a pic of the flashing billboard "COLDPLAY POSTPONED" they said people were showing up and as they were leaving one of those Party Hummers were pulling in.... How could people not know? I mean ya bought tickets thru LiveNation and they sent an email to all ticket holders yesterday morning saying it was not happening. I sent Babrlgum an email yesterday and Tom sent me one this morning saying he still hasn't heard anything I will post soon as I hear anything, he is supposed to call me, but if he hasn't heard anything I guess I won't get a call. It is very unlikely that this is happening this week, I have a feeling they are going to cancel all together, or IF they have a Latin tour, we will probably still not really be confirmed, cause they haven't issued any tour dates for those Latin ones yet. [thanks MartinFan]

I'm sorry for everyone who was flying to see them. You know what really must be awful though, what if some people who were going to the concert didn't have internet access at this moment? That would be terriblee...to show up to the event..agh. I hope they come back ASAP, of course I want Chris to feel 100 % (along with everyone in the band)...just soon please. [thanks guyberryman<3]

We are soooooooooo sorry Chris is sick. Sending prayers for a speedy return to health. What do you think are the chances a concert in Tampa will be rescheduled? I flew to Florida from Detroit for the concert. Coldplay puts on a tremendous show and will look forward to seeing them another time when all band members are well. [thanks rhondi1219]

Is it a definite that it's Chris Martin who's sick? When I called Live Nation this morning (from my hotel in Tampa) about any knowledge of a rescheduled date, the service rep said it's unclear whenever artists' family members are sick (??) She said it another time as well towards the end of the conversation. I wish WHO EVER it is (that's sick) a quick recovery!!!! [thanks kateydid76]

I was actually at that show in NYC (Madison Square Garden!) a few years ago. I don't remember them stopping the show...I just remember Chris having a hard time reaching some notes and his voice was giving out here and there. They were going to hit Florida (Tampa in fact) that next week when they had to postpone due to his health. Hopefully everything works out and they reschedule to appease most of the Coldplay fans! [thanks gatorsamiam]

Live Nation isn't showing the Tampa concert at all now. I haven't checked, but I think tickets could probably be bought pretty cheaply in the resale market but I'm worried about buying tix there. If the show is canceled, the refunds would go to the original ticket holders. I'm waiting to find out about the reschedule date along with everyone else because I definitely want to go! We'd make out like bandits if they reschedule during the winter when Florida is a haven for the winter-weary. It would also give enough time to get the best priced airfare. So far, they have said "postponement" not "cancelation" so there is every reason to expect a new date. [thanks starfish42]

We tried to enjoy ourselves. We went to the venue and sweet talked the parking/security guard into letting us go in the venue to take pics and we wanted to see the inside layout . The pit was set up with folding chairs. It was good size but not huge like at Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Then we went to Chilis for margaritas and boo hoo'd at 9:00. And it was a beautiful night here, too. No rain today or tonight, but it aS freaking hot today. [thanks Ifdianne]

You can read more comments and contribute to the latest Tampa discussion at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards. Thanks to all those who have added to the thread so far.

New photos of Coldplay at All Points West Festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey, NY, USA (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by thedugemanit @ flickr

No official word yet on a rescheduled date for today's postponed Tampa show, and focus has now switched to when the new date will be. Below are several more thoughts from Coldplayers, this time on whether the show will go ahead this week, later this year, and even possibly tagged onto the start/finish of an as yet unannounced Latin American tour:

Don't think there will be a show this week simply because they start the european tour next sunday and to be honest they can't really risk it that chris won't be fit for that part. if you look at depeche mode's postponed dates from may this year (because Dave Gahan was sick), they are now in January 2010. So my guess would be that they will tag before or after south america whenever this may be. They will be touring in Europe until 19.9 so no way they will do it there also I don't think they will do it afterwards as to ship the whole equipment just for one show would be just insane.... [thanks worldtrav]

I highly doubt it will be before the Europe dates, maybe right after... I am hoping for a 2010 reschedule date, so I can try and make it then. The reschedule will happen, and whenever it may be, it will be worth the wait! Oh TRUST ME, its is worth however long you have to wait! Once they announce when it's rescheduled, use that as motivation. Coldplay is good motivation!! The boys never disappoint! [thanks kuti3xoxo]

Someone at the last show saw an ambulance while waiting to get out of the traffic going into the venue. Oh, I just sent an email to the Babelgum Guy asking if he's heard anything. I'll post the email if he replies today!!! Def. not Monday! Thursday is very iffy, so close to Sunday's gig in Denmark. The Latin Tour hasn't been announced and if they tag Tampa onto that one, it could be way after Sept. I can't see them coming back here for 1 show unless it will be with a Latin Tour down the road. They WILL be back...... Good things come to those who wait. I would like my fix right away too, I bought tickets 6 months ago, and then won a contest, that put me into a Coldplay tailspin, and then BOOM, BOOM, POW, the energy just left my body yesterday, Coldplay is a class act, and I want each of them to rest, and feel better for everyone overseas who have been waiting just as long or longer, it's unfortunate for everyone, but nobody can change what has happened, so if I have to watch my 2003 DVD and YouTube past performances until they come back, so be it. Thursday is the only possible date left this week, as the venue has nothing going on, but that cuts it so close having to go overseas for the 16th. [thanks MartinFan]

What's the longest time between a postponed show & the new date? Or if anyone else has experience with this sort of thing...what's the shortest? either way, whenever the new date is, I hope Chris & everyone else is ready to do it and is feeling well. I don't think there will be a show this week since their 1st one in Europe is next Sunday and people will probably want Chris to take a week off and get completely well again, as well as adjust to being back in Europe. Because I know if you get sick & don't wait long enough before doing something that takes a lot of energy, you could go right back to being sick, and take longer to feel well. But I just want to hear something soon, even if it is that we have to wait a bit longer....just some sort of idea. [thanks greeneyes1207]

Re: Ambulance: It was just there. I saw no big commotion, no moving out of the way, nothing at all like that. Most likely nothing serious, but after seeing the notice on the web site, I got worried. I noticed the Saratoga Springs show ended up being rescheduled about 2 months after the original date. I don't know if that's possible for the Tampa gig, because they were getting ready to go overseas. Does anyone have an idea of what the chances of getting a rescheduled date in the next month are? It would've been cool to see some Coldplayers today, finally. In Charlotte, I saw 2 from far away wearing the Coldplaying shirts. By the way, if something happens and Thursday ends up being the date, could all Coldplayers who made travel plans still be able to make it? And if it gets rescheduled with notice, I'll try to call up the radio station in Tampa, and ask them to shout out the glow sticks, so the whole venue is covered. Just a big ass thanks to the band for coming back, and still showing Florida some love. [thanks JustSpies84]

fortunately the 1st two concerts that were postponed were early in the tour and their was some flexibility in their scheduling. with this being the last official tour date in the USA and with them starting their European leg next week I think it's unfortunately unlikely they will play here any time soon! it's weird how Tampa now has been part of a couple of postponements (both due to illness) but once you look at how hard these guys tour...you just have to pray they are close to 100% by the time they visit your city. i had a weird feeling something might happen to the Tampa gig since it was the last stop...i was hoping they would play some classics mixed in with the updated setlist (since I saw them in Ohio last year) they have been playing..and i feel once they will reschedule...they will do something special for the Tampa fans. (A few years ago they posted a thank you note to the fans at the venue and even came out an hour or so between opening acts to apologize for cancelling the first time!). i cross my fingers a miracle happens this week..but i just don't see it happening! it would be great for Thursday of course..but how many people can attend a rescheduled show that's pretty much still a last minute reschedule? from reading this thread i see there were quite a few people (from Cali to out of the country) that made special plans to see them in Tampa. i feel for those folks cause i went through the same thing last year when their Cleveland show (originally for July 2008) was pushed back (due to technical/stage issues). i had to switch my airline ticket (which is pricey already!) but the hardcore Coldplay fans will pretty much do anything to see them! i did! [thanks gatorsamiam]

Coldplay will most likely be out touring Central and South America in the next year. They could just swing up to Tampa from Mexico. What a treat it would be to have Coldplay return. It will likely be more than a month. On the other hand, they might pull it together for Thursday if Chris can manage it, then, they'd get it out of the way and satisfy everyone. I doubt that they would cancel the show entirely, since they are too fan-sensitive to do that. I know that they have at least two equipment sets, as they did back to back shows in the bay area and could not have possibly moved the whole set in one day. One of the sets has a huge digital computer screen that the other one doesn't. It's like the screen that Coldpaly used for the background digital clock in "Square One," the opening song for the X&Y tour, but it has vivid color. [thanks starfish42]

I gotta say the Coldplay team are poor when it comes to providing information, it was like this last time too... I know they probably haven't finalised any details but an update would be have been nice. Just to say "oh hey there's a medical problem, we're postponing' and then to not say anything else is poor. At least a quick update to say 'don't worry, we're woking on a new date but it won't be anytime this week/month' they must know that people will have travelled, is just the polite thing to do. Plus they know people are going to worry when they use terms like "medical reasons". Anyway, just my two cents. Stop being so secretive Coldplay. [thanks mimixxx]

To everyone who was planning to attend the Tampa show: I can only imagine how disappointed you all must be, especially Martinfan, 1 of my only 3 friends at the coldplaying site. I genuinely wish that somehow it will be made up to you. From what I've read, most of you have been to multiple Coldplay concerts. I live vicariously through all of you, your comments, posts, pictures, & videos. I have never seen them live and pray that somehow someday that will happen for me. I hope that the band will keep it together in spite of the many stresses they face. Having been in bands most of my life, (on a much smaller scale,) still I am keenly aware of these challenges. I have to say that I am tremendously amazed at how well they have managed to face these. After reading the "absolute radio live experiences entries," one thing emerged to be CRYSTAL CLEAR in all of them. These fellows are gentlemen in the truest sense of the word. Their response to such villainous affronts as: the "author of Viva La Vida," obvious breeches of privacy by interviewers & photographers(nothing personal,) verbal maligns from people they truly admire, inner conflict, on the road hardships, and vigorous obstacles to their family life, is ALWAYS GOLDEN. In spite of my obsession with their musicianship, I have nothing but admiration for them as "true human beings"(to quote Ten Bears in his conversation with Clint Eastwood's character in the movie "The Outlaw Josie Wells".) He says "your words have iron and you are on the path of the TRUE HUMAN BEING. " MY MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO CHRIS & HIS FAMILY. I pray no one else falls ill, "BOYS" (as most of your fans refer to you,) KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! I'm sure all of you are physically, mentally, & emotionally drained. One more thing; anyone wanting to make friends with an older rock n roll vet, who "paid my dues and then some," please visit me and scroll down to my lengthy story... [thanks cheryl kay]

You can read more comments and contribute to the latest Tampa discussion at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards. Thanks to all those who have added to the thread so far.

New photos of Coldplay at All Points West Festival, Liberty State Park, New Jersey, NY, USA (2nd August 2009):

Pictures by thedugemanit @ flickr

Following Coldplay's postponement of tonight's scheduled concert at the Ford Amphitheatre, fans have been sending their best wishes to Chris Martin for a speedy recovery from illness. Here are more of the fans' comments in reaction to the soon-to-be-rescheduled Tampa show:

I feel bad for everyone who was planning on going to this show, especially if they were flying in. I hope Chris feels well soon. Poor guy. He really does work hard. The sooner the better too... If he needs anyone to help take care of him, I GLADLY volunteer. I'm also hoping for a later reschedule, then maybe I can wing it, and afford to take a trip to Tampa to see the boys again, my 8th time. Hehe. I can only hope. The withdrawal need to be cured. [thanks kuti3xoxo]

First off, I am hoping Chris Martin recovers from his illness and all is well! Secondly, since I am 4 months pregnant, I'm hoping they reschedule when I am able to attend and not in the hospital giving birth! They are such a fantastic band live and even though I have seen them numerous times (including the last time they postponed a Tampa show) each and every show just keeps getting better! Til next time guys! Tina [thanks tmjones]

I too hope Chris is OK! I wonder if it's this stomach bug that's going around. My 3 year old got sick yesterday and threw up 11 times in a little over 24 hours. Tonight was his first meal since yesterday morning. I think he's coming around, and he's finally keeping his food down. Whew! If this is what Chris has, I can totally understand! My son has been glued to the couch for 24 hours straight. I know traveling like they do is very hard...even for the rich and healthy. I do hope Chris gets well soon, and I hope all of those who are stuck out there get your show back soon as well. [thanks Allegra]

Bourbon helps the pain. [thanks TheAngie]

The locals and those who made it to Tampa should definitely get together and have a drink. The truth is that I could have gotten a RT ticket for $200 on Priceline but I decided not to go because of other commitments that I have at work and home. I could have easily been among the rest of you, left hanging in limbo, 3,000 miles or more from home. Yet, we all feel sad for Chris' illness and hope he gets the rest he needs. I was surprised at how strong he was on the second night I saw him. He actually seemed fresher and perkier at that show than at the one the night before, and his voice was strong and clear. I especially noticed how when, he laughed, he seemed to do it from deep in his belly. He accidentally laughed during the beginning of "Politik" and apologized. Their having cancel tonight's show proves that the stress of traveling catches up with even the strongest and the best of characters like Chris Martin. I am gratified that Coldplay was able to do as many shows as excellently as they did in this year's N.A. tour. I believe Chris Martin is able to transcend the physical. I've seen him give beautiful performances, even when he looked exhausted. He has tremendous inner strength, I believe because he loves what he is doing. From the definition of his muscles, he appears to be a fittie. When a person has his heart in something as Chris does, he will go the extra mile and not mind it one bit. If his health broke down, I would guess that it broke down in a big way, or else he would have proceeded with tomorrow's show. The new video "Strawberry Swing" portrays Chris as a superhero like Superman. I think that fits him well for his extraordinary strength and endurance when touring. I was following the forums for three of the shows after the Coldplay concerts I attended. I could not keep up with them, or the numerous other shows they did since. To think that they actually traveled thousands of miles and performed those shows is a sign to me of the band's incredible strength, and Chris is at the forefront as the lead vocalist. He can't just coast through any performance. Rather, he seems to give more than 100% of his energy in each show. I'm sorry he got sick and hope he gets well soon, and I thank him for the great shows he played. [thanks starfish42]

I feel so terrible about what's happened. I don't blame Coldplay, because I know they are the kind of band that would only postpone a show if they absolutely had to(I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the band had to actually force Chris to allow the show to be canceled and just rest), but I feel really really bad for all those who had to jump through hoops to get to the concert. Hugs all around. Get well soon Chris, I love you dearly! [thanks KeddieChan]

I'm absolutely terrified that they won't find time to reschedule and they'll just end up issuing refunds. Of course, that's the worst possible scenario but still a very realistic one. It'll hard to fit Tampa into their schedule. Ahh! Here's to hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I hope Chris gets better soon, and I hope everyone who is majorly affected by this, i.e. out-of-towners, can fix their flights and such. What a depressing situation this is! I still have two tickets I need to sell, so I guess I have time to sell them. [thanks bittersweetriley]

I'm kinda waiting, for what, I don't know. But I guess I'll call Delta and see if I can just cancel the Atlanta-Tampa part of my ticket. On the way home, I was connecting through Atlanta again, so my flight was like 2 round trips. My friend here may be stuck with me until Monday night. And I have a non-refundable hotel room in Tampa, but really, do I want to hang out in Tampa for a day alone, just because I have a hotel room? But if by some miracle, they can do the show Monday, I'm so there...Thursday, I don't think I could do it - I can't really just hang out here for a week, and I"m sure flights are way too expensive to come back on such short notice plus I used miles to pay for this flight. I'm sorry Chris is sick and all, and I'll definitely try to come out again, and hopefully I can work it out with my kid's schedules if it's rescheduled in Sept sometime.I'm feeling sorry for Kelly and just talked to her on the phone for a long time. I'm thinking I'm going to head down to Tampa anyway - my room is paid for, and have a good day at the beach, hanging with Kelly. And we will definitely have a few toasts for Chris and everyone else who was supposed to be there tomorrow night. Look at it this way, too, a lot of the fun of the concerts is the anticipation, right? This way we still have something to look forward to! I will see them again this tour! My husband actually asked if I wanted to to go Wembley, Sept 18 is my birhtday, but he may have been joking. We'll see. While I"ve had a very nice visit with my friend (I have Coldplay to thank for making me want to go to the show through Atlanta), I'm still so very very sad. I so so hope that I can make it out again to see the concert. But Kelly and I are going to play in Tampa tomorrow, so that's good too. [thanks lfdianne]

I just got home from being guilt tripped into going to the pool with my family, trying to give me something to do today because of the changed plans, and realized my epic picture post on the Charlotte thread failed 100% except for the text...arg. I wonder if there's any chance I'll catch what Chris has since I have his towel from last night? then I could say "the bad news is I'm sick, the good news is, I got it from Chris Martin" I'm so sorry you arrived in Atlanta and found out there wasn't going to be a show!! I was driving back with my mom & brother from Charlotte & got Coldplay's tweet about it..I thought it was a joke or a dream. Maybe when you talk to Delta, you'll have heard of the new date & can just switch your flights, unless you decide to go to Tampa anyways ( all the coldplayers there should meet up & watch Live 2003!) I don't know what else to say to Dianne, Kelly, and everyone else who began traveling today, yesterday, and/or who already paid for things that cannot be refunded especially with the way things are these days & things canceled. Why do I feel like it's all my fault or something? but it's the virus's fault! but I can't wait for the new date, whenever it may be...Coldplay+All of you guys=massive fun! maybe they'll play us a new song? or an oldie?? [thanks greeneyes1207]

I laid down on the couch for awhile, tried to nap, but nothing. Ok I need to just snap out of it and realize this is just shit that happens, and can't dwell on it, and look forward to hopefully it being scheduled soon. I appreciate all who are not going and showing support to everyone who has spent an awful lot of money for this. I want to express my best get well wishes to Chris and hope he starts to feel better soon. My hubby said if they don't do this show, that I could take my daughter out of school and go to Wembly. I need to work on the passport issues quickly tho. This is only if they don't play here. I would love to go to London again, I have so many relatives from there, but with my kids in school, it's more convienant to stay here. [thanks MartinFan]

Hey Florida Coldplayers, and pretty much everyone who was super psyched for the Sunday show, Massively bummed when I got my email from LiveNation. I ended up going to the Charlotte gig super last minute, since I have family up there, and my friend and I were sightseeing and doing the touristy thing in Georgia. It was an awesome show, to say the least. So we're driving away from Charlotte, talking about how awesome Sunday's show's gonna be, especially since we managed to see the last two shows, and we've never been to a last of anything, lol....Aaaaaand then my BlackBerry gets an email from LiveNation that says the show is off. It's 3:24am, I just got back in Florida, and I'm still awake thinking about it! Anywho, I wrote this in the Charlotte thread, but if anyone didn't see it, I thought I'd post it here: ...After Friday's show, my friend and I sat in my car for about hour waiting for the traffic to die down, since getting out of the parking lot of a large venue is insanity. At one point during our hour break, there was a lit up ambulance that drove up between the staff parking lot and of the back gate areas of the venue. So when we read the "medical reasons" on the website today, our minds flashed back to that ambulance. I don't know why it was there, and if it was there for someone in the band, or someone in the audience, or someone in the staff. But I really hope no one is seriously hurt or ill. Is Chris being ill confirmed? Crap, more than getting my chance to see them again, I hope he and the band are okay. They shouldn't get back on stage unless they are 100% ready to bring it, because if they're forced up there, the fans will be able to tell, and an exhausted band makes the crowd sad. I will wait a damn year for them! It would just mean 2008 through 2010 was my Coldplay holy trinity year, heh. Keep your signs and those glowsticks, you guys. We're still going to use them! I feel bad for those who were making the big trip for the last shows. I hope you guys that are gonna be in Tampa at least still party and get shit faced, like I read a few messages up, LOL. [thanks JustSpies84]

To everyone who was planning to attend the Tampa show: I can only imagine how disappointed you all must be, especially Martinfan, 1 of my only 3 friends at the coldplaying site. I genuinely wish that somehow it will be made up to you. From what I've read, most of you have been to multiple Coldplay concerts. I live vicariously through all of you, your comments, posts, pictures, & videos. I have never seen them live and pray that somehow someday that will happen for me. I hope that the band will keep it together in spite of the many stresses they face. Having been in bands most of my life, (on a much smaller scale,) still I am keenly aware of these challenges. I have to say that I am tremendously amazed at how well they have managed to face these. After reading the "absolute radio live experiences entries," one thing emerged to be CRYSTAL CLEAR in all of them. These fellows are gentlemen in the truest sense of the word. Their response to such villainous affronts as: the "author of Viva La Vida," obvious breeches of privacy by interviewers & photographers(nothing personal,) verbal maligns from people they truly admire, inner conflict, on the road hardships, and vigorous obstacles to their family life, is ALWAYS GOLDEN. In spite of my obsession with their musicianship, I have nothing but admiration for them as "true human beings"(to quote Ten Bears in his conversation with Clint Eastwood's character in the movie "The Outlaw Josie Wells".) He says "your words have iron and you are on the path of the TRUE HUMAN BEING. " MY MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO CHRIS & HIS FAMILY. I pray no one else falls ill, "BOYS" (as most of your fans refer to you,) KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! I'm sure all of you are physically, mentally, & emotionally drained. One more thing; anyone wanting to make friends with an older rock n roll vet, who "paid my dues and then some," please visit me and scroll down to my lengthy story... [thanks cheryl kay]

You can read all the comments and contribute to the Tampa discussion at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards. Thanks to all those who have added to the thread so far.

Photos of Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte, NC (7th August 2009):

Pictures by iriden

More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 7, 2009 - submitted by Simone, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I can't help but notice the drastic change in wardrobe for Coldplay, especially Chris, over the years. For example, in the Shiver video, he is sporting a Stones t-shirt and blue jeans, but in the Violet Hill and Viva La Vida videos, he wears his now trademark jacket. I was just wondering, what brought this on?

The Oracle replies:

Isn't that a bit like asking a teenager why they're not still wearing romper suits? The Shiver video was practically filmed ten years ago and they were a brand new band so they have grown-up, aged and acquired stylists! No seriously, the current Viva jackets are trademark for this album only; they weren't worn before and won't appear once the tour is over. It's all about image and the military style suits the mood of the album.

August 7, 2009 - submitted by Justin, Canada

Q. Hi Oracle I was just wondering does Chris Martin ever get up in the middle of the night to write a song? And if so which ones has he done that for?

The Oracle replies:

Yes he does. It was reported that Chris felt compelled to write A Message in the middle of the night. In fact, we were given way too much information; he was naked at the piano!August 7, 2009 - submitted by Sergie, Mexico

Q. Oh my dear Oracle, I'm in trouble. Last week I was at the beach and I fell in love with someone I saw and never talked to. I know I won't see him again, but I remember him all the time, all of him except his face. What can I do? I have to forget it, but if I just can't, I would like at least to remember his face. Please help me!

The Oracle replies:

I'm not a great believer in love at first sight. I know there's something whether it be interest, lust, attraction but I just don't know if you can truly love someone just by looking at them so I guess what I'm trying to say is unless you plan on returning there every week on the same day at the same time, forget him. If you can't remember his face I'd take that as a sign that it's not fate and so not meant to be!

Coldplay have postponed Sunday's scheduled concert at the Ford Amphitheatre [pictured] and although the official news wouldn't go into detail it is known that band cancelled due to 'artist-related medical reasons'. We also now know that it is Chris Martin who has fallen ill. Here are some of the recent comments from Coldplayers, some of whom were due to travel to Tampa's Ford Amphitheater tomorrow:

Well here I am in Raleigh-Durham airport, was about to fly to Tampa when a friend tipped me off that Tampa is postponed!!! I was able to change my flight and I'm going home. None of the boys seemed sick or off last night in Charlotte.. don't know what's the deal. Hope everyone is okay. The end-of-US-tour celebration will just have to wait till another time. [thanks white.shadows]

Right before the final U.S. show? OUCH. While that means they have over a week to rest before heading back to Europe, I feel absolutely awful for anyone who was planning on going, especially the few Coldplayers who were FLYING to see them in Tampa. The latter are the greater victims when it comes to money, so hopefully they can enjoy Florida for the heck of it, but considering how hyped this particular show was (more than the previous postponed show in NY), this is a real blow to excited fans. Keep your chins up, folks - maybe Wembley won't be the last show of the tour and you guys will be instead! [thanks Corkus]

Well, I am so bummed, but hey they have been traveling for what 14 months? I can understand how Chris can get his immune system down after everything he does, it's got to be a strain on his voice everytime he does a concert, he's more prone to getting sick than the others I think. Got a call from Babelgum.com Chris Martin is sick. Babelgum said it will be rescheduled but not sure when, and if I wanted to fly over seas for a gig they would send me and 1 other. I can't imagine the band heading overseas and ending up in London then flying everything back here for 1 show, so maybe it will be this week sometime before they leave? I checked the venue and the only dates open that have no events going on is Mon. 10th, Thurs. 13th thats it, then overseas starts on Sunday the 16th. The guy who called me this morning told me he'd contact me Monday, so I would imagine it's not mon. If not next week, I have no idea, I just want Chris to be well. Well Mon and Thurs is open, monday only gives him 2 days to rest, and thurs. is cutting it close. [thanks MartinFan]

Oh my God, I can't believe this! There's no space in the Ford Amphitheatre guys, most likely the show is gonna be cancelled. Oh well, another time another place... I highly doubt that Tampa is gonna be the last, what can we expect from Coldplay now, that they will cancel Wembley on September 19th? [thanks dfit00]

Bummer, I was really looking forward to go this show, it was the final show of the US gig. It will most likely be canceled and refunds will be given out because no date will magically reappear and now way they will be coming back just for one show. [thanks dangoland]

I just wanna say how sorry I am for those affected by the postponed Tampa, Fl concert on 9 August 2009 - and I understand that some of them are already en route not learning about it until they land in Atlanta or elsewhere having taken an early flight! What a terrible disappointment to those! I also feel very sorry for Chris and the band, they must feel terrible. It's the second postponement on the Viva la Vida tour ("the worst thing is to have to cancel / postpone a concert" as Guy wrote in a tweet at the end of May when Coldplay postponed their May 29 concert in Saratoga Springs in New York "due to illness in the band". Someone quoted Chris for saying on stage at a concert that his doctor had advised him not to perform the preceding concert, but he had ignored the doctor's advice - followed by the postponement at the following concert (probably a throat / vocal cords problem ). It's the second time in a couple of months and might be pretty serious! I do hope that Chris gets well, but I also hope that he does not ignore his doctor's advice if ignoring it means that he won't be able to go on for quite a while. I am going to the first European gig in Herning (in Denmark) on Sunday, 16th August 2009 - that is, if the band members are all well and fit to go on stage! [thanks nancyk58]

i'm seriously still in disbelief. this was def. one of the highlights of my summer. my friend and i still want to drive down to the ampitheatre and make sure that it's all really real. i hope Chris gets better soon, and the show's rescheduled very soon. i think they're not meant to play on their original scheduled dates in Tampa, b/c isn't this the second time they've had to postpone and reschedule a show there? [thanks technicolor_love78]

WOW! I just logged on to the forum to read the news about the concert's cancelation/postponement. Now I'm glad I/we didn't go, that would have been a huge disappointment, eh? I would have felt responsible if I had convinced friends to go and then we got stuck with wasted expenses. This quote from Chris Martin seems appropriate at this point: "Life is miraculous, even when it's disastrous, it's still incredible, I'm fascinated with everything, life is fascinating, I'm fascinated by trees and dogs, but no one wants to hear me talk about it." Given Chris remarkable strength, vigor and vitality, you can be sure he's really very sick if he had to cancel a show. Poor guy, I don't know how he performs so many shows back to back with usually no more than a day between shows, if that. They performed their shows here in the SF Bay area on consecutive days. My heart goes out to Chris along with everyone elses'. GET WELL SOON CHRIS! YOU KNOW YOU ARE LOVED! The truth is that I could have gotten a RT ticket for $200 on Priceline but I decided not to go because of other commitments that I have at work and home. I could have easily been among the rest of you, left hanging in limbo, 3,000 miles or more from home. Yet, we all feel sad for Chris' illness and hope he gets the rest he needs. I was surprised at how strong he was on the second night I saw him. He actually seemed fresher and perkier at that show than at the one the night before, and his voice was strong and clear. I especially noticed how when, he laughed, he seemed to do it from deep in his belly. He accidentally laughed during the beginning of "Politik" and apologized. Their having cancel tonight's show proves that the stress of traveling catches up with even the strongest and the best of characters like Chris Martin. [thanks starfish42]

Ok everyone, I just got to my friend's house in Atlanta. I got texts fron Kaleigh and Tracey as soon as I landed. I'm on page 69, and you guys are up to page 79, so I haven't yet read any commnents or anything. but I AM SO FREAKING BUMMED!!! We left for the airport at 5:15 this morning, so I didn't go online. I'll see what you all have been saying as I read the next few pages. I'm kinda waiting, for what, I don't know. But I guess I'll call Delta and see if I can just cancel the Atlanta-Tampa part of my ticket. On the way home, I was connecting through Atlanta again, so my flight was like 2 round trips. My friend here may be stuck with me until Monday night. And I have a non-refundable hotel room in Tampa, but really, do I want to hang out in Tampa for a day alone, just because I have a hotel room? But if by some miracle, they can do the show Monday, I'm so there...Thursday, I don't think I could do it - I can't really just hang out here for a week, and I"m sure flights are way too expensive to come back on such short notice plus I used miles to pay for this flight. I'm sorry Chris is sick and all, and I'll definitely try to come out again, and hopefully I can work it out with my kid's schedules if it's rescheduled in Sept sometime. [thanks lfdianne]

Just landed in Tampa from Chicago. Nonononono!!!! !Stayed up all night painting an awesome banner for Elbow - got one professionally printed for CP. Beaded matching butterfly necklaces for all the girls meeting up. (silly, I know). -spent tons of non-refundable moolah. I am just sick. Sent from my damned iPhone in a CVS pharmacy parking lot in Tampa damned Florida. [thanks kspillers2]

You can read all the comments and contribute to the Tampa discussion at the Coldplay Live forum here onwards. Thanks to all those who have added to the thread so far.

Photos of Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte, NC (7th August 2009):

Pictures by iriden

Coldplay have been forced to postpone the final US show of the Viva La Vida tour at the Ford Amphitheater in Tampa tomorrow night. Reviews from Coldplayers arriving back from last night's show at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Ampitheater noticed that Chris Martin sounded sick and didn't take part in as much crowd interaction that he has done at preceding shows. The news on the postponement broke earlier on Coldplay.com:

We're sorry to report that Coldplay have been forced to postpone their show at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa on Sunday, August 9th. This is due to medical reasons. The show is currently being rescheduled - we'll give you the new details as soon as we have them. In the meantime, the band have asked us to apologise on their behalf for the inconvenience this causes. Anchorman

You can discuss this breaking news here onwards at the Tampa thread in the Coldplay Live forum [thanks Jizo]

UPDATE: Babelgum UK called our Coldplayer 'MartinFan', the winner of the recent Tampa tickets competition to say that it was Chris Martin who was ill.

Photos of Coldplay at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte, NC (7th August 2009):

Pictures by iriden

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour is closing in on its conclusion to the third North American leg as they played at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC last night, with only the Tampa show to go. The Coldplay-shaped puppets were last seen going for a police car ride in Charlotte - see those pictures after the jump. No major changes to the arena/amphitheater setlist as Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again. Thanks to iriden who captured these amazing pictures from the front. See more of reviews and iriden's photos after the jump.

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by iriden

By far the best show I have ever seen them do. We got front and center in the pit, and the boys were sure on fire tonight. Politik still is one of their best songs live, but boy the crowd was into it tonight. The boys sure did love us singing to fix you. And Chris and Jonny messed up Death and All of His Friends, and Chris blamed it on a good looking girl that distracted him. We were also by a bunch of Coldplaying people. I have pictures and an almost full audio recording of Billie Jean (which was great) that I will upload very very soon. Other than that what a show! [thanks holycatfish87]

3 words. Chris. Martin's. Towel. he gave it to my little brother on his way to the C stage..he saw him, gave him a nod, and gave him the towel!! My brother's seats were near the c stage, and I told him to not let me down...he did not!Before the show started, I saw Hoppy walking around & told my little brother to go talk to him & he went running after him,calling his name, but he didn't hear before he went into the back. The show was really good, Jonny messed up where he begins in Death & All His Friends, and Chris was like "wait wait wait, Jonny boy you fucked it up! don't put this on youtube!" At the beginning Chris sounded like he was sick & didn't talk too much to the crowd as he usually does. I didn't sit in the seat I was supposed to because I was in the middle & Could not see a thing when everyone stood up, so I moved to the aisle and was there the entire time, except for when I went to see the guys run to the C stage. aka Chris Martin give my brother his towel! I promise pictures & maybe a video tomorrow!! it was kind of sad when Chris said, "we won't be back for a couple of years" then I remembered. I'm seeing them again Sunday then I will be sad! [thanks greeneyes1207]

A FANTASTIC show to say the least! Way better than last nights show! EVerybody was into it including guy hahaha. Met some really cool people on the board. Was directly front and center with Pguild and catfish. Everything was flawless except when they messed up DAAHF, but its always funny when they mess up! Sad its the last time I will see them in awhile....but thank you Coldplay for everything and being such a good group to follow. [thanks gmalool]

I'm starting thinking I saw someone from coldplaying since everyone says they were fron row dead center, there was a guy with his sister who showed us the way to the pit, is it anyone from here? Anyway, was front row on the right with a damn videocamera blocking my view to Guy and Chris' piano blocking it to Will for most of the show, but damn it was great, since I need to make a fool of myself we prepared an Italian flag with "Coldplay's missionaries in foreign fields" and all the dates I've been to and will be to written on it and Chris read it and like bowed down to us (and my friend nearly passed out)..did the same with the Crests of Waves banner, while Guy laughed at it. I went crazy with the tiny little snippet of A Rush Of Blood To The Head at the end of In my place. Must say it's abolsutely great not to start queuing up early in the morning to get front row as it always happen here in Italy, and also not having people pushing from everywhere, I'm really having a great time in these US shows. [thanks iriden]

Holy cow. I mean... holy cow. I want to do this all over again tomorrow. My goodness, was this EVER worth the six-month wait. An absolute blast. I won't bother posting my few pictures/videos since you guys in the pit got incredible stuff, but I will say that I was pleased with where I was (for not being in the pit, I had pretty decent seats)... minus the annoying event staff constantly telling us to stay close to our seats. No problem, though... me and my friend still went insane like we wanted to. And I ended up getting a buttload of butterfly confetti like I wanted... it's sitting in a plastic bag right now, safely packaged to avoid harm. This was just so freaking awesome... I love this band! What a night... what a night. [thanks heelsrule1988]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

Pictures by iriden

The Coldplay-shaped puppets go for a police car ride in Charlotte:

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Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour is closing in on its conclusion to the third North American leg as they played at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion in Raleigh, NC last night. The Coldplay-shaped puppets were last seen enjoying themselves on the Coney Island rides - see those pictures after the jump. No major changes to the arena/amphitheater setlist as Billie Jean replaced I'm A Believer in the acoustic set again. A problem with Twitpic prevents us from posting any decent live pictures (due to Twitter's outage yesterday), so we'll have much better pictures later on Friday. In the meatime here's one right in front of tonight's C-Stage (about 6 hours too early)...

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Yellow

Glass Of Water

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)

Talk (techno version)

The Hardest Part (Chris piano)

Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Green Eyes (acoustic)

Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)

Billie Jean

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Picture by jcatanzaro @ Twitter... @ C-Stage!

Oh my god. It was phenomenal. Two of my friends were in the pit - Chris Martin high-fived one of them. Then, when he was throwing the tympani stick, it bounced into the same guy's hand! And at the end Jonny walked up to my other friend and GAVE him his pick, straight up handed it off to him. They made off like bandits.No real changes from the typical setlist. Billie Jean was cool, as well as a little improv harmonica song Chris did while they were out on the lawn playing the acoustic set. <3 Green Eyes, too [thanks twistedlogic149]

Wow. First coldplay concert and it was amazing! Everything, the band, the venue, the setlist, the crowd, was all great. They seemed kind of out of it but it barely showed at all, though I was thinking there would be two true encores - didn't really consider the first bit an encore lol. Favorite song would have to have been green eyes, lovers in japan, or the scientist. Oh and the hardest part really showed how great chris and will are in harmony! The band walked right past me on the way to the back stage!! As an aside wtf is with people getting super drunk at a coldplay concert?! There were 50 year old women jumping up and down dancing during every single song!! @guy above me - I think he was talking about the little thing chris sang while will was tuning his guitar, not will's song [thanks Link]

We got there around 4:30, then headed over to the venue immediately. We arrived at the gates at 4:45. We were pretty close to the front of the line, and it really started to get packed once we got there. They ended up not opening the gates until around 5:45. I was one of the first 10 or so people in and we all sprinted to get our front row spots on the lawn. When I first got a view of the lawn I saw 4 or 5 blue tarps with security guards around them, not 1 like I was told. I gave it my best guess and ended up picking the wrong blue tarp. It ended up being the one with the tent over it, but I had assumed that area was for something else...I know, I'm an idiot. I didn't mind really though, because despite the fact that they were a third the price of my Verizon Center tickets for the past two shows, the front row of the lawn had a hell of a lot better view than those seats...

When The Blue Danube came on, the crowd was still yapping and not even paying attention or clapping or anything. Coldplay came on just in time, right at 9 o'clock, and that was when they finally shut up. One highlight was during a song (can't remember which one), Chris introduced Jonny as "the nicest man in the world...Mr Jonathan Buckland...he's 15 years old!". I laughed pretty hard at that, but maybe you just had to be there to find it funny...

At one point, Chris asked if everyone was ready to be louder than they'd ever been on a Friday. The whole crowd yelled back "THURSDAY!". The look on Chris's face was priceless; he had no idea what we were saying. After the song was over Jonny pointed out to him that it was a Thursday. When Viva la Vida started playing, the crowd was at it's loudest. This really disappointed me, but it explained why the crowd was so weak. They were mostly newer fans whose first Coldplay song was Viva la Vida. When Coldplay started moving towards the c stage, there was a huge rush to get over there. I managed to get about ten feet away from the band in a big sweaty mob of teenagers screaming "OMG HE'S SO HOT!". (They were talking about me of course, not Chris). A lot of people started leaving after they finished Death And All His Friends. I couldn't help giving them the finger as they walked by. What a bunch of assholes. It's disrespectful to walk out when the band has two songs left to play. Even when Chris came back out to tell everyone about LeftRightLeftRightLeft, they kept walking. I was furious. I'm really glad they've gone back to playing The Scientist on piano. That's the way it was meant to be played. I haven't been a huge fan of Coldplay using pretty much the SAME set list for an entire year, but the addition of Glass of Water, Life in Technicolor ii, and Green Eyes helped keep things fresh. One thing I noticed tonight was that since I last saw Coldplay back in October, they've become a hundred times better. They've really got this routine down to a science. Viva Coldplay. [thanks Josh42]

I understand that if this is your first Coldplay show, it was probably the coolest thing in the world... because seeing Coldplay is always going to be awesome. But I thought they were better when I saw them last in Raleigh, in 2005. The B and C stage concept is cool but God Put A Smile/Talk feel like filler songs, Green Eyes/Death feel way too short, and with all the time it takes to get between each stage - I'd rather them just stay on the main stage and play 2 or 3 more full songs. Billie Jean was pretty cool though, I must say. Some of the songs didn't translate live as well as I'd hoped - Lost, Strawberry Swing, Glass of Water in particular. And even though they played for almost 2 hours, it felt like a short concert because of the already mentioned time in between stage changes, and how the setlist was so planned, songs never really ended... they just kind of went right into another. Coldplay is still awesome and it was still a really great show, I just wanted to offer up an opinion of something different than "OMG I LOVE COLDPLAY AMAZING SHOW" Oh, and Elbow was fantastic... Grounds for Divorce is such a kickass tune. [thanks aimorris]

HOLYCRAPITWASAMAZING. I saw Hoppy and said Hi to him and he winked at us! I got really close to them when they were on c-stage, I couldnt stop screaming I really put my vocal cords to the test .... Elbow is a lot better live I picked up a ton of butterfly confetti towards the end and I got a tour shirt. This drunk guy started crying during Fix You, it was great Yeah-before Chris said his goodbyes some people started to leave and then they played The Scientist and LiTii but I was almost too tired to sing along I was suprised at how good the Billie Jean cover was! [thanks lindilovescmart]

The concert was fabolous as usual! Not really big into writing reviews in all but...I was in the PIT which is always amazing! I got in line around 5, which I noticed was a bit too late, but my little brother walked up about 30 feet and got us a closer place in line hahaha. Then we ran to the PIT and secured the first row in front of Chris/Jonny. During the middle of Green Eyes, these 2 girls came and squeezed their way right in the front next to me and it kind of pissed me off, plus they were talking to me during the songs and trying to hold a convo which was a no no. I thought Chris was pretty electric tonight. Everything was great! EXcpet for leaving the theater, but Im in the hotel about to head to Charlotte for tonights show! [thanks gmalool]

My group got a decent lawn seat – for an idea of where, it was essentially the mirror image of where Coldplay showed up on the other side of the lawn. This is the only Coldplay concert I’ve been too, but it certainly felt like they had nailed a routine and knew how to go through the motions without seeming stale. I was surprised at how few people vocally recognized songs like Yellow, 42, In My Place, and even Billie Jean (my friend, who knew all the other songs they played, asked me if it was a “B-side or something”). Songs like The Scientist, Lovers In Japan, and Viva La Vida (no surprise there) were the ones that got the loudest immediate reaction. This led me to think that most of the people at this show were not like my friends and I, who had heard every album track and then some, and instead were people who probably had a couple favorites on their iPod and didn’t know the rest. Glass Of Water got virtually no reaction when they started it up.

As for the quality of the actual playing, the band was great, but that’s to be expected. Chris actually hit some blatantly wrong notes on the piano a handful of times (not “jazzy” or “experimental”; his hand slipped or something), but nobody seemed to care. His voice was especially strong, considering how weak it always sounded to me in the live recordings I have. The other band members were totally solid, and I loved Chris’ apparent adoration for Will. One of the best moments was a partially improvised shanty during the acoustic lawn set where Chris threw out lines like “When you’ve been on this leg of the tour since June / It’s nice to play in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the full moon” (big reaction) and “We’ve gotta play the show for the girls and boys / ‘Cause we hear those people in Raleigh make a lot of f---ing noise” (bigger reaction)...

Overall, it was great to observe how hard the band works to please its audience, with the confetti and balloons and the lawn set (Green Eyes was sublime). On an incredibly specific note, I loved it when Johnny took care of the ending of Cemeteries Of London (playing the little piano riff on his guitar). As for the opening bands, I was thoroughly impressed by Elbow, and will probably buy some of their material based just on how well they played. Kitty, Daisy, and Louis were nigh on unbearable by the end of the set by virtue of how similar all of their material sounded, no matter how talented they might have been (My friend nicknamed them Diarrhea because, in his words, “They sound like sh--”). However, they provided one of my favorite moments of the concert when they introduced their Jamaican guest player. He yelled “Ya!” into the microphone, and the crowd reciprocated. He followed up with “Ya ya!” and the crowd followed suit. He finished with “Ya ya yaaaaaaaaaaa!”, dragging out the last “Ya” and making his voice lower and more intense as the band started up. It was an epic introduction and, for a moment, made me think the band was about to play something interesting. Then Mr. Jamaica whips out his trumpet and launches into the corniest song of the whole set. I almost cried laughing. Also memorable was when, in the last song, they repeated the same bar of music for a minute and a half. It literally sounded like a CD was skipping. The crowd applauded when they finally broke off.

Great show, and will always be a great memory. [thanks - Gabriel]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

The Coldplay-shaped puppets had a cracking ol' time on the Coney Island rides:

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More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)

August 6, 2009 - submitted by Sam, United States of America

Q. Oh, Oracle. Well first I wanted just to say thanks to you guys I was at the All Points West Festival (aka the mud jacuzzi) and everyone appreciated the enthusiasm Chris had. It certainly made the mud worthwhile. On my way home I was wondering what's the worst weather Coldplay has ever played outdoors? Thanks!

The Oracle replies:

There were 2 shockers that stand out. The first was torrential rain in 2003 and it wasn't just the weather that made it memorable. It was June 5, 2003; exactly 20 years since U2 played there in exactly the same weather for their Under A Blood Red Sky concert video. You can see how bad it was for yourself as footage appears in Coldplay's Live 2003 DVD. The second is the show in Abu Dhabi back in March this year.

August 6, 2009 - submitted by Jude, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, When someone goes by one name (ie Bono, Slash, etc) is it their last name or their first name? Thanks again!

The Oracle replies:

In your examples it's actually neither. Bono's real name is Paul Hewson and Slash is called Saul Hudson. Some people are known as a nickname as above but in the case of Prince, Madonna, Shakira... the list is endless are all using their Christian names. Roachford is amongst those who used his surname.

August 6, 2009 - submitted by Ibrahim, United Kingdom

Q. I've watched Bruno in London last weekend and Strawberry Swing's new video wasn't on the screen. Is it before the commercials before the film or was I a little impatient?

The Oracle replies:

Just to clarify, Strawberry Swing isn't being shown at every cinema; I also missed out seeing it at my local. To see the video on the large screen, you'd need to be at an Odeon cinema as reported by Anchorman.

August 5, 2009 - submitted by Katie, United States of America

Q. Hi Oracle! :D I was thinking about the song 'How You See The World No. 2'. I hadn't ever questioned the fact that it was version 2 until now. Has there ever been a recorded version of No. 1? Thank you!

The Oracle replies:

Yes, indeed there was the original How You See The World, hence No. 2 being called number 2. The first version of the song appeared on the Japanese release of X&Y as a bonus track.

August 5, 2009 - submitted by Mimi, Puerto Rico

Q. Why does the Oracle sometimes answer in the morning, sometimes late in the afternoon? Why are there many questions answered one day and only one or two on another day?

The Oracle replies:

Well Mimi from Puerto Rico, the Oracle doesn't like to be predictable so it's to give some variety away from routine! It is usually 2 to 4 questions per day though.

August 5, 2009 - submitted by Trey Thompson, United States of America

Q. Just a comment: I saw Coldplay in Houston on July 22nd and sitting next to me and my wife was a couple who did not speak a bit of English, but did have the lyrics to every Coldplay song printed out. So it is true that Coldplay's music breaks language barriers.

The Oracle replies:

I think all music breaks barriers. When in Paris last year one of the French label personnel explained that during Viva la Vida the crowd sang "for some reason I can't explain" with more ferocity because the pattern and pounding out of that particular lyric was easier for the French non English speaking fans to pick out. Speaking again of a French experience... when I was much younger, there was a French guy singing every word to an English girl of With Or Without You by U2 and she thought it was the most romantic thing ever until he confessed he hadn't a clue what the lyrics meant but loved the song. Music has that power.

Beastie Boys member Adam Yaunch has thanked Jay-Z and Coldplay after both acts paid tribute to him at the recent All Points West festival in New jersey, writes Gigwise today.

The band were forced to pull out of the festival last week after Yaunch, better known as MCA, was diagnosed with cancer. Jay-Z, who replaced the Beastie Boys, began his set with a cover of 'No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn', while Coldplay's Chris Martin sang an acoustic version of 'Fight For Your Right (To Party)'. “Saw the Jay-Z cover of 'No Sleep...', and the Coldplay one of 'Fight For Your Right' from APW on YouTube. Good Shit,” Yaunch said.

In a letter to fans, Yaunch also gave an update on his cancer battle, saying he was “rapidly recovering” from surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his left salivary gland.

Yaunch also revealed he only spent one night in hospital following the operation a week and a half ago. “The hospital was too crazy to get any rest so I headed home to relax, have home cooked food and hang out with the family,” he said.

The Beastie Boys star said his neck and jaw “are still pretty stiff from the surgery”, but added: “It gets better everyday.” Yaunch is due to begin a course of radiation in the coming weeks.

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

Pictures by Jamd