Jenjie

After watching a bit of Live in Sydney on Sky last night, I'm reminded that it's nearly 12 months since my last concert. My Coldplay tour genes are starting to itch!! I also require an outdoor date for proper involvement. However, this may be a dangerous ask as the purchasing of tickets for stadium tours seems to result in pregnancy :laugh3:

oops! a bit late with the thanks :embarrassed: I didn't realise Jess had been snuck into Sammy's thread :D thank you all :kiss:

Hey Al :) Glad you found your way over here

Can't believe its nearly 4 years since we first met some Coldplayers in 'real life' :o That was one crazy day but well worth it :D

because nowhere near as many people would read it or know who Dave Holmes is, if she left the Coldplay bit out. anyone doing a twitter search for Coldplay would see this tweet

i've included you in the viewing of Downton & Coldplay. :D If you're a good boy you can watch the Snowman sequel with Sammy & I too :P

its an hour and as its BBC there'll be no adverts in it :)

I'm adding the description to the first post now I've gone and found the magazine :)

Bought our Xmas TV Guide yesterday and this was tucked away in the listings :) Following the band's Mylo Xyloto world tour, including footage from their shows at Paris' Stade de France, Montreal's Bell Centre and Glastonbury 2011.

There is a time that comes around every few years, that time is when Coldplay tour. Recently they just completed their Australian leg of the Mylo Xyloto World Tour, and I of course was there! For those who know me, they know Coldplay is my favourite band, end of. This time I went to see their shows in Sydney and Brisbane, this blog is about the best week I've had since they last toured. First stop, Sydney. I flew down to Sydney on Friday the 16th of November, James a friend I met on the previous tour was kind enough to let me stay with him while I was there, big thanks to James and Susan. I spent Friday afternoon getting myself to James' house through Sydney public transport, which is interesting for someone who never uses public transport, might I add Central Station is huge! Once I got to James' place we just chatted and caught up on the past few years since I was last down for The Temper Trap at the Hordern Pavillion, James also showed me his impressive music collection, one of the best I have ever seen. James had to go and see Grizzly Bear in the city so I tagged along and roamed the streets solo, winding up down at Circular Quay, it was raining all night, but something about a city as scenic and beautiful as Sydney in the rain makes it all the more pretty, romantic even. I stood under the Harbour Bridge for the first time, it was a humbling moment, so massive, a truly amazing piece of architecture and engineering. There was a big cruise ship, the Carnival Spirit, never seen a ship so close, this baby was monstrous, like a floating city. I made my way around the other side toward the Opera House, out to the end where Coldplay were performed for Sunrise. It was quiet, hardly a soul around, but not so long ago would of been filled with a sea of people. I sat down there and watched as that huge cruise ship pulled out and left the Harbour, it was really cool to watch. I made my way back into the city to meet up with James and head back to his place, grabbing a Sydney kebab too, much better than any Kebab I have had in Queensland. My alarm went off at 6:45am, I got myself ready and tackled the public transport system to Moore Park, where Allianz Stadium is for that nights Coldplay show, my first show of the tour. To my surprise, even at 7:45 I was the 34th person in the queue, I thought I was going to be first, how wrong was I. Turns out a girl named Mel was there from 2am! (Last tour the queue at Acer Arena was all of 3-4 people at 9am, but I have came to the conclusion that seeing as two of the four previous Sydney shows were announced later, which were the ones I attended, that the bulk of the die hard fans would of been seeing the other shows, hence why when I went I had thought people started queueing at around 9am and didn't realise that they actually queued up a lot earlier, lesson learnt) After sitting down for all of 20 seconds a lovely girl, Olivia greeted me with a sharpie in her hand, she explained that we were all doing numbers on our hands to keep the order of the queue so people couldn't push in, I thought and think that is a great idea, and it works, albeit sometimes less effective given the crowd. I was bored out of my mind, there was no one to talk to, I was flying solo, to the left were chats of how amazing One Direction were, and to the right were people sleeping or reading, so I just sat there, counting down the hours. Soon enough the queue was stretched out to about 50 people, and venue security moved us out to line up infront of Gate A, reason we didn't line up there first was security needed the space to move in trucks and what not. I couldn't stand to be sitting there going stir crazy and plucked up the courage to talk to Olivia up the front, they all seemed to be having a good time, certainly better than me picking at the ground. This is where it was at. These were the people to know, interesting conversation, good people, the kind of die hard fans Coldplay are known for, the people I will remember and want to see queueing up in another 3/4 years. It was a hot day, the sun beating down on us, the ground was asphalt, hot and dry. Water and food was a good 20 minute walk away, right down past the Hordern Pavillion. About 4:30 a buzz comes over the crowd, like it always does, everyone gets yet another wave of adrenaline hit their system, the queue would be over 1000 people long, the security presence builds, the tension build, because gates will soon be opened. The security team gets us ready to enter, telling us all the usual speech of not to run and all that. They start to open the gates and the crowd surges forward, your heart is beating a million miles per hour, to the left of me the crowd is stopped, but the right is open, I show the security guy my ticket and he lets me through. I'm not even looking back. I see that the crew I met at the queue are all good and I reach the turnstile, practically fumbling with my ticket, trying to get through that turnstile, there are people handing out Xylobands and they are getting slammed, I see there are about 10 people handing them out, and instead of waiting for the few people infront of me to get theirs, I just walk around and grab mine from one of the 6 or so people just standing there. Down the players tunnel and I get my Field A wristband from more people, same principle as before, get it from the person at the end and don't hold up the queue or wait behind anyone. There is the stage, there is the spot I want, and I got it, next to me is Mel and Olivia, success, time to let it sink in. The crowd slowly increases in density, and surprisingly doesn't try to push. A first for any crowd when I have been on the barrier. The first support act comes on, The Pierces, and I like them, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see them, but I do enjoy their music. The sun starts to fade on the horizon and the temperature drops, a chill is in the air, then red lights flood the stage and a noise swells as The Temper Trap enter, playing a set half Conditions and half from the new album, which I am personally not too keen on. They do get the whole crowed singing with Sweet Disposition, arguably their best song and last of their set. The stage is reset again and the bassy house music is turned up while the roadies prep for the main event, at one stage Bash (Will's Drum Tech) came down and I managed to score what is apparently one of 200 MX branded picks. 99 Problems by Jay-Z comes blaring from the PA, the final song before Coldplay come on stage, we are all singing along, the front row of the barrier is pinging. The video screens throw up a "Please put on your wristband, it's part of the show" referring to Jason Regler's Xylobands, the whole crowd gets the idea the band is moments away from coming on stage. The track ends, house lights turn off and the Back to the Future theme plays, concentric neon circles flashing up over the five large circular video screens. The track finishes and the band walk on and the crowd roars, Chris gets on the piano and begins playing Mylo Xyloto, the title track from the album, toward the end fireworks tear up into the sky and Hurts Like Heaven begins, everyone singing along, an amazing moment. The rest of the concert was amazing, I could go into it, but there are already some amazing reviews out there, and really, you had to be there to understand how awesome it really was. The gig finished through a spectacular fireworks display during Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and security ushered us all out. I spent some time after with Olivia and Mel discussing the gig, and then made the trek back into the city, me not being a city guy and not to crash hot with public transport decided to walk it, worth it too, only 30 minutes and I get to see some of the lovely architecture Sydney has on offer. Finally back in bed and set my alarm for 5am, only three hours sleep. James and I got up at five and left to pick up his cousins, making it back to Allianz Stadium by 6:30am I think it was, to be fourth in line! April claiming the #1 spot and seasoned gigging couple #3,4. Unlike the Saturday barriers were already in place and we were infront of Gate A, the team at Allianz Stadium seemed more onto it. The crowd took a lot longer to build in size compared to Saturday, but it was still just as hot, no shade, no water, no food nearby, nothing. And toilets that remained ferral for a long time which meant the closest ones were nearly 20-30 minutes away, top effort guys. The concert went the same except this time I took Guy's side of the stage. This time however only 50 or so were let to stand wherever then they blocked the stage left off and let the right floor section fill up before opening up and letting the rest of the floor to fill up where we were, while they held the crowd back I managed to take this photo, quite surreal because usually you don't leave the barrier at all once you get it. The gig went off without a hitch, April claimed an MX pick too from one of the Coldplay crew who personally came down and handed it to her! The final fireworks rained down and just like that, Coldplay and Sydney were finished, crew started bumping out the gig and we all left, with one final gig to go, Brisbane, and what an epic day that was. Up we got and made the drive into Brisbane, arriving just before 4am, both April and Olivia were there along with a group who made the journey up from Hobart, it was great to be with these guys again and I had the feeling that this was going to be a day to remember. Suncorp Stadium staff were on hand all day, they had medics there, full shade over the queue lanes, food vans, cloaking, pre wrist banded and officially numbered by the staff so there was no arguments over who pushed in and no one could as each ticket was numbered. Between Olivia, April and Myself we attracted both TV and Radio attention, appearing on the Channel 10 news and being broadcasted on B105. Bob Molden and Graeme Kan made sure all we all got in safely and in order, hats off to them both, they really made the day so stress free and one I will never forget. Bob personally walked us down to the floor and it all went like clockwork from there on. There was a great crew of us on Guy's side, April to the left of me, my Mum on the right, and Georgie and Jess next to her, Olivia and Con and the Hobart clan on the other side of the centre runway. Nothing better than having great people to chat with all day and have next to you on the barrier. First off to hit the stage was Chris Martin himself! Introducing the support bands, great to have a little cameo appearance from him. The show was amazing, probably the best for me on this tour. Chris even sung a line from Swallowed in the Sea from Con's sign! The show wrapped up for the last time, and one of Guy's picks was thrown down, the security guard picked it up and he knew instantly who it was going to, April. Even though others tried to take it, she got it, and we were all stoked she did, if there is another Guy Berryman fan bigger than her I challenge you to find that person. We all left the floor and I started asking everyone if they were keeping their Xylobands, because I wanted one of each colour, after many death stares and no's plenty of people didn't want them and I now have one of each colour! We saw the band leave, but they didn't stop, understandable given the size of the band now. We all headed our separate ways home, seeing each other off until another time. Such an amazing day, such amazing people. My heart goes out to these people, I have left last names of certain people incase they are uncomfortable. In no particular order. April, Olivia, Mel, Con, Georgie, Jess, James, Susan, My Mum, Chris, Nadin, Natalie, Coldplay, Jackie Jackson, Bash & Matt, Jason Regler, Bob Molden, Graeme Kan along with Belinda and Megan from Suncorp Stadium. [thanks Sam Webster] http://samwebster.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/coldplay-live-2012.html

There is a time that comes around every few years, that time is when Coldplay tour. Recently they just completed their Australian leg of the Mylo Xyloto World Tour, and I of course was there! For those who know me, they know Coldplay is my favourite band, end of. This time I went to see their shows in Sydney and Brisbane, this blog is about the best week I've had since they last toured. First stop, Sydney. I flew down to Sydney on Friday the 16th of November, James a friend I met on the previous tour was kind enough to let me stay with him while I was there, big thanks to James and Susan. I spent Friday afternoon getting myself to James' house through Sydney public transport, which is interesting for someone who never uses public transport, might I add Central Station is huge! Once I got to James' place we just chatted and caught up on the past few years since I was last down for The Temper Trap at the Hordern Pavillion, James also showed me his impressive music collection, one of the best I have ever seen. James had to go and see Grizzly Bear in the city so I tagged along and roamed the streets solo, winding up down at Circular Quay, it was raining all night, but something about a city as scenic and beautiful as Sydney in the rain makes it all the more pretty, romantic even. I stood under the Harbour Bridge for the first time, it was a humbling moment, so massive, a truly amazing piece of architecture and engineering. There was a big cruise ship, the Carnival Spirit, never seen a ship so close, this baby was monstrous, like a floating city. I made my way around the other side toward the Opera House, out to the end where Coldplay were performed for Sunrise. It was quiet, hardly a soul around, but not so long ago would of been filled with a sea of people. I sat down there and watched as that huge cruise ship pulled out and left the Harbour, it was really cool to watch. I made my way back into the city to meet up with James and head back to his place, grabbing a Sydney kebab too, much better than any Kebab I have had in Queensland. My alarm went off at 6:45am, I got myself ready and tackled the public transport system to Moore Park, where Allianz Stadium is for that nights Coldplay show, my first show of the tour. To my surprise, even at 7:45 I was the 34th person in the queue, I thought I was going to be first, how wrong was I. Turns out a girl named Mel was there from 2am! (Last tour the queue at Acer Arena was all of 3-4 people at 9am, but I have came to the conclusion that seeing as two of the four previous Sydney shows were announced later, which were the ones I attended, that the bulk of the die hard fans would of been seeing the other shows, hence why when I went I had thought people started queueing at around 9am and didn't realise that they actually queued up a lot earlier, lesson learnt) After sitting down for all of 20 seconds a lovely girl, Olivia greeted me with a sharpie in her hand, she explained that we were all doing numbers on our hands to keep the order of the queue so people couldn't push in, I thought and think that is a great idea, and it works, albeit sometimes less effective given the crowd. I was bored out of my mind, there was no one to talk to, I was flying solo, to the left were chats of how amazing One Direction were, and to the right were people sleeping or reading, so I just sat there, counting down the hours. Soon enough the queue was stretched out to about 50 people, and venue security moved us out to line up infront of Gate A, reason we didn't line up there first was security needed the space to move in trucks and what not. I couldn't stand to be sitting there going stir crazy and plucked up the courage to talk to Olivia up the front, they all seemed to be having a good time, certainly better than me picking at the ground. This is where it was at. These were the people to know, interesting conversation, good people, the kind of die hard fans Coldplay are known for, the people I will remember and want to see queueing up in another 3/4 years. It was a hot day, the sun beating down on us, the ground was asphalt, hot and dry. Water and food was a good 20 minute walk away, right down past the Hordern Pavillion. About 4:30 a buzz comes over the crowd, like it always does, everyone gets yet another wave of adrenaline hit their system, the queue would be over 1000 people long, the security presence builds, the tension build, because gates will soon be opened. The security team gets us ready to enter, telling us all the usual speech of not to run and all that. They start to open the gates and the crowd surges forward, your heart is beating a million miles per hour, to the left of me the crowd is stopped, but the right is open, I show the security guy my ticket and he lets me through. I'm not even looking back. I see that the crew I met at the queue are all good and I reach the turnstile, practically fumbling with my ticket, trying to get through that turnstile, there are people handing out Xylobands and they are getting slammed, I see there are about 10 people handing them out, and instead of waiting for the few people infront of me to get theirs, I just walk around and grab mine from one of the 6 or so people just standing there. Down the players tunnel and I get my Field A wristband from more people, same principle as before, get it from the person at the end and don't hold up the queue or wait behind anyone. There is the stage, there is the spot I want, and I got it, next to me is Mel and Olivia, success, time to let it sink in. The crowd slowly increases in density, and surprisingly doesn't try to push. A first for any crowd when I have been on the barrier. The first support act comes on, The Pierces, and I like them, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see them, but I do enjoy their music. The sun starts to fade on the horizon and the temperature drops, a chill is in the air, then red lights flood the stage and a noise swells as The Temper Trap enter, playing a set half Conditions and half from the new album, which I am personally not too keen on. They do get the whole crowed singing with Sweet Disposition, arguably their best song and last of their set. The stage is reset again and the bassy house music is turned up while the roadies prep for the main event, at one stage Bash (Will's Drum Tech) came down and I managed to score what is apparently one of 200 MX branded picks. 99 Problems by Jay-Z comes blaring from the PA, the final song before Coldplay come on stage, we are all singing along, the front row of the barrier is pinging. The video screens throw up a "Please put on your wristband, it's part of the show" referring to Jason Regler's Xylobands, the whole crowd gets the idea the band is moments away from coming on stage. The track ends, house lights turn off and the Back to the Future theme plays, concentric neon circles flashing up over the five large circular video screens. The track finishes and the band walk on and the crowd roars, Chris gets on the piano and begins playing Mylo Xyloto, the title track from the album, toward the end fireworks tear up into the sky and Hurts Like Heaven begins, everyone singing along, an amazing moment. The rest of the concert was amazing, I could go into it, but there are already some amazing reviews out there, and really, you had to be there to understand how awesome it really was. The gig finished through a spectacular fireworks display during Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and security ushered us all out. I spent some time after with Olivia and Mel discussing the gig, and then made the trek back into the city, me not being a city guy and not to crash hot with public transport decided to walk it, worth it too, only 30 minutes and I get to see some of the lovely architecture Sydney has on offer. Finally back in bed and set my alarm for 5am, only three hours sleep. James and I got up at five and left to pick up his cousins, making it back to Allianz Stadium by 6:30am I think it was, to be fourth in line! April claiming the #1 spot and seasoned gigging couple #3,4. Unlike the Saturday barriers were already in place and we were infront of Gate A, the team at Allianz Stadium seemed more onto it. The crowd took a lot longer to build in size compared to Saturday, but it was still just as hot, no shade, no water, no food nearby, nothing. And toilets that remained ferral for a long time which meant the closest ones were nearly 20-30 minutes away, top effort guys. The concert went the same except this time I took Guy's side of the stage. This time however only 50 or so were let to stand wherever then they blocked the stage left off and let the right floor section fill up before opening up and letting the rest of the floor to fill up where we were, while they held the crowd back I managed to take this photo, quite surreal because usually you don't leave the barrier at all once you get it. The gig went off without a hitch, April claimed an MX pick too from one of the Coldplay crew who personally came down and handed it to her! The final fireworks rained down and just like that, Coldplay and Sydney were finished, crew started bumping out the gig and we all left, with one final gig to go, Brisbane, and what an epic day that was. Up we got and made the drive into Brisbane, arriving just before 4am, both April and Olivia were there along with a group who made the journey up from Hobart, it was great to be with these guys again and I had the feeling that this was going to be a day to remember. Suncorp Stadium staff were on hand all day, they had medics there, full shade over the queue lanes, food vans, cloaking, pre wrist banded and officially numbered by the staff so there was no arguments over who pushed in and no one could as each ticket was numbered. Between Olivia, April and Myself we attracted both TV and Radio attention, appearing on the Channel 10 news and being broadcasted on B105. Bob Molden and Graeme Kan made sure all we all got in safely and in order, hats off to them both, they really made the day so stress free and one I will never forget. Bob personally walked us down to the floor and it all went like clockwork from there on. There was a great crew of us on Guy's side, April to the left of me, my Mum on the right, and Georgie and Jess next to her, Olivia and Con and the Hobart clan on the other side of the centre runway. Nothing better than having great people to chat with all day and have next to you on the barrier. First off to hit the stage was Chris Martin himself! Introducing the support bands, great to have a little cameo appearance from him. The show was amazing, probably the best for me on this tour. Chris even sung a line from Swallowed in the Sea from Con's sign! The show wrapped up for the last time, and one of Guy's picks was thrown down, the security guard picked it up and he knew instantly who it was going to, April. Even though others tried to take it, she got it, and we were all stoked she did, if there is another Guy Berryman fan bigger than her I challenge you to find that person. We all left the floor and I started asking everyone if they were keeping their Xylobands, because I wanted one of each colour, after many death stares and no's plenty of people didn't want them and I now have one of each colour! We saw the band leave, but they didn't stop, understandable given the size of the band now. We all headed our separate ways home, seeing each other off until another time. Such an amazing day, such amazing people. My heart goes out to these people, I have left last names of certain people incase they are uncomfortable. In no particular order. April, Olivia, Mel, Con, Georgie, Jess, James, Susan, My Mum, Chris, Nadin, Natalie, Coldplay, Jackie Jackson, Bash & Matt, Jason Regler, Bob Molden, Graeme Kan along with Belinda and Megan from Suncorp Stadium. [thanks Sam Webster] http://samwebster.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/coldplay-live-2012.html

There is a time that comes around every few years, that time is when Coldplay tour. Recently they just completed their Australian leg of the Mylo Xyloto World Tour, and I of course was there! For those who know me, they know Coldplay is my favourite band, end of. This time I went to see their shows in Sydney and Brisbane, this blog is about the best week I've had since they last toured. First stop, Sydney. I flew down to Sydney on Friday the 16th of November, James a friend I met on the previous tour was kind enough to let me stay with him while I was there, big thanks to James and Susan. I spent Friday afternoon getting myself to James' house through Sydney public transport, which is interesting for someone who never uses public transport, might I add Central Station is huge! Once I got to James' place we just chatted and caught up on the past few years since I was last down for The Temper Trap at the Hordern Pavillion, James also showed me his impressive music collection, one of the best I have ever seen. James had to go and see Grizzly Bear in the city so I tagged along and roamed the streets solo, winding up down at Circular Quay, it was raining all night, but something about a city as scenic and beautiful as Sydney in the rain makes it all the more pretty, romantic even. I stood under the Harbour Bridge for the first time, it was a humbling moment, so massive, a truly amazing piece of architecture and engineering. There was a big cruise ship, the Carnival Spirit, never seen a ship so close, this baby was monstrous, like a floating city. I made my way around the other side toward the Opera House, out to the end where Coldplay were performed for Sunrise. It was quiet, hardly a soul around, but not so long ago would of been filled with a sea of people. I sat down there and watched as that huge cruise ship pulled out and left the Harbour, it was really cool to watch. I made my way back into the city to meet up with James and head back to his place, grabbing a Sydney kebab too, much better than any Kebab I have had in Queensland. My alarm went off at 6:45am, I got myself ready and tackled the public transport system to Moore Park, where Allianz Stadium is for that nights Coldplay show, my first show of the tour. To my surprise, even at 7:45 I was the 34th person in the queue, I thought I was going to be first, how wrong was I. Turns out a girl named Mel was there from 2am! (Last tour the queue at Acer Arena was all of 3-4 people at 9am, but I have came to the conclusion that seeing as two of the four previous Sydney shows were announced later, which were the ones I attended, that the bulk of the die hard fans would of been seeing the other shows, hence why when I went I had thought people started queueing at around 9am and didn't realise that they actually queued up a lot earlier, lesson learnt) After sitting down for all of 20 seconds a lovely girl, Olivia greeted me with a sharpie in her hand, she explained that we were all doing numbers on our hands to keep the order of the queue so people couldn't push in, I thought and think that is a great idea, and it works, albeit sometimes less effective given the crowd. I was bored out of my mind, there was no one to talk to, I was flying solo, to the left were chats of how amazing One Direction were, and to the right were people sleeping or reading, so I just sat there, counting down the hours. Soon enough the queue was stretched out to about 50 people, and venue security moved us out to line up infront of Gate A, reason we didn't line up there first was security needed the space to move in trucks and what not. I couldn't stand to be sitting there going stir crazy and plucked up the courage to talk to Olivia up the front, they all seemed to be having a good time, certainly better than me picking at the ground. This is where it was at. These were the people to know, interesting conversation, good people, the kind of die hard fans Coldplay are known for, the people I will remember and want to see queueing up in another 3/4 years. It was a hot day, the sun beating down on us, the ground was asphalt, hot and dry. Water and food was a good 20 minute walk away, right down past the Hordern Pavillion. About 4:30 a buzz comes over the crowd, like it always does, everyone gets yet another wave of adrenaline hit their system, the queue would be over 1000 people long, the security presence builds, the tension build, because gates will soon be opened. The security team gets us ready to enter, telling us all the usual speech of not to run and all that. They start to open the gates and the crowd surges forward, your heart is beating a million miles per hour, to the left of me the crowd is stopped, but the right is open, I show the security guy my ticket and he lets me through. I'm not even looking back. I see that the crew I met at the queue are all good and I reach the turnstile, practically fumbling with my ticket, trying to get through that turnstile, there are people handing out Xylobands and they are getting slammed, I see there are about 10 people handing them out, and instead of waiting for the few people infront of me to get theirs, I just walk around and grab mine from one of the 6 or so people just standing there. Down the players tunnel and I get my Field A wristband from more people, same principle as before, get it from the person at the end and don't hold up the queue or wait behind anyone. There is the stage, there is the spot I want, and I got it, next to me is Mel and Olivia, success, time to let it sink in. The crowd slowly increases in density, and surprisingly doesn't try to push. A first for any crowd when I have been on the barrier. The first support act comes on, The Pierces, and I like them, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see them, but I do enjoy their music. The sun starts to fade on the horizon and the temperature drops, a chill is in the air, then red lights flood the stage and a noise swells as The Temper Trap enter, playing a set half Conditions and half from the new album, which I am personally not too keen on. They do get the whole crowed singing with Sweet Disposition, arguably their best song and last of their set. The stage is reset again and the bassy house music is turned up while the roadies prep for the main event, at one stage Bash (Will's Drum Tech) came down and I managed to score what is apparently one of 200 MX branded picks. 99 Problems by Jay-Z comes blaring from the PA, the final song before Coldplay come on stage, we are all singing along, the front row of the barrier is pinging. The video screens throw up a "Please put on your wristband, it's part of the show" referring to Jason Regler's Xylobands, the whole crowd gets the idea the band is moments away from coming on stage. The track ends, house lights turn off and the Back to the Future theme plays, concentric neon circles flashing up over the five large circular video screens. The track finishes and the band walk on and the crowd roars, Chris gets on the piano and begins playing Mylo Xyloto, the title track from the album, toward the end fireworks tear up into the sky and Hurts Like Heaven begins, everyone singing along, an amazing moment. The rest of the concert was amazing, I could go into it, but there are already some amazing reviews out there, and really, you had to be there to understand how awesome it really was. The gig finished through a spectacular fireworks display during Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and security ushered us all out. I spent some time after with Olivia and Mel discussing the gig, and then made the trek back into the city, me not being a city guy and not to crash hot with public transport decided to walk it, worth it too, only 30 minutes and I get to see some of the lovely architecture Sydney has on offer. Finally back in bed and set my alarm for 5am, only three hours sleep. James and I got up at five and left to pick up his cousins, making it back to Allianz Stadium by 6:30am I think it was, to be fourth in line! April claiming the #1 spot and seasoned gigging couple #3,4. Unlike the Saturday barriers were already in place and we were infront of Gate A, the team at Allianz Stadium seemed more onto it. The crowd took a lot longer to build in size compared to Saturday, but it was still just as hot, no shade, no water, no food nearby, nothing. And toilets that remained ferral for a long time which meant the closest ones were nearly 20-30 minutes away, top effort guys. The concert went the same except this time I took Guy's side of the stage. This time however only 50 or so were let to stand wherever then they blocked the stage left off and let the right floor section fill up before opening up and letting the rest of the floor to fill up where we were, while they held the crowd back I managed to take this photo, quite surreal because usually you don't leave the barrier at all once you get it. The gig went off without a hitch, April claimed an MX pick too from one of the Coldplay crew who personally came down and handed it to her! The final fireworks rained down and just like that, Coldplay and Sydney were finished, crew started bumping out the gig and we all left, with one final gig to go, Brisbane, and what an epic day that was. Up we got and made the drive into Brisbane, arriving just before 4am, both April and Olivia were there along with a group who made the journey up from Hobart, it was great to be with these guys again and I had the feeling that this was going to be a day to remember. Suncorp Stadium staff were on hand all day, they had medics there, full shade over the queue lanes, food vans, cloaking, pre wrist banded and officially numbered by the staff so there was no arguments over who pushed in and no one could as each ticket was numbered. Between Olivia, April and Myself we attracted both TV and Radio attention, appearing on the Channel 10 news and being broadcasted on B105. Bob Molden and Graeme Kan made sure all we all got in safely and in order, hats off to them both, they really made the day so stress free and one I will never forget. Bob personally walked us down to the floor and it all went like clockwork from there on. There was a great crew of us on Guy's side, April to the left of me, my Mum on the right, and Georgie and Jess next to her, Olivia and Con and the Hobart clan on the other side of the centre runway. Nothing better than having great people to chat with all day and have next to you on the barrier. First off to hit the stage was Chris Martin himself! Introducing the support bands, great to have a little cameo appearance from him. The show was amazing, probably the best for me on this tour. Chris even sung a line from Swallowed in the Sea from Con's sign! The show wrapped up for the last time, and one of Guy's picks was thrown down, the security guard picked it up and he knew instantly who it was going to, April. Even though others tried to take it, she got it, and we were all stoked she did, if there is another Guy Berryman fan bigger than her I challenge you to find that person. We all left the floor and I started asking everyone if they were keeping their Xylobands, because I wanted one of each colour, after many death stares and no's plenty of people didn't want them and I now have one of each colour! We saw the band leave, but they didn't stop, understandable given the size of the band now. We all headed our separate ways home, seeing each other off until another time. Such an amazing day, such amazing people. My heart goes out to these people, I have left last names of certain people incase they are uncomfortable. In no particular order. April, Olivia, Mel, Con, Georgie, Jess, James, Susan, My Mum, Chris, Nadin, Natalie, Coldplay, Jackie Jackson, Bash & Matt, Jason Regler, Bob Molden, Graeme Kan along with Belinda and Megan from Suncorp Stadium. [thanks Sam Webster] http://samwebster.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/coldplay-live-2012.html

It arrived :D Thank you, santa :kiss: We're waiting for SammyBeeBurns to come home from nursery so we can take our pics! :sneaky:

Sure it’s true that for some people, it has gotten to the stage where it’s cool to hate Coldplay on account of their shameless attempt to be the biggest rock band in the world – but who cares especially if they produce songs that can be universally appreciated by the masses. As was the turnout, completely packing Sydney Football stadium, from the very young to the elderly, and Coldplay were exactly where they were meant to be. Shortly after the lights went down, the show began, as fireworks erupted from the stage, the oval was showered with confetti, and the stadium lit up with each audience member’s wristbands, flashing in sync. It was difficult not to get caught up in the lights and sound that was Coldplay, as they played one of their singles from Mylo Xyloto, Hurts Like Heaven. And if this wasn’t enough, they then unleashed the elaborately decorated giant balloons, and lasers during Major Minus. The energy was high throughout the entire evening – the band were clearly enjoying themselves. It was hard to tell whether the audience or the band were happier to be there. their songs brought infectious smiles towards the audience, especially The Scientist and Yellow. A more rock-oriented version of God Put a Smile Upon Your Face was played, which worked very well. There was a good mix of newer and older material, including Warning Sign also from A Rush of Blood to the Head, a nice contrast to how much the band’s sound has changed since their early days. The audience couldn’t wait to join in at every possible opportunity, singing along with Chris Martin to Viva la Vida, and Paradise with not a care in the world. The encore was played on a smaller stage in the midst of the standing audience as everyone on the floor scrambled to get a good view. Us Against the World and stripped down version Speed of Sound were both played beautifully. Returning to the stage, they played Clocks, a heartfelt Fix You, and finished off with the more upbeat Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, which was accompanied by a final display of pyrotechnics for the trip home, and a night well spent watching (and joining in with) a quartet of true performers. [thanks aforestfire] [3]

Unity sweeps around a stadium if Coldplay is performing in it. Their music appeals universally, and that togetherness isn’t something only heard, you can see harmony in the hallucinogenic colours of their show. It’s a language of love the band expresses at every stop along the path of their Mylo Xyloto Tour. Their concert is a masterpiece, scaled larger than life, one that beautified Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on the windy night of November 18. Being seated among 50,000, discerning a trend in the crowd was impossible. You could see children who knew the band’s lyrics with as much certainty as the frolicsome adults with field tickets did. Coldplay brings the demographics together. The five gigantic, ring-shaped screens that structured their stage made comparing the enormity of their spectacle to an Olympic ceremony even easier. A triumphant orchestral score from Back To The Future accompanied the quartet’s steps on stage, before no time was wasted in switching on a display that was surely designed to melt hearts. Everyone’s bracelet, strapped to the wrist upon entry, responded to a signal, making them flash. Suddenly a fish bowl of dancing light became of the venue. Fireworks then sparked up a cracking atmosphere for Coldplay’s jumpy kick-starter, Hurts Like Heaven, the most recent single off their newest album, in which the tour’s title and set-list borrowed generously from. All these effects in excess didn’t serve their purpose solely as an impressive opener; instead they forecasted what joyous, rainbow weathers the audience was yet to see. Lasers soon lined the sky, oversized balls bounced upon our hands and sometimes unexpected heads and inflatable pink shapes floated high. But most breathtakingly of all, jets fired inexhaustible amounts of confetti into the sky, and with the evening’s natural winds, created a swirling origami wind storm of which lead singer, Chris Martin, was often the enigmatic eye of. If the band had all this going on, perhaps their musicianship was compromised, but the visuals surrounding them matched the mastery of their primal talents. Once every confetti piece had landed and the quartet sneakily appeared on a smaller stage at the audience’s rear, void of special effects and clad with simply their instruments, you could hear how perfect things still were. The swaying ballad, Us Against The World, tingled the spine with intimacy. But going to a Coldplay concert to focus purely on musicianship isn’t the point, their influence has evolved them beyond that – the quality is expected and executed, often without praise. Coldplay is a big fish in the mainstream of music because the theme of inclusion in their work is inescapable. That was obvious when their most familiar songs, Yellow, Viva La Vida and Clocks were performed, all sounding like the rock anthems of life they truly are. Particularly the thumping, revolutionary themed Viva La Vida. Hearing the audience echoing its howling chorus made you feel a part of something colossal. Martin caressed every heart, seated or standing, with his self deprecating wit and humble humoured nature, explaining to us he’d met a youngster during his Australian stay that declared Coldplay good, but “not quite as good as Angus Stone”, a sentence he cleverly sang into the honestly written Warning Sign, a set list selection pleasing fans that weren’t simply there to sing-along to the hits. Another sweet surprise came as he sang the opening lines of Same Cooke’s Wonderful World over the opening chords of their tear-jerker ballad Fix You. It was easy to believe the world he was singing about was what Coldplay had created and contained within the stadium alone. Coldplay makes you feel good. If any indication of that were needed, it came in the form of elated concert-goers that flooded the streets after the concert, running with arms outstretched, or couples piggybacking each other along Paddington’s footpaths. All were yelling the famed lines from Coldplay’s Paradise, and a paradise it was. [thanks Matthew Harden] [2]

I feel like I had been planning this for years, but last Tuesday I saw Coldplay live at Etihad Stadium for their only Melbourne show. Everyone was given a wrist band as went they entered Etihad which would be a part of an interactive show. The atmosphere was more than electric as I made my way to Mosh Pit A. The stadium was packed with people ready to see the support band but there was still enough room to push to the front. The first support band was The Pierces, an American band made up of two sisters Allison and Margret. Their song Secret is the theme for the TV show Pretty Little Liars. Next up was Melbourne band The Temper Trap. By this point the crowd was starting to get revved up. People were more familiar with The Temper Trap, who performed at this year’s AFL Grand Final, so there was more singing from the audience. The stage got dark and I was about to explode with excitement. The theme to Back to the Future started playing and I started screaming. It flowed into Mylo Xyloto and then Hurts like Heaven and I almost fainted out of joy. I’d never been that excited in my life. Fireworks were ignited off the top of the stadium and every pair of eyes followed the bright lights. They lit up the night sky and, for me at least, it was like everything in the world had stopped. At that moment it didn’t matter that I was being crushed into some guys armpit, or that I had lost my friends in the crowd or even that I couldn’t e see the band. I was at a Coldplay concert and I had no intention to waste a second of it. So I sang at the top of my lungs with everyone else and kept accidently hitting this poor woman in front of me. I even swear at one point I started a clapping chain that echoed throughout the crowd. The interactive part of the show was that the wrist bans we were given lit up with the beat of the music. The stadium was illuminated by the different colours of the wristbands and it made the stadium glow. Everyone had their camera phones high in the air, so if I really couldn’t see I would just watch the concert through their screens.The performance was a great one to be in the mosh pit. During In My Place confetti cannons were firing into the sky and multi coloured butterflies and dragonflies fell among the crowd. Everyone reached out to grab what they could and it felt wonderful to have them in my hair. My favourite song performed was Viva La Vida. The crowd went nuts. Everyone was singing and not holding back. The best part was when the song was over, but the crowd kept singing without the music. I could hear Chris Martin laughing at us and trying to move onto the next song, but everyone just kept getting louder and louder. I will never forget this concert. I’ve watch the Youtube clips so many times since then, trying to re-live the best experience of my life. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I eventually did find my friends. I thought you might have been worried about me so I wanted to put your minds at ease. [thanks e-Box Updates] [4]

Not long after we arrived in Auckland, my boss mentioned Coldplay were playing in one of the arenas in Auckland and tickets were going to be for sale. In the UK, I would have passed the opportunity by, partly because I’m not Coldplay’s biggest fan (I last bought one of their albums in 2008) and also because one would have to travel a fair distance to see them. However not so in Auckland, they were playing just down the road (kind of), so we grabbed the bull by its horns and bought our tickets. I didn’t know what to expect, the last big rock gig I went to in a stadium, was London in the year… [yikes, a while ago...]. Coldplay were awesome, your whole body rocked as the guitar and drums rattled through your body. Everyone was given a bracelet which became part of the show and glowed different colours for some of the songs, which looked like ickle lickle glow worms. Chris Martyn(?) seemed delighted to be in Auckland and really played the crowd well. Seemed like a nice bloke. I had a brilliant boogie, and loved the fact I could sing along VERY LOUDLY and VERY UNTUNEFULLY to my heart’s content. When I noticed myself doing star jumps (with different poses mid flight) when the bright white lights came on to the beat in one of the rockier numbers, I knew I was having a jolly good time. I was 18 all over again. Mrs. E and I well and truly ROCKED IT with those Coldplay chaps… Auckland, yup, again, you surpassed yourself. http://2hoomansandaspanielinnz.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/rocking-it-with-coldplay/

It's been a whirlwind weekend as Mrs. Roddus and myself got flown up to Auckland to attend Coldplay's only New Zealand concert on their "MYLO XYLOTO" world tour. Mrs. Roddus was dead keen to go see them play when she found about this concert several months ago, and although I have enjoyed Coldplay over they years and have their first three albums on CD, I had lost interest in them and wouldn't have bothered if Mrs. Roddus wasn't so excited about seeing them live. This was my first trip to Auckland itself, except several times through the airport onto more far flung destinations, and fortunately this whole expedition, concert included, was organised by my Electrical wholesalers, which meant accommodation and transportation was all arranged as well as corporate VIP passes to the concert itself. This meant that we had about 5 hours after arriving at our hotel to see a bit of Auckland before we were whisked off to Mt Smart Stadium for the gig. Our short time was spent on a short stroll up Queen St for Mrs. Roddus to check out some shops and where I could pop into JB HIFI, as we had been told it was the biggest CD shop and Auckland and I was hoping to find some John Zorn CDs there(No chance, but did get some Sun Ra though). We jumped on the ferry and shot over to Devonport for lunch and a short ride on a horse drawn buggy before coming back across to prepare for the concert. We were picked up from our hotel by bus about 5:30PM and whizzed along the motorways to Mt Smart Stadium, getting to our box about 6:30 where we were presented with out VIP concert package of a tour book of art work and song lyrics in a cool bag and both a vinyl and CD copy of the New Coldplay Album "Mylo Xyloto" packaged in the book, very cool.We settled in with drinks and watched the crowd pour in while the first support band started their set very soon after.The stage set up and speaker systems were very impressive and no doubt state of the art for a stadium band of this calibre but as is usual for rock concerts the sound was very very loud. I don't mind loud but at this volume it makes it difficult to separate out the sounds of individual instruments and hear clearly what the singers are singing or saying, and for groups like both support groups, The female fronted The Pierces, from the USA and The Temper Trap from Australia, it makes it a bit more difficult to apprise their music when you are unfamiliar with it as I am. Neither group impressed me enough to want to explore their music any further but did give me time to acclimatise my ears ready for Coldplay. Coldplay came on at 9PM and instantly dazzled the 47000 strong crowd with one of the best light shows I have seen, especially with the LED light arm bands that we all wore lighting up an impressive site. With fire works and balloons and confetti snow storms and inflatable blobs rounding out the gimmicks they certainly impressed and entertained me from that angle. The music, although almost overpoweringly loud was still mostly recognisable and the band played their hearts out and put on a magnificent show and had the crowd all worked up like the professionals they are. One part of the show, near the end, the group relocated to a small stage towards the back of the stadium quite near us and played a number from there. A good idea. After playing most of our favourite songs and some good stuff from the latest album, which I am quite impressed with, they finished the show the same way they started with a nice set of fireworks from behind the stage. It all went off very well with the crowd responding the weather holding and the music booming. Overall a worthwhile experience and Mrs. Roddus loved it, and that's the main thing. [thanks BlogRoddus] [6]

nooooooooooo not nasty lime pickle, swap it for mango chutney

ah shit! Ian, do you want my resignation now or later?

Even my mom's friend told me I was rarely so happy and I just blasted the whole evening. :)) Yesterday was by far, but really by a wide margin the best night of the year! I was all the time so nervous and excited, I've felt a hundred times the phrases "Oh my God, I'm so excited!" And "Oh God, I'm so excited!" Said. As a true fan of course I also had my nails match. :) For those who can not do anything on the thumb is the design of the CD and see the rest of the cover. Be we thought that we leave a little bit earlier, we did not know, how much going on the highway is and how quickly we would find a spot. At half past four we were in Hanover, the time before the concert started (19h), but went by in a flash. I got myself in the time still a Coldplay t-shirt purchased (although I € 35 a bit expensive place - but I can not go to the concert of one of my favorite bands, without a souvenir who can not.), We have the Stadium a little looked at (and were glad that we had fixed seats ... those crowds, madness). Coldplay had found two opening acts, first came Charli XCX, I had never met, but I really good. :) Is unfortunately rare that the initial groups are also good. The only time that this was the case for me was, when Rea - Jacob Brass. The second opening act was Marina & The Diamonds. I had only known a song of those. When Marina started to sing, I was like "Oh my God." I thought that they make very good music, but the first two songs were really horrible. Fortunately, she has but then increased and finally I found them no longer even that bad. But not as good as Charli XCX. I think that comes across Marina but totally arrogant. Totally unsympathetic .. Then it still took forever to Coldplay came on stage. A half to three quarters of an hour we had to wait, there were probably technical problems. But the wait was more than worth it! The concert was the last of the Mylo Xyloto - tour (at least in Europe) and thus there was a particularly good show. At the entrance we got all the bracelets that were blinking on some songs to the rhythm (amazing picture!). The opening was a big hit anyway, the show has just started with fireworks. But I do not have much red, you convinced yourself of it. Of course, we have not brought much to the seats, as everyone stood up anyway. I was so excited, my legs were really soft and I thought I hinged together equal. While "In My Place", one of my favorite songs was played, Chris Martin ran along this ridge, once in the air and jumped at the precise moment was very much confetti sprayed with a bang. That was so great! One can not imagine that this is actually in the stadium were 45,000 people! My biggest concert was 5000 people. This is sometimes loosely nine times. Still at a relatively early Chris has played with a guitar, and then thrown into the air really high and I thought "The he starts but never in my life again?" Apparently he also had not before, but it has simply let fall to the ground. The beautiful guitar. : O But for the moment, that was really awesome. On the screen, which was then to see it again in slow motion, even from above, like the smashed guitar were lying there. I was wondering if they make it at every concert, so many guitars ...: D And what would a concert without the absolute classic Coldplay: VIVA LA VIDA! As the concert came to a close and Coldplay from the stage, the entire audience started to sing again Viva la vida. What we did not know was that Coldplay has used this time only to a small stage in the middle to go in public. They stood between then all the viewers and have "sung Us against the world" - Chris Martin's mom. :) First, only he was on stage, and little by little he came to the other members of the band. After the song, she then walked to the side of the passenger compartment at the right stage, pursued by headlights. I said that it would be so great that they were now at the end, "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" sing for Mylo Xyloto heard - somehow this tour ... and what was the conclusion? :) All in all I can say, even if it is incomparable to my previous concerts, it was the best so far! :) I'm a happy person back and left again. Would have loved to have watched the whole night. ♥ [thanks Sarina] http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://sarinaswelt.blogspot.com/2012/09/in-night-stormy-night-away-shed-fly.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcoldplay%2Bhannover%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1600%26bih%3D749%26tbs%3Dqdr:d%26tbm%3Dblg&sa=X&ei=DGJfUOLhCKKI0AWP-oHADw&ved=0CDYQ7gEwATgK

OMG! Once again it was a great show that Coldplay has delivered last night at the AWD Arena in Hanover. For me it was just a great experience, this time, right in the 2nd row (Front of Stage), Coldplay live to experience. My sister and I had made shortly after 1:30 on the way to Hanover. Since the shooting park by the very bodies for the Oktoberfest, the parking was limited, was briefly parked at the Maritim Hotel and the short walk to the stadium walking is involved. We had a good half hour before the doors there and had plenty of time to go to the south-west entrance and there to have a fast and relaxed intake. Immediately afterwards there was the brilliant LED bracelet, which was part of the show! I must say, I would have thought that would have been let go, but my sister and I could easily get hold of a great place in the 2 series. So I did not expect. Coldplay has spared no expense and have once again conjured up a great stage. The web was the same as 2 years ago. We were left off the dock, right in front of guitarists. After waiting for a good three hours, we started with the opening acts. Who were there: Charli XCX and Marina and the Diamonds. Shortly after 21 clock we went with a great intro and fireworks going on with the first song. And you're right in the middle was the Coldplay concert experience. And finally came the LED bracelets used. It is a sight when 45,000 lights blink in the stadium. My wish was fulfilled by 2 years ago and there was again in front of confetti butterflies, birds, hearts, X and M. It was just great, like the scraps of paper in the air over a flew and trickled down. Very nice again was that they again had a small stage in the back room and there concert played 3 songs. After 2 hours, the concert was over. Happily went with a handful of confetti home. After a good half-hour in Hanover in a traffic jam. My conclusion after two Coldplay concerts: I would look at me again and again a concert by Coldplay because I get delivered a great show, but not for the low ticket price. But you get also a lot to offer for the money. The music is great, the awesome stage show, as well as a magnificent laser and light show, which seeks its equal. And gives a chic final fireworks it also =) [thanks Jules] http://jules-moments.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/coldplay-in-hannover-22092012.html

Yesterday it finally happened that concert of the year 2012 in Hanover by Coldplay, and I was with my wife there. Also this time I can just anticipate that I was completely thrilled by the concert of the four British guys and I'm at the next concert in Hannover, what they give back with it. I think I will also take my two daughters to whom you will like for sure too. Against 14:45 clock we have delivered to our kids friends have been paying attention to it, a big THANK at this point, without them we would not be able to visit the Coldplay concert. Ca.16.00Uhr we have inserted a snack break at MC Donald south of Hannover, and the anticipation for the concert went, and in my anxiety to get a parking space close to the AWD-Arena. Laatzen out we made our route to the stadium in Hanover, which had a market and every time the lights were on red and as if that still was not enough to compete against another Wiesbaden tram and at exactly the crossroads where we had to turn absolutely. It's not like when I am familiar in Hanover. ;-( So be it, so went back to the junction and continue and to misfortune to einzubiegen crossing the street to take us to Coldplay. As expected, the large parking lots around the AWD-Arena were already full, but we were lucky to get us very close to a grass verge parking place where you could not, well, we were not the one and only. ;-) "I hope they do not drag us down", these were my thoughts to the stadium. At 17:25 clock we were in the AWD Arena and our first visit was to the toilets. :-)) Ah, that's a great feeling when the bladder is empty. Slowly we went there already on our burst and looked us in and half an hour to as the stadium filled before the first support band started playing, "CharliXCX" (here's a small link to listen http://charlixcxmusic.com/ ) can say is not bad the girl I liked, but sometimes the bass were so strong that it sounded like some places overridden. Generally, one must say that the Sound 2009 but better was so clear. What the hell's not like as if you had not understood anything. ;-) CharliXCX played as a half-hour, and in the meantime it was dark outside, they began to rebuild the stage, and there are still tons of people streamed into the arena. Some time later, the second opening act was her appearance, it was " Marina & the Diamonds 'wow, if only because it was well worth the money. She put ne really great show and brought the crowd to a boil. Against 21:10 clock Coldplay entered the stage and opened the concert with a great fireworks display and the song "Nurts Like Heaven" what. For Auftagt Followed songs like "Paradise," "Up In Flames", "Violet Hill," Lovers In Japan "and much more. Course there was but" not Viva La Lida "missing, sounds good to sing when 45,000 spectators Oh Ho Ho, ho. :-)) After about two hours the show was already over, so quickly, how time flies when you experience great things. Unfortunately, the lads have played no encore, which I. Too bad but other hand, was singing Chris Martin, the frontman of Clodplay mostly in T-shirts and sweat is the only way of spending and at a temperature of only 7 degrees Another reason is that she was probably the only allowed to play up to 23 clock, I can only shake his head. Well, it is always so when it is something great in life, great moments are soon over. When 45,000 spectators take the trip home and some many still travel by car, as we do, you stand ever half past eleven in the night in Hanover jam, great, I've always wanted. ;-)) Conclusion, even at this concert I will remember for a long time back and this is without doubt one of the highlights of this year in my life. :-) [thanks Stefan] http://seliuswelt.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/coldplay-live-in-hannover-2012.html

before Coldplay, Marina and the Diamonds the Welsh songstress and her band did a great job to warm the audience up for the Coldplay show. Coldplay came on at 21:00 to an expectant audience and they did not disappoint. I saw Coldplay at the heineken open’er last year and that was a great show but the difference last night was that this was ‘their’ show and so all the light show and effects were exactly as they wanted them. That included the wristbands distributed on entrance which lit up in an orgy of flashing colourful lights once the music started. They were controlled by radio signals and came of and on according to certain musical cues. Chris Martin immediately set to work on creating a raport with the audience and threw in ‘dziękuję’ and ‘dzięki’ (thank you and thanks in Polish) which delighted fans. The set was well thought out and a really flowing show starting with the sound of Mylo Xyloto. Chris Martin was full of energy, at times running along the T-shape extended cat-walk. So much so that within a few songs he was dripping beads of sweat onto the piano during “the scientist”. Photos from the gig Apart from the flashing wrist-bands there was confetti projected into the audience from around three cannons and at various points huge balloons and inflatables were released into the audience. I’m not sure if the small yellow balloons were not the idea of the fans because Chris Marting commented after “Yellow” – ‘I like the balloons’. A really great touch was the fact that at the ‘end’ the group left the stage with the audience roaring for more and then appeared in the middle of the fans on the pitch on a small stage to play “Us Against The World” and “Speed of Sound”. The only complaint is the acoustics of the stadium which from our position was such an issue that at times it was difficult to hear the words (and in Coldplay’s set the words are pretty important). Maybe the sound is good if you are on the floor in front of the stage but the main issue is the echo from the back of the stadium which seems to affect those in the seats in the middle of the stadium at each side. The options are to either put baffle boards hanging from the roof to soak up that sound or (and I suspect this is the more practical solution short-term) find out if the floor area is better and go there. I’d be interested to get comments on this. Acoustics aside, (that was nothing to do with Coldplay) I would recommend going to a Coldplay concert because of the sheer professionalism of the show – the atmosphere, the music and affinity of the band with fans. [thanks Aidew] http://hoyai.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/coldplay-warsaw-stadium-19th-september-2012/

http://concertscorner.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/19-09-2012-coldplay-warsaw-poland/ some ace pics here, selection below: