Tonsu

Just got home! I haven't got the time to read all the posts tonight, but some of the reaction on this page tells me (perhaps) a lot of what to expect. I appreciate people's right to look at the evening very positively, with appearing in the video enough (thanks to Coldplay HQ) and seeing old and dear friends (thanks to ourselves!) enough for many. I hope people will respect my right to feel disappointed by almost everything at Coldplay HQ's end tonight (although they were absolutely incredible, lovely people as always), apart from hearing the song and the video appearance. I can see why some didn't like the song especially, even if I did. I guess it depends on the style you like from the boys? Some people are biggest fans of Parachutes for example, and like that it certainly is not!! I thought it followed on very much from the Viva era-type songs and absolutely loved it just on second listen :heart: It's very commercial (in a Viva La Vida - the song - way) and if it's not number one this Christmas there's no justice in the world - it's the best Christmas song I've ever heard!! The absolute highlight of the evening was meeting so many old friends again - you maybe cannot iamgine how happy I was to see so many of my oldest and greatest friends from here, as well as meet some very nice new folk :dance: For that I'm so grateful that this event happened, because there is no chance that all of these people could have been brought together without the promise that the evening held (at least until the next UK arena/stadium gig ;)) Negative opinions follow - please DO NOT read if you don't want to feel the evening might have been a bit disappointing I know that so many people spent a huge amount travelling from abroad for this, and I tried to be as positive as possible after I felt let down (about halfway through the evening). I only let on that I was 'a bit' disappointed to most people, and talk honestly to people who first said they felt the same way. I'm going to be critical of the night from here, so if you'd rather avoid reading something like that I'll say it again please skip it, and at least if you quote me to reply put this paragraph in there so people can do so. Folk spent fortunes to get here so I DO NOT want to get them thinking negatively about their experience. I was so disappointed tonight, because of the promise vs. the reality. + We expected possibly to hear a new song - we got it! + Some people speculated the band could make the video on the boat - we got the next best thing (being in it!!) :) + We met Debs and she was as lovely and candid (as she could be), friendly and approachable :) We were already messed about on the starting time, meaning my guest (and others) couldn't make it. But on the night, the party was cut short by 1hr30+ from what was said. Why?!! I'd spent all week setting up arrangements for the probability of missing my last train, I almost booked a hotel, thank goodness I didn't! There was a sense for me that, apart from karaoke (huge fun - why not more?) and the raffle (one signed item), there was no planning for any of the rest of the time. We had a lovely boat ride, but it seemed once the video was finished that was more or less the night over - apart from what we could make of it ourselves. We were 'promised' a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Miller, Matt and Phil. I was more than happy if it had been 'just' that - of course that's a huge thing for us!! But it was just a 'trick' to get us on board :( We were promised refreshments. Well, we had tea and coffee - if you wanted something else then you had to pay through the nose for it - and that was only once the bar had finally opened!! The budget for the boat and the video must have been quite a few thousands of pounds. Couldn't Coldplay HQ have put even £500 behind the bar, that at least would have been one or two drinks free each? I know some people spent double that on flights alone just to be there!! It would have taken the band an hour or so to sign enough of one item for everyone to have one, but instead we got one raffled item. How about just a couple of guitar picks or a drumstick? Small things could have turned the evening into an absolute triumph for everyone I'm sure. No other specific complaints. The few Coldplay people there were just as lovely as could be, they always are :) I know some of us expected too much. But many of us would have been more than happy with what we were offered - a party, with a meet-and-greet with Miller, Matt, and Phil, however short. We didn't get it. I saw how deflated some people were who had come from just within England for this. To be fair some people honestly said that just being in the video was enough for them to justify the whole evening (but not many I chatted with). A huge chance missed imo, at relatively little cost to Coldplay HQ. Thoroughly disappointed here. Meeting old friends made it a wonderful evening, but we could have done that in a pub or restaurant and had a lot more fun imvho. I don't understand why we were misled so. They could have advertised it honestly the day before and got 100 screaming people on there for the video. People have hardly slept this week trying to make sure everyone who wanted to go was matched up and could. I feel like we've done what extras could have done, but for free. I could start a poll asking 'was it worth missing more than 1hr30 of the advertised party, and a meet-and-greet with Matt, Phil and Miller, in return for being in the vid?' but I won't. I honestly do not wish to spread my extreme disappointment with the evening, and I hope people who felt it justified their time and expense don't read this, but I'm gutted. I think the guy directing us on the boat said it best when he (inadvisedly imo) joked more or less 'and you probably thought you were getting a private gig with the band!' while we were absolutely freezing on the deck of the boat for the third or fourth time. Lovely night - to see old friends, nice ride on the boat, probably appearing in a long shot in the video (of no interest to me whatsoever but will mean a lot to many) and meeting the lovely Coldplay HQ people. Everything else - :(

It's always bad, but particularly the time you were travelling, so it should be better later. Glad you've arrived safe and sound! :)

Yes incredible work Anna :nice:

I may not check in much anymore till I see everyone in the pub, but please feel free to give it to anyone who's definitely not a journalist* :) * And knowing so many so well I'll be sure to spot them! They can try to come along, as long as they're prepared for a nice cold bath in the Thames!! :laugh3:

My guest can't come because of the last-minute change to the time, so I have a spare place :( I've PMed Anna to let her know, and also posted on the other thread.

My guest can't come because of the last-minute change to the time, so I have a spare place :( I'll PM Anna to let her know.

Well the news that suddenly Jen might not be able to make it because they changed at the last minute has made this thread very quiet... wonder why :cry: P.S. My vote is still 'tie up the captain'

There's a great thread for this in the social group for the party LLL (along with lots of other pertinent threads!) :sunny:

They can't do much captaining if they're tied up I hear...

If it's neither I may skip the boat (honestly) and join you both...

Chavi!!! :kiss: :dance: So sorry to hear that Pguild, and if you can make it there are still passes I think.

Yep, like we all turn up at 6pm...are they going to leave without us? I don't care who's coming connected to Coldplay, wasn't this meant to be a reward for Coldplaying too? And now people from abroad who've already booked flights and hotels might miss it, even people from London (like my guest) might miss it, and one of the two most important people on Coldplaying will almost certainly miss it... Viva La Revolucion!! Word. Makes the whole thing pointless, for me :(

From where to where Jen? Quite honestly if Coldplay HQ knew that you and Ian might not be able to make it after changing the time less than 48 hours before they should be sending a helicopter for you...

Noooooooo.....both Ian and you HAVE to be there...otherwise what's the point? Is there anything we can do to help?

I just can't believe it's been changed this late on when it was only confirmed a few hours ago for 6. The only info people had (especially coming from abroad) had was that it would be central London on Thursday or Friday at 6.....

5pm??!! That's fine for me, but that's going to screw a fair few people up - my guest probably won't be able to come now for one, and I know a few people coming from abroad who'll be cutting it very fine indeed with that time. Wow :( Oh Mich, you've simply got to get yourself there...

Drinks are free on the boat, you don't have to buy anything ;) But you're coming with your Dad right? So I guess it's up to him. I got asked for ID a few weeks ago and I'm...quite a bit older than 18 :wacky: We'll try to remember! Looking forward to meeting you - I went to all three Coldplay gigs you did, so there's another thing we can talk about :)

Fo sho it would have been an absolutely incredible surprise my friend :bigcry::bigcry::bigcry:

I've only just seen Carrie's post and then this. What? She would have been able to join us on Friday??!! :cry:

That's what I thought was originally posted Jen, cheers for confirming! It's that and a bit more I think - imagine the boat suddenly lurching and someone in high heels going overboard - not fun. Really sorry to hear that lucy :( Get well soon :)

I'm sure I read a post from Ian saying that there would be some brought for those unable/too lazy to bring their own (which makes sense, because we really have to know who everyone is, and some people may forget them). But since then both he and Anna have posted 'don't forget them' so...?

By the number of drinks you buy Ian...less than 2 (each ticket) and you're clearly imposters :P

Right, who's worked out where the nearest pub is to 'warm up' beforehand? :D

Happy birthday :dance:

:dance: Cheers Ian!