Beatle Ed

Philly Concert thoughts... I was at the Philly concert with my teenage daughter. We both had seen Coldplay in Philly the last time they were here (couple of years ago???). In fact, we were pretty much in the same seats, all the way straight back in Section 216. We saw both opening acts, and enjoyed both. I thought the first act's middle songs were very good, very Coldplay-like. We both really enjoyed Santogold. It was good to hear something different, and they rocked. I'm surprised by the couple of very negative posts I read here regarding Santogold. Loved Life in Technicolor, Clocks, Viva La Vida, Yellow, and Politik. Loved how the crowd practically took over lead vocals for Chris for most of the concert, especially early. Didn't like the rendition of Chinese Sleep Chant or God Put A Smile on Your Face, especially the latter. I thought Chris lost his voice a bit after Viva La Vida, and eventually regained strength later. It was a great concert. We really enjoyed it. It was great seeing the best band that's out there nowadays.

Observations from a 40+ fan I wanted to share my observations and thoughts about the concert Thursday night. I am 40+ and love Coldplay. I took my teenage daughter who is a super fan. We looked forward to this concert for months. I liked Richard Ashcroft's set. Some of the songs were very good, and very loud. I especially liked his hit "Bittersweet Symphony" which, as he described it to a heckling attendee, is a classic. Richard got ticked off by some people shouting out to "shut up". I admit that Richard did talk a lot, and it was a bit overbearing. Nonetheless, it wasn't that bad. Anticipation built as the crew set up Coldplay's equipment. I loved how they used a "digital clock" along with the beginning of Square One. They also used a laser for one of the songs. It worked well. I liked the extended ending for "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face". They perfomed that one very well. Jonny supposedly sang during "Don't Panic", but who heard it? Even if you did, his vocal performance only lasted seconds. I did not understand the link to Johnny Cash and "Ring of Fire". Interesting, but irrelevant to me. Chris mentioned very early on that he was not well. I assumed he meant that he was hoarse, etc. The band looked tired and uninspired throughout the performance, except when Chris livened things up with his theatrics. I like Chris, and he absolutely lives up to his star billing. Chris did not play much piano during the concert. I sensed at times that not all of the music was being played live, especially at the beginning of the encore performance of "Swallowed in the Sea". Maybe all shows are like that, or perhaps because Chris was hoarse and the band seemed tired, they compensated? I'm not knocking them, I am only sharing an observation! The show ended with the crowd holding up signs. We couldn't make out what they said from our rafter seats. I read later that they said "USA Loves Coldplay". Chris ended up taking off his shirt and throwing it into the crowd. He also unlaced his sneakers and left them on stage. I had hoped they would have played "X&Y" and "Twisted Logic", 2 of my favorites. Coldplay would work well with an orchestra on "X&Y". I knew they probably would not play those 2, based on previous show set lists. But I held out hope because it was the last show on the tour. Anything goes! I do not know all of the orchestrations that go into putting together a tour, but I think Coldplay does not need an opening act. Also, I would like to see Coldplay play more songs. It was a short concert. Those are my observations. I've been listening to X&Y a lot the past few days. It is one of the best albums of all time. Here's looking forward to another great album by the best group out there!