mostang65

Mostang's review My wife, stepdaughter and I began our evening eating at Fatburger in Carson off of Avalon around 4:30 or so. We finished up and headed over to the Home Depot Center around 5:30. I parked close to an exit thinking it would help on the way out (no, it didn't) and we hit the Merchandise stand outside of the Northeast gate. I got the "glow in the dark" poster with the date and location of our show, my wife got some bracelets to support child day care efforts in Senegal and our daughter got the bracelets and a blouse. We went back to the car so our daughter could change her blouse and I put my poster safely back in the car. We next stood in line for about 40 minutes as the gates didn't open until 6:30ish. We sat on the grass berm area and let our daughter pick out our spot. She chose a good one. A little left of the stage and a little into the grass berms incline. We laid out our blankets and got ready to enjoy the opening acts. I actually enjoyed the music from KD&L. Their sound was lively, varied and fun. I appreciated the energy of Amadou & Mariam. Then, U2's "Magnificent" was played and my (as well as the crowd's) anticipation level grew. There was another "hip-hop" tune before "The Blue Danube" was played. That was fun as we waved our arms and clapped along with the tune. At the end of the "Danube" the lights went dark and I nearly lost it! Let me preface the rest of my review by stating that Viva la Vida is not my favorite Coldplay album. This was my third Coldplay concert and the setlist was understandably Viva heavy. As usual the boys didn't disapoint. They sounded great, Chris' voice was angelic and his piano play was mesmerizing, Jonny's guitar play soared and was flawless. Will's energetic drum playing provided the backbone of the band's performance and then Guy's cool, calm and collected performance provided just the right amount of serenity to balance everything out. My favorite performances of the evening were Light in Technicolor II, Strawberry Swing and In My Place, but the real highlight for me was watching my 13 year old stepdaughter rock her little heart out. This was just the 2nd concert I've been to with her. She was just six when I took her to see No Doubt with Garbage back in 2002. I've raised her well and just had so much fun watching her and her mom rock out. That really made the night unforgettable for me. We sang together, we danced together, we laughed together and cheered together. She thanked me multiple times after the show was over. On the way out my wife treated herself to a shirt and got our daughter a Viva la Vida cap. Special thanks to Coldplay for another great performance and for their generous gift of a free CD! Until the next time, folks, it's been fun and I look forward to their next album and tour. Take care everyone.

Grass Berm seating info. I called the Home Depot Center box office this morning and was told that the Grass Berm area is first come, first serve. Gates will open at 6 p.m. to be let into the stadium, but the parking lots open much earlier. Blankets are allowed by the way. I'm psyching myself up watching/listening to my Coldplay Live DVD 2003. I'm going to the show with my wife and 13 year old stepdaughter. Enjoy the show!