There is truly no point in me writing an introduction for this post right now. If you don't know who Coldplay is, you still probably do. If you've ever been to the dentist, doctor, or put on hold where unobjectionable and inoffensive Coldplay is the soundtrack of choice. That should not however negate how truly impressive Coldplay is as a band.
Coldplay has been nominated for 117 different international awards and received 43 awards including seven Grammy awards. Coldplay's last album, "Viva la Vida" has sold over 50 million copies since its debut in June 2008.
Coldplay opened behind a black scrim with yellow and orange lights projecting their silhouettes that engulfed the entire stage. As the scrim peeled away, the band and entire backdrop were finally revealed of the Viva la Vida album cover.
As the screen projects Chris Martin's image, the only difference in his appearance and dress since he launched his Viva la Vida tour is that he seems a little sunburnt. You and I both Chris... You and I both... Martin also seems to have accumulated a vast amount of friends as indicated by his twenty friendship bracelets.
During the closing of Violet Hill, Martin smiles before singing, "And if you're feet are muddy, won't you let me know?" obviously referring to the what Martin would later call the, "mud jaccuzzi" we're all basking in. It's comforting to know that even when grappling for topics of conversation with famous rockstars, apparently they too care about the weather.
As Coldplay launches in to Clocks, a lazer light show begins over the audience and Martin at his upright pantomimes every single lyric. I don't quite understand how he's both playing the piano and "swimming" at the same time.
Jumping on to the side stage that cuts into the jumbo screen, Martin drags guitarist Guy Berryman over into the crowd. I am genuinely terrified Martin and Berryman will pull a, "Trail of Dead" and tumble into the photo pit as Martin jumps, backbends and leaps around Berryman.
However, Martin safeley resumes his place behind the microphone for Yellow and yellow beachballs pop from the stage onto the jam packed crowd. Martin encourages the crowd to join in on Yellow with, "If now we could all pracice a little singing, even if you were dragged here by your girlfirend, we can all do this... Okay that was fuckin' terrible..." Martin's charming onstage persona almost makes you forget that given the chance, he'd eff a paparazzi up...
As I said before, there is only so much you can say about Coldplay without being painfully redundant and reiterating what you already know or assume. However, Coldplay managed to keep things a fresh with their tribute to both the Beastie Boys and Michael Jackson. Coldplay covered, "Fight For Your Right" and "Billie Jean" as part of their set. Fight For Your Right was a comical but genuinely sincere tribute to the Beastie Boys but most specifically MCA (Adam Yauch) who was recently diagnosed with cancer. As for Billie Jean, each member of the band gave their individual tribute to the late Jackson.
Coldplay will continue their Viva La Vida tour stateside through August before going abroad at the end of the month.
Coldplay All Points West Setlist:
Life In Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Yellow
42
Fix You
Strawberry Swing
Talk
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Fight For Your Right
Viva la Vida
Lost
Green Eyes
Death Will Never Conquer
Billie Jean
Politik
Lovers In Japan
Death And All His Friends
The Scientist
Life In Technicolor (II)
