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Coldplay at Philips Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 2000, British quartet Coldplay played the Tabernacle in the interval between album No. 1 “Parachutes� and album No. 2 “A Rush of Blood to the Head.� It was a little dull.
The problem? Coldplay’s expansive rock is arena-sized, and it needs a space as big as the band’s soaring choruses. Problem solved.
At Philips Arena Wednesday night, the group’s massive wall of sound washed over a packed house in a textbook display of arena-rock perfection.
The younger Coldplay of five years ago was perfectly competent musically, but had a tentative feel and little charisma. This time around, frontman Chris Martin was a dynamo, rocking back and forth on his piano stool like a man possessed, skipping giddily across the stage, crouching tiger-like atop cabinets at either side of the stage, running through the audience. He was as eager and appreciative as a rambunctious puppy – and just as irresistible.
With Martin’s evolution into Hollywood husband (of Gwyneth Paltrow) and tabloid fodder, his bandmates are seen – if they’re seen at all – as a faceless backing band. There’s no doubt that Martin was the star of the show, his keening voice and enthusiasm the engine that kept it running. But his cohorts demonstrated that Coldplay is a band, not Martin’s sidemen. “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face� was pumped up to epic proportions by Jonny Buckland’s piercing guitar, and the rhythm section of bassist Guy Berry man and drummer Will Champion pounded like a jackhammer on “Politik� (which included lyrical shout-outs to R.E.M. and OutKast). They were both awesome displays, in a show chock full of goosebump-inducing moments.
There was the unexpected but lovely tribute to Johnny Cash, with the band all gathered at the front of the stage. There were powerful takes on fan favorites like “Yellow� (as yellow, confetti-filled balloons fell from the ceiling), “In My Place� and recent radio hit “Speed of Sound.�
There were endearing imperfections, too, like Martin’s false start and self-deprecating apology on “The Scientist� or the hole, probably exertion-induced, in the singer’s shirt.
Martin professed the band’s love for Atlanta again and again, taking pains to assure the audience that it wasn’t something he’s been saying to every city on the tour. It speaks volumes about his charm that you couldn’t help but believe him. And you can bet that not every city on the tour got an encore that included Martin playing piano as Michael Stipe sang his band’s haunting beauty, “Nightswimming.�
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By Tom Lashway
September 29, 2005 8:22 AM | Link to this
I agree with Shane, Coldplay’s performance was perfection and you only failed to mention the outstanding video and lighting that complemented their music so well. This is the best live performance I’ve ever seen (which includes The Who, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton). The concert went so well I hoped they recorded it so others could enjoy it.
By Bob
September 29, 2005 8:26 AM | Link to this
That’s funny: I saw Coldplay a few weeks ago in Raleigh, and that concert also featured a false start on “The Scientist” and an endearing apology.
By Will-O
September 29, 2005 8:26 AM | Link to this
To say that this was probably one of the best concerts I have ever attended, would be putting it lightly. In addition to already being amazed at Coldplay’s performance, they went ahead and one upped themselves with special guest Michael Stipe from R.E.M…. WOW!!!
By Rob S.
September 29, 2005 8:41 AM | Link to this
OK, like the other person noted, that little “imperfection”, the restart of ‘Scientist’, has been going on ALL TOUR (check setlists all over the web). And so has the “unexpected” tribute to Johnny Cash. They’ve been playing “Ring of Fire” ALL TOUR. That said, it was a great concert (Night Swimming was wonderful—too bad the overzealous crowd couldn’t keep quiet for it), but I can’t imagine them being better in an arena. Gimme the Tabernacle ANY day of the week over Philips.
By Lulu
September 29, 2005 9:52 AM | Link to this
Absolutely, positively one of those concerts that will stand out in my mind forever. I got chills even reading the article… I think the crowd wanted a 3rd encore - we sure stuck around for one… Incredible, explosive… I can’t wait to see them again!!
By Tiffany
September 29, 2005 9:57 AM | Link to this
The tabernacle show WAS amazing… so was gwinnett… and this one… but the tabernacle was just different, you know, that small personal atmosphere. I wouldn’t trade the 2000 Tabernacle show for anything in the world. The guys have come so far and I am happy to have been there along the way.
By Philipp
September 29, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this
Can anyone tell me the name of the preband? I think they did a good job as well…
By June
September 29, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this
I am so happy that others enjoyed the show as much as I did. I thought it was just me that had “goosebump” moments throughout. I have seen hundreds of shows in my lifetime, this one was one of those rare moments when a band is really hitting their stride and everything is perfect. I also knew from the web about the false start on “The Scientist” and the Johnny Cash tribute but still enjoyed seeing others’ looks of surprise. Great band, great sound, great lighting and video. I will remember it always.
By Jon
September 29, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
Philipp, the opening band was called Rilo Kiley. I’m sort of suprised Coldplay had them as the opening band as they are usually touring in “Indie” circles. I think they did a good job, but their style of music is more tailored to smaller venues. I saw them at the Variety Playhouse last year and thought they were awesome. Last night their performance was decent, but it was weird hearing them in a huge arena.
As for the Coldplay show, I thought it was a great show. I thought I was experienceing deja vu though because it was basiaclly the exact same show I saw 3 days ago at Austin City Limits except for the Michael Stipe appearance. The set list was exactly the same, he said the exact same things basically (only tailored to the city), screwed up the same on ‘Scientist’, ran out into the crowd on the same song, etc. etc. It felt like I was watching the same show all over again… which wasn’t necessarily bad, just maybe a little disappointing to realize that their performance is so scripted.
By AGirl
September 29, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this
RILO KILEY was the name of the opener.
By Scott
September 29, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this
I’m sure anyone who hasn’t seen Coldplay perform in an small venue, or who only recently purchased an album, might assume that this commerically tainted, outrageously overpriced mega-performance with all its trite and contemptuously predictable rock-n-roll histronics is something for the ages— but let’s not be so quick to elevate this performance into the annals of rock legend. I am by no means a live Coldplay aficionado but the show at the Tabernacle back in 2000 was absolute perfection in my opinion—the epitome of what a live show should be…small, intimate, well performed, and completely unpredictable. I like being able to see the musician with my own eyes, I like a stripped down subdued performance because the last time I checked Coldplay wasn’t some rock-n-roll glam’ band persistently asking “Are you ready to rock!” I’ve seen plenty of bands in small venues with little or no fanfare and those are the shows I remember best—not these contrived, cookie cutter jamborees where all the bands look and act the same. Anyone who was at the Tabernacle in 2000 will never forget when Chris came back out alone and played ‘Georgia on my Mind’ as an encore—that’s a sincere and memorable moment. Just because Chris Martin has gone Hollywood doesn’t me is dignity and the integrity of Coldplay should too.
By dsmooth
September 29, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this
This is a little Off Topic, but I was wondering was it hard for people to choose between the John Mayer show at the Tabernacle or going to see Coldplay?
By BK
September 29, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this
Great Show, Good performance and I am glad they brought out a GA legend in Michael Stipe. Honestly, a little shorter than I hoped for and WAY too many 16-19 year old girls who talked the ENTIRE time (even during “Nightswimming”). If you want to gossip and take photos of yourself, go see Hanson at the Tabernacle in a month.
By Trey
September 29, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this
Maybe its just me, but I was disappointed with the Coldplay show last night. This is not because of the sound or musicianship of the band, which I thought was brilliant. My main gripe is this: the band played for 70 minutes and then did another 10 minutes for an encore. For the ticket prices and the hype behind the band, I was expecting more. I would really like to see Coldplay take the baton as the next great rock band. Yet, they seemed scripted and out of their element playing the big arena. The light show and special effects were a let down and not enough to add to the mood created by their music. It was not surprising to read that this show followed the script of other shows—it felt that way to this fan. If a 64 year old Paul McCartney can rock for almost three hours, I would expect more from Coldplay, who appear more like a less version of U2 live instead of their own band.
By Anne Seymour
September 29, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this
Easy way to choose between seeing John Mayer and Coldplay:JM trio on Tuesday, and Coldplay on Wednesday. As for this article, I can’t help but disagree on the comment referring to Coldplay as a little ‘dull’ when they played the Tabernacle in 2000. That’s definitely one of my favorite shows of all time, and one of the best crowds I have ever been a part of, and I think most of those who were there would agree with me.
By Will-O
September 29, 2005 2:09 PM | Link to this
If you guys liked the opening band, Rilo Kiley, go and get there last two releases; The Execution of All Things and More Adventurous. I’ve seen them 2 other times and this was my first time seeing them in a huge venue. While I myself love a more intimate setting where I can actually see lead singer Jenny Lewis stare at me, they were still great.
By YQM
September 29, 2005 2:30 PM | Link to this
Trey/Anne - your comments are on target for last nite. I couldn’t help thinking how much more I enjoyed the show at the Tabernacle. Too bad.
By angelica
September 29, 2005 2:52 PM | Link to this
This was the best show I have been to. The energy was incredible and the music was perfect. I did’nt really have any expectations going to the show, but if I had, they were exceeded. I stayed aroung after the show hoping to meet the band and was lucky enough to meet Chris Martin. He was a sicerely nice guy, or at least seemed to be from the five minutes he stood there talking to us. What a great night. I don’t think that any other show I have been to has kept me smiling through the next day.
By angelica
September 29, 2005 3:11 PM | Link to this
Although I do have to agree that the show was very short and that there were to many teenage girls standing in front of me talking. I did not come to judge the lighting and effects but purely came as a fan of the music. I just read through the reviews and I am confused why so many people are focusing on the show and not the music. I don’t know if I would say that because Chris Martin married a movie star, he has gone “Hollywood” and that the integrity of the band is at stake because they chose to play to a larger crowd and have added some light effects.I think that the bigger arena was in demand due to their fan base growing and one would think you would be happy for them. Besides I am a fan of the music and I appreciate them as musicians/entertainers and I loved the show. I would love to see them at the Tabernacle again but I think I would have a hard time getting tickets, especially since the Philips Arena sold out. I hope everyone had as good of a night as I did!!!!!
By Austin
September 29, 2005 4:28 PM | Link to this
The music was incredible and the atmosphere in Phillips was amazing. I do agree the show was definitely not long enough for the ticket price and the hype for this show. It’s obvious the show may have been scripted, but Chris Martin made everything seem genuine.
By Cory
September 29, 2005 5:13 PM | Link to this
I also was at the Coldplay show last night. I have been a fan since the first album. I was wondering if I am alone in being let down after last nights performance? I felt like the sound was way off during the first 4 or 5 songs. You couldn’t even hear Johnny on guitar. They finally got it right towards the end of the set. The show was also way too short. I saw them at the Gwinnett Center a few years ago and that show blew this one away for me. I absolutely love Coldplay and was so looking forward to this show. I am still a huge fan but to say that this was the best concert in the history of concerts is an overstatement. Go to a Radiohead show and then you’ll have seen the best concert ever!!
By Jemille Williams
September 30, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this
Well, here’s two cents from the World’s Oldest Coldplay groupie: Actually, I’m more of an addict than a true groupie, as I know my place and stay In My Place. And my place was on my feet, belting it out with Chris, word for word, and then some. Although he gave his pipes a rest a few times (like the coyote chorus of The Scientist), I held up my end for them and then some - to the chagrin of the 20-something-going-on-middle-age kids in front of me. They stood there like country club cocktail party placeholders while I jumped and shook my hair and my booty for me boys. At some points, they even sat down. Oh, please! If they had had any idea that I’m 50, (I look retarded for my age) they would have cracked up! Heck, I’m not even a soccer mom any more - I’m a POST-soccer mom. Only laid eyes on one other of my vintage, and we allowed that most of our friends just don’t get it. Dern! Should have gotten her digits! None of my friends understand me!
Chris teased us with references to Elton John and OutKast and REM. Hey, Ya! I would have loved to have seen Big Boi and Andre shakin’ it like a Polaroid picture with Chris, and my only disappointment of the evening was when it was only Chris tickling the ivories on Trouble, as I had hoped Sir Elton would show again, but he delivered a special treat with Night Swimming. The rest of the lads took a rest while the spotlight took in Chris on the piano and Michael standing there, plaintively serenading us. As intimate a sight as you will ever see in Philips. Sad to say, Stipe does not appear to be a well man. Hope it’s just the usual - nothing worse.
The false start on Scientist did seem a tad contrived, but I had thought the Johnny Cash tribute was flat-out pandering to us rednecks. After the 90-eleventh chorus of Ring of Fire, I was wondering if they thought they were in Nashville. I do want to believe that they really, really do love us here, however, as they chose to spend a fortnight with us, haunting our Whole Foods Market and other veggie bastions in our fair city.
If you haven’t checked the photos on ajc.com, do so. There are some great shots of the giant yellow balloons. I especially like the one “attacking” Chris. He belied his pacifist sensibilities when he gave it a Who-like whack with his guitar, but all the better to see more of the gold confetti within. (If it’s gold, can we still say it’s All Yellow?) The balloons were the most interactive fun of the whole concert, besides Martin’s giving the poor saps sitting behind the tech crew on the floor their own personal front-row seat for a couple of verses.
Although showmanship was running high, musicianship always had first-place, but for me the strongest visual was the incredible video accompanying The Scientist. Starting from a satellite shot from The Space in Which We’re Travelling, it zoomed in progressively tighter and tighter to skin, cells, DNA, all the way down to the atoms we’re composed of. Awesome!