Every once in a while I attend a concert that takes me away from the real world for a couple of hours and causes me to have no cares on my mind. A show that takes me out of my shell, gives me the chills throughout and brings a smile to each and every person in the audience. Friday, August 3rd Coldplay delivered just that show.
Coldplay returned to the Izod Center in NJ on Friday, August 3rd. It was the fifth time I’ve seen the British rock band live and it might have just been the best. I was running late to the concert since I got off at the wrong stop on the NJ transit, but once I made it inside the venue and heard the music playing in the background, I had a feeling that I was in for a treat. I walked in as the band was playing “Yellow” and was amazed by the crowds energy during this slow paced song. The whole audience was singing along and on their feet. The band then transitioned into “Violet Hill” then into “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face.” The beginning of “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” was performed acoustically and then around a minute in, the track picked up backed by Will Champion’s drumming and by the bright light show. Chris Martin slowed it down by going into “Princess Of China.” Martin’s pitch seemed to be a little off at the beginning of the track, but that didn’t take away from the overall performance. Martin smiled, but kept it going. Nobody is perfect. Chris then played the piano while singing “Up In Flames” then “Warning Sign.”
Watch part of Coldplay’s performance of “Princess of China” below.
After Chris played the piano through a few slower songs, the energy picked back up with the new lasers appearing and confetti falling from the ceiling. “What a fantastic audience you have been so far, you make us feel like a billion dollars,” Chris said. The band then went through “Viva La Vida”, “Charlie Brown”, and one of my favorites, “Paradise.” Coldplay was really able to make this arena sized show feel more intimate with their inclusion of bracelets that lit up on their call during certain tracks. Coldplay’s stage production during this Mylo Xyloto tour was most likely influenced by recent Electronic Dance Music concerts. I could almost compare the light show to the light show I had seen at Swedish House Mafia at Madison Square Garden. Coldplay puts everything into their performance. It is great to see a band that genuinely loves what they do. From just sitting down and playing the piano to jumping around while singing; Chris Martin knows how to put on a good show.
Watch Coldplay perform “Viva La Vida” and “Charlie Brown” below.
Coldplay ended off the night by going into one of the upper sections to perform “Us Against the World” and “Speed of Sound.” I love how the band was able to interact with all corners of the crowd through their lights, music and energy. Coldplay finished their encore up on stage after performing “Clocks”, “Fix You”, and the energetic single “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall.” If you have a chance to see Coldplay on any of their upcoming tour stops, I would highly recommend it.
