(photo: "Look at the Stars." Chris Martin breaks it down for the devotees and the converted)
I've been feeling a little cynical around shows these days with all the whoring about of brokers and scalpers. I knew my cynicism had reached new heights when I actually considered writing a "thank you for not screwing me over" note to the guy on eBay who sold me the fabulous 10th row tickets. I realized others were just as tentative when I heard gleeful sighs of relief as fans were granted access through the Tweeter turnstiles -- and confirmation that their tickets were indeed real. Di, Annie and I almost turned cartwheels. James was quietly ecstatic, keeping his feet on the ground and herding us toward the concession stands. It's a sad state of affairs when you actually jump for joy when events transpire as they're supposed to. And it takes a lot to wipe out cynicism when it reaches these proportions but Coldplay has done it for me.
First, X&Y just may be my favorite Coldplay album yet and I'm happy to see Chris Martin didn't fizzle into obscurity like so many artists do when their joy eclipses their pain. Their live show, while always fantastic, has been reinvented into a souped-up, more energetic version of soulful shows past. On this tour, they've proven their concerts are not only spectacular because of proximity; they effortlessly translate to a larger venue. I loved the show so much I think it actually made me taller.
Hearing the entire crowd singing in unison to "The Scientist" and "Kingdom Come" and "Don't Panic" altered my brain chemistry. Chris Martin still plays that piano like he can barely stay in his seat, but he's given into his impulses and has become QUITE the dancer. He was practically hanging from the rafters, bounding off the stage and running up and down the aisles through the Pavilion. I nearly strained myself trying to keep my eyes on him. Other highlights: "Yellow," "Swallowed in the Sea," and "Everything's Not Lost."
The last song of the night was "Fix You" which feels like it was was made to be the last song of a stellar night: "Lights will guide you home..." And we all floated on a tidal wave right out of the Tweeter Center - which more than compensated for their not playing my favorite song, "X&Y." I'm going to let Steve Morse take it from here, before I degenerate into another Westerberg moment. View setlist here.
(photo: "The Devotees." James, Di, Code Red and I enjoy a pre-show parking lot nosh. Code Red makes a mean penne salad)
(photo: "The Converted." Neighboring tailgater, "Beauty Judge Chuck,"
thinks Coldplay is "fierce," especially because Di thinks so. Chuck was all right!)
11 comments:
Amen to that F*er! My heart was doing back flips at the sight of Chris Martin running around the pavilion. I think I fell in love all over again.
PS: As we "floated" out of the parking lot, Chuck exclaimed "Blue eyes have it." My eyes are brown. That's okay Chuck. I forgive you. You are a beauty judge afterall.
Being a beauty judge is grueling work. I'm glad you're cutting him some slack, Di. Loved that guy.
speaking as the unpopular minority, I think I'm the only person that passed on free tickets...
Chuck gave Di two enthusiastic arms up.
WMD-that is simply appalling. "Unpopular minority" is too kind -- let's go with "asshead." If you didn't want to go to the show, you could have sold the tickets for a boatload of cash and purchased expensive, fragrant gifts for LP and her friends. Just because we're not latinas doesn't mean we don't have feelings. Shame on you, WMD. Shame.
Waw waw waw, you sound like Charlie Brown's Teacher.. Coldplay stinks... P.E. in full effect Bruthah!! Ok, they don't stink, just like chocolate ice-cream doesn't stink but for some reason some people don't go goofy for chocolate ice-cream. I don't go goofy over Coldplayed. Do I like them?, yes. Do I think they're talented?, absolutely. Do I change the station when they come on?, often. Would I go out of my way to see them?, i'm not that guy. I was at the Beer Garden on Thurs with a friend who had 10 promotion tix in his pocket and didn't get that jazzed up about it. (For the record, i knew you guys were already going and LP couldn't make it so i didn't get them for you). as for me, i just figured it would have been better used on someone who appreciated it more... And don't worry about LP, I got a SA-WEET Big Audio Dynamite tape on layaway for her as a gift.
Heh heh...KJ called Mike an "asshead".
Heh heh... LP's dating an "asshead"
WMD-Your musical tastes and concert preferences are not in dispute here. It's the cash-money that could have been shamelessly expended on LP and her hopelessly Caucasian posse. Generosity toward others who'd appreciate the show more should not have been an option. It's all about us. Always.
-Ms. Othmar (Chuck Brown's teacher)
The Pointy Universe caters to assheads.
method to the madness Ms. O (AWESOME by the way). my friend is good friends with a budweiser rep so these things come up a bit. gotta pick your battles. no to coldplayed could mean yes to clay aiken tix. p.s. that SB is Shaftesque as one cool mutha...
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