The Long and Winding Road

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Coldplay 04.06.12 - London Emirates Stadium

Voice of the Generation. 

I’ve been to hundreds of live shows in my lifetime. I’ve seen my fair share of small bands, dhj’s and big performers. From backstreet pubs to arenas and festivals.

But in 19 years of having the opportunity to witness something recorded played to me live, this was the first time I’ve ever had to slap myself to see if what was being portrayed in front of my eyes was real. 

Coldplay, at the Emirates.

It was fitting that Coldplay were playing this set of three London shows over the Jubilee weekend. They’re the only band who can compliment such an occasion with the nationalism and pomp surrounding the city. 

From previous experience stadium gigs are always detached, impersonal and quite unimpressive. Four blokes on a stage barely noticeable from the far seated areas having to spend £50 on a ticket to only watch a big screen throughout a performance. 

Not Coldplay.

3 stages. One for the main performance, one jam area at the end of the obligatory catwalk and a small stage at the far end of the pitch, for the encore. Four giant screen discs looking like trampolines in front of a massive neon graffiti covered banner lined over the Clock End. The most beautiful stadium in north London engulfed with this rock persona.

This is why I think Coldplay work. A connection. The whole time I was there I didn’t feel like I was watching a show, I felt like I was part of the show. 

Having such a humble appreciation of the greatness they’ve reached over the last 10 years. It all counts towards what was the most definitive and enjoyable spectacle I’ve ever been a part of. 

Viva La Vida had just ended, the sun had set and Coldplay were a third through their set, they were warmed up. Instead of waiting for the next song to begin the 60,000 capacity audience echoed a powerful rendition of the closing chant to the song. A big stamp of approval from the audience appreciated with a gentle smile from flustered Chris Martin. 

Before he had a chance to take it all in, he politely asked for everybody to raise their hands. 

Radio-controlled LED wristbands given to each attendee were then on everybody’s mind. I’d seen them in action before on YouTube and was impressed. But when Charlie Brown burst into life, Chris lit up the stadium with more than a radio controlled wristband. 

It was the single greatest moment I’ve ever witnessed in a live performance in my life. 

60,000 people flashing like dragonflies. It was so simple yet so stunning. A roar of overwhelming power drowned out the first line of the song and everybody in attendance finally realised what they’d paid for. The shivers that were going down their spines. I was in awe of such a sight. I felt like I was part of the show. 

As they continue to control us with the military Hurts Like Heaven the Emirates shimmers with twinkling lights around all 4 corners, while laser lights dance on the North Bank End. We are now treated to a rousing collection of pyrotechnics. Nobody was watching the stage. All eyes were to the sky. With the soft echo of the crowd collectively singing Fix You. It was a kodak moment. 

Yes there’s more. In My Place gives us confetti cannons which cover the stadium with neon tissue butterflies and birds swirling around and catching reflection from the wristbands. 

It doesn’t stop there either. Major Minus combines the flashing wrist bands with more confetti. Then. Fifty neon balloons appear throughout the crowd. It’s been a visual feast and a perfect addition to the already glamourous showcase in front of us. Even stadium show critics are in awe of what’s before us and we all behold the force that is before us. Coldplay. 

The highlight for me is Fix You, a song never associated with stadiums, yet its intimacy is transformed into an epic rock anthem. North London hasn’t heard a sing-a-long like it. I’ve been to my fair share of games at the Emirates and I’d never heard anything sung louder or with more passion. The audience are vocal throughout, which is clearly moving Chris Martin and his band mates. 

Either way, the devotion they inspire is amazing; for much of the audience this is something they’ll never get to witness again. A powerful, emotional end to a wonderful set. 

Although Coldplay’s melodic pop rock can be rather repetitive and straining, show-wise it was faultless. A stadium gig needs to be an event, something personal and the Mylo Xyloto tour, with its vast extravagant neon set, has set a new benchmark.

Mass appeal pop and rock music belongs in the stadium, and Coldplay are the best at it. The Jubilee celebrations have some hard work to do to surpass this beautiful show.

Their set was like a nostalgic love affair. I remember recalling memories and emotions varying throughout each song. All with one thing in common, Chris Martins crisp, unique voice. 

For somebody like me, aged 19 I felt like he’d been with me as I grew into my adulthood. 

And thats why, to me, he’s the voice of the generation. 

@petesimmons1 - petesimmons@wearescout.co.uk

Brilliant review of the Coldplay gig at the Emirates from SCOUT, give them a follow