Coldplay, Earls Court, 16th December

Before I review Coldplay, I just want to point out that Richard Ashcroft was perhaps one of the best support acts I've ever seen. Knowing he was up against a varied crowd of Coldplay fans, Ashcroft pulled out those four massive Verve singles to win over the crowd. Opening with Sonnet, Ashcroft seemed to be treating the gig as if it were his own. And by the enormous set closer Bittersweet Symphony I had almost forgotton who I had paid £36 to see. Respect to Richard Ashcroft for pulling out the crowd pleasers when he probably just wanted to promote his new solo album.

Having seen Coldplay live once before at V Festival 2003, I inevitabley found myself comparing the two performances. I half expected to be dissapointed at Earls Court, mainly because at V Festival they were so good. Thankfully, they were once again oustanding. In contrast to 2003, the band were tighter, more energetic, and clearly more confident at Earls Court. At V Festival the crowd had lumps in their throats and tears streaming down their face (ok maybe not), whereas at Earls Court, the occaision was joyous and uplifting.

Anyway, enough of the comparing. I'm just going to pick out some of the best and worst bits of the gig and talk about them.

Best Song

Fix You is a modern classic. As is Yellow, as is The Scientist, as is In My Place. So when you've got so many great singalongs it's hard to pick just one song of the evening.

Song I'd Rather They Hadn't Played

Swallowed By The Sea isn't one of their greatest songs. Amsterdam would've sounded much better instead.

Best Moment

Probably had to be the digital clock counting down at the beginning of Square One, with a silloetted Chris Martin appearing against it. In fact, all the visuals were pretty good, although I didn't understand the dog/bear thing walking around during Talk.

Worst Moment

Tooooo many dressed up chavs who were more concerned with planning their night out after the gig than enjoying the concert. I quote one phone conversation taking place behind me... 'WE'RE WELL SLOSHED...WE'RE WATCHING COLDPLAY, THEY'RE WICKED. (louder) COLDPLAY. (louder even more) I SAID WE'RE WATCHING COLDPLAY.'

Least Succesful Part of the Gig

was the acoustic interlude in the middle where they played Till Kingdom Come, Ring of Fire, and Don't Panic. This would've been outstanding in a 1000 capacity gig. But on a stage the size of Earls Court it just doesn't really hold peoples attention. A solo acoustic run through of See You Soon would've been more effective.

All in all, it was a great night. One of my live highlights of the year. The atmosphere was electric, and the two acts were superb. Fingers crossed for a couple of Coldplay festival shows next summer.