Coldplay
3rd December 2016
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Review by Sarah Kidd.
Ever since they emerged on the scene back in 1998, Coldplay have gone from strength to strength to become the phenomenal stadium band that they are today. Easily packing out Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on their fifth visit to the country, the audience exploded into applause as Coldplay hit the stage just before 9pm. And they hit it BIG. Kicking off the night with the title track ‘Head Full of Dreams’ from the 2015 album of the same name, they sent the crowd into a frenzy as their wristbands (that had been issued at the gate) lit up simultaneously. Front man Chris Martin ran down the catwalk with his trademark enthusiasm – each of his huge stage jumps echoed by glitter cannons and pyrotechnics from behind the stage.
Following quickly with ‘Yellow’ from the 2000 album Parachutes, the song – that thrust them into the world of fame just over 16 years ago – was met with joyous cheers from the adoring crowd. At this point smoke could be seen wafting from towers either side of the field, producing an amazing effect as the lights and lasers danced across it. This was soon to become an obvious theme of the night – one of Technicolor!
‘The Scientist’ (a massive hit single from their 2002 album A Rush of Blood to The Head) prompted the first big audience sing along of the evening, with its touching lyrics of love and regret. Waving a NZ flag Martin elicited further cheers from the crowd as the flag was also displayed on the big screen. As the band launched into ‘Paradise’, a popular track from their 2011 offering Mylo Xyloto, the crowd were propelled from their seats as the song lead into a huge remix, turning the stadium into a giant rave complete with strobe lighting.
The band then appeared stripped back, in the middle of the stadium on a small circle stage; Martin took a moment to address the recent news articles citing the huge list of restrictions that Coldplay had supposedly placed on the crowd, stating that it was one of the first things they heard about when they touched down in Auckland. “Bring what you want, we don’t mind – as long as you are here! Bring your Great Grandmother as long as she is having fun!”
After a couple of laid back tracks – the crowd were quickly reenergized with a blistering version of ‘Clocks’ which morphed seamlessly into ‘Midnight’ from their 2014 Ghost Stories album, the more techno styled beats combined with the lasers creating a trance like effect on the crowd. “Put your cell phones away – trust me!” Chris called out to the fans “Now hands up and jump!” instructions that the people standing in the field area embraced with much gusto. ‘Fix You’ – which started with Chris lying on his back on the catwalk singing – was another huge sing along for the crowd – and certainly prompted an overwhelming feeling of love and unity among everyone present. A cover of David Bowies ‘Heroes’ was quickly followed by a lengthy version of the very catchy ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’. Giant coloured balloons were released into the crowd, a now familiar addition at Coldplay concerts.
After a short break – the band once again reappeared in the middle of the crowd, this time on a secondary stage set up on the right hand side of the stadium. A video request (‘Green Eyes’ – for Sophie) was followed by a sweet little version of ‘In My Place’. Martin then introduced the band (who by now must be a pretty close unit having been together since 1997), “I’m Susan of course” Chris stated with a wry smile. The band members slowly filed away leaving Martin alone on stage with an acoustic guitar and the NZ flag still hanging from his back pocket. Launching into a cover of Crowded Houses ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ – Martin stopped after the first verse to tell the crowd that he wasn’t sure he was singing it right and might need some help – another crowd sing along? No – instead out came NZ royalty Neil Finn to join Martin – their harmonies melding beautifully together in the night air.
Back to the main stage and the band were ramping up for the big finale – the feel good energy of ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ resonating throughout the stadium – with barely a single audience member not on their feet dancing. Final track of the night ‘Up & Up’ from their latest album, allowed lead guitarist Jonny Buckland to shine with a solid guitar solo. Pyrotechnics and streamer cannons that filled the air with coloured paper stars and swallows certainly made for stunning visuals. Martin stepped forward amidst it all to lay a large flag with the word ‘LOVE’ emblazoned across it on the stage – kneeling down to kiss it before laying the NZ flag just below it. And Judging by the ecstatic faces leaving the stadium after the show – NZ loves them too!
Were you there at Mt. Smart Stadium to witness this mind blowing show? Or have you seen Coldplay somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Set List:
- A Head Full of Dreams
- Yellow
- Every Teardrop
- The Scientist
- Birds
- Paradise
- Always in My Head
- Magic
- Everglow
- Clocks
- Midnight
- Charlie Brown
- Hymn for the Weekend
- Fix You
- Heroes [David Bowie Cover]
- Viva La Vida
- Adventure of a Lifetime
- Green Eyes
- In My Place
- Four Seasons in One Day [Crowded House Cover – Feat. Neil Finn]
- Amazing Day
- A Sky Full of Stars
- Up & Up
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