Coldplay, with The Pierces and Metronomy
May 2
Hollywood Bowl
“99 Problems” blasted from the speakers at the Hollywood Bowl, and the audience turned toward the stage, anxious to see if Jay-Z was going to walk out with a microphone. Screens flashed, telling audience members to put on the wristbands they were handed upon entry. The lights went out. The wristbands started blinking.
Yes, this was Coldplay’s welcome to the stage at the May 2 Los Angeles show for the Mylo Xyloto tour, and it set the tone for the entire performance: high energy, adrenaline filled, pulse-pounding entertainment. Simply put, a rush of blood to the head.
For those who have never attended a Coldplay concert, it is quite possibly one of the most enjoyably exhausting experiences of a lifetime.
Watching Chris Martin, the lead singer, jump around on-stage for 90 minutes could make concert-goers tired for him. But he appeared unfazed, staying true to the motto he stated at the beginning of the show: that the audience has taken the time and effort to come see the band, and for that they deserve to see the band at its best. It didn’t disappoint.
The show, which was as much designed for eyes the as it was for the ears, featured pyrotechnics and neon lights on stage. Laser beams flashed over smoke released from the sides of the amphitheater, creating the illusion of clouds moving above the audience’s heads. Inspired by graffiti and street art, many songs were accompanied by projected images, giving the appearance of graffiti being drawn on the dome of the Hollywood Bowl stage, reminiscent of the “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” music video.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the show, however, was the Xylobands given to each of the audience members when they entered the concert venue. A simple grosgrain wristband that, upon activation, lit up and flashed in pitch black, creating a sea of color. The bands were programmed to serve as accompaniment to the music.
Not only did the Xylobands make for a visual display but also created a sense of audience involvement, making audience members feel as though they were up on stage next to the band; a true part of the show. The sheer anticipation of the bracelets lighting up built a powerful energy in the stands.
Beyond the consuming imagery that had an almost transporting quality, the showmanship was equally impressive. Though songs are always a little altered live compared to the recorded album, there was no attempt by the band to eliminate some of the more challenging parts of their music.
Martin hit the high notes in “Up in Flames” perfectly, played piano beautifully for “The Scientist” and even took on the guitar for “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face.” Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion all backed the lead singer with the same intensity one feels when listening to the band’s music on an iPod.
With no shortage of thrills, these guys know how to put on a show.