07 August 2002: Theatre Of Living Arts, Philadelphia, USA
From WikiColdplay
Setlist
- Politik
- Shiver
- Spies
- Daylight
- Trouble
- One I Love
- Don’t Panic
- Everything’s Not Lost
- See You Soon
- God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
- Yellow
- The Scientist
- Clocks
- In My Place
- Life Is For Living
- Lips Like Sugar
Reviews
I have seen Coldplay numerous times during their tours in the United States but this show was different than all the rest I have seen.
First, the opening act was a DVD of One Giant Leap. I don't think that the Philly crowd took that so well. It sure was different than seeing a live band perform. The DVD lasted about a half an hour and then another half an hour went by to set up the stage. By this time everyone was ready for Coldplay to perform.
The crowds have even changed from people just catching a gig to see a good band to full fledged Coldplay fans who know every word to every song and will go great lengths to just get a towel that Chris Martin wiped his head on.
All of a sudden, the lights went out and a blue eerie light surrounded the stage.
You could barley see the band come out on stage. Then Chris bashed his piano violently to the beginning cords of their new song “Politik”.
He wore a black jack with a priest-like collar and gauze cast on his right hand. The lighting was amazing as it flashed with the rhythm of the music. “Shiver” and “Spies” were played next which is always a real pleasure to hear. “Spies” ends in a different way with Chris on the piano.
But, the one song that I always love hearing is “Everything's Not Lost” and it seems that Chris always likes to play it as well. He always has everyone sing along for this song. The Philly crowd was amazing and joined in at every opportunity they could.
“See you Soon” is another one of my favorites with just Chris on his acoustic guitar finger picking his way through the song.
“Yellow” was also I treat with the beginning starting out with Chris singing “your skin and bones” and then just ripping into the beginning chords with a kick in the air while playing his guitar.
The set ended with “The Scientist” which now is one of my favorite songs off the new album. Johnny gets to play some acoustic guitar at the beginning of this song and then finishes with the electric. At this point the crowd is just yelling and cheering for more as Coldplay walks off the stage to get ready for the encore.
They come back out playing “Clocks”, “In My Place” and “Life is for Living”. Then once again they walk off the stage and usually after this the concert is over but the crowd just keeps yelling for more.
Then all of a sudden Coldplay returns once again for one more song. This time it is a cover of Echo and the Bunnymen called “Lips Like Sugar”.
Seeing Coldplay at a small venue once again is something I will cherish because I know the success that they have achieved and I know that this club tour may be the last time I get see Coldplay in an intimate atmosphere.
They went from a bunch of college kids playing music to serious musicians who really love what they are doing.
Coldplay, in my eyes, have always been a good band but now they have blossomed into an amazing band.
Theatre of Living Arts Set List:
Politik Shiver Spies Daylight Trouble One I Love Don't Panic Everything's Not Lost See you Soon God Put a Smile upon Your Face Yellow The Scientist
Encore 1
Clocks
In My Place
Life is for Living
Encore 2
Lips Like Sugar (Echo and the Bunnymen cover)
Review by: Christi Shingara
Coldplay made their way to the Theater of the Living Arts (TLA) for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania leg of their U.S. Club Tour.
For this city, there was no better venue to host the band as it offers a sense of intimacy with its low stage and standing room only floor plan.
The show was set to begin at 8.00pm, but the TLA doors opened an hour early which allowed fans (especially those of us who arrived hours upon hours in advance) to secure a front and center stage spot.
The “opening act", (barely audible) about unity and diversity, hardly served as an appetizer for a Philadelphia crowd starved for the main entrée. Even though the message behind this screening was influential, it was unable to convey its significance under the circumstances.
After what seemed like forever and a day, the lights grew dim and the crowd's impatient demeanor immediately turned to sheer excitement. Fans went wild as the band took the stage and even wilder when Chris Martin swaggered over to his microphone.
The band opened with “Politik”, and from that point on Coldplay had us all in the palm of their hands.
The band played a series of 14 songs that consisted of a wonderful combination of tracks from the soulful splendor that is 'Parachutes' and the highly anticipated sophomore album, 'A Rush of Blood to the Head'. There were several captivating highlights throughout the show, but most notable was the charisma of Chris Martin. The lead singer brought each song that he sung to life with a performance that was highly energetic and incredibly powerful.
About midway through the show, Chris said from his piano that this show was Coldplay's first in Philadelphia - an innocent mistake made by a highly travelled man. An outspoken fan who saw Coldplay last year at Philadelphia's Electric Factory, was quick to point out Chris's forgetfulness. Seeming rather embarrassed, he offered a sincere apology with a boyish grin upon his face. (Naturally, all was forgiven and quickly forgotten).
The bottom line is from “Shiver” to a playfully giddy encore presentation of Echo and the Bunnyman's “Lips Like Sugar”, Coldplay gave each song to us like a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift meant for their friends rather than their fans.
For those that had the good fortune of attending the after show “meet and greet”, the band mates were both approachable and affable. Adoring fans were smitten by a group of guys who simply love what they do and appreciate us for listening to their work. They smiled for the cameras even when being blinded by an onslaught of flashing lights, and looked into the eyes of every excited fan that spoke to them. In conclusion, Coldplay provided further confirmation that they truly are a band worthy of greatness.
~Kimberly Cromer
Words cannot describe the performance that Coldplay gave fans at Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts on Wednesday August 7th.
It’s just one of those remarkeable experiences you just need to see to believe. So how do you describe magic? I don’t know but I’ll sure try!
What can I say. It’s the Coldplay you read about in magazines and websites. They rock hard yet effortlessly. Their sound was edgy yet pleasing. Each their own individual on stage yet synchronized. And with those few words, I just described to you the best live show of my life!
Ever the activists, the show opened with an hour long “A Fight For The Cause” type video shorts that included the likes of U2’s Bono, label mate Robbie Williams and REM’s Michael Stipe. However, much to the audiences dismay, the meaning was lost as the crowd began chanting for the band during the shorts. But a midst the darkness and dimmed stage lights, emerged four English lads.
9.00pm marked the hour that would change my life forever. Coldplay kidnapped the stage to perform “Politk” off of their highly anticipated late summer release of “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” The crowd moved wildly as did Chris to the piano driven song. The flashing lights continued the frantic effect as Chris banged on the ivories.
The first set, I believe, included the songs like “Spies,” “Daylight,” “The Scientists,“ and “See You Soon” (just to name a few). What made the moment priceless was when audience and band intertwined to sing “Everything’s Not Lost.” Ever the well-mannered Martin let fans sing the refrain and close out the song. And he thanked us for it!
Donned in his infamous “Make Trade Fair” tee, Chris took time to chat with fans. Sooo Chris Martin when he tried to apologize to the people of Philly for his mistake on the city. All was forgiven with the start of (as I recall), “The One I Love.” Hits like “Shiver,” “Yellow,” and “Trouble” made the set. But, it was the song “Clocks” off of the new album that audiences waited to hear.
After what seemed to be a five minute remission, the band re-emerges, Chris was sweat free and refreshed and ready to do “In My Place.” A lighters in the air type moment, Martin belted the lyrics to the hit song as only he could, leaning into the reaches of his fans.
Like all good things, they must come to an end. The show closed with “Life is for the Living” and “Sugar Kisses.” I’ve never felt so connected to the guys like I had that night. The venue being as intimate as it was, also helped. The words, though they always had meaning to me, meant more when heard live and aloud. What made Coldplay at TLA so excellent was the energy, literally their blood, sweat and tears that went into every performance of every song. If ever there was a band more deserving of success it’s them!
This was my first live show ever which I might also add that I had the opportunity to meet them after the show as well.
That moment of meeting greatness in person will always be embedded in my heart and mind! With that I end this. Cheers to Coldplay!
Words by: Debbie Guirand
