14 September 2002: Masquerade, Atlanta, USA
From WikiColdplay
Setlist
Reviews
So as you know the rain did us in.
From what I was told the tarp covering the equipment didn't do its job and because the Masquerade is an outdoor facility the soundboard and other vital equipment was damaged thus not making it possible for them to play.
The show would be rescheduled for January and everyone with tickets is supposed to go to ticketmaster and get a refund. That announcement came about 5:30 pm just as they were going to let us in. No one left though, and it was a good thing. Because out came Chris and Jonny. Chris apologized to the crowd of a couple hundred people saying they wish they could play. But since they couldn't they would play a few songs for us accoustically.
The whole performance Chris was real jovial. He joked around with the crowd a lot and was smiling the whole time.
They started off with "Yellow". As the small crowd sang together it appeared they had quickly forgotton that the real concert was not going to happen. Chris then started taking requests as this was all impromptu. Unfortunately Chris didn't have the piano with him out in the rain, so a lot of requests were turned down. He finally heard someone say "Green Eyes" and went on to play it. He beckoned Will to come over from signing some autographs to sing some harmony for him. (Guy was hanging out about 50 ft away on some stairs).
They then sang "Don't Panic," "In My Place," and "The Scientist." Before "The Scientist" he said that at one point after finishing the album they came to the USA and realized the album was shit. "The Scientist" was the first song they recorded when coming back to the studio.
They then finished with "Georgia On My Mind" which I think is a Ray Charles song. Chris said that last time they were here, Georgia saved Coldplay. They were about to quit touring, but decided to stick it out. Because of that they wanted to play this show even more.
After that, security rushed them out. Not the way I anticipated spending my first Coldplay concert, but in some way it was better. The whole performance I was standing up about 3 ft behind Chris, Will, and Jonny. Because there was no microphone, I felt like I was performing with them. As an extra bonus, during their performance I got Will's autograph. And as an extra, extra bonus thanks to their lovely assistant I got rest of the band's autograph's too! So not such a bad night.
I just feel sorry for the people who showed up to the concert after their performance.
~Adam Bradford
Atlanta "parking lot" review - By Ian Oliver
The morning of the concert was dreary to say the least.
Rain was forecast all day and the weather was more befitting of an English Saturday morning. Nevertheless, I was upbeat and enthused about the evening's delights; reassured by The Masquerades "Rain or Shine" attitude to holding their concerts. I had yet to see Coldplay live; hence my excitement at the prospect of seeing them was unparalleled.
The release of Parachutes was the beginning of my love affair for their music; but it was the adorning tunes of Rush of Blood to the Head that so effortlessly raised my melodic pulse. The consideration that Chris, Jonny, Guy, and Will would, within a matter of hours, recreate these melodious masterpieces was enough to wet the appetite of the most hardened musical taste
Anticipating a lengthy line for the in-demand front row seat, I arrived three hours prior to opening. Sitting pretty, I was hovering around the front of the line. A couple of hours had passed when the crowd had strengthened to several hundred, and then it happened. A representative of 99x approached us with a megaphone; an ominous sign to say the least. She announced that the show had been cancelled due to rain. Had we only known what was to happen next; our initial disappointment would have been dulled quicker.
Unexpected would be an understatement, in fact, flabbergasted would be more appropriate. Chris and Jonny, accompanied by their acoustics, strolled into the parking lot very apologetic and ready to entertain. Chris, amusingly, addressed the crowd with the band's deepest apologies. Their expressions confirmed the disappointment that the fans shared.
But spirits could not be dampened for long, and with the announcement by Chris that they were to play five songs of our choice, the five hundred or so strong crowd buzzed with excitement.
The atmosphere was very surreal. Ten minutes prior I anticipated a long range multi-track electric set by Coldplay; but now I sat, cross legged, bottom deep in dirt, one yard from Chris Martin, and expectant of some acoustic Coldplay splendor.
To the sounds of Yellow, In my Place and Don't Panic, the hypnotized fans gazed eerily at Chris' expression as the harmonies flowed. Chris and Jonny combined to create a striking acoustic sound often reserved only for the studio or shows; could I have ever imagined a privilege like this? My personal highlight was when Chris took my request to play Green Eyes; in fact his eyes lit up by the prospect, reaffirming the song as one of his most personal.
The playing of The Scientist was announced by Chris as the band's favorite song. Although quiet in the beginning, it was this song that exposed the emotions of every fan watching. It was simply breathtaking.
Chris interacted with us so affectionately and carefree it was almost as though he were our friend. Jonny remained ever bashful; but played with care and spirit. Will was amongst us eventually; his facial expression adapting to every tune, he even found time to whistle a chorus for us. Guy sat from a distance in admiration; although mingling with fans between tunes. This was a truly a lifelong experience for me; an experience that unconditionally made up for not seeing the intended concert. In all honesty, I would have chosen the acoustic experience any day.
It is unlikely that many bands would have performed to their fans the way Coldplay did that early Saturday evening. Reaffirming the bands very down to earth and caring attitude not only to their fans, but to all they strive for in their lives. There is a principle behind Coldplay that is quite rare; the result is profoundly obvious in their music.
~Ian Oliver
