18 July 2009: Home Depot Center, Carson, CA, USA

From WikiColdplay

Jump to: navigation, search
18 July 2009: Home Depot Center, Carson, CA, USA (picture by twnkee
Enlarge
18 July 2009: Home Depot Center, Carson, CA, USA (picture by twnkee

Contents

[edit]

Setlist

  1. Life In Technicolor
  2. Violet Hill
  3. Clocks
  4. In My Place
  5. Yellow
  6. Glass Of Water
  7. Cemeteries Of London
  8. 42
  9. Fix You
  10. Strawberry Swing
  11. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (Partial Techno Remix)
  12. Talk (Partial Techno Remix)
  13. The Hardest Part (Chris Solo Piano)
  14. Postcards From Far Away (Chris Solo Piano)
  15. Viva La Vida
  16. Lost!
  17. Green Eyes (acoustic)
  18. LA Tribute song
  19. Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)
  20. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover - Acoustic)
  21. Viva La Vida (Remix Interlude)
  22. Politik
  23. Lovers In Japan
  24. Death And All His Friends
    Encore
  25. The Scientist
  26. Life In Technicolor ii
  27. The Escapist (Outro)
[edit]

Photos

Photos from this show can be found at Coldplaying.com in the Gallery thread for Carson. http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/1702

[edit]

Videos

Videos from this show can be found in the first post of the Coldplaying forum live thread for this show at http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54388

[edit]

Discussion

All post-show discussion for this show at the forum thread: http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54388

[edit]

Fan Reviews

All fan reviews have been submitted to us by the members of Coldplaying.com[1], unless stated otherwise.

Ok so I was supposed to update via Twitter but, the bastard thing wouldn't work in the stadium. Had THE best time tonight, I'm tired and sweaty from jumping and dancing the whole time!!! Will post what decent pics I have tomorrow or Monday, got a long drive and work ahead of me. The boys were fucking brilliant tonight!! Damn work or I'd be there tomorrow doing it all over again. Met Erick and Brandi, you guys rock!

[labrat2001]

Hey everyone, I just got back! I was front row on Jonny boy's side. The set-list was the same and boys didn't go on until 9:30, but I took some amazing pics and videos which I can't wait to post, but it will be tomorrow because I'm out of town! Also, I saw Makayla and her "Hey Chris, I like your hair" sign and Chris saw it and smiled and said thank you. It was cute because Guy grabbed Chris and they had a laugh about it! This is the end of my Coldplay Viva La Vida tour run and it has nothing been short of spectacular! Can't wait to share my pics with you all!

[ColdplayRulesTheWorld]

Um...I'm not too good at writing reviews. Actually I'm no good but I'll try my best. So our seats were at section 110, a little far off to the side, but still pretty close. The opening acts (Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis and Amadou & Mariam) had very fun and energetic music, it just made you want to get up and dance! So after 2-3 hours of the opening acts, a lot of people around me started to get sick of them... What was really funny and cheered everyone up was one of the roadies/staff (I was a little far away, couldn't tell!) started sweeping the runway and dancing to the background music. Then he dropped his mop-thing and started breakdancing! It was hilarious. He was getting down on the floor and spinning and he even started doing the worm. It really put a smile on everyone's face. Then around 9PM Coldplay got on stage and swung around sparklers into the night sky. I think we all know that they did an amazing performance. Coldplay even went to the very back of the stadium and Will got to perform his song and they covered 'Billie Jean' and instructed everyone to do the 'Coldwave'. The lights and effects were amazing, and the crowd was great. Definetly an unforgettable night.

[lilmissdee_x]

Ok, not to sound like an unappreciative jerk but, uh, did Coldplay really just completely ignore Trouble for the 2nd straight L.A. show? Nah............they couldn't have.........that'd be like U2 not playing Where the Streets Have No Name.........the song that they owe a huge part of their early popularity and fame to..........nah.......that's crazy. I must have passed out for 5 minutes or so when they were playing it and that's why I don't remember it, right?

[TallGuyCM]

Just got back from the show and it was unbelievable! I was in the pit, 2nd row on j's side right next to the ramp! I got a bunch of awesome videos and pictures, won't be able to post them until I get back home next week, trust me, they are worth the wait!

[l0wxo2]

After having some fun late-night adventures in Carson attempting to find 405-Northbound, I'm back home from the concert. I'll keep it short since I'm quite tired, but this was such an unbelievable experience. Once again when I see Coldplay, it feels so surreal to me since I can't believe my favorite band is right there. The majority of the folks in my area hardly sang or danced, but that didn't stop me from having a total blast and being a glowstick-raving loon that distracted everyone. Chris's remarks were funny as always, and they even sang a small ditty on the C-stage about LA. At the previous concert, I made the mistake of not filling my bag to the brim with paper butterflies, but fortunately, I did not make that mistake again. Also, what remains of my voice gives thanks to the few fellow Coldplayers who gave me a shout-out for the sign!

More tomorrow. I need some shut-eye desperately.

[Corkus]

here is my review. well i attempted to tweet. but it got delayed in the venue. got into the venue at 6:30pm. walked around a bit. and i guess i had a bit of coldplay karma the other oxfam coordinator bob saw my shirt and said nice shirt. fyi it was a MTF shirt. many ppl took pics with us because of our awesome jackets "i love diehard fans" as one woman said. sang the whole time! and i mean the whole time. i wasted more energy at today's show and i wasn't even front row lol! coldwave was awesome. i recorded most of the scientist and lovers in japan. no luck at getting a setlist for today's show. tomorrow will be great.

[2768]

Just got back! Awesome show tonight! I can't believe that I finally heard Green Eyes live! I sort of still can't believe it! The boys sounded great as always! I hope someone got video of Chris's song when he was improvising in the stands! That was soooo awesome! I sang my heart out tonight as who knows when Coldplay will come back to Cali so I can see them again! I would write more but I'm tired! So tired! Yet still on a Coldplay high from the concert!

[Cold_Huntress]

Wow, just wow. The boys did an amazing show, as usual. Once I realized that my little point and shoot wouldn't take decent pics, I just enjoyed the show, and I'll relive it with other's great pics. I was on the floor, 19 rows back from the pit. The pit, btw, was huge, so we were farther back than I thought we'd be. They sounded incredible, but it didn't seem like Chris used the side ramps as much as he has before. And LIT2 live? Will on drums is nothing short of fabulous. Watching him makes my arms hurt. I'm hoarse this morning. It didn't sound like the crowd was very loud, and Chris mentioned it a few times, but I don't know if it was typical LA crowd, or it's the wide open layout of Home Depot Center. But there was no sitting down in our section, unlike Honda Center last year where people sat most of the time. The butterfly cannons were cool, but there was the slightest breeze so the butterflies were blown to the stage.

I can't wait to do it all again tonight - then I'll be so sad it's over. Chris said they won't be back to LA again for a long time.

Oh, one funny thing last night. We got there really early, so I had time to just walk around. I easily found C stage, and there was some security surrounding it. I asked some people who were sitting right next to the stage if they knew what that platform was for. They thought it was handicapped seating, and I told them that the band would come sing a few songs there. They looked at me as if was from another planet. I just said to them, "You'll see." I would have loved to have seen their faces, lol.

I think my very favorite part was watching Will play LIT2. You all in the pit were so lucky to see the interactions between the band, it was hard to see a lot of detail from where we were, standing the whole time, watching in between people's heads, and I'm tall! I'm still hoarse, but I'm getting ready to leave at 5 for tonight's show.

[lfdianne]

Here's a much more in-depth review for you to enjoy - the good and the bad.

Getting to the event was a snap. Left our home at 5:30, got some fast food, pulled up to Home Depot Center at 6 PM, paid $20 to park, and was only one of about 100 cars in the whole place. Walked up to Northeast gate, and waited another 20 minutes or so. The gates did NOT open at 6 PM due to 'production' issues. I later found out it was because the first band did not do their sound check earlier in the after noon (unverified).

Once gates opened, people were scanned through metal detectors. This is Compton, so makes sense.

Logistics were not so good for getting into the pit area. You showed your ticket to walk down the stairs (but only in a designated area - there were two walkways for GA ticket users). You then showed your ticket at the bottom of the stairs. Then you walked along the field sidelines through another 3 sets of guards, showing each one your ticket. At the third, they hole-punched your ticket in order to get a wristband. Once you had a wristband, you could enter the GA area, which, by the way was ENORMOUS. There was a metal barracade surrounding the stage and the rest of the field. It had seats on it, but you weren't allowed to sit. I was in the pit by 6:30 PM, and it was maybe 5 people deep to the stage.

Once in the pit area - or anywhere else - you had to wait for the first band a long time. They only appeared to have one roadie - this cowboy-looking guy doing all the work. 7:30 or so they started, also late. Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis was the band name, I believe. They rocked out hard - very eclectic pop-rock-ska-reggee-polynesian band. Attractive group of younger folks - except one guitarist and the gal on double-bass. They needed to at least smile, which they didn't do often, but they rocked out hard. They looked stress - presumably for starting late, missing their soundcheck, or ?? They had a collection of cool instruments. I would estimate that there were only 3,000 people in the stadium by the time they were done. The croud stunk - I was the only one dancing or clapping in the pit area that I could see - gotta show your support, even if they suck. This is an LA croud, though - everyone with cell phones, video devices, or cameras standing around, not clapping, etc. I feel compassion towards them - they had a stinky croud to perform for, which probably contributed to their overall stressed-out look. They played for at least 30 minutes. Their roadies cleared them out. The pit was still relatively empty, all things considered.

Next up was Amadou & Mariam. They had a full set of roadies, and lighting effects were used during their act. Amadou & Mariam are blind, and they were escorted out by their band and a roadie. They were a funky reggee-rock-hop band from Jamaica or something. They had 2 drummers, a bassist, Amadou playing guitar, & Mariam singing vocals. They also had a pair of backup singers/dancers that performed for the whole show, which added to the excitement. They were vibrant and energetic. The bassist was a semi-cheerleader for the band. Their songs were long - over 5 minutes each. They naturally got a lot more applause just from having two attractive female dancers during their entire act. They were a lot of fun, but again, LA audiences suck - most people stood with their video/camera devices out, holding them in front of other peoples' faces, not applausing, not clapping along, not dancing, and showing the band little to no support. Many near us in the front were just standing around, looking down at their blackberries texting. They got an occassional 'woohoo', most likely for the backup dancers. They rocked out hard. The lighting was good, and added to the thrill. They had some sound problems - minor - the bass was hitting too hard and flushing out the vocals. The sun was finally going down, and it was beginning to get dark in the stadium. The audience grew to probably 5,000 at the most during their set, which I would say was about 45 minutes long. When finished, they cleared out quickly, and the roadies went to work for coldplay. The pit was still relatively empty, maybe 10 people deep front and center.

Side note: I was surprised to see so many petite 5 foot tall women and numerous children (12-15 years old max) in the pit area. They wouldn't be able to see. I stood behind a guy who was 6' 4" or so, and I'm 6' 2", so it worked out for me. We appeared to be the only really tall people in the pit.

There was about a 30 minute delay until Coldplay came on. There was a guy sweeping the stage that started to breakdance to the background music that was playing...that was cool. Next a classical music song came on, and a gal let us swaying our arms left and right. That was fun...audience was growing at that point, as people began arriving. The only seats I could see that appeared empty were the ones behind the stage, behind the speaker towers in the back, and some of the 'vip' seats. Most of the VIP suites were empty. In one of them, though, they had the television on during the show - was funny to see. Someone was watching TV during a live show! Then the lights went out, which caused the pit to swell. People dropped their beers and ran towards the stage from wherever they were in the pit area. We moved 10 feet closer to the stage, elbow to elbow instantly.

Coldplay started. They rocked it hard. Again, most of the 'fans' in the pit area were holding cell phones or video cameras up in your face the whole show, not clapping, singing along, or dancing. One could not tell if they were having a good time at all. There were a few of us couples there in the pit having a great time with our spouses. The rest looked like they won the tickets, but didn't really care to be there. Several people were trying to shove others out of their way to 'get to their friends at the front'. Combine that with holding bright cell phones in your face, and when they're not holding it in front of you, they're texting their friends, checking email, posting to blogs, etc...but not smiling or looking like they're having a good time whatsoever.

I was at the LA show last year at the Forum. Compared to that, this show was more polished, however, last year they had more energy, which translates to a happier audience, and the pace/speed was faster last year. I think there were 3-5 more songs last year, too. Like last year, Chris screwed up on two-three songs (he admitted this). He praised the LA crowds numerous times, and made references to those sitting in the back during Fix You '12 miles from the band...at a coldplay show'. I felt sorry for them in the back - they looked like ants they were so small. The band felt sorry two, and headed back there to do a set. While there, they did a cell-phone 'wave' - too hard to explain. Looked cool, but further encouraged the use of mobile devices during their show.

Lighting was great - the digital orbs/balls, the upper truss of lights bobbing up and down, the lasers, smoke, digital displays, and projectors all in top order. Spotlights had some problems - not sure why.

Chris said the 'f' word, aka "f-bomb" numerous times during the show, usually after his mistakes. There were a lot of kids there - we saw families in line with blankets for the grass, plus those we saw in the pit.

Sound was very good, with the bass hitting a little too hard. Here's what I mean: when you strike a note on the bass guitar, it sounds great. When they were strung back to back, the speakers didn't have time to relax, so it sounded washed-out. Microphone volumes were best for coldplay compared to the others - you could clearly hear him. They had trouble with Will's mike twice.

The bassist seldom smiled - looked like he was concentraiting or this had come routine. He did wave to us in the pit a few times as they walked off three times.

It was a killer show. Obliviously, I wish the audience didn't suck as bad as they did, but, this is Los Angeles, and respect for others is not taught to the youth.

Again, compared to last year's show at the forum, this one seemed more 'canned' or 'routine'. They have been touring for over a year now, so that's justifiable. I really enjoyed their set - was terrific, even if I was one of the few who were chanting, clapping, and dancing.

The confettii was a big hit, as always. During the break between encores, they came out with leaf blowers to attempt to clear them off. Didn't work so well, except on keyboard and drums. The breeze was to the south - right towards the stage.

Once the lights came up, you could see the audience scramble for their cars. Took us 10 minutes to get from pit to car. They gave away free LeftRightLeftRight CDs on the way out, which was nice.

Once to my car, it took 50 minutes to get out of the parking lot. That sucked. Logistics were terrible - rent-a-cops, campus police, and sheriff's office all trying to help get people out. Mad house.

Once out, I took a side street to the 91 west (which was empty at 12:30 - 85 MPH easy), and shot down artesia blvd to Denny's. While there, we ate, and on our way out, saw a group of folks with wristbands from the show. They were just arriving, and they said they were in the parking lot trying to get out for over an hour and a half. That's terrible. Lessons learned: arrive even earlier, and park on the street. Side streets were blocked off and guarded - you couldn't park there.

We had a very good time. I wish LA crouds did not suck the way they do, both for the sake of those attending, and more importantly, for the band themselves.

Kind of hard to clap and dance when you're afraid of ruining your YouTube video.

See you in a few years, Coldplay!

[DaveLev]

Five months of anticipation had all built up to this. My friend and I had left Ventura early in anticipation of potential traffic. Yet it was less brutal than expected, and as a result, we arrived at 4:30 PM, which was two hours before gates opened. Only a few folks were waiting at the gate, but we joined them after purchasing our obligatory expensive merchandise. We chatted with a few fans, but impatience was growing as the gate opening was delayed by a full half-hour. But when we entered, the view of the still-empty stadium was breathtaking. After bolting to the nearest bathroom, we quickly hopped down to our center-floor seats.

The stadium filled up slowly, and still was at minimal capacity by the time the first support act - Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis - showed up. The crowd was only mildly receptive to this act, but was slightly more open to the follow-up act, Amadou & Mariam. By the time they finished, the seats began filling up quickly. The delay in gate opening had caused a delay in Coldplay's entrance, and tensions were running high. But a screech of excitement blared across the stadium as the speakers turned up and began blaring "Magnificent" by U2, followed by a breakdancing roadie who really got the crowd going. Suddenly, the Blue Danube Waltz began, and people rose to their feet (I, as much as I tried, was not able to get the remainder of my section to stand).

Lights out.

Coldplay took to the stage to the roaring sound of crazed fans, and you'd better believe that I was in the upper tier of screaming loons. The screams would hit their apex as the band concluded "Violet Hill", as Chris repeatedly urged the crowd to yell as loud as they could. While most of my immediate area didn't even know the lyrics to "Clocks", I had an utterly fantastic time belting out song after song, even though I can't help but feel I annoyed the hell out of the less-enthusiastic people around me with my frantic glowstick action. For the most part, Chris was not as talkative as in the past, most letting out brief references to David Beckham or dropping profanities whenever he fudged up a note (I counted three instances of the word "fuck" during the night). I suppose nearly 150 shows on a tour will tire you out like that.

But the moment that got the crowd roaring the most was, as usual, the C-stage entrance. As they walk down the side of the stadium, I bolted to the edge of my row to get a close-up glimpse. My camera phone's picture quality disappointed me there, and I doubt the band members could hear me shouting their names as they passed, but all was still fun. The floor stood on their seats while the band was on the C-stage (I almost fell off a couple times), with big cheers as the band started a brief imporvisation about Los Angeles. But the highlight for me began minutes later, as glorious butterfly confetti rained down on me and I began plucking them one-by-one out of the air.

As the gig ended, the folks in front of me were apparently aloof to the concept of an encore and left immediately after "Death and All His Friends" ended, giving me as much space as I needed to jam out to the final two songs, glowstick in hand. When the band finally left, I felt gleeful, yet upset that it may be the last time I see them for a few years. My friend helped me scoop up any remaining paper butterflies in our area. We nabbed LeftRightLeftRightLeft on our way out as people were humming the infamous Viva la Vida chant in the parking lot. After struggling to find the freeway onramp, we were on our way back from an experience that will live on in our memories.

[Corkus]

The show was incredible! This was my first Coldplay show and it didn't disappoint. I was one of the people 12 miles back Chris was talking about . It didn't matter, I was at the very front, very near the middle.

My mom and I arrived around 4:50 pm and there wasn't a lot of people. I expected a lot more. We sat until around 6 when people around us started getting ready to go in. Unfortunately, we had to wait till around 6:20 to get in. Once we were in we hurried to the Grass Berm area. We were probably one of the first 15 people up there.

Once there we settled in the very front, near the middle. My mom and I took turns to go to the bathroom. Bought nachos and pretzels. It was a long wait till the first opening act. The opening act came in at around 7:30. I thought there weren't going to be a lot of people since almost half is still not in their seats by then. My mom wanted me to buy from the merch already but I hesitated, wanting not to miss anything.(Bad idea) The second act came in.

Then Coldplay came in around 8:20 or so. The crowd went nuts. In the very back, I can attest that people weren't very enthusiastic. I was one of the few people cheering them on. During the not so known songs, I was one of the few singing along with them and some was chatting through it I took very few pictures since I only had a 5 megapixel camera with 2.4 optical zoom. This didn't result on me enjoying the concert more. I don't know why but people didn't seem loud in between songs. People in the back did start going nuts when Coldplay went to the back to do acoustic songs.

During the wait for the encore, I saw people leaving. I couldn't believe it! There were also people walking in the walkway right below the berm in between songs. All in all, it didn't affect my experience because I'm not the one that missed out on Coldplay, it's them.

After the concert, I went down to the merch to get a shirt, they sold out on tour book and bracelets though I also went and picked up a couple of butterflies and exited with LRLRL. My mom told me that it's pretty sweet of them to give out free cds. Thinking about it, they probably have to give more than 1 million cd's by the end of their tour. She also said they don't have a break in between their sets; like a first and second act in a play.

It took us 10 mins or so to get out of the parking lot. We did go through the side street to avoid the traffic. After entering the freeway, we had a 30 min drive home.

  • As I am writing this I hear Lovers In Japan playing loudly from my neighbor. I don't know if he/she went to the concert but either way good of him/her.

[y3110w]

Okay the show last night was incredible. It beat my experience at the Honda Center last year. I couldn't see sometimes because i'm only 5'5 but when I started looking around heads i could(plus the Bigscreens). Anyways it was so much fun, Chris was his usual self, very energetic and funny. The crowd was okay in my section. I tried to start a chant a couple of times but no one else joined around me. At the end of Yellow the singalong didn't work out that well, even Chris noticed because he said something along the lines "We need to work on those lyrics". I sang along to every song and jumped around. They sang Billie Jean incredibly well, I was standing on my chair when they went to the C stage and so were a whole bunch of people but the security made us all get down when they left that stage. Chris, Guy, Jonny, and Will all looked very good. I don't care if some people don't like Chris with his long curly hair, but I love it. Chris kept saying a couple of times how we were all here to see David Beckham but I was like "No I'm here to see you and Guy's HOTTER!" When they came back for their final encore Chris said something about how LA was their home away from home and that they have played in LA more times than anywhere else besides London. I'm so glad they do because I love seeing them perform live and plan to see them again on their next tour. At the end of the show I experienced a bittersweet feeling. I was so happy because I had just had the best time of my life but I was sad that it was over, until next time I guess. I filled my Viva bag with butterflies and I got my LRLRL cd on my way out. I almost didn't get it because they ran out in the exit I was getting out from but I ran back inside and a security almost didn't let me through but I was like I am not leaving without my CD and ran through her, I got it though from the main exit where they still had a lot left. I took videos and pictures but I can't upload them because my laptop is down but I will soon. I got home around 1:30 am and went straight to bed but I slept with a smile on my face because that was the best day ever! Viva La Vida and Viva Coldplay!

[iduran20]

My wife, stepdaughter and I began our evening eating at Fatburger in Carson off of Avalon around 4:30 or so. We finished up and headed over to the Home Depot Center around 5:30. I parked close to an exit thinking it would help on the way out (no, it didn't) and we hit the Merchandise stand outside of the Northeast gate. I got the "glow in the dark" poster with the date and location of our show, my wife got some bracelets to support child day care efforts in Senegal and our daughter got the bracelets and a blouse. We went back to the car so our daughter could change her blouse and I put my poster safely back in the car. We next stood in line for about 40 minutes as the gates didn't open until 6:30ish. We sat on the grass berm area and let our daughter pick out our spot. She chose a good one. A little left of the stage and a little into the grass berms incline. We laid out our blankets and got ready to enjoy the opening acts. I actually enjoyed the music from KD&L. Their sound was lively, varied and fun. I appreciated the energy of Amadou & Mariam. Then, U2's "Magnificent" was played and my (as well as the crowd's) anticipation level grew. There was another "hip-hop" tune before "The Blue Danube" was played. That was fun as we waved our arms and clapped along with the tune. At the end of the "Danube" the lights went dark and I nearly lost it! Let me preface the rest of my review by stating that Viva la Vida is not my favorite Coldplay album. This was my third Coldplay concert and the setlist was understandably Viva heavy. As usual the boys didn't disapoint. They sounded great, Chris' voice was angelic and his piano play was mesmerizing, Jonny's guitar play soared and was flawless. Will's energetic drum playing provided the backbone of the band's performance and then Guy's cool, calm and collected performance provided just the right amount of serenity to balance everything out. My favorite performances of the evening were Light in Technicolor II, Strawberry Swing and In My Place, but the real highlight for me was watching my 13 year old stepdaughter rock her little heart out. This was just the 2nd concert I've been to with her. She was just six when I took her to see No Doubt with Garbage back in 2002. I've raised her well and just had so much fun watching her and her mom rock out. That really made the night unforgettable for me. We sang together, we danced together, we laughed together and cheered together. She thanked me multiple times after the show was over. On the way out my wife treated herself to a shirt and got our daughter a Viva la Vida cap. Special thanks to Coldplay for another great performance and for their generous gift of a free CD! Until the next time, folks, it's been fun and I look forward to their next album and tour. Take care everyone.

[mostang65]

Oh my God I had general admission tickets so I waited all day outside this place and ran down to the floor as fast as I could and ended up front row center- right up against the barricade with no one inbetween me and Chris, Jonny, Will and Guy!!!!! I was freaking out the entire time. I almost couldn't breathe. Chris kept leaning out to the audience right over me, especially during In My Place and Yellow, and I was like 3 feet away from him! I can't imagine a more magical or amazing concert experience... and at the end, before the encore, when they all joined together and bowed right in front of me it was so cute! Aaahh I just love them so much!! I took the best concert videos ever and I need to put them on youtube still...

and I won tickets for their show tonight in Irvine from KROQ, so I'm sure they'll be much better seats than the horrid ones I bought in February!

[lisa_noelle]

This concert was a dream come true for me. Ever since I saw Coldplay for the first time at the forum in the nosebleed seats when I was 19, I knew I had to find a way to get to the front. I never would have guessed I would do it in a year. I had GA tickets so I got to the venue at 7:30 a.m. There was only one other group that got there at roughly the same time. Maybe an hour later, a guy called Noel began waiting in line with my friend Nader and I. He was from Mexico City, and he is a Coldplayer: Ginga Joy. It was good meeting you man. Then shortly after, two young girls began waiting in line with us as well. Jessica and Stephanie. They were very excited as well. The wait was long, and many were trying to just get glimpes of the stage through the gates, just to see what was going on. One particular individual was extremely excited when the Viva banner came down. Haha. To pass the time we also started playing a game where you give someone a question, and the answer is a Coldplay song. Example: Where do you keep your things? Ans. In My Place. Corny, but fun when the sun is baking on you and you have nothing to do. They told us the gates would open at 6, so when we were all ready to go in... they changed it to 6:30. My friend and I wanted to make it down there as quick as possible. We went to the stairs and the security gaurd stared at our tickets for about 20 seconds.... not knowing what to do. SO we went to another set of stairs and we thought we were done for! We hustled around some people, mde it down, and when I made it into the pit, there were only a few people in there, and FRONT AND CENTER was open. I know a lot of people say that, but this was legitimately right in front of Chris's microphone. Also, the first ten people in my line also made it to the front. I was happy about that. They were all cool people.

I thought the openers were great. Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis got me snapping my fingers. I liked their style, and it s very hard to describe. They were almost like a British retro, folk band. They were extremely talented. We asked them if they were all a family, and they were. It looked like Mom and Dad and the kids. Amadou and Mariam were also good. However, I wanted them to end as soon as possible so I could see Coldplay. I loved the bass player. He had so much energy.

Coldplay was due to come on, but this lady directly behind me was giving everybody around her a hard time. SHe seemed to think that she had the right to be in any spot she wanted, so when she tried to get closer to her daughter(who made no attempt to get to her), she pushed people and started going off on everyone around her. She tried to get security to help her out, saying she knew a guy "Raul" who could come down and sort it out for her... Eventually, everyone in the front started pointing at her chanting for security to take her out. It was hilarious. Thankfully, when the show started she faded out of sight. When the Blue Danube came on, the roadie stood up right in front of me and started leading the clap. The spotlight was right on us.

The show was so amazing. Life in Technicolor is such a great intro. Once Violet Hill came on, I could not even believe how close I was. It wasn't until In My Place that Chris was allowed to roam free. He came right up to the edge of the stage. I could almost smell him. Yellow was AWESOME. A ball came to me and I instinctively hit it forward towards the stage, and I PEGGED Chris with it who was singing into his microphone. SORRY buddy. haha. Did anyone see that? It's great being up so close to the stage. When you are in the back, you can't see the interactions between the band members. At previous concerts, i have always thought that Chris was the only one that rocks out, but now since I've been up front, I can say that they ALL do. Will goes crazy on the drums and really gets into it. Jonny may not move around too much, but when he gets a solo, or exposed bit, he really digs into it, and I could see the energy coming off of him. Guy does looked relaxed, but you can tell he is groovin' and loving it in his head. Viva La Vida was amazing. I was right in front of Will on the drums. The Viva chant was magical. I stopped singing it for a bit just to listen, and it was SOOO loud. It was amazing. During Strawberry Swing, Noel got a drum mallet that Chris bounced off the drum into the audience. Good job man! Also this was the first time butterflies rained down on me in Lovers In Japan. It was a great experience. Everyone was so happy about it, it was like magic. The concert really flew by, and before I knew it, it was over. When the boys were doing thier bows, Jonny walked by me, and I screamed his name. He looked down right at me, smiling, and began applauding my section of the audience. It was awesome! The Encore was brilliant as always. The Scientist is a great singalong, and Life in Technicolor 2 really gets you up and going. I was also lucky enough to get a set list from a Roadie after the show.

This was really the best Coldplay experience of my life, and it ranks in the best nights of my life as well. It could not have gone any better. Nader and I had a blast, and I'll get some videos up here soon, as well as some pictures.

[milesahead89]

Okay...just got back to the DC area last night around 1 am...just woke up now and am posting MY review of the show...

This was my fourth VLV show and by far the worst I've seen...so sorry to disagree Our seats were in A2, row 18...but we were SOOOO far away! I thought we would be much, much closer...the pit was freaking enormous...MUCH bigger than the ones at other venues I've seen...so I'm sure the pit people had an amazing time...so jealous. Anyway, once people stood up, I saw NOTHING...I'm only five feet tall and couldn't see a single thing...it was like listening to LRLR in the car or something....my husband felt terrible...since he's like six feet tall, he could see everything, so he took like 200 pictures for me...I tried standing on my chair (which worked like a dream!), but the security guards yelled at me several times... anyway, the crowd in our section was the worst crowd in the history of cp shows...seriously... NOBODY danced, sang, yelled, or even clapped!! What the hell, people? Why do people pay that much money to get floor seats and then not even do anything at the concert? The people beside us said they were just staying for a few songs and then would leave. From where we were, we couldn't even hear the crowd singing along at all...and I guess the boys couldn't either since they mentioned it like four or five times... I ridiculously love Coldplay, but I felt like they were just kind of trying to get through the show and get it over with because they totally were not the playful and enthusiastic band I saw in Pittsburgh. But I completely understand...when you have to ask the crowd to sing along and then comment that we need to work on the lyrics (at the end of Yellow), you would just want to get it over with. I was really diasppointed... I'm sorry if people disagree if I ruined someone else's memories of this show. I'm sure we would have had a different experience if we were in different seats. Hopefully, the Raleigh show will be a better experience! As a quick side note though, this thread is by far the BEST thread I have seen for a concert. You guys freaking rock at posting and helping each other out. AMAZING!!

[jelynch2]

I’ll start off my review by saying that I don’t post as much on the Coldplaying.com forum as I should, I do read it everyday—so most of you will not know me. I’ve been a fan since Parachutes came out, “Yellow” was on the playlist at my wedding. I’m also out of the demographic for Coldplay fans, slightly older at 39, but saw plenty of older fans mixed in with younger ones on Saturday night, which was nice for hubby, since he worries about stuff like that.

Hubby and I arrived later than I wanted to, we left three hours early and didn’t get there until seven due to an unforeseen car issue, had to wait an hour to get back on the road. I was so nervous I wouldn’t make it! We then had to park in the dirt parking lot at the college next door to Home Depot Center, and then walk about half a mile, but at least we were there! I bought my program right away and went inside to wait, hubby asking all sorts of questions (he likes the band ok but has to define which album a song is from by giving the color of the album cover, like white for ROBTTH and blue for X&Y)

The opening bands were ok, very, very loud, with good, bouncy beats, but not who I came there for!

Finally, Coldplay! Granted, my seats did not turn out all that great, I was on the floor section, thought I would be a lot closer, but not to be. I am five two and hubby is six feet and we had to keep switching placed when the couple in front of us did, me behind the shorter of the two; I spent most of the concert watching the TV screens, so, yes, a little disappointing there—really wanted to see the boys and not just hear them.

All in all, the evening was fantastic. My section swayed and sang with the music; some of the highlights for me were Cemeteries of London, Hardest Part and Postcards, Lost, Politik, Lovers in Japan (and the butterflies—I only got two since the breeze blew everything away from our section) and the encore. Emjoyed the versions of GPASUYF and Talk, they sounded like they escaped from the 80's. I especially loved the band playing the other end of the stadium, loved Green Eyes and Billie Jean—great arrangement, but hubby thought it sounded more like a parody. We had to leave as LIT2 was ending, and walked the half mile back, clutching my goodies, program, butterflies, $60 jacket and 2 LeftRightLeftRight CD’s. Getting out did not take as long as we thought it would, easier than the Forum in 2006.

Overall, loved, loved, loved the show. I felt they brought their A game, lots of energy and Chris had great humor as usual. Hubby said he hit a couple wrong piano keys, but I didn’t notice, I think that’s his playing style, kind of frenetic, right? My only caveat for the next show I go to, is to pay some more dough to get better seats. Other than that, just perfect evening!

[kittybitty]

We were lucky enough to go to Coldplay's second Viva la Vida tour. Neither time were we planning on going to the concerts. This time someone asked us two days before if we were going. We said no, then she said, "My sister has extra tickets that she'll sell to you at a discount!" That was the end of that. Although our seats weren't as good as last time, we still enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.

Coldplay puts on such a great show. The lighting was spectacular, the back drops were cool, they walk off stage and sing on a little stage in the way back. I bet those people who thought they had bad seats were so excited when Coldplay came to sing right next to them. At this part of the concert they improvised a little and sang non-Coldplay songs, one being Billy Jean. I liked their version. At the end of the concert Chris Martin informs everyone they are giving us all a free CD, Left Right Left Right Left. It's the live version of a few of their songs. The crowd went wild.

Lovers in Japan was still my favorite song. I was so glad they still shoot tissue paper butterflies into the audience during the chorus. The air was filled with them!

For the encore they played Life In Technicolor, the version with words. Ja loves this song and I think it was his favorite part of the concert. We had a great time!

The concert was at the Home Depot Center in Carson. If you ever go there parking is horrible so you need to go two hours before the event starts. We ended up parking at a Panda Express parking lot and walking almost a mile to the center because the line of cars was not moving at all. We did make sure that the lot didn't say "Panda Express Parking Only" before parking.

http://jonathanlaura.blogspot.com/20...y-concert.html

[edit]

Media Reviews

COLDPLAY LIGHTS UP L.A.

British super group Coldplay took down the sold out house last night as they rocked the crowd at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Lights, color, energy, and tireless lead singer Chris Martin dominated the evening, with Martin making endless laps around the U-shaped stage as the super excited fans indulged the band and sang out practically every word to popular Coldplay classics like “Clocks,” “In My Place,” and “Fix You,”-songs packed in to the first half of the killer show. Chris was beaming as he joked, “We are grateful for your Saturday night choice. We know you have a lot!” and “I know all the ladies were lined up early to see David Beckham!” as the Home Depot Center also houses Beckham’s L. A. based soccer team the Galaxy. In fact, as Los Angeles is now Martin’s second home thanks to a certain actress with the initials G. P., he informed concert goers that this was the city outside of London that they have played to the most. Good work Gwyneth!

The night was not without surprises as they band descended from the main stage, worked their way down the corridor, and leaped onto a second stage placed in the back of the house in the middle of the crowd. People were going nuts as they screamed for their rock heroes. Once a top their alternate perch, the Brits belted out acoustic versions of “Green Eyes,” “Sitting On the Dock of the Bay/Death Will Never Conquer,” and in an ode to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, they took on a sweet rendition of “Billie Jean.”

Of course they night would have not been complete without some tracks from their new album, including “Life in Technicolor,” album title and hit song “Viva La Vida,” “Lost?” and “Lovers in Japan.” They ended their musical journey with Coldplay favorite “The Scientist” and “Life in Technicolor ii” which was accompanied by an explosion of multicolored confetti that poured over the cheering audience. And speaking of the audience, a show in Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a celebrity contingency, right? So who was there? The one and only Tom Cruise, songstress Katy Perry, Adam Brody, and self-proclaimed Coldplay fanatic Justin Timberlake. Shine on Coldplay!

http://redcarpetroxy.com/?p=1248

Cruise, Reynolds and Gyllenhaal: Hot for Coldplay

The stars were shining at Coldplay's Saturday-night concert at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Spotted backstage coming and going throughout the show and at the VIP afterparty were Tom Cruise, Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ginnifer Goodwin and, of course, frontman Chris Martin's wife Gwyneth Paltrow, writes E! Online

[edit]

Twitter Updates

  • coldplay By 'eck, it's a biggun tonight! LA baby! R#42
  • coldplay It just struck me that there are more security working tonight than people who attended Coldplay's first gig. R#42.
  • coldplay Tonight's show is on a football field. Catering? On a tennis court of course... R#42.
  • JoeSalyers Opening bands!20 minutes ago from web
  • gotcheese2768 Just saw soha taking a pic in the pit. Haha i hope i don't sound like a stalker. Whatever happened to seats upgrades?
  • Prospekt Omg guy and will are on the side of stage watching the openning band perform!
  • Prospekt There are so many people here, its amazing to witness this! Magnificant is now playing, almost showtime!
  • JoeSalyers LIT COLDPLAY!!!!
  • KatyPerry At the Coldplay concert... With shanny my bff. They are SOOOOO good!!! I forgot how much I enjoying being such a fan.
  • PR_Gal Just spotted Jake Gyllenhall and Rick Foxx at @coldplay concert here in LA! Loving floor seat action!
  • rantcliff81 Loving that Katy Perry pretended to be a huge Coldplay fan in one tweet then claimed their song was called 'Fix Me' in the next one
  • gotcheese2768 Lost! Guy is working the drunms
  • gotcheese2768 Coldplay is on. I see sparklers. Crowd crazy. I plan to sing the whole time. Maybe i'llsee makayla on the big screen. Violet hill will f ...
  • gotcheese2768 Glass of waterC
  • gotcheese2768 Strawberry swing. Think im annoyibg ppl with nmy dancing and singin but whot the fuck cares
Retrieved from "http://wiki.coldplaying.com/index.php/18_July_2009:_Home_Depot_Center%2C_Carson%2C_CA%2C_USA"
Google ads