21 January 2003: Hard Rock Live, Orlando, USA

From WikiColdplay

Hard Rock Live

Setlist

Reviews

Coldplay was brilliant. They started the night off with "Politik" from their 2002 album A Rush of Blood to the Head. Immediately as the song began, flashing strobe lights mimicked Will Champion's erratic, hard drumbeats and introduced the illuminated fans to the band's absorbing, confident sound. Front man Chris Martin bounced all over his seat as he pounded his piano center stage. He looked as if he was impersonating Stevie Wonder with his wild back and forth head sways. Towards the end of the opening number, Martin busted out with his own rendition of "Chopsticks." The simplicity of the melody was intriguing.

Next, from their 2000 debut album Parachutes, Coldplay rocked with "Shiver." Martin stepped away from the piano and picked up his six-string. Like Beck, there was a wonderful oddness to him. He jumped around the stage in a way only the British can move. The wiry singer had charmed the crowd, encouraging them to sing along with him, which they excitedly did. Behind each note played, there was a deep, honest passion released. Guitarist Jon Buckland's distorted riffs and bassist Guy Berryman's riveting rhythm were full of genuine, raw emotion.

Due to Martin's voice strain, the British band had to cancel a number of American shows last year. Rumors of the band breaking up due to no more inspiration headlined newspapers all over England. But like all heroes, Coldplay shattered the scandals with their smash album A Rush of Blood to the Head and persevered through the controversies.

Orlando's Roberta Markowitz said, "Coldplay's a great band. Whatever kind of genre you're into you can adapt to Coldplay's music. I think this concert was energetic. It was one of the most liveliest shows I've ever been to."

For their encore, Coldplay heated up Hard Rock Live Orlando with their latest release "Clocks," "In My Place" and "Trouble." Shawn Anastasia of Orlando summed the evening up perfectly when he said, "This show kicked some fucking ass."

Set List: "Politik" "Shiver" "Spies" "Daylight" "Warning Sign" "One I Love" "Don't Panic" "Beautiful World" "Everything's Not Lost" "Moses/Poor Me" "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face" "Yellow" "The Scientist" Encore: "Clocks" "In My Place" "Trouble"

Courtesy of hardrock.com

Last night I had my first opportunity to see a band that has significant importance in my life. I was able to get tickets at the closest balcony table on the right balcony arm so was able to have a perfect view of the concert and the acoustics from where I sat were PERFECT. I spent the first 5 songs on the floor with friends and thought it was a bit overcrowded but the energy in the crowd was fantastic. Surveying this from the balcony was amazing. Seeing this sea of people singing along to most songs and waving their hands. I attempted to take pictures from the balcony but the digital camera I had took very blurry photos. From what I heard disposable cameras were fully allowed inside and I assume this will true for all other shows as I believe it is up to the band more so than the venue.

The band sounded terrific. Most of the performance fell on Chris who is super animated compared to the rest of the band. I was completely impressed with his energy and how great he sounded live.

The set list is as follows:

Politik Shiver Spies Daylight Warning Sign One I Love Don't Panic Everything's Not Lost Moses God Put A Smile Upon Your Face Yellow The Scientist

1 minute of deafening crowd begging for more.... and Chris returns saying something like "let's get this party started."

Clocks In My Place Trouble

The most emotional moment in the crowd was during yellow. I think the entire house was singing along and the whole crowd was bathed in yellow light. From the balcony it was amazing to see the crowd and I almost watched the audience more than I watched the band for this one.

My only complaint about the show was its length. It was only 1:35 with the encores. I suppose the important thing is that the show was 100% wonderful while it lasted and it is better to leave an audience wanting more than walking out before its over. Still I REALLY WANTED TO HEAR ARUSH OF BLOOD OR AMSTERDAM! These songs deserve to be played. The audience gave the loudest ovation that I have ever heard after Scientist and I just can't believe the band couldn't have put in another 15 minutes or so as this was the tour opener and the crowd was so excited.

All in all this was one of the best shows I've been to in terms of sound and crowd energy. It was a fantastic time. I made the 6 hour trek to Atlanta last year only to find that the show was cancelled at the last minute and I had missed a 6 song impromtu show in the parking lot. Needless to say I was thrilled to have this opportunity to see the band in a great venue minutes from my home.

Oh and as a final note, the opener Ron Sexsmith was really good I thought. People seemed to respond quite well and I don't think the guy screaming "who are you" was being rude but was saying it more in a humorous way since the band is relatively unknown. Nice opener to the Coldplay show.

Corey out.

~Corey Alexander

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