22 July 2009: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX, USA
From WikiColdplay
Contents |
Setlist
- Life In Technicolor
- Violet Hill
- Clocks
- In My Place
- Yellow
- Glass Of Water
- Cemeteries Of London
- 42
- Fix You
- Strawberry Swing
- God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (Partial Techno Remix)
- Talk (Partial Techno Remix)
- The Hardest Part (Chris Solo Piano)
- Postcards From Far Away (Chris Solo Piano)
- Viva La Vida
- Lost!
- Green Eyes (acoustic)
- Death Will Never Conquer (Acoustic, sung by Will)
- Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover - Acoustic)
- Viva La Vida (Remix Interlude)
- Politik
- Lovers In Japan
- Death And All His Friends
Encore - The Scientist
- Life In Technicolor ii
- The Escapist (Outro)
Photos
Photos from this show can be found at Coldplaying.com in the Gallery thread for Houston. http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/1704
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=54390
Discussion
All post-show discussion for this show at the forum thread: http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54390
Fan Reviews
All fan reviews have been submitted to us by the members of Coldplaying.com[1], unless stated otherwise.
Hey all!! Just got home from the show and it was another stonker! The boys were in such a good mood tonight - all seemed super enthusiastic and happy. I'm sure the sold out crowd helped, but the audience was SO much more into the show than in Dallas.
Angie and I kept each other company through the opening bands - she lucked out since her seat was RIGHT NEXT to the door that they would come out for the B-Stage! HA! Lucky! The seats next to her remained empty until I left to go to my seat around 8:45pm. She also befriended the security guard and got him to keep his setlist for her. Lucky again. I, however, did not luck out with a setlist again. This time I tried the sound booth, but no luck.
Anyway, the show was incredible. The setlist went back to it's original form, so Trouble must have been a Dallas only thing for now. Makes it even better that I went to that show too! I definately had more fun at the Dallas show since I was able to free-roam around in the PIT. This show I was sandwhiched between general folk and had a super tall guy in front of me, ugh, so it was sometimes hard to get pics and vids.
When Chris was talking about the LRLRL CD, he said TX always boos when they say they won't be coming back for a while (happened last night in Dallas, and tonight!). Well of COURSE, we want them back!! Anyway, he said he wasn't sure it was a good or bad thing, but of course everyone cheered to reassure him it was good
Will must have seen someone he knew in the audience at the end of the show, since he was awfully dapper and smiley at one point and was waving into the crowd. Not sure what that was about but I got some on video.
Took much more video today since it was my last show for a while and the security people weren't crappy like yesterday. I have pics and will post some in a bit!
[mrman78]
Home at last! Why must Texas be so frickin big!
Woot got hi 5 from Jonny, I wore my Southampton shirt and got a "nice shirt" from Will on their way to the B Stage, then a hi 5 from Will on his way back to main stage. And lots of love from Jackie! Hugs and she remembered where I live. After, the cute little security guard that gave me the set list said I thought you said that lady didn't like you. You look like old friends.
[TheAngie]
The concert was AMAZING!! Chris was so full of energy as usual I loved Jonny's guitar-dancing as well. Guy was so cute(we made dead eyecontact) And Will was such a bad ass, he is so awesome. I even got a chance to see(and touch) Phil. He was infront of the pit barrier taking pictures. When he was passing by during DAAHF I yelled "PHIL!" he just turned around and smiled. I took a couple of pictures of Mr. Harvey I was in the front and center of the pit, not letting got of that bar, so I was literally inches away from Chris when he did that little bowing during "Fix You" (then he just jumps up) Since I was so close I went crazy with my camera and took ALOT of pictures. This was the best way to end my last Coldplay concert(til their next LP that is) And to top the night off I got a setlist
[yellow745]
i sat on row 107 and i was screaming and jumping and dancing throughout the whole way cause this was my first coldplay concert and my first concert ever.
i was one of few people who dressed up pretty weird for the concert. i got myself the jonny buckland cap and throughout the concert i was screaming "Go JONNY BOI!!!!!!!" behind me was whwerre they were gonna be for the C stage. so i moved to the lawn while they were in the B stage. but when they finished the B stage they went back to the main stage and viva la vida started.
and i had a choice. stay in the lawn until they move there so i can be close to them or go back to my original spot to sing viva la vida with my mom and dad. i decided to go back with my parents and sing with them viva la vida because i wanted to experience that song with my mom cause we have had great times singing it in the car full blast.
and when they moved to C stage it was awesome. they played billie jean and they were so close(10 feet+) i kept on yelling "i love you chris, jonny, will, guy"
i loved the way jonny was dancing and whenever it was time for his solo i kept on screaming his name. the guys in front of me just kept looking at me. i have to admit that in my section i didnt see anyone jumping like i was. i was just so happy. whenever another song started i literally went crazy no lie. i was jumped as high as i could and screamed at the top of my lungs. the videos i took suck cause of all my jumping lol. it was a great night. super awesome.
[Coldplayer11]
Great show last night!! Took forever to get home though (330 am) I was in 103 row q right in the middle of the row. I went to the 1st houston show and the san antonio show and I gotta admit, I think the crowd was more into it at the sa show.. or maybe it was just the people around me.. not sure. Despite that, The guys did great tonight and seemed really in a good mood talking to the audience throughout the show. It was my first trip to the venue and have to say it's an awesome place to see a concert, the atmosphere is great! I took some pics and video and I'll add them in the near future. Again, great show by the guys as they really fed off the crowd although I do wish the people around me were a bit more into the show. Many people were sitting down during songs, It seemed like I was the only one standing during DAAHF until the the drums kicked in. Anyway, great show and performance by the band!!!!
[sa_spurs_tx]
Hey guys! Just spent the past hour or so reading all the posts of the concert...it was AMAZING. I was front and center with Brenda--Chris just inches away!! But he didn't ever look down directly at us, which was sort of annoying. Though we're both convinced Guy was looking at us
Thanks for the pics everyone! And the videos--that high five!! I'm jealous! It may sound crazy, but I hate taking pictures/videos during concerts...I get so distracted. I'm no good with a camera anyway, so I just don't bother and leave it up to other people. And you guys obviously did a good job
We stayed after too to try and get some autographs, something, anything! but the jackass security guards shooed us off. They were mean about it, too. Ugh. But whatever--someday, somehow, I shall meet the boys! This was only my third concert, but by far the most amazing. There is just no beating the front of the pit. I mean, last two, I was basically in the nosebleeds, far as could possibly be. After this experience, no more!
I tried yelling at the boys individually--they either didn't hear most of the time or just ignored me BUT when Chris was playing Postcards, and the rest were getting ready for VLV, I screamed, "HEY WILL!!" and I think he actually heard, as he like lifted his arms in greeting or something So that was awesome.
Anyway, great show, will miss the boys--until the next show!
Oh, and I forgot to mention: Phil was taking pictures RIGHT in front of me, and I had the greatest urge to just pet him. He's so adorable!! Gahh. But I resisted.
Also! I was with my little cousin (well, she's twelve) and after the show, a roadie was reaching down with a guitar pick. I immediately reach out, but he's like, "For the little girl" ! Just because I'm not little doesn't mean I don't want a souvenir! Just like at baseball games...ugh.... but whatever. I worked out a deal with her. I have half-custody
[luckygirl1791]
I had 4 tixs for the 109 section, literally 10 ft from the mid-audience stage. We had only 2 of our group sitting there (the others were in 103BB with me) and we chose to leave the other 2 seats vacant in 109 b/c we could not sell them. I actually sent my 11 yo grand daughter into section 109 before the concert to see if they were better seats, she declined & came back to sit with me in 103BB. Well, when Coldplay went to the mid section to play, she was crying b/c she would have been 10 ft from them. I was able to bring her right up and below them about 15 ft away. SHE MELTED away as they sang. My daughter (her mother) was in section 109 and melted also as they watched them play so close...... During the concert I was able to catch a yellow baloon and let he knock it back up. Of course, she caught a few butterflies also. This was her 3rd Coldplay concert, and by far, her best.It just dont get any better than this folks. Long after I'm gone she'll remember this night, as will I to the end. Oh yea, the others in our group gave it 5 stars too. The only negative to the night was the heat in the Pavilion, it was still hot at the end. I personally rocked so HARD that i dislodged a tooth crown and have been in pain till this am when I went to my dentist for relief. And I'd do it agin in a heartbeat. Praising Coldplay on this site is preaching to the choir, but, heck, they ARE the best. Lookin forward to our next concert.My grand daughter will be with me then too. Cheers !
[Mikejpss]
We were on the lawn this night, since we had been in PIT the night before. I must say, this was THE BEST lawn experience I've ever had. We were directly on the barricade for the c-stage, which meant I had a completely unobstructed view of the stage (though they were still tiny!). My only complaint was that when we first got there (right when lawn gates opened), they had a canopy set up over the c-stage, and we didn't know if they were going to take it down, so we took seats just to the left of the actual stage. This resulted in us getting to see mainly the guys' backs at the c-stage, but it was still awesome. More on that in a sec...
My husband and I were seated on the lawn by 5:40, so we settled in for a long wait. The security guy in front of us and I became great friends, chatting about the shows he's seen (he played with Gwen Stefani's kids when No Doubt was there last week!). We enjoyed the great opening acts. Kitty, Daisy and Lewis were AWESOME. Loved them. In fact, I need to go download their CD. Amadou and Mariam were also fun. About 20 minutes into our wait, a large cloud bank rolled in front of the sun, making things much more bearable. But that's also when I started to worry about rain.
Anyway, Magnificent came on, then Jay-Z and the Blue Danube and everyone around me was very excited. I love that they have a roadie leading claps for the Blue Danube now. They didn't do that when I saw them in SA. Finally, the lights went out, LIT began, and the sparklers came out! Though I was a mile away, the energy and excitement were electric. As in Dallas the night before, the band sounded awesome. Chris' voice is just gorgeous live and the guys seemed to be in high spirits. Around the beginning of the show, we began to feel random drops of rain and see BIG flashes of lightning. The lightning intensified throughout the show, which was a little scary (but also kind of cool), as we were literally standing on a metal barricade, but luckily, the storm seemed to move away from us and we never got more than a few random drops. The storm did keep a nice breeze blowing, so though the lawn was PACKED (sec. guy said it was completely sold out), it was actually quite pleasant out there (for a Houston night, anyway!).
The show progressed as normal (which is to say, it was fantastic) and I was excited to finally be able to really see the b-stage performance, as I had been in the PIT for Dallas and first row for SA and hadn't gotten to see it then. Loved GPASUYF and Talk, and HOPED that Chris would do Trouble again, but it was back to the Hardest Part. I knew we were getting close to c-stage time and started getting really excited. BTW, I was REALLY impressed by the crowd on the lawn. EVERYONE around me was standing the whole time and tons of people were singing their lungs out. From the very first words of Violet Hill I could hear people singing along. That was awesome.
So when it was c-stage time, the band walked up the steps to the stage right in front of me. They got set up and for Green Eyes they were all kind of moving around and turning looking in different directions, so I got to see all of them really well. After that, they settled into a formation of all looking out in the same general direction (away from me ) but I still loved it. I took video of basically the whole c-stage set, so I'll get that uploaded and posted here soon. We got some great shots here, too. I got a huge smile from Guy (well, not just me, but ya know ) and Jonny was really cute dancing around with his tamborine. I was struck by how INCREDIBLY BLUE Chris' eyes were (sorry for the fangirly moment) and Will was AWESOME. He was back toward my end of the stage, so I really got to watch him. So cool. So when the set was over and the guys went running off (Chris is ridiculously fast- he flew down the steps and was gone before the others even made it to the steps), my friend, security guy, hands two girls guitar picks that had been left on the stage, and one of the girls (she was probably around 16 and IN LOVE with Chris- very cute) got a bottle of water that one of the guys had been drinking from. Then he came over to me and handed me a bottle of water from the stage (still sealed, though) AND a towel that had been used to wipe Chris' sweaty brow My husband was laughing at me like I was crazy, but I loved it!!
Anyway, after that awesome moment, we were all pumped for the last few songs and the encore. Everyone was dancing around and singing. SO MUCH FUN. I was a little sad to see the concert end and have my summer of Coldplay come to a close, but everything was so fantastic. We have some awesome memories, and I've got some great souvenirs, too!!
Highlights of the show for me: Strawberry Swing, LIJ (always such a great moment) and C-STAGE!!!!!! Video to come soon!!!
[jenflor]
Jonny was dancing! I was so happy to see that!!!! My videos came didn't come as near as that!! and Chris was laughing as people were going "ouh! ouh!" on the Billy Jean part haha! I had to control myself not to jump on stage!!!! haha
[LiquidSky]
Finally, seeing Coldplay at home. But do I get to lounge about that day and not travel? Of course not. I had seen them the night before in Dallas so my day started there. I woke up around 10am, showered and packed. I had to be out of the hotel by noon, so I waited until then to check out. Went and grabbed some lunch. I was starving after eating food from the vending machine after the show last night. Started the drive to Houston. Since I live about 45 minutes south of The Woodlands and would be getting into town close to rush hour, theer was no point in going home. The plan was to just go straight to the venue and hang out there til show time.
Unlike the trip to Dallas, I had full intentions of stoppping at Buc-ees on the way back. Gased up JB ( that's my car's name) and then went inside. Buc-ees sells every candy known to man and they have my absolute passion at this point in my life. The holy grail of candy.....Cinnamon Mentos! Ha! I love them. I have caused several of my co-workers to become addicted to Mentos and have spoke often of the coveted Cinnamon flavor but we have not been able to find them in the stores near us. I have only found them at Hobby Airport. I take a pic with my phone and text-taunt them with a shot of the 5 rolls I purchased. Then back out on the road and another 2 hours til The Woodlands.
I got to the venue around 5 and sat in my car polluting the greater Houston metroplex by sitting with my A/C blasting and talking on the phone with Lori. Sorry, but it is so frickin hot and gas is cheap right now. Around 5:30 I walk over to the venue. It's the first time I have been there since the place was trashed by Hurricane Ike and they remodeled. It has a new roof, which looks pretty much like the old roof and they shortened the lawn by adding more reserved seats. They still have those bloody white poles that block people's views. Gates opened, thank goodness because there was zero breeze blowing, no shade trees and crushing heat. At least I wouldin the shade under the roof.
I find my seat. Last night in Dallas I sat on Jonny' s side right where they would come off the stage to go to the C Stage. Tonight my seat is on Guy's side, right where they will come off the stage for the B Stage. YAY! Another Hi 5 from Jonny I hope. I am the only person in my section. The cute little man that is the security guard with the exciting task of opening the gate to allow Mr Buckland to walk with in touching disatnce for me is rather excited I am there so he has someone to talk to. There are 2 other security guys, one a young guy that is stationed by the butterfly cannons and the other guy down by Guy's ramp. Then they have a big "venue security guard" meeting right next to me. The supervisor comes to tell them when they need to close off the aisle and how long to keep it closed and all that kind stuff and he hands out a set list to my new found security buddy working the gate as he will have to make sure the gate is open. I ask Mr Supervisor, can I get one of those? Sorry we can't give them out before the show. Well poo. Meeting ends and I start talking to the guards. Here's a tip kids, make friends way before the show and ask for the set list then. That way when the crew start handing stuff to the guards to hand over to people, they will give them to you. So I ask if I can have his list when the show is over and he says sure, no problem. Then he says, I have to start getting rteady during Fix You. Will I be able to understand what he's singing so I will know what song is Fix You. No worries my friend. I am here to assist you. Once they start playing I'll tell you what song they are on.
Marcus (mrman78) came and met me at my seat. He was seated in the next secion and was also at the show alone, so we hung out and talked until Coldplay came on stage. He didn't get to see Kitty Daisy & Lewis in Dallas and only part of Mariam and Amadou. We aggreed that Amadou's announcements were awesome. Thank you Coldplayyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
Before Coldplay, more talks with security dudes. Butterfly cannon dude wanted to know when those giant things were going off and what exactly would they do. I showed hima paper butterfly and asured him it was only the most awesome thing he would ever witness. hehe Then showed him on the set list when that would be taking place...so I could get a look at the set list, sneaky huh!......no changes on the written list but Chris could maybe do another "live" change. Then turned my attention to the rather tall guard next to Guy's ramp. He was tall, too tall. He would be in all my pics and worse, my camera would want to focus on him and noy the band. I saw a chair folded and not in use. So first I ask gate guard , can I ask that ramp guard if he wants that chair, because he is too tal for that position. You need to be hiring some midgets for down front. JHe said, go ask him. So I did and he said sure. Woot! Problem solved. Then evil secuirty supervisor came and made him stand just before the show. He mouthed me a "Sorry".
Then I look up and who is standing on Guy's ramp, but Phil! I got my camera out quick and took some pics, then heard some one yell "Phil Harvey" and he ran away. Ha. Poor Phil. He's so not loving his fame.
We started hearing some thunder and I was afraid for the peeps on the lawn, but the storms missed us and a nice breeze kicked up so it got much more pleasant for show time.
Marcus went back to his seat. Crew preped the stage. Dancing Roadie did a hat and water pistol routine. The band came on and it was rockin! I thought the Houston crowd was much more into it than Dallas.
It starts getting close to B stage time, so I alert my secuirty friend. Then Jackie shows up. I am expecting her to give me her death stare, I'm sure she trains Will in this skill. But instead I get a smile and a hug! Like we are long lost buddies of the highest order! She remembered that I live in Houston! I told her about Nettie and she was stunned. After she walked away I stood there in shock.
I managed to recover and get ready for the B Stage exit. I had already be warned by security supervisor about taping, but screw him, I want video of the boys upclose. Guy is first off and I got a shy smile from him. Jonny next and another Hi 5! Woot!!!!! Then Will and I had worn my Southampton shirt and he tugged at his shirt, smiled the cutest smile ever and said "nice shirt" as he passed. It took Chris a long time to come off stage and all he did was zoom past. :( After the techno songs, the band go back to the stage while Chris stays out at the B Stage. On his way back, Will gave me a hi 5! Woo Yay! Chris ran by even faster on his way back.
The rest of the show was great. Since I wasn't taping much I just sang and danced and occasionally told my security buddies what song we were on. After Lovers, I saw that guard putting butterflies in his pockets. hehe
After the show, I got my set list from my guard friend and hi tailed it to my car. Drove home and collapsed. Need to rest up, on the Alpine Valley on Saturday!
http://angie-footieandconcerts.blogspot.com/2009/07/home-home-where-i-wanted-to-go.html
Media Reviews
Coldplay’s Viva La Vida Tour Justifies Grammy Domination
This is Coldplay’s year. Long time fans of the British band’s melodic pop tunes have been able to celebrate the success of Viva La Vida, and the previous three beloved albums, on this year’s tour that seems almost endless. The thing about Coldplay that keeps reeling listeners in, is the consistency of innovation in their artistic rock that relentlessly reflects any and all streams of emotion.
In 1999, the popish breakout single, “Yellow” from their debut album Parachutes, put Coldplay on the map. Later, we were introduced to “Clocks,” “The Scientist” and “In My Place” from their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. A deep soulful album, X & Y, followed up in 2005, giving us the hits “Fix You” and “Speed of Sound.” Then, most recently, Viva La Vida or Death With All His Friends, provided a breath of fresh air to Coldplay fans with a feel good album full of uplifting and inspirational tracks like “Violet Hill,” “Lost,” “Lovers in Japan” and “Strawberry Swing.” It must be said that if you have not given “Strawberry Swing” a listen at this point, you must lend your ears for a quick minute of your day and enjoy.
Coldplay brings more than sound to a show. They bring real entertainment and a beautiful performance. For a second, one might think a Coldplay concert would be boring, with all the emotional “slow” songs. However, the thousands of fans at the sold out show on July 22, at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston would say that it’s just not so. From the large yellow balloons floating in the air and crowd surfing during “Yellow,” to the bursts of confetti throughout “Viva La Vida,” to the crisp and riveting up close video of Chris Martin rocking on the piano, there was no denying that this show was all about having fun.
Twice during the two hours of play time, the entire band – Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion – traveled into the crowd to perform in the middle of their adoring fans. This kind of intimate surprise is rare during shows at larger venues housing thousands of passionate fans. Coldplay reached out and kept it fresh. Another treat for fans included a special cover of the late Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Thousands sang along in tribute.
Martin’s vocals were almost flawless and quite similar to studio perfection. He danced and spun around free – arms flowing in the air – as he normally does during songs like “Lost” and “Strawberry Swing.” There is one message this band exudes through their perfection and brilliant execution in performance, and the message is clear – this band was meant to tour.
As the show ended and fans flooded to the exit, each person was given a free CD with live tracks from previous shows. The CD included live versions of “Strawberry Swing,” “Clocks,” “Glass of Water” and more.
Sadly, Martin mentions at the end of the show that it may be a few years until we see them again. If a few years is what it will take for another Grammy dominating album and top notch entertaining world tour … well, we’ll just have to accept the wait.
-Melissa Kabilio
http://envymags.com/2009/07/coldplays-viva-la-vida-tour-justifies-grammy-domination/
Twitter Updates
- josephdexter waiting for Coldplay to come on... Random rock music playing... Then out of nowhere Jay-Z - I Just Wanna Love You... Lol.
- moniquita26 Seems like white boys can dance lol #coldplay
- josephdexter Coldplay is on stage now.... Intro is visually amazing as expected. Their playing Life in Technicolor.
- QueenAngeline Coldplay http://twitpic.com/ba9vr
- SuperBitch85 Coldplay in concert tonight, so far I'm fucking impressed
- jay_richmond Coldplay concert they are awsome!
- pureamber At coldplay at the woodlands thanks to my bday gift from @mcaphoto http://yfrog.com/17ntyxj
- roland_G2 Definitly watching COLDPLAY live right now. Unbelievable. Speechless!
- IngridCamacho OMG yellow balloons everywhere while they play yellow. This awesome. #coldplay
- brynncomeaux at coldplay!!! look how they shine for youuuuu http://twitpic.com/babdt
- EasyYvesSaint This is the best concert I have ever seen. Hands down. I'm only tweeting because I want you ALL to know now. Coldplay is powerful stuff.
- moniquita26 Yellow....with yellow balloons floating around #coldplay
- Robot9k Watching @Coldplay in the middle of a lightning storm. EPIC.
- davidelms Coldplay playing with Gods thunder tonight. Someone top that.
- pureamber #coldplay Houston http://yfrog.com/cb6n5j
- pureamber Coldplay is now playing on a mini stage in the middle of the crowd
- danmchenry coldplay just moved cxloser to us like 50 feet closer
- shshaw God's putting on a light show for the Coldplay concert in Houston
- lightparade Enjoying the coldplay show enjoying some magical melodies
- gibsonplayer @coldplay sick show so far
- wesscales Is within 30 feet of coldplay fuckk
- LetyRoxtar Green eyes, you're the one I wanted to findddd... & ne1 who tries to deny u is out of their mind #coldplay
- FlyingSig Coldplay just covered MJ's Billy Jean... Amazing!
- timmyodea Coldplay just did billie jean, an MJ tribute, not bad
- loganwright Coldplay did Billie jean! How cool!
- haleyelzbieta Coldplay covering Billie Jean = A.MAZ.ING
- LetyRoxtar ...give me heart and give me soul... #coldplay
- LetyRoxtar Yayyy confetti butterflies!! Ugh. They didn't reach us waahh #coldplay
- pureamber Billions of paper butterflies just fell from the sky #coldplay pretty awesome http://yfrog.com/605tgj
- See_Oh Just witnessed a proposal, at a coldplay concert. Heck yes.
- OnEoFfCuStOm Coldplay was phenomenal.
- gibsonplayer @coldplay great no wait amazing show tonight please come back soon
