24 March 2003: Royal ALbert Hall, London, England
From WikiColdplay
Setlist
- Politik
- God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
- Spies
- Daylight
- Trouble
- One I Love
- A Rush Of Blood To The Head
- Don’t Panic
- Everything’s Not Lost
- Pour Me
- Yellow
- The Scientist
Encore - Clocks
- In My Place
- Ladder To The Sun
- Life Is For Living
Reviews
The Royal Albert Hall, a proud setting to host one of the best bands on the music scene - Coldplay.
We arrived, after making our way through the throngs of touts, who generated a lively East London atmosphere. At the smallest hint of interest they were right by our sides, trying to persuade us to swap our tickets and money with their `better seats'. But as we sat in our places, we were glad we didn't, as we were yards from the action.
There were cheers from the audience, as Politik, the first on their newest album A Rush of Blood to the Head, opened the concert. Here the audience were treated to the sight of watching lead singer, Chris Martin, as he hammered out the tune on piano, while stamping his left foot in time, head bent close over the keys - a man completely and naturally at one with the instruments.
The music was enhanced by the lighting arrangement, as each display shone red or purple and green lights over the four members, and seemed to fit the mood of each song. This was put to full effect, as Trouble was played, with the band bathed in red light, adding mood and atmosphere.
The height of the performance was Martin's pure enjoyment and enthusiasm, which continued through the whole concert, as he leapt and spun around, and ran from guitar to piano, to perform every beautifully crafted piece.
The concert was the first of six, arranged by Harvey Goldsmith, CBE, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity dedicated to the provision of financial and emotional support for teenagers, who have been sadly diagnosed with cancer at such an early age. The idea of the concerts as a fundraiser was because of the appeal of music to teenagers, and the emotional therapy it brings.
The closing song was Everything's Not Lost, the final track featured on their first album Parachutes. It calmed the tone of the gig, as by now everyone had left their seats to become involved with the music. A band I definitely recommend to be seen, as you can't fail to be amazed by their provoking music and inspiring stage presence. The only downfall to this spectacular performance was that it ended too quickly.
~Rebecca Beatty
Well where to begin? It all happened last night - despite not being well in the morning, after resting out i pulled myself together and headed into London. After meeting up with my friend at Waterloo and then a slightly confused tube ride across to East London and a much needed Pizza since I had not eaten properly all day (MMMmmmmm Pizza), we finally arrived near the Royal Albert Hall. After walking along Hyde park (a beautiful place at night with the lit statues), we finally came up to the Hall, which if you know it at all is quite a building!
Since I had never been to the Royal Albert Hall before, lets just say my jaw dropped when we got inside - the place is HUGE, its like being in an indoor circular version of a football stadium, only in the form of a theatre with stalls and tiers. Our seats were in the Choir East section which means that we were just above and around the side of the bands. What I later found out was that not only did we have excellent views of the whole stage, but Chris' piano would actually be facing us and at the best points of the gig we essentially got to see what the band could see - no wonder they keep saying they have the best jobs in the world - looking out at the entire RAH sold out and dancing is breathtaking!!!
I won't go into details of the opening act but essentially it was lounge music for parents. Not all bad and a fairly good mood setter but the lead singers sheffield drawl kinda made it a bit dull. And so there was a 20 minute stage change and then all of a sudden off went the lights and on came the intro music. To say I was excited is like saying that kids dont like candy and from the opening sounds of Politik I was bouncing up and down like a rabbit on speed
While I can't remember the whole set the highlights were for me: Ladder to the Sun, a excellent performance of Poor Me (I mistook it for Animals in the first few chords but then quickly realised what it was - that song is REALLY growing on me), Yellow (with the entire venue on its feet dancing and singing), The Scientist (I had to lean forward so my m8 didn't see my watery eyes!) and In My Place (everybody dancing again). Perhaps the only thing lacking was Gravity, and its made me determined to make a nice big banner to try and get it played at Earls Court
Chris' energy during the night was unbelievable, he was dancing all over the stage, spinning and doing his best impression of the Status Quo rock-out guitar throws. At the first encore on his return he even vaulted the piano! It was great to see but it could go soooo wrong one day - Chris keep some control m8 - we dont want u being taken off in an ambulance! The other boys really seemed to enjoy it too and they got a total standing ovation which was completely deafening as a send off
I left the gig feeling on top of the world, and my m8 who is not the biggest fan absolutely loved it too. This was right up there with seeing Radiohead at South Park. My conclusions where that I had just seen the best single band performance at a gig in my expereince of some 20 odd gigs
2 words: ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT
I can't wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Hicksy]
