Oxfam Europe Tour Blog: 6 September 2008

From WikiColdplay

Coldplay or Andorra vs England?

That’s the choice some fans might have had to make for their Saturday night in Barcelona. Today’s venue, the Palau Sant Jordi, is right next door to the Olympic Stadium. That is the home of Andorra today, for their game with England in the 2010 Football World Cup qualifiers. The atmosphere should be amazing outside later, as fans of both events converge on this hill overlooking the city, soaked in sunshine. It will give our volunteers a whole different crowd to speak to as well. I wonder which crowd will make the most noise..

Judging that on the noise inside the Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon on Thursday, it could easily be Coldplay that wins on noise volume. It was electric in there. I was on such a high during and after that show. Easily one of, if not, the best show so far. The band really seem to be getting into their stride. The tweaks to the set are fitting in nicely. Songs are rolling on one after the next, and carrying the momentum. The crowd were lapping it up. It was an amazing night. Oxfam volunteers were on song again. Another 1500 or so people making the FOR ALL pledge (that’s 3000 from just 2 shows in France!). The campaigners were full of enthusiasm, passion and energy to help Oxfam strengthen it’s call for action from governments and institutions to ensure quality healthcare and education for all people. The numbers are adding up across countries to form a global movement. With that awareness and action, change is possible. Amazing sign-ups from a noisy and excited crowd at an incredible Coldplay show. When the night goes like that, I really do feel like I have one of the best jobs around.

After the trip from Lyon to Barcelona, it was my chance to check out the city, as there was no show last night. I was exhausted with all the walking but it was well worth it as I made my way around to take in the sights. I had a look at the Nou Camp, home of FC Barcelona, and met a few waiting England fans on the way. This is a great city. History everywhere. I hope to come back someday. Before that though, we have the small matter of another huge sell-out Coldplay show (and maybe some of the football on the radio…)

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=50

Sound check.. 1, 2.

Coldplay are playing my favourite song in sound check..! Albert Hammond Jnr just walked past..! Oxfam volunteers arrive in just 30 minutes..! England are playing just a stones throw away (for a shot putter).. love it.

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=51