It’s hard to know what to love best about Coldplay — the music, of course, every rock ballad a smashing crowd favorite, but there’s also the high-energy stage presence of the band and its evangelical, marching-band leader. Then there’s the colorful retro grunge clothing reminiscent of the ’80s, the painted guitars and piano; and the pulsing laser light show complete with drop-down balloons that alternately change colors, go psychedelic or show images of the band in full symphony.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performs at the Ford Center in downtown Oklahoma City on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. By John Clanton
Featured Gallery
Advertisement
Coldplay’s concert at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City on Sunday night was a feast for the senses.
The band had two opening acts: Sleepercar, out of El Paso, Texas, which pleased the crowd with its strong vocals and nice harmony; and Jon Hopkins, whose computer techno sound combined with animated graphics on a projector screen make one imagine a demented Dr. Seuss dropping acid.
But it was Coldplay the audience came to see, and from the opening swells of the first song, “Life in Technicolor,” the rowdy crowd was on its feet, dancing, singing and shouting appreciation — and the Brits more than returned the favor.
After the opening instrumental, Coldplay launched into “Violet Hill,” a song that asks, “If you love me, won’t you let me know.” The crowd roared its response. Martin’s piano was rolled onstage, and after a quick “Hi” the band played “Clocks,” a brilliant piano-driven piece that takes Martin’s voice through a range of octives. Lasers shot everywhere and the audience became almost frenzied. Next on the playlist was “In My Place.”
Martin displayed so much energy through each song — conducting the band, then the audience — all with a flick of the wrist or a wave of his arm. He skipped, twirled, marched, jogged in place, threw himself nearly into a backbend and ran from one side of the u-shaped stage to the other, at times appearing as if he would launch himself into the audience. At other times, he serenaded from his knees or even sang the final notes of songs lying flat on his back on the stage.
After “Speed of Sound” Martin said it was about time to say a proper hello.
“We’re happier than we can possibly imagine to be here,” he said.
Martin apologized for delaying the concert from its original scheduled appearance in July, but the crowd seemed overly pleased to have the band even four months late.
Martin changed his lyrics several times to match his surroundings. On the eerie “Cemeteries of London,” the chorus became “and the night over Oklahoma City ...” In “Politik,” a line became, “Give me a street in Oklahoma City named after the Flaming Lips.”
As tradition in every Coldplay concert, Martin turned his microphone to his audience for the chorus on “Fix You,” and everyone sang along to one of the band’s most touching ballads. “That’s the best singing we’ve had in a long, long time,” Martin praised.
Next, guitarist Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman got the crowd to clap along to “Strawberry Swing,” from the latest CD “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.” The single “Viva La Vida” brought the crowd to a new level of energy, jumping, dancing, clapping and singing along.
The Ford Center, which can hold up to 20,5000, was packed to the rafters except for sections behind the stage.
“I have to say that as a band we’re thoroughly impressed for a Sunday night in Oklahoma,” Martin said.
The band moved from center stage several times during the nearly 2-hour set going to a lighted box on stage left to sing “God Put a Smile UponYour Face” and “The Hardest Part,” then later to a stage in the rear of the arena just under the second level to sing, “The Scientist.”
Coldplay was near perfect, sounding every bit as great in person as they do on albums. Ironically, the only moment of loss during the night was when Martin’s voice broke on the final notes of “Lost,” but with a bit of laughter at himself, the audience cheered him on anyway.
One of the best moments of the night was during the song “Lovers in Japan” when multicolored paper butterflies rained down on the audience in a neon confetti.
After singing “Death and All His Friends” the band left the stage to return for an encore of “Yellow.” Martin told the audience they’d sung everything they possibly could and wished everyone happy holidays before sending them off fully content.
Viva La Coldplay.
Contributing: Stefane Wall and Jaesen Pemberton
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
So glad Coldplay came to Oklahoma City again, they perform so well and the concerts are great. Love their music. (mister, bogata --- please get a hobby instead of reading here and being so critical!)
Sam Bradford sat across the aisle from us Sunday night. People generally left him alone, but he signed an autograph for a little boy just as Coldplay came out. Maybe next time you can touch the hem of his garment ....I am surprised anyone in the crowd new there was a concert going on since His Highness was there.
Edwin, that is going to be a hard one to pull off... getting out of there without someone announcing the score of that game or overhearing it on the radio, etc... good luck though.
I missed Coldplay the last time it was in OKC since I went to the OU-zerOSU basketball game in Norman. I gave my tickets to a couple of friends that time, and they loved it. It was better last night than I imagined it could be and I had a good time though I was not feeling well. I loved the projection of the band's images on the suspended balloons above the Ford Center floor. Well played, Coldplay.
Sam Bradford sat across the aisle from us Sunday night. People generally left him alone, but he signed an autograph for a little boy just as Coldplay came out.
This year I have fourth row AC-DC tickets in Tulsa when OU plays Boones Farm U. in Stillwater so I will use my concert tickets. I will record the game and watch it when I get home.
I was there last night AND two years ago. All I can say is they were excellent both times. They made you feel like they cared your were there, unlike other bands that are just playing to make a buck and don't care about the audience.....
11
Featured Gallery
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).
Tricia
Sam Bradford sat across the aisle from us Sunday night. People generally left him alone, but he signed an autograph for a little boy just as Coldplay came out.
This year I have fourth row AC-DC tickets in Tulsa when OU plays Boones Farm U. in Stillwater so I will use my concert tickets. I will record the game and watch it when I get home.