22-Jul-08: Chicago - Tickets, Preview, Meetups, Review/Photos

[Chavi]

it's soon 10am in Chicago. When the stalking begins girls? :P

[gvargas]

The show was AWESOME!!! Even with seats at the 300 level I had a great time. I brought my binoculars so I could experience the whole stadium and effects and then look through my binoculars at times to see what the band was doing. I am so glad they mixed it up so much with songs from many of their different albums and some accoustic stuff and some very danceable stuff. Even though I was in the 300s, the people behind me stood up for most of the concert. So, that was cool. At least the people around me were into it.

All the Viva la Vida songs that were played sounded great and Chris's voice was spot on yesterday. In comparison to some of the performances on tv...he made all the notes- I was so happy for him! And you could hear that he made them, because the microphone sounded like it was right next to him. You could hear voice very clearly in a lot of the songs.

They played In my place....which I love!!! and he and everyone else got into it. Yeaahhhhh....how long can you wait for it....yeah....

The effects were really cool...lasers, the balls, butterflies and them rocking on the catwalks. We had tickets in the 300 level so you could see all the people and the stage was directly across from us. This was great. I felt like I experienced the show as a whole and I was able to see all of the guys. Usually when you are too close to the stage, you end up only getting to see one or two of the band members. This time I was able to see all of them as a whole group, a whole band.

I am glad that there were many times where the band got closer to other parts of the audience. It is cool that they are making this effort. And I think they are really doing it for the benefit of all the fans. This time around I was not able to pay for closer tickets, but that they make an effort to sing closer to all the people in the arena makes me happy. Since they can't or don't play in smaller venues anymore, this is a nice touch that they are doing. It also brings more variety to the show itself which is nice.

All in all it was a great show. I was happy with everything that they played. I didn't read any other shows setlists or reviews as to be satisfied with what I got. I felt like they played a variety of stuff and was happy when they kept playing more and more songs. I wasn't sure how long they were going to play for.

Btw...Chris, if you see this you can play a two-three hour show if you want to. :) He mentioned something about playing 1 1/2hours... I don't ever mind more :) ...althought it did feel substantial.

I saw the sign that the coldplayers made....with my binoculars...and I thought to myself...hmmm I wonder it that was made by anyone here. It was! That is pretty cool! You know Chris is Jonny's self esteem booster! Kind of cute.

That was so awesome that they taped "Lost!" I love that song. It sounded so great in concert! I was dancing, waving, singing and clapping throughout both times that they played it. For some reasone I was thinking they were going to tape Yellow when they mentioned the taping...but I guess that was just to pump us up. I thought it was cool when Chris said that we all did a great job...more than he expected.

Hopefully they will use that video.

On one last note... do they usually play Green Eyes or an encore?

I would like to thank Coldplay, especially Chris and Will, if they ever read this. It may just be a total coincidence...but they played Green Eyes for an encore and I asked the oracle to play that song instead of Fix You yesterday. I have no idea if they read those things...but if they do... You made my day yesterday. Again it is probably a total coincidence...but Thank You. Chris and Will's vocal harmonies on that song were awesome...really sounded great in one part. That is also cool that Will plays piano. And I love that song, because it is so acoustic and Chris sings it from the heart. It also reminded me of the time that they sang at the UIC pavillion. I hadn't gotten the AROBTH album yet, but heard that song in concert and loved it...it felt personal...Chris was very chatty back then...

I yelled Thank You throughout the song...but I don't know if they heard me...I was all the way in the 300s. Chris also mentioned Kanye West in his lyrics and that was weird and probably coincidental again...because I also asked for Chris to sing with Kanye West....

Weird...


Anyways, thanks Coldplay for the great concert. Can't wait to see you guys again...hopefully in the near future. Come back to Chicago or its surroundings...it is always welcome to you! Too bad the band has gotten so popular that I haven't gotten to meet all of them yet. Hopefully one day I can. :)

[busybeeburns]

Photos added from the Sun Times above

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes1.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes2.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes3.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes4.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes5.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes6.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes7.jpg

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/gallery/data/1509/suntimes8.jpg

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/1069871,CST-FTR-cold23.article

[Mimixxx]

Aww great review Gisela! :D Glad you enjoyed it so much.

[Faith Akiyama]

The concert was magnificent :D As gvargas mentioned Chris' voice was absolute perfection last night! I also snuck in my camera and took quite a few videos (Only two have been uploaded as of right now). They're not nearly as good as melanieau's, but they're at least from another perspective, haha. I tried to get the entire songs as well...

Viva La Vida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhIBgW2xFlE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhIBgW2xFlE)

Fix You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsLqQbFn2gE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsLqQbFn2gE)

You just have to excuse my horrible voice singing along...^^;

melanieau - I remember that banner moment! That was priceless :D It must've been so thrilling to get a shout out like that!

[professa95]

lit-violet hill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpZ5hjsB2Wg

[coldplay_is_louve.]

^^^ great vids!!!

i wanted to ask you guys about cameras. were you allowed to bring them in? if not, how did you sneak them in?

these videos are getting me more and more excited!!!!!!!!! 2 days!!!

[Faith Akiyama]

^My skirt actually had a pocket which I placed my camera in carefully (I wore a long, loose shirt so they couldn't see the outline of it), so I managed to skip past security (Who only checked my purse) without trouble :D

I also recorded the second performance of Lost! (When the video was being shot) connected with the band skipping to the back of the arena to perform The Scientist. It's a long 10-minute video, though, so it'll take a bit to upload...

[busybeeburns]

Time for a breather.. time I caught up with the world.

I am in the production office at the United Center, Chicago. Home of the Bulls and the Blackhawks! Banners marking their history of success hangs from one of the highest ceilings on the tour. This venue is apparently one of the ‘big 3′ (in terms of height at least). Got a bit of vertigo on the ‘noseblead’ seats when I took a wander earlier. There is history everywhere. I met tonight’s Oxfam volunteers a couple of hours ago, by a statue of Michael Jordan leaping for the basket. I think Coldplay would have slightly different statues, but who knows, they may get one someday. The tour seems to be the biggest on the planet right now.. selling out shows in hours and minutes, rather than days and weeks. Every venue they hit (with those hand-painted drums), goes nuts for the band, as soon as they launch into ‘Clocks’, or even set foot on the stage for that matter. When they took a run around to the balcony at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, for ‘Green Eyes’, it was just crazy up there. I got some good pictures, but plenty of blurred ones with it, when my arms got knocked by other arms held up for that special photo (of that time when they were a couple of feet away from Will, Guy, Chris, and Johnny).

The show is on film tonight. This huge crowd will get a special treat of a couple of songs twice, and a longer set. They’ve been setting up the ‘dolly’s’, cables, ‘risers’ & cameras strategically all day.. I think it’s gonna be special.

Another awesome group of volunteers, all on time and full of energy for our work here. It’s great for them all to be able to say that Coldplay invited them here to talk about Oxfam. What a perfect chance to link up a great concert experience, with doing something right here and now, to get involved with making big change.

Just before I go for now, I wanted to say.. Vegas was crazy. The trip over the mountains from San Jose, was longer than expected. The crew all got in late to the venue. I was so impressed to see the show up and running in time. Especially working in that desert heat! It’s an experience that place. They’ve got an Eiffel Tower and a Statue of Liberty! I was used to Blackpool’s Golden Mile and Yarmouth.. not the Vegas strip. Now i’ve seen it, and now i’m a long way away from those casinos.

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=29

[Carolyn Marie]

I also recorded the second performance of Lost! (When the video was being shot) connected with the band skipping to the back of the arena to perform The Scientist. It's a long 10-minute video, though, so it'll take a bit to upload...

This is GREAT news! I can't wait to see it. Thank you! :D

[gvargas]

Thanks Mimi! I am sure your concert will rock in Liverpool!

I can't wait to see all the videos and pictures people have taken. Alas I can't see them right now...I will have to wait until I get home.

[Texasluvsjonny]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhbNvHjSrRE

[asnigro]

So I assume a lot of you went to shows for the X&Y album correct? Well which tour did you like better?

I thought last nights show was a let down compared to last year honestly.

First off Coldplay has always really only played for an hour and half so that complaint has been around for years now, but they still continue to do it. I mean for $120 each ticket (incl fees) one would at least expect 2 hours worth or some crowd interaction! I know this isnt VH1 Storytellers, but come on, a guy can only ask "Are you guys feeling ok?" so many times.

I just thought this whole show lacked excitement. Last years show with the Square one opening, the new version of clocks, accoustic set-up, yellow balloons, etc was far better in my opinion than orbs with video played on them, lasers (which were used on the previous 3 tours), and paper butterflies.

Another thing I dont like is that most of this new album uses instruments that the guys arent even playing! I was hoping for someone playing the violin (but I guess they arent adding a 5th member to Coldplay) or something during this show, but no, just computers playing recorded instruments.

And so Chris said something about them doing something special for the fans if they could play Lost twice? What exactly was this special treat? They played Green Eyes already on the tour so that couldnt have been it. No special encore, becuase they've played one on every show this tour thus far. They played Lost twice and that was the only thing that was unique about last night and I personally didnt thats that big a deal. Whoa the same song twice in a row becuase you want to make a DVD? Cool dude!

Before last nights show, I was actually thinking about going two nights in a row, but now its out of the question. I also dont think I'll be going to another show on their tour this year (this after seeing 5 shows last year).

Did anyone else see it this way???

[Faith Akiyama]

^I agree about the instruments...I was also hoping for there to be a string quartet -- even a full-fledged orchestra like CSO serving as accompaniment. But that was just wishful thinking!

While Lost/The Scientist is uploading here's the second verse and onward of Speed of Sound -- I wasn't going to record it at first, but the globes were so mesmerizing, haha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUZTpAdA6FQ

[Faith Akiyama]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhbNvHjSrRE

This video is absolutely fantastic, thank you so much! It's always so wonderful to see the crowd reacting/singing to the chorus :)

From the location origin of all of your videos so far I'm pretty sure I captured you and your friends in mine :laugh3:

[gvargas]

When I first saw them perform Viva La Vida...I thought that they should have a full orchestra or at least a set of strings for their MTV performance at least. It would have been more impressive. But, almost all of the tv performances that I have seen have been with their backing track. I was kind of dissapointed with that at the beginning. But, I am kind of used to it. It sounded great yesterday and I have been to other concerts of theirs too. I wouldn't say that the X&Y tour was any better though.

I bought the 300 tickets on purpose though at around 60 per ticket with all of the ticketmaster charges. I thought that was kind of steep already, but wasn't willing to pay over 100 if I wasn't going to see them pretty upclose. So I did what I could. It is expensive...but I don't think any amount of effects would justify pricey tickets.

I didn't know that they played Green Eyes already. Well, I am glad that they did it on this tour at least. They didn't play it on the X&Y tour, at least the shows I went to.

We were wondering why only one song encore...but what can you do. Like I said, I wouldn't mind if they played longer...but all in all, I still thought it was an awesome show.

My question...do the band members play the violin parts on the actual record or did they hire someone else to do that? Who plays?

[Mimixxx]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhbNvHjSrRE


Now I don't want to go all hysterical here so I shall calmly ask you if I just saw what I think I saw at the end of that video :stunned: :stunned:

[Faith Akiyama]

^Chris giving Johnny's butt a squeeze? That's exactly what he did :laugh3: Their backs were facing us, too, and the entire section burst out laughing.

[Mimixxx]

My God! :dead:

:P

[icedude2010]

Alright. So that was pretty awesome huh?!

I got to the United Center and got in at about 5 with Oxfam, and I heard Coldplay doing their soundcheck, and I wanted to run out to the stage and yell, "I love you," but that was against the rules.

Oxfam was great, all the people were amazing.
Oh and btw, I talked to someone on the tour with Coldplay and he said that Coldplay will stay in the city that tthey are playing in until like the night before the next show or something, so they won't leave chicago right after.

I will put up my pics, we were row 1 for the GPASUYF and Sleep chant!

[Mimixxx]

^Chris giving Johnny's butt a squeeze? That's exactly what he did :laugh3: Their backs were facing us, too, and the entire section burst out laughing.

ETA: I guess that wasn't what you were talking about (Since I didn't see it on the video), but that's another thing that happened :D

No no it is! I saw it. :D

[Faith Akiyama]

^Oh yes yes, I just saw it now as well :laugh3: Brilliant!

[Mimixxx]

Alright. So that was pretty awesome huh?!

I got to the United Center and got in at about 5 with Oxfam, and I heard Coldplay doing their soundcheck, and I wanted to run out to the stage and yell, "I love you," but that was against the rules.

Oxfam was great, all the people were amazing.
Oh and btw, I talked to someone on the tour with Coldplay and he said that Coldplay will stay in the city that tthey are playing in until like the night before the next show or something, so they won't leave chicago right after.

I will put up my pics, we were row 1 for the GPASUYF and Sleep chant!

Cool, thanks. Will look forward to it :D

[ks1227]

So I assume a lot of you went to shows for the X&Y album correct? Well which tour did you like better?

I thought last nights show was a let down compared to last year honestly.

... Did anyone else see it this way???

I'm sorry to say it, but I agree with you. :cry:

[gvargas]

Butt squeeze? I did not see that! :) Hahaha!

They will be here in Chicago for a while! Cool! I wonder where Chris will get his hair cut?

Chris go to Big Hair on Roscoe for a cheap cut or Twisted Scissors on Armitage! He mentioned he needed to cut his fringe.

[busybeeburns]

Alright. So that was pretty awesome huh?!

I got to the United Center and got in at about 5 with Oxfam, and I heard Coldplay doing their soundcheck, and I wanted to run out to the stage and yell, "I love you," but that was against the rules.

Oxfam was great, all the people were amazing.
Oh and btw, I talked to someone on the tour with Coldplay and he said that Coldplay will stay in the city that tthey are playing in until like the night before the next show or something, so they won't leave chicago right after.

I will put up my pics, we were row 1 for the GPASUYF and Sleep chant!was row 1 the tickets you had or the ones oxfam gave you? :stunned:

[busybeeburns]

can anyone tell if these vids are from Chicago?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/19549144@N07/

[Faith Akiyama]

^I think so! :)

[Carolyn Marie]

I believe those videos were, in fact, from the Chicago 7/22 show!

[icedude2010]

was row 1 the tickets you had or the ones oxfam gave you? :stunned:

We bought tickets! And volunteered. It was an awesome experience, I would suggest it to anyone, its really a great thing to do.

[Jenjie]

My question...do the band members play the violin parts on the actual record or did they hire someone else to do that? Who plays?

Question for the Coldplay Oracle?

[icedude2010]

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30196&l=36054&id=617434537

here is the public facebook web address fo the pictures. There is one and johnnys face is priceless!

[icedude2010]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=695503&id=617434537#pid=695494

[Christa42]

I know someone already asked this but i cannot read through all of the threads sorry, time is short, and i have not seen vids yet. did they have the two ramps coming down from the stage? trying to picture jersey concert 97 days away in my head and since i am on the floor 7th row i need to picture myslef casue i am so fucking jealoous of ang, lori and mel.:rolleyes:

[Faith Akiyama]

^They did - one on each side, with an extra stage (Where they performed GPASOYF and Chinese Sleep Chant together) on one side. You can see it in icedude2010's pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30196&l=36054&id=617434537

here is the public facebook web address fo the pictures. There is one and johnnys face is priceless!

Ah! So lucky :D When they ran to that small stage I was completely envious of those in the front row...you guys!

[icedude2010]

I have a couple vids too. Green Eyes and a bit of Fix you.

Oh and btw I think I signed a couple of you guys up for Oxfam..

[Christa42]

OMG thanks so fucking excited i can't wait!!!

[deborahbr]

Thanks for the awesome videos! You made my day, guys! :)

[Carolyn Marie]

Oh and btw I think I signed a couple of you guys up for Oxfam..

I don't believe you signed me up last night, but, I did manage to make it to the Oxfam website last night and signed myself up!

We need to end poverty!

[but a dream]

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30196&l=36054&id=617434537

here is the public facebook web address fo the pictures. There is one and johnnys face is priceless!
Those are awesome. I wish I was so close to them.

[Texasluvsjonny]

Now I don't want to go all hysterical here so I shall calmly ask you if I just saw what I think I saw at the end of that video :stunned: :stunned:mmm of fucking course I saw that! How the hell didn't my up close friends not get better video of it? :angry: And when he gets down on his knees I couldn't see him at all. What ya doing down there Chrissy poo? :sneaky:

I have a couple vids too. Green Eyes and a bit of Fix you.

Oh and btw I think I signed a couple of you guys up for Oxfam..Was that you that we asked if we could have the Oxfam buttons and we signed your list even though we are alread members because you said you list looked lonely? :P



OMG Mel just called and said she saw Guy on the street walking around and was on the trolly and could get off to talk to him. :stunned:

[icedude2010]

mmm of fucking course I saw that! How the hell didn't my up close friends not get better video of it? :angry: And when he gets down on his knees I couldn't see him at all. What ya doing down there Chrissy poo? :sneaky:

Was that you that we asked if we could have the Oxfam buttons and we signed your list even though we are alread members because you said you list looked lonely? :P



OMG Mel just called and said she saw Guy on the street walking around and was on the trolly and could get off to talk to him. :stunned:

yeah lol! :D

We got 1076 signatures last night. thats the highest so far on the tour!



And thats awesome about Guy, I had a dream that Will invited me over to his house and we played Ping Pong and Chris and Johnny showed up and they were like "Wheres guy? Is he out with the chicago prostitutes again?"
Yeah.....

[Mimixxx]

I hope a video from the other side turns up somewhere :P

And OMG about Guy, she should've done a crafty drop and roll :P

[busybeeburns]

We got 1076 signatures last night. thats the highest so far on the tour!:thumbsup: :dance:

[Mimixxx]

yeah lol! :D

We got 1076 signatures last night. thats the highest so far on the tour!


Amazing, well done. :D

[Texasluvsjonny]

I hope a video from the other side turns up somewhere :P

And OMG about Guy, she should've done a crafty drop and roll :P I know. OK peeps, who has the butt grab shot? Fork it over now damnit!

She was telling us about a section near where she's staying where men all go to hit on women. They call it the Viagra triangle. I forgot to ask her if that's where she saw Guy. :laugh3:

[Carolyn Marie]

Oh, the Viagra triangle. Ha!

My best friend lives right around the block from there. It's a nice area with a lot of great restaurants, but it is really expensive. The joke amongst city residents is that the older men with money go down there to pick up on the young girls in the party scene...hence the term Viagra triangle.

[Texasluvsjonny]

Oh, the Viagra triangle. Ha!

My best friend lives right around the block from there. It's a nice area with a lot of great restaurants, but it is really expensive. The joke amongst city residents is that the older men with money go down there to pick up on the young girls in the party scene...hence the term Viagra triangle.She said he was on Michigan near the Hancock. Is that the Viagra triangle? :P

[ZapShazam]

God, that concert sounds like it was AMAZING last night! I hope tonight's goes just as well!

But I've got a question... can anyone tell me, and I don't mind if it's just a rough estimate, how far back the catwalks go? Where Jonny goes up to play the solo for In My Place, where Chris jumps around, those things. How far into the floor seats, I mean. I just want to have a nice visual of where I might be ;)

[Faith Akiyama]

^Here's one of my pre-show pictures for you to see and check:

http://i33.tinypic.com/292nsap.jpg

The other (Farther) ramp is the one with the stage.

And yay for 1076 signatures!

[Carolyn Marie]

She said he was on Michigan near the Hancock. Is that the Viagra triangle? :P

No, that isn't the Viagra triangle. :laugh3:

Have you had an opportunity to go around the city at all, Angie? I wish I was closer...I would take you down to the cool spots around town. :\

[ZapShazam]

^Here's one of my pre-show pictures for you to see and check:

http://i33.tinypic.com/292nsap.jpg

The other (Farther) ramp is the one with the stage.


Thank you so much! I suppose it also depends on how the stadium is built, but that's great! We'll have to do some seat hopping, in any case :laugh3:

[DawniD11]

I was at the show and thought it was great!

The length of the show was perfect. Sure we all want them to play longer, but I had floor seats and thought it was plenty long! They went on around 9:15 and played til 11pm. It was definitely longer than when I saw them in Indy and Cleveland for X&Y.

I'm excited to see the footage from the Lost tapings.

I will say I enjoyed the set list from X&Y tour than VLV (which could be attributed to better seats during X&Y for Cleveland). Yes, and 42 aren't my favorites. BUT that said, I did love hearing Green Eyes live (which I never thought would ever happen) and Lost is one my favorites off the new album, so hearing it twice was such a bonus!

Here is a view from where I was sitting:
http://dawnid.tumblr.com/post/43290993/amazing-details-later

My pictures aren't all that great since I was on the floor towards the back and I am short :) I also took some vids. Post work, I'll upload.

[Lowley]

Ooh, hopefully! Maybe one like the Fix You video (Glastonbury). :D Yay, I hope that's what it is... does anyone know if the stadium/arena is outdoor or indoor?

it wasnt glastonbury, it was bolton my friend

[Texasluvsjonny]

No, that isn't the Viagra triangle. :laugh3:

Have you had an opportunity to go around the city at all, Angie? I wish I was closer...I would take you down to the cool spots around town. :\We drove around last night looking for food and didn't find any. Most of the places stop serving at 11 I guess. Couldn't find any 24 hour diners near where I'm staying. :\ Mel asked if I wanted to go sightseeing today but I was too lazy. :P

[Faith Akiyama]

Lost! (Run 2 - Official Filming) connected with the band moving to the back for The Scientist (Bad view on that one, though). Sorry about static!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkKYtYAyIss



This was great! The crowd was insane during Lost (For good reason) :D Chris changes the lyrics to talk about Chicago, haha. But I can't remember/hear what he said!

I totally didn't know where they ran off to after the song, either, hence the "Where's Waldo?" moments. After they get to the small stage they saluted the fans, saying something along the lines of "You guys have been getting flack for being Coldplay fans, and because of that we appreciate your support even more..."

[Mimixxx]

Angie do you have two YouTube accounts or has someone pinched your video? :thinking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1E4iiQrB4E

[icedude2010]

"we wanted to make a movie on Chicago, and we were right."

[clisaj]

Lost! (Run 2 - Official Filming) connected with the band moving to the back for The Scientist (Bad view on that one, though). Sorry about static!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkKYtYAyIss



This was great! The crowd was insane during Lost (For good reason) :D Chris changes the lyrics to talk about Chicago, haha. But I can't remember/hear what he said!

I totally didn't know where they ran off to after the song, either, hence the "Where's Waldo?" moments. After they get to the small stage they saluted the fans, saying something along the lines of "You guys have been getting flack for being Coldplay fans, and because of that we appreciate your support even more..."

OMG those fans are going nuts. Why can't they always be that enthused and not just when they know they're going to be on film?:dozey:

[Texasluvsjonny]

Angie do you have two YouTube accounts or has someone pinched your video? :thinking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1E4iiQrB4E
Call the cops, I've been robbed!

[Mimixxx]

Hehe just call me WPC Mich :policeman: :P

[Texasluvsjonny]

Hehe just call me WPC Mich :policeman: :PThey viewed it on my account, posted a message and then stole the bloody thing. OK I must now go post on their account. :laugh3:

[melanieau]

Yes, its true. I saw Guy walking by himself on Michigan Avenue. I totally did a double take - not believing that I had actually just seen Guy. But there is no doubt - it was him. He had on a minty green tshirt and his black vest....damn the free trolleys!! If it hadn't been there we would've been walking on the same side and run right into him!!!


GAH!

[Mimixxx]

Drop and roll Mel, drop and roll. :P

[Mimixxx]

They viewed it on my account, posted a message and then stole the bloody thing. OK I must now go post on their account. :laugh3:

Haha you actually put WPC Mich :lol:

[Texasluvsjonny]

OK I warned that person that you are on to them Mich. :laugh3:

[Mimixxx]

:laugh3: He should be scared!

[busybeeburns]

I'm an expert at interviews under caution if that helps :P not like the half-baked crap The Bill or Chips serve up :laugh3:

[Chavi]

Yes, its true. I saw Guy walking by himself on Michigan Avenue. I totally did a double take - not believing that I had actually just seen Guy. But there is no doubt - it was him. He had on a minty green tshirt and his black vest....damn the free trolleys!! If it hadn't been there we would've been walking on the same side and run right into him!!!


GAH!

YOU DID WHAT ???????????????????????? :o:o:o:o:o
I REALLY want to call you names right now !
kidding kidding :kiss:

[xneverwherex]

OK :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnVzw46LemE


Oh and if anyone needs any advice as to how to smuggle a giant banner into a show, just ask me. :smug: OMG! I so <3 you. That video is awesome and so made my work day. Guy looks yummy in it! Yes is one of my favorite songs off this album so nice to see it live! Enjoy tonight Im so insanely jealous that Im not in Chicago a week earlier :(

[gvargas]

Question for the Coldplay Oracle?

Maybe I will have to write another one. :)

[Jenjie]

Coldplay mixes Big Music with a little goofiness

On its 2006 tour, Coldplay figured out how to supersize its shows. Once a fluff-up-the-pillow band of balladeers, built on Chris Martin's falsetto voice and upright piano, the British quartet muscled up and swung for the rafters, in keeping with its status as a multimillion-selling franchise capable of filling sports arenas around the globe.

With its fourth and latest album, the cumbersomely titled "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," Coldplay tackles big subjects (death, the afterlife) with an equally big sound, brimming with nuances sculpted by producer Brian Eno.

It's the type of album designed to fill stadiums, and Coldplay swept into the United Center on Tuesday for the first of two concerts with a certain been-there, done-that confidence, if not swagger. "Swagger" and "Coldplay" are words that rarely belong in the same sentence, because Martin and his bandmates have always carried themselves with a scruffy, almost sheepish charm. Yet with "In My Place," Martin was winding up his left arm and thrusting it skyward like he was throwing uppercuts at the heavens each time the chorus kicked in.

At other moments, he was the slightly goofy, ever-smiling, ever-earnest cheerleader, U.K. rock's answer to dithering actor Hugh Grant. Martin pranced around the stage with gawky enthusiasm, leading singalongs at every opportunity and waving his arms like a traffic cop at a busy intersection. It all worked because he's got the Big Music to back it up. Drummer Will Champion rattled his drum kit with eye-catching flourishes, jutting his left arm upward before bringing it down. Guitarist Jonny Buckland is not a speed guitarist; rather, in the grandiose tradition of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, U2's the Edge or Oasis' Noel Gallagher, he played patiently, framing each note and riff with lots of dramatic space. Nor did bassist Guy Berryman overplay. That role was left to the myriad backing recordings the band used to fatten its sound.



The quartet's latest trick, honed with Eno, is to cobble together bits of what sound like different songs into epic statements. In another time and place, this might've been called progressive rock, but with Coldplay it's more about creating contrasts and mood swings than showing off their instrumental technique. This approach worked particularly well on "42," which veered from Coldplay's balladeer comfort zone into more dissident terrain and then back again.

If there's a weakness, it's that Coldplay tries to create a sense of profundity where there isn't any. What's with the French Revolution-era painting as a backdrop and the tattered neo-military get-ups? They're really nothing more than eye candy, just like the green lasers and giant orbs that doubled as video screens. Martin's lyrics toss around big concepts, but he's best when he sticks to good, old-fashioned heartbreak as a subject.

Not that it mattered. In an arena, it's all about creating an event. And Coldplay did so; it sang two acoustic songs amid the audience in the first balcony, and two more on a small stage on the floor. It also turned the audience into eager accomplices for " Lost," which was performed twice for a future video.

The song warns against taking anything for granted. It's advice Coldplay has taken to heart as it works the big rooms.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-coldplay-ovn-0724jul24,0,2169831.story

[gvargas]

With those reviews, I cannot wait to see the show tonight (t-minus 11.5 hours)!!!


How strict were the security guards about searching and letting people bring cameras in? I have a digital SLR with a zoom lens that takes AMAZING pictures (which I would post, of course) but it's rather big. I was thinking either put it in my purse or wrap it in my sweatshirt in the bottom of my backpack. Thoughts?



They were not very strict with checking my purse. I put a small camera in there. I think they were checking for major things. All I did was open it, he glanced in and that was it. I was wondering about that too. How to bring in an SLR. But, I was way in back this time and wouldn't have gotten any good upclose pictures of the band with the lens that I have.

But, maybe if you have a bigger bag, you could pull it off. I would be too worried if they found it. I supose they wouldn't take it away. But, those cameras are much more expensive so I don't know if I would take the chance, unless I found out someone else was able to already.

I don't know if they see you in the audience with a camera like that if they would care or not. I supose you could always try. :)

[Christa42]

^Here's one of my pre-show pictures for you to see and check:

http://i33.tinypic.com/292nsap.jpg

The other (Farther) ramp is the one with the stage.

And yay for 1076 signatures!

Faith, that gives an excellent visual my for daydreams

[gvargas]

Yes, its true. I saw Guy walking by himself on Michigan Avenue. I totally did a double take - not believing that I had actually just seen Guy. But there is no doubt - it was him. He had on a minty green tshirt and his black vest....damn the free trolleys!! If it hadn't been there we would've been walking on the same side and run right into him!!!


GAH!

Oh, how I wish I worked downtown! But, I have to be 30 minutes away! If I worked downtown I could eat out and walk down Michigan for lunch. Oh well! I wonder if he was looking for Virgin records that is no longer there. Sad for that! Actually I was wondering if he'd be looking for some old record shops.

[CRYSTAL]

any one does have any near clarity videos for songs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpZ5hjsB2Wg

Life in technicolor and violet hill video.

[Ebs757]

Thanks, Thats my video. Check out the other ones from this concert with the youtube channel link in my sig. More to come from the entire concert

[icedude2010]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=b21JMk5Hdkc

[icedude2010]

thats the green eyes I recoded^^

[robby91]

Hi all,

I am going tonight. But i am work right now. I need to know how late i can arrive. I dont care to see the opening acts.

Anyone know what time Coldplay came on last night?

[Mimixxx]

Was between 9.10-9.20 from what I've read

[CRYSTAL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S_bQAjeNRI

death and all his friends video.

[Faith Akiyama]

^Haha that's mine!

Hi all,

I am going tonight. But i am work right now. I need to know how late i can arrive. I dont care to see the opening acts.

Anyone know what time Coldplay came on last night?

9:15 :)

[CRYSTAL]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=b21JMk5Hdkc


thank you this is the better version i think.

[Ebs757]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6q_IGNjuEU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6q_IGNjuEU)
Green Eyes

[icedude2010]

thank you this is the better version i think.

its b/c you can hear me singing :)

[Faith Akiyama]

^:laugh3: It's great!

Last five Chicago videos:

Will singing "Death will Never Conquer"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KFl6bNewkE


Politik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9iEToYB1QI


Lovers in Japan (Beautiful performance, background film, and confetti; horrible sound quality :( )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCVwKZsbVik


Death and All His Friends
(Already posted above by Pallavi) :laugh3:


Encore - Will and Chris - Green Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxGQAlJ9DVc


Kudos to the July 22nd crowd for making the concert such a wonderful experience! :D

[CRYSTAL]

thanks!:) ^

[BostonSportsTD]

that green eyes video is fucking incredible. holyyy shit.... 10 MORE DAYS.

[EnglishSilk]

:DWay to go girls! I knew this would be a magical night for you all, and hope tonight is even better!!
For the boys sake, I am soooo happy to see the crowd so pumped!...As it should be!

<<Bites nails waiting for report of ROUND 2:lol:

[icedude2010]

I was having stomach cramps from cheering so much and being so excited

[fakfak]

Saw the first Chicago show (My first for this tour). Long story short I thought it was both a terrific show and represented an improvement by the band in many respects from the other times I've seen them live. Some thoughts:

-Good setlist. The new songs really came alive played live and the old ones all sounded tight as well. Was impressed that they lengthened the set as well. Also by my count, no two shows yet on the tour have had the exact same setlist which is cool.

-Both Jonny and Guy seemed more energetic than I had seen them ever before. These two have really stepped up their stage style IMHO.

-Chris' voice was MUCH better than both times I saw them during Twisted Logic. Also about him letting backup tapes "do most of the work", it seemed to me that when backup tapes were extensively used, he was busy playing guitar. Most of the songs where he wasn't playing something (and thus would be free to do some of the work the backing tracks did) were those songs not using heavy backing.

-Side stage bit was cool but totally lifted from the first encore of Popmart (thankfully sans giant fruit):laugh3:

-Acoustic set was a bit weird. IMHO heavily traded sound quality for the novelty of playing in the audience.

Overall, best Coldplay show I've been to (out of 5 total). It seems to me the new live show seeks to actively adress some of the critisisms that have been made about Coldplay as a live act in the past, and again IMHO, they've succeeded in that regard

[CRYSTAL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exH3EO4Qjj0

a very small clip of chinese sleep chant.

[talkingonsquareone89]

I was having stomach cramps from cheering so much and being so excited
LoL, for a moment I thought you meant that you were having stomach cramps from having to "hold it in" during the concert (aka: bathroom breaks) :P

[icedude2010]

LoL, for a moment I thought you meant that you were having stomach cramps from having to "hold it in" during the concert (aka: bathroom breaks) :P

LOL maybe that was it :)

[fudge]

aww they played green eyes....luv luv :D

[busybeeburns]

Some pics, not sure which Chicago night it is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patybarilari/sets/72157606333535916/

[busybeeburns]

Full album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pizzaclub/sets/72157606339637442/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2697747342_2132eb3c97_b.jpg

[icedude2010]

LOL I took that same pic while I was walking around the 300 lvls asking for signups

[TwistedLogic91]

Some pics, not sure which Chicago night it is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patybarilari/sets/72157606333535916/

That was Tuesday nights, I think.

[fakfak]

"So I assume a lot of you went to shows for the X&Y album correct? Well which tour did you like better"

This tour hands down! While I respect the OP for having at least backed her critisisms of the show with specific reasoning (which is more than a lot of "new posters" on here) Call me cynical but I can't help but think many people have come here recently just to stir things up.:dozey:

Anyway-reasons why I feel the new live show is bar far the band's best

LENGTH-I know some people still have a problem with the length of the set, but I feel the band is, at the very least, trying to improve in this regard, and at best, have put this complaint to rest. To be fair, I always felt this complaint was unfounded during Twisted Logic given the size of the band's catalog. It's unfair to compare them to veteran acts that have 20-30 years of material to draw from. (and are also generally more expensive) Coldplay are one of very few major headliners I can think of who's top priced tickets have a face value under $100 U.S. 20-22 songs (which is what the new set is) is to me, very reasonable for a band with four LP's in their catalog

JON & GUY-these two are much better stage performers now then they've ever been in the past. They've both really stepped up IMHO

CHRIS' VOICE-Much better then either time I saw them during Twisted Logic

NEW SONGS- VLVODAAHF is my favorite LP of the 4, so any show with music from that record is cool in my book.

Once again, I in no way mean to belittle anyone's opinion, but I love the new shw and would take it over the old one any day.

[eramsay1]

Here are 2 videos from tuesdays show. The quality is pretty good thanks to my hubby!


Lost!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etMf6yuc99s

Fix You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZLSCb_NWew

I had seen Coldplay in Cincinnati , in Chicago, and in Omaha on the X&Y tour. The energy for this concert was palpable, it felt great to be there, like you "really" were witnessing something special. Looking up at those butterflies during lovers was almost an out of body experience...

[asnigro]

"So I assume a lot of you went to shows for the X&Y album correct? Well which tour did you like better"

This tour hands down! While I respect the OP for having at least backed her critisisms of the show with specific reasoning (which is more than a lot of "new posters" on here) Call me cynical but I can't help but think many people have come here recently just to stir things up.:dozey:

Anyway-reasons why I feel the new live show is bar far the band's best

LENGTH-I know some people still have a problem with the length of the set, but I feel the band is, at the very least, trying to improve in this regard, and at best, have put this complaint to rest. To be fair, I always felt this complaint was unfounded during Twisted Logic given the size of the band's catalog. It's unfair to compare them to veteran acts that have 20-30 years of material to draw from. (and are also generally more expensive) Coldplay are one of very few major headliners I can think of who's top priced tickets have a face value under $100 U.S. 20-22 songs (which is what the new set is) is to me, very reasonable for a band with four LP's in their catalog

JON & GUY-these two are much better stage performers now then they've ever been in the past. They've both really stepped up IMHO

CHRIS' VOICE-Much better then either time I saw them during Twisted Logic

NEW SONGS- VLVODAAHF is my favorite LP of the 4, so any show with music from that record is cool in my book.

Once again, I in no way mean to belittle anyone's opinion, but I love the new shw and would take it over the old one any day.

Great insight fakfak. To me on the Twisted Logix/X&Y tour, that intro with the countdown for Square One and then the performance of Square One was just mind blowing. Then during the same show after completely blowing my mind what did they do about an hour later??? Completely blow my F&^$ing mind again by playing a version of clocks that was longer, changed tempo, and incorporated the arenas ciruclar lighting effects into play (at least newer arenas with that type of digital display). I know Chris Martin was just swinging a light on a rope around during Fix You on that tour, but damn if I wasnt moved by it!

[fakfak]

It just seems to me that there are several specific little things the band is doing this tour that seem to me like attempted responses to critisisms the've gotten as a live act in the past, and IMHO that's a good thing.

It could also have a lot to do with the fact that for me outdoor amphitheater shows pretty much suck (sound is never good, seating plan usually sucks), so I much prefer seeing the band indoors.

[melanieau]

A bit of In My Place from Tuesday

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm179/mel4cp/chicago/th_MVI_0411.jpg (http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm179/mel4cp/chicago/?action=view&current=MVI_0411.flv)

[eramsay1]

Here are my pics from Tuesday night.

http://longlivecoldplay.site.shutterfly.com

[Kspice]

Ok, does anyone know what song they played for the competition winners? I heard it was warning sign and then a B-side. Does anyone know what B-side it was?

Thanks

-Kurt

[Jenjie]

Ok, does anyone know what song they played for the competition winners? I heard it was warning sign and then a B-side. Does anyone know what B-side it was?

Thanks

-Kurt


Even Roadie #42 doesn't know!!!

The soundcheck then opens its doors to a bunch of competition winners who get treated to an impromptu Warning Sign along with a totally unexpected track from the album sessions that I've never even heard them play before - I couldn't even tell you what it was called! Talk about exclusive...

[busybeeburns]

Here are my pics from Tuesday night.

http://longlivecoldplay.site.shutterfly.comthose pictures are great, thankyou! :D

[gvargas]

Here are my pics from Tuesday night.

http://longlivecoldplay.site.shutterfly.com

Really great pics! It was great to see all the shots and kind of relive the moment again. I love the butterflies...nice shot of Chris and the butterflies. You got a lot of really nice ones of the band. Their is one of Will that is especially nice.

What kind of camera did you have. It looked like you were able to get in close. My little one got busted recently and am looking to replace it and get one for concerts and such.

I loved that Chris's guitar said Danza! I noticed that during the concert!

[gvargas]

Even Roadie #42 doesn't know!!!

:laugh3:

I really wanted to win those soundcheck passes. Oh well, you can't win them all. Sounded really cool.

[icedude2010]

I know ! They got to hear warning sign!!! But I got to hear my own secret little soundcheck performance ;)
granted it wasn't that long...
Johnny was playing the main clocks guitar riff ( piano part on the guitar!) and green eyes!

[melanieau]

Got some vids up...more coming later...

http://www.youtube.com/user/mel4cp

[Ebs757]

Got some vids up...more coming later...

http://www.youtube.com/user/mel4cp


Mel you should put more detail in your titles, I just want everyone to see your videos (witch are really good by the way)

[Ebs757]

Does anyone know of T-Shirts falling from the ceiling during Lovers? My friend told me that they got relocated from the 300's to right behind the sound mix section and said thats what happened, you can kinda see some odd stuff falling right before the confetti in this video- two t-shirts it looks like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwtaWDpUEAQ

[icedude2010]

I believe that those are giant balls or clumps of confetti :) one fell right next to me.

[eramsay1]

Really great pics! It was great to see all the shots and kind of relive the moment again. I love the butterflies...nice shot of Chris and the butterflies. You got a lot of really nice ones of the band. Their is one of Will that is especially nice.

What kind of camera did you have. It looked like you were able to get in close. My little one got busted recently and am looking to replace it and get one for concerts and such.

I loved that Chris's guitar said Danza! I noticed that during the concert!


Thank you for the comments on our pics. My husband shot all of the pictures (i am way to busy screaming along and dancing). We bought the camera the night before the show so we weren't sure about how they would turn out... but we were very pleased. It is a sony cybershot DSC-H50, it is a little bulky... the security guard at the United Center was right next to us and didn't say a thing. We were in row 7 so I think that also has something to do with it.

[gvargas]

I know ! They got to hear warning sign!!! But I got to hear my own secret little soundcheck performance ;)
granted it wasn't that long...
Johnny was playing the main clocks guitar riff ( piano part on the guitar!) and green eyes!


Really? That is totally cool. I love that clocks riff...I heard an accoustic version of them playing it...from thenI tried to learn it by ear and every so often I try to play it on the guitar...its fast though! I love it.

He was playing green eyes too...cool! Electric or accoustic? I thought Chris played that part.

[gvargas]

Thank you for the comments on our pics. My husband shot all of the pictures (i am way to busy screaming along and dancing). We bought the camera the night before the show so we weren't sure about how they would turn out... but we were very pleased. It is a sony cybershot DSC-H50, it is a little bulky... the security guard at the United Center was right next to us and didn't say a thing. We were in row 7 so I think that also has something to do with it.


Coolness! Thanks for the info. Lucky you were row 7! Must have been a good time!

[icedude2010]

Really? That is totally cool. I love that clocks riff...I heard an accoustic version of them playing it...from thenI tried to learn it by ear and every so often I try to play it on the guitar...its fast though! I love it.

He was playing green eyes too...cool! Electric or accoustic? I thought Chris played that part.

it sounded like normal green eyes, acoustic , and yeah clocks was awesome. If they whipped that out in concert it would be tight !

[Ebs757]

Does anyone know of some good professional pictures from either show?

[Jenjie]

First page updated with an impressive amount of videos. Coldplayers did great :D