[24-Sept-2011] Coldplay @ Atlanta's Music Midtown Festival

[DundahMifflin]

Good evening. We're pleased to report that Coldplay will headline this year's Music Midtown festival, which takes place in Atlanta's Piedmont Park on Saturday, September 24th. Other acts playing include The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Young The Giant, Band of Skulls, Joy Formidable, The Constellations, Mona and The Postelles.

General admission tickets cost just $55.00 + $1.00 for Centers of Hope. They go on general sale on Saturday, July 16th @ 10AM EST at www.musicmidtown.com, www.livenation.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Anchorman

http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=756

This is an amazing lineup.

[Corkus]

It's basically the same set of festival whores that have popped up at every other festival over the past year (is there any festival The Black Keys haven't played?), but at least it's a good batch. Hopefully you east coast fans who were set on going to the New Jersey show can find a way to go to this instead.

And $55? It generally costs that much to see just one of those bands.

[66]

Thinking of flying down for it. Have a few friends in the area. For that price, it'd be worth trip!

[jeffc418]

Can we please get an East Coast show for us NJ rejects :(? I'll be at school in DC and working my hardest to see one of these. Hmm...DC to Atlanta :thinking:

[Christa42]

omg what an amazing line up, lucky ducks, no pwopa festivals in jersey or ny oh well

[Pguild142]

I saw on the festival website that there would be 3 types of tickets. Anyone from ATL or that know the area think the VIP or SUPER VIP would be worth it?

I saw Paul McCartney in Piedmont a couple years back, and the line to get in was crazy! I wonder if it would be similar?

[42Mooosehead]

hm. I think that they should stop to play on the festivals. They should concentrate on their album. festivals can be done after this with the new stuff...

[busybeeburns]

http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00985/midtown_985408g.jpg

Music Midtown to return this fall

Music Midtown is back – with a few modifications.

The beloved Atlanta music festival, which ended in 2005 after a mostly successful and frequently buzzed-about 11-year run, will return Saturday, Sept. 24, at Piedmont Park.

Two stages will bookend the park during the noon to 11 p.m. event, featuring headliners Coldplay and The Black Keys and a slew of burgeoning alternative bands such as Cage the Elephant, Band of Skulls, The Joy Formidable and Atlanta-based Manchester Orchestra. Tickets go on sale July 16 and will cost $55 for the all-day fest, which will also include an artists market, food vendors and two VIP areas.

Peter Conlon, president of Live Nation Atlanta who co-founded the event in 1994, will again steer Music Midtown as it re-enters the market with a scaled-down approach. But the setup, he points out, isn’t much different from the festival’s inaugural year. “This all started as three stages over two days,” Conlon said last week in an exclusive interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution at Empire State South in Midtown, not far from the site of the festival’s glory years.

Though Conlon realizes that Music Midtown 2011 isn’t boasting a head-spinning lineup tantamount to past years -- 2003’s event trumpeted 150 acts ranging from Sheryl Crow to Def Leppard to Tony Bennett -- his current plan revolves around prudence. Organizers are working on adding a Friday night single-act concert as well.

“The basis is to really build acts and to get people to come and enjoy music. We need to build our core audience again,” Conlon said. Conlon’s longtime promoter partner and co-founder of Music Midtown, Alex Cooley, is now retired and isn’t involved with the festival reboot. The decision to resurrect Music Midtown began last fall with discussions about location and permit approvals, and Conlon started booking acts in April.

But really, the ghost of Music Midtown never disappeared, even after Conlon ended the festival after its 2005 incarnation near the Atlanta Civic Center. That weekend was plagued by bad weather and perceived competition from the Vibe Music Fest at the downtown Georgia Dome. Conlon, who said he lost $3 million that final year, was left feeling a lack of support and cooperation, figured, “If you guys don’t want it, fine.”

But since then, he said, no matter where he went, “every waiter, every bank teller,” would ask him when Music Midtown would return.

Now Conlon feels confident he has the support of the city, a venue suited to a day and night of standing and, if Mother Nature plays along, ideal fall temperatures. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed voiced his support of the event – and Piedmont Park – in an interview Monday afternoon. “In my mind, this is the most special venue in the city. The venues in the past were always challenged, but at that time, the park wasn’t in any condition to handle the capacity of people,” Reed said, noting that the city is not providing any funding for Music Midtown. “But because of the critical investments made by the city and the Piedmont Park Conservancy, it’s now in condition to do what it’s meant to do -- be an important public gathering place.”

While the Music Midtowns of old could attract 200,000 to 300,000 fans over a three-day weekend, Piedmont Park’s capacity wraps at about 55,000. The location also means about 85 percent of attendees will utilize MARTA, as they have during the annual Green Concerts at the park.

Reed said that while neighborhood reaction is always a concern, he’s confident that Music Midtown can thrive in its new locale. “This is not a long-term commitment,” he said. “We’re going to try it with a group that is really special in Coldplay, and if the community doesn’t feel it was a good fit, we’ll revisit it at that time. But I happen to believe it’s going to work very well.”

Conlon, too, is both hopeful and cautiously optimistic. “This year will determine if Music Midtown goes forward or not,” he said. “Hopefully this is the first year of a new run.”

http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-music/music-midtown-to-return-1001901.html

[aguaarena02]

Absolutely perfect!!!
I want to go, but I think I´m seeing it in home :)

[Dancin4eva212]

Pretty sure I'm going. I wanna see The Postelles, and Coldplay like soooo bad. Cage the Elephant and Manchester Orchestra would be pretty amazing too!

It would be a seven hour drive for me, plus the money for tickets, gas, and food.

I definitely think I'll go but I'm not sure if it'll be worth it with the crazy crowd that'll probably be there. I'd rather see the bands without a bunch of crazy people that might ruin the whole thing, but if I can see them all for only $55 dollars, that's a really great price and festivals are usually quite fun.

I don't know what to do!!

[flickahidalgo]

I just found out about this yesterday! I'm definitely going if anybody is interested in meeting up!

[Afeather]

Can we please get an East Coast show for us NJ rejects :(? I'll be at school in DC and working my hardest to see one of these. Hmm...DC to Atlanta :thinking:

With IAD, DCA & BWI in your general vacinity, and all if the fantastic airline deals
out there (Southwest, JetBlue, Airtran), you're more likely to pay more for your festival ticket than a one way trip to Atlanta!

[rorow1]

I am going. Already getting my friends together. :D

[flickahidalgo]

Can we please get an East Coast show for us NJ rejects :(? I'll be at school in DC and working my hardest to see one of these. Hmm...DC to Atlanta :thinking:

DC to Atlanta is about 11 hours. I live in North Carolina and it's going to take me 6 hours to get there.

I just bought my tickets today!

[FixYouFixesMe]

Anyone know the CitiCard Member promo code to buy tickets early?

[FixYouFixesMe]

Nevermind, I found a code, but apparently you have to use a citi card to buy the tickets with for the code to work correctly.

[flickahidalgo]

Nevermind, I found a code, but apparently you have to use a citi card to buy the tickets with for the code to work correctly.

The code is actually the first 6 digits on your CitiCard.



Is anybody going to actually end up buying either of the VIP options?

[Pguild142]

I was thinking about buying the cheaper VIP option, but am debating if it is worth it or not.

I cannot tell if you have your own viewing area to the side, or if you have to join the regular GA folks to watch.

Also, the included food and beverages does kind of making it enticing, so that you do not have to worry too much about excessive spending.

The more expensive ones seem worth it for the view (I'm assuming you will be right next to the stage), but damn... that's a lotta money.

Any thoughts? Surely the VIP tix won't sell out too quickly and can be bought later.

[flickahidalgo]

I was thinking about buying the cheaper VIP option, but am debating if it is worth it or not.

I cannot tell if you have your own viewing area to the side, or if you have to join the regular GA folks to watch.

Also, the included food and beverages does kind of making it enticing, so that you do not have to worry too much about excessive spending.

The more expensive ones seem worth it for the view (I'm assuming you will be right next to the stage), but damn... that's a lotta money.

Any thoughts? Surely the VIP tix won't sell out too quickly and can be bought later.

I did the VIP stuff for the Raleigh show in 2009. Honestly, it wasn't worth it. And the food isn't like whole-hearty food - it's just finger foods. For the extra 200 dollars, you should be getting way more. You could spend maybe 10 dollars on food at the venue.

The only good thing about the VIP stuff was parking in a private parking lot and an extremely short line.

If you go for the least expensive VIP tickets, then you will be standing in the little slice for VIP people. If you think about it, you'd have to get there pretty early because the smaller area means a smaller area in the front. With GA, you have a wider front row standing space.

It may be worth it, because every venue is different...But, based on experience, I don't think it is.

[Pguild142]

I did the VIP stuff for the Raleigh show in 2009. Honestly, it wasn't worth it. And the food isn't like whole-hearty food - it's just finger foods. For the extra 200 dollars, you should be getting way more. You could spend maybe 10 dollars on food at the venue.

Which venue did to go to in Raleigh? I agree with you about the view, but since it is an all day festival, the food (and the beer) may get pricey inside Piedmont. The bathrooms are also key, as they were tough to get to when I went to the Paul McCartney show there a couple years back.

The website doesn't say anything about private viewing area though, for general VIP. It makes me believe that you can go in and out of the GA are at your liesure, especially since the 2nd stage is on the other side. It just seems with all these other bands/pop groups asking crazy amounts of money for decent seats and a few crappy collectables, $250 is actually not that bad....

Also, there doesn't seem to be much excitement/chatter about this show :thinking2:

Is there a reason for this?!?!

[Forty Two]

Bought tickets for this the moment they went on sale.
Going to ATL with some friends from Gainesville (UF), FL.
Message me if you're interested in meeting up!

[flickahidalgo]

Which venue did to go to in Raleigh? I agree with you about the view, but since it is an all day festival, the food (and the beer) may get pricey inside Piedmont. The bathrooms are also key, as they were tough to get to when I went to the Paul McCartney show there a couple years back.

The website doesn't say anything about private viewing area though, for general VIP. It makes me believe that you can go in and out of the GA are at your liesure, especially since the 2nd stage is on the other side. It just seems with all these other bands/pop groups asking crazy amounts of money for decent seats and a few crappy collectables, $250 is actually not that bad....

Also, there doesn't seem to be much excitement/chatter about this show :thinking2:

Is there a reason for this?!?!

I went to The Time Warner Amphitheater at Walnut Creek.

I want there to be more conversation about this show because it's going to be freaking amazing. We all know that. :rolleyes:

What's sad is that I'm really only going to see Coldplay and The Black keys...the rest of the bands would be cool to see, but I don't need to see them. My mum and I are probably going to be waiting at the Coldplay stage about 2 or 3 hours before the show.

[dayna]

I'm buying my tickets tonight after convincing my boyfriend to make the 5 hour drive with me from Jacksonville, Florida... I've also been trying to win tickets to the iHeartMusic festival in Vegas..

How sweet would it be if I get to go to both? doubt it'll happen but hey...one can dream, right?

[ColdplayKen]

wish I could go with you guys. but it's a wensday night and I have school. it is only a 20 minute drive. I'm not gonna spend $55 dollars to stand in the field after school, I'll surely be tired

so I'll just wait for the next tour

[ColdplayKen]

after beging and pleading my dad is see if we can go :D:D:D

I really hope this is my first Coldplay concert

[castilloa06]

Does anyone knows at what time coldplay will be performing?? I am flying from Costa Rica BUT my plane lands at 400pm the same day of the show / festival ... Will I have enough time to get to the show??

[Pguild142]

wish I could go with you guys. but it's a wensday night and I have school. it is only a 20 minute drive. I'm not gonna spend $55 dollars to stand in the field after school, I'll surely be tired

so I'll just wait for the next tour

I'm pretty sure it's Saturday night...

[Pguild142]

Does anyone knows at what time coldplay will be performing?? I am flying from Costa Rica BUT my plane lands at 400pm the same day of the show / festival ... Will I have enough time to get to the show??

If you don't have to go to a hotel and drop off luggage, you could probably be at the site by around 6:30 and 7 if you take the train (forgot what it's called in Atlanta). It drops you off just blocks from the park and then it's about a 15 minute walk into the gates if I remember correctly.

I would assume they would not start playing earlier than 8:00 pm....

[FixYouFixesMe]

If you don't have to go to a hotel and drop off luggage, you could probably be at the site by around 6:30 and 7 if you take the train (forgot what it's called in Atlanta). It drops you off just blocks from the park and then it's about a 15 minute walk into the gates if I remember correctly.

I would assume they would not start playing earlier than 8:00 pm....

It is called the MARTA, and I would agree with this assessment. There are varying opinions on the safety of the MARTA but I've ridden on it plenty, and have never had any issues with it.

[Twisted__Logic]

hey guys i was wondering does the 55 dollar ticket and the vip one have the same view? i mean can i get to the front row with the cheaper one?

[Pguild142]

This Show needs more excitement!!!

But to address a few points. With regards to the VIP and $55 ticket:

You will be able to get to the front with the $55 ticket I'm sure. The regular vip ticket, (which I ended up getting b/c they were a present) I believe has the same GA access as the $55. What is curious would be what the SUPER VIP section will be like, which I may try to "sneak" my way in, but I'm sure it will be impossible. It says that the Section is behind the stage, but there has been some rumblings that they may actually be on the stage (rumors from a source in ATL, but who knows).....

To coldplaymom (questions from another thread, but probably should have been addressed here). I plan on staying in a hotel downtown friday and saturday and walking. When I went to see Paul McCartney in the same place a few years back I took the MARTA from a hotel a little further north, and had no problem.

In my opinion, many people will take the MARTA since parking will be very very tough to come by.

[coldplaymom]

This Show needs more excitement!!!

But to address a few points. With regards to the VIP and $55 ticket:

You will be able to get to the front with the $55 ticket I'm sure. The regular vip ticket, (which I ended up getting b/c they were a present) I believe has the same GA access as the $55. What is curious would be what the SUPER VIP section will be like, which I may try to "sneak" my way in, but I'm sure it will be impossible. It says that the Section is behind the stage, but there has been some rumblings that they may actually be on the stage (rumors from a source in ATL, but who knows).....

To coldplaymom (questions from another thread, but probably should have been addressed here). I plan on staying in a hotel downtown friday and saturday and walking. When I went to see Paul McCartney in the same place a few years back I took the MARTA from a hotel a little further north, and had no problem.

In my opinion, many people will take the MARTA since parking will be very very tough to come by.

Thank you so much! I have a couple more questions for you. Is this venue kids' friendly? I'm taking my boys 12 (well 13 in a few days) and 15. We have general entrance tickets. How soon should we show up to get as close as we can to the stage?
We live about 25 miles north of the city, and usually stay at the Omni (CNN Center) for the 4th of July. But it seems a bit far from Piedmont Park. What other hotel would you recommend?

I've been enjoying Chris Take Over of the 99X radio station on 9/29/2005. I bet he has no time to do that kind of stuff now. The festival dates are so bunched up. I'll check with the radio station though. I'd really love to meet him.

[Pguild142]

Thank you so much! I have a couple more questions for you. Is this venue kids' friendly? I'm taking my boys 12 (well 13 in a few days) and 15. We have general entrance tickets. How soon should we show up to get as close as we can to the stage?
We live about 25 miles north of the city, and usually stay at the Omni (CNN Center) for the 4th of July. But it seems a bit far from Piedmont Park. What other hotel would you recommend?

I've been enjoying Chris Take Over of the 99X radio station on 9/29/2005. I bet he has no time to do that kind of stuff now. The festival dates are so bunched up. I'll check with the radio station though. I'd really love to meet him.

We are staying at the Courtyard Mariott and planning on walking. It should be a solid 20 minute walk. As far as what time to get there, that's up to you, since there will be music starting in the early afternoon.

The Black Keys take the stage from 7 - 8:15 and then there's a break (cage the elephant is playing from 8:15-9:15 on the other stage) and Coldplay starts at 9. There is no telling how the crowd will be, but if you want to be close, I would think be near the stage an hour before Black Keys, and when they end, folks may leave to allow for you to get closer. All a guess of course.

As for age friendliness of the place, I saw no problem when I saw Paul a few years back. However, festivals are a different bird. The Park is huge, and the closer you get, the "rowdier" it will become, but if you stand back, there should be no problem at all. It may be something you just have to feel out when you get there.

[jrForColdplay]

Hi,

I was looking for a ride to Atlanta from Gainesville, UF, (and back) for the concert on 24th. Willing to share expenses.

[coldplaymom]

We are staying at the Courtyard Mariott and planning on walking. It should be a solid 20 minute walk. As far as what time to get there, that's up to you, since there will be music starting in the early afternoon.

The Black Keys take the stage from 7 - 8:15 and then there's a break (cage the elephant is playing from 8:15-9:15 on the other stage) and Coldplay starts at 9. There is no telling how the crowd will be, but if you want to be close, I would think be near the stage an hour before Black Keys, and when they end, folks may leave to allow for you to get closer. All a guess of course.

As for age friendliness of the place, I saw no problem when I saw Paul a few years back. However, festivals are a different bird. The Park is huge, and the closer you get, the "rowdier" it will become, but if you stand back, there should be no problem at all. It may be something you just have to feel out when you get there.

Thx again for your insight. I feel much better after a little research. Our Marta station, North Springs, is about 20 min from our home, conveniently on GA 400. So we'll park there and catch a ride to the park. We've lived in this area for 12 years now but have never been on Marta. So it'll be a little adventure in itself for the boys. Marta offers 24 hr free parking which is nice.
We'll then sit down Midtown and have a nice meal before entering the park at around 3p. There are no re-entry to the park, so we'll just have to endure The Joy Formidable, Manchester Orchestra, and the Black Keys (I hear they're quite good), all for a chance to have a very good spot and enjoy Coldplay at 9:15p. Oh the excitement!

[dayna]

2 weeks away... I'm so excited!

[66]

Flying in the friday before. Excited to come down there! Should be a great fest.

[Pguild142]

Anyone heard of any rumblings on a setlist change? Surely it will not be the same setlist from the summer festivals with a brand new single out and talk of them rehearsing new material.

I just really really hope that the setlinst for this show will not be the same as what is used in the MX Tour. I am really hoping to see a different show when they tour!!

[FixYouFixesMe]

I actually hope the setlist isn't too different from the festival shows I've seen, especially Glastonbury. Just shove Paradise in there somewhere, and I'll be happy.

The problem with seeing Coldplay live now, is they have 'too' many songs that they have to play because of their popularity. You can't not play Fix You, Yellow, The Scientist, Clocks, Viva la Vida, In My Place, among several others; and then you have to play a lot of your new stuff.

[Pguild142]

Based on the setlist last night, it looks like we are going to see Paradise and Up in Flames!!

[coldplaymom]

Anyone heard of any rumblings on a setlist change? Surely it will not be the same setlist from the summer festivals with a brand new single out and talk of them rehearsing new material.

I just really really hope that the setlinst for this show will not be the same as what is used in the MX Tour. I am really hoping to see a different show when they tour!!

Since they have a couple of gigs before they get to ATL, I'm sure we'll know the new setlist. In fact, we should know tonight during the ACL streaming. Though I can see them work Till Kingdom Come in the ACL setlist and perhaps GA On My Mind in ATL.

[coldplaymom]

For those who might not know, ATL holds a special place in Coldplay's hearts. Chris has said that in 2001, they were performing in US festivals with these heavy metal bands. The metal heads didn't like Coldplay being so soft that they were abusing them, throwing objects at them on stage, booing them, etc. Chris really wanted the band to pack up and go back home, but their manager at the time convinced them to try 1 more gig at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. So they did and had the greatest experience. For that he says Atlanta will always be very special to them.

[kellybaby]

I meant hey now...not hey no
well, is anybody going to see Coldplay in Music Midtown in Atlanta???

on september 24???

hey no!!!:P

[Pguild142]

After watching the show last night it seems like Paradise and not Up in Flames, so we still get Everything's Not Lost, which is a great song live! So I'm happy about that.

I don't know if they'll play Georgia on my mind, since they played it at the last show they did in Atlanta. During the Viva tour they sang it when they came to the outdoor venue (can't remember the name, it seems it changes all the time), but they did not play it when they played Phillips Arena during the early part of the tour (to my recollection).

In any regards, after watching last night, I'm more pumped!! Only a week away :D

[coldplaymom]

Me too! I can't believe 9/24 is finally here.

[alfoman]

Wow, This event is in 5 days, I think the Atlanta Media is underestimating ow big this event will be. I see no reference in the news to this, but yet Coldplay will be in Atlanta for the first time in years. Also, the addition of young the giant, cage the elephant, the black keys, and Manchester orchestra -one would think at least half a million people will be out there.

[coldplaymom]

Wow, This event is in 5 days, I think the Atlanta Media is underestimating ow big this event will be. I see no reference in the news to this, but yet Coldplay will be in Atlanta for the first time in years. Also, the addition of young the giant, cage the elephant, the black keys, and Manchester orchestra -one would think at least half a million people will be out there.


99X has been talking about it every day for 2 months now.

[coldplaymom]

What a difference a week makes! Atlanta has gotten a bit colder, especially at night. We'll need to dress warmly for the concert.

[Pguild142]

What a difference a week makes! Atlanta has gotten a bit colder, especially at night. We'll need to dress warmly for the concert.

Wow! Good point! What is the weather forcast for Saturday? Any rain? I'm guessing if I go for the early shows it will be pretty hot and then get cold?

Other random question for the locals.. is there a bar near the enterance where I could watch the Georgia v. Ole Miss game? I'm thinking it starts at 12:00 and after Ole Miss (my team) is losing by about 30 I can just walk to the park....

[dayna]

How early is everyone planning on getting there? Are you going to get there early and spend the whole day getting as close/staying as close to the stage as you can, or what?

I'm trying to make up my mind what I should do. I'm going with my boyfriend, who doesn't like Coldplay (he only agreed to go because I started crying when he said he wouldn't go at first... haha) and he won't wanna stand in one spot for the entire day without any peepee breaks. I obviously wanna get as close as I can but I don't really wanna separate from my boyfriend, so I'm not sure what we'll be doing yet. :thinking:

[Afeather]

Since they have a couple of gigs before they get to ATL, I'm sure we'll know the new setlist. In fact, we should know tonight during the ACL streaming. Though I can see them work Till Kingdom Come in the ACL setlist and perhaps GA On My Mind in ATL.



Hi everyone ~ late joining the game here for the Midtown Festival but I just found out today that I have tickets (regular, not VIP), so I guess I'm going! :laugh3:

I JUST got back from Austin yesterday afternoon, where I saw them perform at the ACL taping and then of course, at the festival. I heard "Up in Flames" and I thought it was brilliant, but I really don't think it will make an appearance on the set list.

I would've given my right arm & then some to see the guys perform "Til Kingdom Come" in Texas... Probably for the best they didn't because I was down in front with several other Coldplayers and I would've started crying right then & there!



How early is everyone planning on getting there? Are you going to get there early and spend the whole day getting as close/staying as close to the stage as you can, or what?

I'm trying to make up my mind what I should do. I'm going with my boyfriend, who doesn't like Coldplay (he only agreed to go because I started crying when he said he wouldn't go at first... haha) and he won't wanna stand in one spot for the entire day without any peepee breaks. I obviously wanna get as close as I can but I don't really wanna separate from my boyfriend, so I'm not sure what we'll be doing yet. :thinking:




I don't know if definitive plans are in place to meet up, but by having a larger crowd together -- especially in the front -- then it makes life all the easier for taking turns to get food, drinks and use the facilities.

For ACL, several CPrs met before the gates opened and then booked it to the stage to set up shop. We then took shifts for food, water & bathroom for the remainder of the day, or at least up to a certain point. With the first two performances it wasn't very difficult to leave & return. However towards the third -- no hope moving to & from our spots so people drank their water sparingly! :D I don't think a single person even dared to drink more than a beer that day!

I personally don't know my travel plans yet, but I fully intend on getting there bright & early, setting up shop and not moving the entire day! :) .

[Forty Two]

If I can't get to the front of the crowd for this, it will be the biggest fail of my life.

[greeneyes1207]

Who all is going? This will be my 8th time seeing Coldplay...I haven't posted on the boards in a while since I've been busy with school and such.

I'm planning on getting there early and working my way towards the front. One of my friends is supposed to be meeting me there later since he's working but who knows if he'll find me up front :)
..and my entire family is going, but they've already understood I'm not standing in the back or wherever..I'm going to be upfront. Coldplayers let me know so we can stand together maybe and hold each other's spots for bathroom breaks and stuff.

[greeneyes1207]

Who all is going? This will be my 8th time seeing Coldplay...I haven't posted on the boards in a while since I've been busy with school and such.

I'm planning on getting there early and working my way towards the front. One of my friends is supposed to be meeting me there later since he's working but who knows if he'll find me up front :)
..and my entire family is going, but they've already understood I'm not standing in the back or wherever..I'm going to be upfront. Coldplayers let me know so we can stand together maybe and hold each other's spots for bathroom breaks and stuff.

[Pguild142]

The suspense is killing me!! I've seen them up front several times, and I think I may just enjoy this one from the back. Plus, I ended up with regular VIP tickets, which means all the "stuff" that comes with it is going to be away from the stage.

Greeneyes.... did you go to the Charlotte show a couple years back? Or was it the outdoor Atlanta show?

(Never mind, I should have just checked your signature and matched it with mine!!)

[ColdplayKen]

I'M SO EXCITED. I've been asking to go all summer and I just found out yesterday I could go with one of my friends.

it's only a 20 minutes drive down the road :rolleyes:


btw. this will be the first time I've seen Coldplay!!!!!

[dayna]

Sweet... if there's a group meet, let me know and count me in. The reason I didn't want to separate from my boyfriend is because I wouldn't wanna be alone all day since since I've never been to Atlanta.

[cmorri54]

I'll be there too, can't wait. Going to the Georgia Tech game with my girlfriend at noon, then we are going straight to Piedmont Park. According to the set list of Music Midtown, we are going to get the band for an hour and forty five minutes. I wonder if they will play anything different/new for us in Atlanta? I hope so!

[Forty Two]

I'm down to meet up with some fellow Coldplayers. I'm bring a car full of friends from Gainesville, FL, so it should be fun.

This will be my second time seeing them live.
The last time I saw them I was in the VERY back, but this time I want to be upfront and as close as possible.

[Pguild142]

Was there ever a decision on a meet-up place or time!?

[LFDianne]

Hi everyone ~ late joining the game here for the Midtown Festival but I just found out today that I have tickets (regular, not VIP), so I guess I'm going! :laugh3:

I JUST got back from Austin yesterday afternoon, where I saw them perform at the ACL taping and then of course, at the festival. I heard "Up in Flames" and I thought it was brilliant, but I really don't think it will make an appearance on the set list.

I would've given my right arm & then some to see the guys perform "Til Kingdom Come" in Texas... Probably for the best they didn't because I was down in front with several other Coldplayers and I would've started crying right then & there!


I don't know if definitive plans are in place to meet up, but by having a larger crowd together -- especially in the front -- then it makes life all the easier for taking turns to get food, drinks and use the facilities.

For ACL, several CPrs met before the gates opened and then booked it to the stage to set up shop. We then took shifts for food, water & bathroom for the remainder of the day, or at least up to a certain point. With the first two performances it wasn't very difficult to leave & return. However towards the third -- no hope moving to & from our spots so people drank their water sparingly! :D I don't think a single person even dared to drink more than a beer that day!

I personally don't know my travel plans yet, but I fully intend on getting there bright & early, setting up shop and not moving the entire day! :) .

Aww, Amanda, we would have understood if they played "Til Kingdom Come." For the first time, EVER, I started tearing up at Fix You at ACL. I'm so envious you get to see them again so soon! I hope you have a great time and don't have to walk miles and miles to the venue. Did you get the camera situation figured out?

[coldplaymom]

Wow! Good point! What is the weather forcast for Saturday? Any rain? I'm guessing if I go for the early shows it will be pretty hot and then get cold?

Other random question for the locals.. is there a bar near the enterance where I could watch the Georgia v. Ole Miss game? I'm thinking it starts at 12:00 and after Ole Miss (my team) is losing by about 30 I can just walk to the park....

I'm a terrible local in that I rarely go to town. All my life is lived within a 2 miles radius 20 miles away from this venue.
Yes there's rain in the forecast for today, so be prepared.

[coldplaymom]

How early is everyone planning on getting there? Are you going to get there early and spend the whole day getting as close/staying as close to the stage as you can, or what?

I'm trying to make up my mind what I should do. I'm going with my boyfriend, who doesn't like Coldplay (he only agreed to go because I started crying when he said he wouldn't go at first... haha) and he won't wanna stand in one spot for the entire day without any peepee breaks. I obviously wanna get as close as I can but I don't really wanna separate from my boyfriend, so I'm not sure what we'll be doing yet. :thinking:

I'm planning on getting there at 3p and yes, spend the rest of the day trying to get close to the stage.

[coldplaymom]

How early is everyone planning on getting there? Are you going to get there early and spend the whole day getting as close/staying as close to the stage as you can, or what?

I'm trying to make up my mind what I should do. I'm going with my boyfriend, who doesn't like Coldplay (he only agreed to go because I started crying when he said he wouldn't go at first... haha) and he won't wanna stand in one spot for the entire day without any peepee breaks. I obviously wanna get as close as I can but I don't really wanna separate from my boyfriend, so I'm not sure what we'll be doing yet. :thinking:

I'm planning on getting there at 3p and yes, spend the rest of the day trying to get close to the stage.

[coldplaymom]

Was there ever a decision on a meet-up place or time!?

Not that I know of but it would be great if we could meet up and help each other out. I'll be there at 3p. I hope it won't be too late.

[Forty Two]

There's 0% chance of rain... Quit scaring people. :P

Leaving for Atlanta, right now! I hope that I somehow run into some of you since I'll be trying to get to the front also.

[coldplaymom]

There's 0% chance of rain... Quit scaring people. :P

Leaving for Atlanta, right now! I hope that I somehow run into some of you since I'll be trying to get to the front also.

I'm pleasantly surprised. I swear yesterday the forecast had heavy rain.

[coldplaymom]

Ok. 1st things 1st. I'm going for a 8 miles run to get in the mood for tonight's concert.

[Lukestar1991]

Does anyone know if there will be a stream ?

[66]

Flew in yesterday; SO excited for tonight!

[Pguild142]

Time to get pumped! I do not think there will be a live stream tonight. Hopefully they won't be too tired after flying in from the Vegas show last night!

[foxeh]

Is anyone able to say if it's streamed + Link and when it starts?
I appreaciate it.

[TracieMorgan]

Maybe we'll still luck into a stream somehow,but if not, I hope you guys get some goodies`for youtube. Enjoy the show, all!! :D

[Corkus]

A friend of mine who is there right now (who isn't a Coldplay fan at all and was mostly there for The Black Keys) has informed me that Coldplay just covered R.E.M., although he didn't tell me what song specifically.

[TracieMorgan]

^!!!:D

They're 65 miles from R.E.M.'s hometown so I bet they got a huge response! :)

[HollandX]

Everybody Hurts. It replaced Us Against the World on the set list, which kinda sucked for me because UAtW is my favorite of the MX songs.

Also, instead of Rehab, Chris introed Fix You with Georgia on my Mind.

There was no Up in Flames.

Otherwise, the setlist was ACL with the above changes.

[TracieMorgan]

Too bad they replaced the best MX song, but REM doesn't break up every day,lol.

[TracieMorgan]

Fix You and IMP are up on youtube.:)

[coldplaymom]

Just got home very tired and it hurts like heaven.

[greeneyes1207]

Just got back...it was awesome! I took entire video of Everybody Hurts, and have a lot of pictures to upload...I was front row by the speakers on Guy's side.

[coldplaymom]

Fix You and IMP are up on youtube.:)

I only had my son record Fix You. It's so hard to enjoy yourself and record at the same time. I sang my little heart out every single song. We showed up at 3:30ish while Joy the Formidable were still performing, and we kept moving up until we got very close to the stage, not front row but I had a very good view.

After the band took a bow 3x at the end of the concert, Chris actually got on his knees and bowed 1x again. He has said that Atlanta is a special place for the band.

I don't know if my old mind can recall the set list. Paradise was played early in the set, no US Against the World. I know they started with MX/Hurts Like Heaven, Yellow, In My Place. After that I can recall the order, but they went on to sing
Major Minus, Lost, The Scientist, Violet Hill, God Put A Smile...., Life is for Living, Politik, Tribute to R.E.M., Viva La Vida, Charlie Brown,

For the encore, Clocks, GA On My Mind intro to Fix you, ETIAW.

[coldplaymom]

Just got back...it was awesome! I took entire video of Everybody Hurts, and have a lot of pictures to upload...I was front row by the speakers on Guy's side.

Ah! I was by the right hand rail on Johnny's side.

[coldplaymom]

Chris had his days mixed up, he thanked the audience for giving up their Sunday to see the band. LOL

[TracieMorgan]

Haha, poor Chris probably hardly knows what time zone he's in these days! :jetlag: :)

If you guys are the ones who upped things to youtube, thanks so much!

Everybody Hurts made me cry a bit. Long live R.E.M.!

[hahninator]

What's up. New here, first Coldplay show after 150+ shows by other bands...blown away. Been following extensively since the Rock im Park / Rock am Ring shows. Great great promo run so far for MX, stoked for the album. Had so much fun at the show. My gf lives a mile away so we just walked :)

Here's my video of Everybody Hurts:
Coldplay - Everybody Hurts (R.E.M. Cover) (Acoustic) - YouTube

pics on my Facebook at www.facebook.com/musicmark

Setlist report of "it was like ACL" isn't right...

Music Midtown setlist:
MX
Hurts Like Heaven
Yellow
In My Place
Major Minor
Paradise
Lost!
The Scientist
Violet Hill
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Everybody Hurts (REM Cover) (Acoustic/piano)
Politik
Viva La Vida
Charlie Brown
Life Is For Living

Encore:
Clocks
Fix You (Georgia On My Mind intro)
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Hope this helps!

[greeneyes1207]

..waiting on the youtube vid.

I also took video of the intro..does anyone want to see that too?

[greeneyes1207]

Can you guys see these pictures?? : http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2186203970787.2112927.1117650376&l=027465096e&type=1

[LFDianne]

..waiting on the youtube vid.

I also took video of the intro..does anyone want to see that too?

Hey Kaleigh, long time, no "see." I'm glad you got to see them in Atlanta! I still remember the Tampa fiasco...oh well...now that I've seen them 3 times in the last 6 weeks, I think I'm finally over it. :cool: I was front row in the middle last week in Austin and it was so great.

[TracieMorgan]

Can you guys see these pictures?? : http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2186203970787.2112927.1117650376&l=027465096e&type=1

Yes. thanks for sharing!! :D

[greeneyes1207]

Hey Kaleigh, long time, no "see." I'm glad you got to see them in Atlanta! I still remember the Tampa fiasco...oh well...now that I've seen them 3 times in the last 6 weeks, I think I'm finally over it. :cool: I was front row in the middle last week in Austin and it was so great.

Hey!!! I've been so busy with school lately! I was finally in the "pit" tonight and was super close! It def made up for Tampa. I love their new stuff! 3 times in 6 weeks?? JEALOUS! That's so awesome!!

[LFDianne]

Hey!!! I've been so busy with school lately! I was finally in the "pit" tonight and was super close! It def made up for Tampa. I love their new stuff! 3 times in 6 weeks?? JEALOUS! That's so awesome!!

Yes, 3 times :) It's been great. Saw them at that "small" UCLA show last month. And sweet-talked our way into the ACL show taping (Up In Flames is beautiful!), then front row for the ACL festival. I think that might hold me until they tour.

[greeneyes1207]

Yes, 3 times :) It's been great. Saw them at that "small" UCLA show last month. And sweet-talked our way into the ACL show taping (Up In Flames is beautiful!), then front row for the ACL festival. I think that might hold me until they tour.

what!! how'd you sweet talk your way into the taping? that is so cool!

[Rainy Day]

So, after all this time, I finally got to experience Coldplay live tonight at the festival. One of my best birthday presents yet! Got as close to the front as we could (had a friend with me). The bass was blowing me away at times, but it was a totally awesome, unforgettable experience. "Mylo Xyloto", "Hurts Like Heaven", "Major Minus", "Paradise", "Charlie Brown". . . all the new ones they played sounded great. Yes, even "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall". It was a shame that they didn't play "Us Against the World", but the tribute was nice anyway. I can't wait for them to come back around this way (Alabama/Georgia) again so I can see them for a second time. And, I've got to say, even if you don't like some of the new songs from what you've heard, hearing them live is a totally different experience that changes everything about the song. In the end, you haven't truly heard the song until you've heard it live and in person. Great job to the boys and I can't wait to see what they do next! If anyone wants to know anything about the concert/festival, feel free to ask! Cheers.

[the.hardest.part]

What's up. New here, first Coldplay show after 150+ shows by other bands...blown away. Been following extensively since the Rock im Park / Rock am Ring shows. Great great promo run so far for MX, stoked for the album. Had so much fun at the show. My gf lives a mile away so we just walked :)

Here's my video of Everybody Hurts:
Coldplay - Everybody Hurts (R.E.M. Cover) (Acoustic) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVxnNGwko3c)

pics on my Facebook at www.facebook.com/musicmark (http://www.facebook.com/musicmark)

Setlist report of "it was like ACL" isn't right...

Music Midtown setlist:
MX
Hurts Like Heaven
Yellow
In My Place
Major Minor
Paradise
Lost!
The Scientist
Violet Hill
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Everybody Hurts (REM Cover) (Acoustic/piano)
Politik
Viva La Vida
Charlie Brown
Life Is For Living

Encore:
Clocks
Fix You (Georgia On My Mind intro)
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Hope this helps!

If you, by chance, have that 'Georgia on My Mind Intro' I may or may not kill to have that...

If you do please post it, it will make my week. ;)

Edit: Welcome to the boards!

[JimmyD]

If you, by chance, have that 'Georgia on My Mind Intro' I may or may not kill to have that...

If you do please post it, it will make my week. ;)

Edit: Welcome to the boards!

I think I filmed that intro. Will check when I get back to Austin in a few hours. Took lots of pics as well.

[busybeeburns]

thanks for all the reviews/photos/setlists/videos so far! :D

[the.hardest.part]

I think I filmed that intro. Will check when I get back to Austin in a few hours. Took lots of pics as well.

Awesome! Thank you JimmyD!

[JimmyD]

Awesome! Thank you JimmyD!

Your welcome :)

I've got some time to kill so I'll post my review for now. Pics and videos to follow later today.

First off I have to thank AFeather for the ticket. I got to Atlanta around 11am and headed to the park. I had to pick up tickets from will call, which took forever as Coldplay was the last band to go on, so they were printing their guest list last. While waiting in line I met a guy who I later found out was the bass player for The Constellations. Turns out everyone had to wait a long time to get credentials, even the artists. The will call was next to the box office by the way. The whole event seemed unorganized, but I got my ticket and heeded for the gate. Once there I was told I couldn't take my backpack in (a backpack I had already received approval for the day before). However the 'nice' lady working the event told me about a secret side business nearby at the bicycle check in. They were also checking in bags for off-the-books 2 dollar donations. The hush-hush way they went about it made the event even more odd and unprofessional, but I didn't have a choice, so I did it. Once inside I spotted people with larger backpacks and dslr's with no press pass. Still wondering how one girl snuck in a 70-200mm lens.

The only thing that made this event worthwhile was Coldplay. I was lucky enough to be among the first few rows near Jonny's side. The guys seemed to be very comfortable this time around. Guy was all smiles and I even caught him laughing at something he spotted in the crowd a few times. Chris also looked to be a little more loose than normal. He was making funny faces the entire night and looked to be interacting with individual people in the audience. They made a few mentions about how important Atlanta is to them. The switch outs from the regular setlist were definitely crowd pleasers. Overall I got the feeling that their confidence was really high. I haven't had any real sleep in a few days so I know there is a lot I'm missing, but once I go through pics and videos, I'm sure I'll be reminded of some more great moments. One thing I won't miss is how muddy I got there. It was like a mini Glastonbury as you got closet to the stage.

[cooldude101]

"Fix You" - Coldplay (Midtown Music Festival in Atlanta, GA) - YouTube

With Georgia intro.

Thanks RipFire12901 on youtube.

[Alice42]

OMG they played everybody hurts?<3<3<3

[coldplaymom]

So, after all this time, I finally got to experience Coldplay live tonight at the festival. One of my best birthday presents yet! Got as close to the front as we could (had a friend with me). The bass was blowing me away at times, but it was a totally awesome, unforgettable experience. "Mylo Xyloto", "Hurts Like Heaven", "Major Minus", "Paradise", "Charlie Brown". . . all the new ones they played sounded great. Yes, even "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall". It was a shame that they didn't play "Us Against the World", but the tribute was nice anyway. I can't wait for them to come back around this way (Alabama/Georgia) again so I can see them for a second time. And, I've got to say, even if you don't like some of the new songs from what you've heard, hearing them live is a totally different experience that changes everything about the song. In the end, you haven't truly heard the song until you've heard it live and in person. Great job to the boys and I can't wait to see what they do next! If anyone wants to know anything about the concert/festival, feel free to ask! Cheers.

Yes all the new stuff sound great live. I was impressed with the teeny boops (and I was surrounded by them upfront) belting Paradise as if there were no tomorrow. The teens love the new songs.
There's no way you'd see them perform live and not like what you see and hear. They were perfect.

[Skuze23]

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/files/2011/09/092411MUSICMIDTOWNCOLDPLAY.jpg

With so many variables going into the return of Music Midtown – How many days should it be? Which artists would attract crowds while not bankrupting promoters? Will people still care about a festival that hasn’t existed for six years? Would the weather cooperate this time? – it’s a bit amazing that Saturday’s event fired flawlessly.

That pesky Mother Nature, who received a chunk of the blame for the fizzling of the well-regarded music festival in 2005, seemed to be apologizing to Peter Conlon and the Live Nation crew, as the sun seared brightly and temperatures hovered at 80 during the day and dipped pleasantly into the 60s by the time Coldplay took the stage.

Though this was a mini version of the Music Midtowns of yore –10 bands instead of dozens, one day instead of three – and the lineup was heavy on alternative rock acts popular among twentysomethings and the musically curious, it was enough to attract tens of thousands of people.

Throughout the day, bands performed on two stages set about 200 yards apart – The Postelles, Walk the Moon, Band of Skulls, Young the Giant and Cage the Elephant on the slightly smaller Great Southeastern Music Hall Stage and The Constellations, The Joy Formidable, Manchester Orchestra, The Black Keys and Coldplay on the massive Electric Ballroom Stage.

While the younger indie bands drew impressive crowds, by the time Chris Martin and Co. arrived at 9:15 p.m. – Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” played over the speakers moments before they took the stage – it was obvious that Coldplay’s star power was the significant draw of the event.

In many ways, Coldplay was the perfect headlining choice. They’re a tremendously popular band, but not U2 or Paul McCartney mega-size. They’re stocked with an arsenal of hits, but not super-poppy and, thus, not polarizing. And, as evidenced from what appeared to be about 40,000 people lining the Meadow at Piedmont Park, their crossover appeal among generations is admirable. (Organizers didn’t release official crowd numbers as of midnight. We’ll update when we have that info.)

During the opening trio of the new “Hurts Like Heaven” and classics “Yellow” and “In My Place,” the newly buff Martin skittered around the stage, racing from his graffiti-sprayed upright piano to the mic stand, acoustic guitar strapped high on his chest.

“Thank you for everything you had to do to be here,” he said. “We publicly love playing Atlanta.”

The quartet sounded crisp and beautifully layered throughout their 80-minute set. Their stage setup was surprisingly elaborate considering they’ve only done a handful of dates this summer to promote the Oct. 24 release of “Mylo Xyloto” – including Friday night at the I Heart Radio musical buffet in Las Vegas.

Lasers, spastic lights and a massive video screen in addition to the two that flanked the stage for all of the acts highlighted many songs, and during the clip-clopping “Lost!” a cascade of colorful inflatable balls was unleashed into the audience (and these are a loyal bunch – one fan near the front had staked out her spot at 11:45 a.m. and another had been stationed since 1 p.m.).

Though the band played a handful of tunes from “Mylo” – and they all sound like instant hits – Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion didn’t neglect their catalog, even revamping “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face” into a locomotive-powered rocker.

Perhaps the rougher edge was a response to those who poke fun at Coldplay’s soft underbelly. But the band’s introspective side has produced some of its best material – “The Scientist,” “Yellow” and “Fix You,” their majestic anthem of hope poking through despair played during Saturday’s encore.

Coldplay also veered from their usual set list to say thanks to a musical influence – R.E.M.

Calling the band one of his favorites of all time who “for some crazy reason have finished,’ Martin said, humbly, that he and Coldplay wanted to play a song, “with the most respect in the world, to show how much they meant to us.”

With that came a lullaby-like rendition of “Everybody Hurts,” which didn’t sound overly rehearsed – as it shouldn’t.

Martin spent plenty of time hunched over his piano keyboard like the Peanuts’ Schroeder, but his most important playing came with the opening melody of “Viva La Vida.”

Still the band’s most lush song – and that’s saying something for these guys – it sounded slightly over modulated during Saturday’s show, odd considering the sound was so clean otherwise. But that didn’t deter the audience from singing along with the beloved “whoa-oh-oh-oh-ohhhh-a” refrain.

Coldplay closed its main set with the pensive piano ballad “Life is for Living” before returning with the melodically rich “Clocks,” the aforementioned “Fix You” and the crazy-catchy “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” its new reigning anthem that was capped with a flurry of fireworks.

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/09/25/coldplay-honors-r-e-m-at-music-midtown/

[Jenjie]

ty :kiss:

http://www.wikicoldplay.com/24_September_2011:_Music_Midtown_festival,_Atlanta ,_USA

[Yeshe]

What's up. New here, first Coldplay show after 150+ shows by other bands...blown away. Been following extensively since the Rock im Park / Rock am Ring shows. Great great promo run so far for MX, stoked for the album. Had so much fun at the show. My gf lives a mile away so we just walked :)

Here's my video of Everybody Hurts:
Coldplay - Everybody Hurts (R.E.M. Cover) (Acoustic) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVxnNGwko3c)

pics on my Facebook at www.facebook.com/musicmark

Setlist report of "it was like ACL" isn't right...

Music Midtown setlist:
MX
Hurts Like Heaven
Yellow
In My Place
Major Minor
Paradise
Lost!
The Scientist
Violet Hill
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Everybody Hurts (REM Cover) (Acoustic/piano)
Politik
Viva La Vida
Charlie Brown
Life Is For Living

Encore:
Clocks
Fix You (Georgia On My Mind intro)
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Hope this helps!
Very touching tribute. Welcome to the world of Coldplay Love <3! There is nothing/no one like
them! Thanks for the video and comments!

[coldjo]

Amazing this cover !

[hahninator]

Thanks for the warm welcomes! I look forward to contributing here more as the MX cycle continues :)

I'll post a review of the show from our perspective shortly. I got only a few other video clips but I didn't get the Fix You intro - it's out there though.

Slight setlist correction for you..... I misplaced The Scientist in my post.

It came after God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (and right before the REM cover), not where I originally had it.

[greeneyes1207]

..fell asleep uploading..re uploading now, lol

[greeneyes1207]

..fell asleep uploading..re uploading now, lol

[Forty Two]

Amazing show. They were the best I've ever seen them. Perhaps it's because one of their idols from REM was in the front row, Peter Buck. It was awesome seeing him there.
Their cover of Everybody Hurts at the show was beyond amazing.

Also, Chris I've never seen Chris this energetic before and he was looking at the audience very weirdly, but in a playful manner and it was funny.
JONNY was going CRAZY, I have NEVER seen him like this before and I've watched all of the recent festival steams.
Also, they changed what plays on the screen a little and it's pretty cool.
I've seen the boys before, but THIS performance, was the best thing I have EVER seen.

I sense that the MX tour is going to be off the charts.

[greeneyes1207]

Here's the video..it should be done processing in a few mins

Coldplay-Everybody Hurts REM cover - YouTube

[greeneyes1207]

how do I embed? it's been a while

[busybeeburns]

just take the URL and it will embed itself :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT35zIQARYE

[Blue Nails]

Oh... They played Everybody Hurts......
That must be one of the most beautiful songs ever written and now it's been sung by the most gorgeous voice in the world..........:cry:

Wow, I'm in serious tears... It's one of those days.
I'm so jealous of everyone who experienced that moment live.

Edit: I'm sorry, I totally fangirled.

[Mimixxx]

Everybody Hurts was wonderful :nice:

[busybeeburns]

Another capture:

Coldplay- tribute to REM - YouTube

[Spence42]

I was blown away by this show. I had only ever been to one other Coldplay show and ended up being stuck in the back. While that one was great, it can't even compare to this one. We got there at around 12 and waiting to secure our spot at the front, so we had fantastic places. The show was unreal and say what you want about their "new direction songs" they are UNBELIEVABLE and so much fun live. I'm not a huge fan of Paradise, but their live arrangement was great. I can't wait to see them again!

[coldplaymom]

Another capture:

Coldplay- tribute to REM - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh1ZzG9jgyQ)

I still can't believe I was there, front and center. You wait all afternoon long and then they've come and gone in a flash:cry:

[Anitamiracle]

Thanks so much for sharing. I've always loved that song. :kiss:

[Anitamiracle]

That was awesome! My Mother was born and raised in GA. I so hope to see a Coldplay concert soon. :rolleyes: Thanks for sharing.

[Anitamiracle]

That's awesome! Thank you!! :rolleyes:

[JimmyD]

Here are my pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmydushku/sets/72157627752343028/

I didn't get the beginning of Georgia On My Mind. Thought he was going to do Winehouse so I didn't get my camera out.
Coldplay - Georgia On My Mind - YouTube

Some Fix You:
Coldplay - Fix You Music Midtown 2011 - YouTube

Every Teardrop:
Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall Music Midtown 2011 - YouTube

Here's the bow which was previously mentioned. I think they point at Peter Buck, then Chris kisses the ground right before walking off:
Coldplay Bowing at Music Midtown 2011 - YouTube

[macky]

Just found out they covered REM.
WOW, just another reason to looooooove them

[dayna]

We ended up on the road 10 hours later than planned due to a chain of crappy events. We got to the show much later than we wanted to, and ended up in the back of the crowd for Coldplay's performance. Even though I wasn't close to the stage, the show was still amazing. Chris is really good at making everyone feel like they're part of the show even if they're watching from a mile away.

I was pretty surprised when they covered REM... it was really good! I was a little sad they didn't play Us Against the World, but the REM tribute was pretty great.

Atlanta was a major pain to drive to, being 6 hours away from where I live, but I'll definitely see them in ATL next time they play. Chris said how much they love playing Atlanta, and it definitely showed, which made it a great experience.

On a side note... I wonder what the people flying into ATL thought when they saw all the laser lights out their airplane window. ;)

[busybeeburns]

from whcopel2012 @ YT

My Journey to See Coldplay, Live @ Music Midtown - YouTube

[JustSpies84]

I mostly just lurk to myself here, and don't come out to say much. But seeing Coldplay Saturday at Music Midtown was absolutely amazing. I know a lot of people have seen them before, and this was my sixth time: I can easily say that this was the best I have ever seen them. Maybe it had to do with the fact that after seeing them five times before, I was finally at the front. Coldplay's stage set-up is huge; like it's meant to have an effect on people who are all the way in the back of the crowd just as much as it's giving those in the front a reaction...but up close it's insane. Because everything is so magnified at that close distance, you almost feel like you're on the stage itself for a moment.. That just took my breath away.

Then again, maybe it had to do with the crowd. It was also the first time I went to a Coldplay show and everyone around me was a giant, huge Coldplay fan-nerd like me. To my left, to my right, in front of me, behind me....Everyone was talking about Coldplay's music, Coldplay shows, the new album. I saw tons of homemade shirts... I couldn't believe it! There were a group of guys to my left who were dying to hear Charlie Brown in person. These guys sang all the words, didn't fuss at all the jumping and were just friggin' happy. It made the experience a bazillion times more beautiful.

I left the park that night thinking "well damn, it is great to be a Coldplay fan." The band could feel the love and they let it show in their set. I can't wait for this thing to officially kick off, 'cos after getting back from Coldplay, everyone and everything is no fun, lol.

[flickahidalgo]

We started our journey to Atlanta, GA from Fayetteville, NC at about 7AM. 6 hours of excitement and boredom - passing by endless miles of cornfields and dense woods. The GPS ended up being programmed wrong and it took us straight to the hotel - The Hilton. Despite my wishes, we decided to check-in to the hotel and bring our light load to our room. Within 15 minutes, we were out of the hotel and on our way to Piedmont Park. It took us a while to walk from the entrance to the park to the actual Meadow.

Once found, we literally ran straight to the Electric Ballroom Stage to claim a spot up by the front of the stage. It being 3 o' clock, the Joy Formidable were now coming on-stage. Not going to say much. But, they were pretty awesome.

Next, Manchester Orchestra came on stage. Again, not going to say much.

Then, The Black Keys came on at 7:15. Now, I will say much. Being a fan of The Black Keys as well, I was equally excited to see them perform. Once they had blown up a massive inflatable tiki and tire, hysteria went through the crowd. Finally, they walked out on stage and the concert was in full swing. About 30 minutes to an hour later, the sunlight was dimming and the concert vibe was kicking in.

The Black Keys ended and exited the stage. Within seconds, it seemed as if with a few people leaving, a mass rushed in. Almost an hour before the actual Coldplay show was to start, we were smushed against the front railing. With people bumping elbows and stepping on feet, of course, everybody was getting a little antsy. We all talked in excitement about what was about to occur. Somebody asked a staff member, "How many people are behind us?" She answered with, "20,000 or so. You guys are really lucky to be up front."

When the guys finally came out on stage, all was smoothed out - people backed up a bit, in order to give themselves a bit of room to jump and dance to the beat of the music. The resonant sound of MX filled the open air. Then erupted Hurts Like Heaven and the connection between the band and the audience was built immediately.

Now, I'm not going to tell you about every single song, but one song did seem to stick out in presence more than any other for me - God Put a Smile Upon Your Face. It seems to me that this song is delivered best - especially with the new intro. It also gives a nice, roaring beat to jump to.

One thing I was disappointed about was the fact that they didn't play Us Against the World as an encore. In previous shows that week, they had played it both times as an encore and I was sure that they would play it again. But, sadly, it didn't happen. But, all is well. They did end up delivering a fantastic cover of REM's "Everybody Hurts".

With Every Teardrop is a Waterfall sting ringing in our ears, we walked back to where we entered. But, I couldn't help but think, "Geez, I feel sorry for whoever has to clean this mess up!"

[hahninator]

I lurk on Coldplaying all the time without posting much but I was just looking at my pictures from this show the other day and I remembered I never posted my full review of this show that I wanted to post. It's been ages since the show but it really seems like it was just yesterday! I also saw part of the Atlanta Philips Arena show last year (only half sadly due to school, but the second half) so I'll review what I saw there after this.

Here we go!

So earlier in 2011, we heard rumors that Music Midtown was coming back to Atlanta and initially the rumors I believe were Coldplay, Pearl Jam and Prince or something over two days. Anyway the announcement comes that Coldplay is indeed playing, Music Midtown is going to Piedmont Park and I am head over heels. My girlfriend in 2011 had just moved into a new apartment less than a mile from Piedmont Park and while I went to school 3 hours away (long distance relationship haha), we would be so close to the show it'd be ridiculous.

I bought us two tickets ($55 for that lineup? epic!!!) and we were set. After keeping up with Coldplay all summer at Rock am Ring and all the other festivals, and then getting anxious when they first started playing Paradise (and also Up In Flames right before this show), I was really stoked to see them. What would they play? The night before the show, we were eating at a restaurant called Noodle before the show (across the street from Vortex in Midtown ATL) and I get a Twitter notification that I won two tickets from Red Bull ATL to the show! Sweet!

We sleep in on Saturday (show day) and around 3-4ish, we drive about a quarter mile to Kroger at Ansley Mall (right next to the park) and walk to the show. What a great idea this was because traffic afterwards was so bad that we were glad we could get home within 25-30 minutes of Coldplay ending (most of it was spent walking through the park).

Unfortunately to get the tickets we have to walk to the BOX OFFICE which is on 10th Street....on the other side of the park! So our short walk turns kind of long but it's no problem. Right before we get to 10th Street, we hear sirens and then comes a police escort. One cop car in the front, two nice black vans, and another cop car in the back. Was it Coldplay? We'll never know but we'd like to think it was! They turned into the artist entrance by that restaurant near 10th. Maybe Coldplay or The Black Keys, but the latter has only two band members so it might have been Coldplay.

Anyway, we get our tickets from the box office and so I decide we should sell our other two for face value. Bam, it doesn't take more than 2 minutes to do that and we have now made our trip to Music Midtown FREE! My girlfriend and I go in, walk around the park and just chill for the afternoon. We liked the other bands there but we were there for one band, haha. Our Red Bull tickets had the VIP viewing pass for their tower thing at the back of the crowd, so we watched part of The Black Keys from there. After a drink, I do some SERIOUS convincing to her to let us go into the crowd. My girlfriend likes concerts but she likes to sit down and doesn't like to be in the middle of a ton of people.

This time I was able to convince her to try it, so with 20~ minutes left for The Black Keys, we head down into the crowd and start our way to the front. I know a few of their songs so watching them was enjoyable. After they were done, a million people leave the crowd and a million more join and we end up somewhere between 16-20 rows from the front, on the right side but still in front of the stage. A perfect spot - it really seems like at this point that everything in the day is going in our favor! Two new friends later, they give us both a beer and we are set.

99 Problems comes on and the crowd is jamming and then the lights go out, as everyone knows, for Back to the Future and here comes Coldplay! Wow the crowd is very loud at this point. MX starts and then the fireworks go off....wow. I mean wow. That really caught everyone by surprise and Hurts Like Heaven comes on (my favorite new song at this point...I had the live version on so many mix CDs all summer) and we're off! The band sounds GREAT. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing Coldplay and I was seeing so many new songs in their set at the same time. I LOVED the stage lighting and the running man on HLH.

The yellow lights on Yellow are great and the crowd at this point is eating it up through Yellow and In My Place. Chris is really jamming and Jonny too....I was really surprised at how energetic they were. I know he does the "Is anybody out there?" talk at most of the shows but it's really cool with everyone exploding haha. So at this point I knew the setlist had been changing slightly over the summer and the past few shows so I wasn't really sure what we would get. My favorite Coldplay songs in order at this point are Violet Hill, Clocks, Hurts Like Heaven, and Talk (or Death and all His Friends). I know Talk or DAAHF aren't in the sets and that's perfectly fine but I was REALLY wanting Violet Hill since I knew they'd for sure play the other two. I didn't know if they'd drop it for Paradise or Up In Flames, both of which I wanted to see as well.

Chris gives his speech about it being a new song and we're off on Major Minus. I really enjoy this song but some people around us decided they had had enough of Coldplay and they left! Wow. So we were able to get a few rows closer during this song. Major Minus didn't even sound like a new song to me at this point since I had heard it so much over the summer on my mix CDs but I did know some words to it which allowed me to sing along. This song is so catchy.

Then we get Paradise! Sweet! What is surprising about this song is that so many people in the crowd knew it. Everyone around me was dancing and loving Paradise, and it had just come out right before the show. I was caught up in the days prior to Music Midtown trying to figure out if the backing vocals were sampled (aka a few band members were lipsynching on it) on Paradise live, but in person you obviously can't tell and it sounded awesome!

After Paradise, the Lost! intro starts and that's one of my girlfriend's favorite songs so she is ecstatic. Balloons fall and I'm in awe as I wonder how the Coldplay production can be so good! The band at this point is really ON and Chris is all over the place rocking. After Lost!, I hear the intro part of Violet Hill and my entire 2011 has been made. One of my favorite songs by any band...I was so happy to see it in person. Everyone knew the song too and it was great having so many people sing along to it. Chris at the end of this song got REALLY into it and was lifting his guitar up and slamming it down across his body near the end....so awesome. Oh what a great track.

God Put A Smile was next and WOW is this song a total jam live or what?! I was really surprised how good it comes across live. The band continues rocking and impressing us through the whole song until we get to The Scientist next, which of course the whole 40,000 person crowd knows! The singalong to this song was sooooo loud. I'm sure a lot of hardcore Coldplay fans probably want them to change the setlist up some (probably me too sometimes haha) and drop some of the most popular songs, maybe even this one, but these songs sounded so great in person.

I have no idea what's next in the setlist - I was lost the second Paradise entered the show so I was legit surprised the rest of the show as to what they would be playing next. Chris mentions R.E.M. is one of his favorite bands of all time and they just "finished", so they wanted to do a song to show "how much they meant to us". And I'll be damned, it was Everybody Hurts! Wow. Literally my favorite R.E.M. song and my girlfriend and I had been singing it the entire week before. Coincidence? It sounded great and I knew this was something really special. Chris at one point mentioned how Atlanta is such a special place for the band (yeah I know the Tabernacle story from over a decade ago) and they LOVE playing here. It felt like we were really a part of something special, versus just being at a concert. I know it's a concert for Coldplay but that night seemed like it meant something to them and they were truly happy and honored to be playing for us. You don't get that feeling for a lot of bands, you know? So many bands go through the motions on stage but Coldplay took the time in their hectic schedule (they were in Austin and Toronto and Las Vegas in the week before the show - wow) to learn a cover and play it for us & for R.E.M. Really cool.

So Politik was up next and I looooove it. I didn't think they'd play this one so I was glad to see it. Next came Chris's little piano part which I knew was time to start roaring the Viva melody haha. And tens of thousands of other people knew it too, which was crazy! Viva was really impressive live, which I'm sure everyone knows haha....that's a really strong one. I love the singalong at the start and how it continues through the beginning of the song.

What could be next? Charlie Brown! At the time of the show, I liked Major Minus better than Charlie Brown but now I like Charlie Brown a lot more. Almost no one knew this song sadly even though it came off GREAT on stage. Solid performance! Then I felt almost ashamed because they were playing a song I didn't know. I know most all of Coldplay's songs but I didn't know what this was. It sounded good though, but it was slower, and then the set was over! I was shocked they decided to close the main set with a slower song instead of something like Viva La Vida. Afterwards I found out it was Life Is For Living and I introduced myself to it the next day.

And then the encore chants came and the crowd was alive again. The band returns and oh hell yes, Clocks! This song never gets old no matter how many times I hear it, and the lights on it were really cool. At the end of the song, Chris did the thing where he bends over backwards on his piano bench and acts like he's swimming in air....great touch to the end of the song. Everyone noticed it and knew he was really into the performance and the crowd really let out a roar of appreciation. The next song was Fix You, with the Georgia On My Mind intro, which I actually thought Chris would do at this show. Fix You sounded great and it was just mesmerizing watching hit after hit after hit be played and the band be so into the show with so much energy. Chris dancing around at the end was so cool.

Unfortunately I knew this meant the end of the show was up next. Every Teardrop closed it out and I'm a pretty big fan of this song even though it's so different for the band. It sounded great, the lasers were awesome, and Chris even kissed the stage after the show. Wow. I've never been so impressed with a band's performance before this show and I had seen over 100 shows before this. Coldplay was an instant top 3 show for me. What an awesome day, an awesome performance and an awesome crowd. The backdrop of the ATL skyline was perfect for the show and Coldplay really brought an amazing show to Atlanta. It couldn't have gone any better!