Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Chicago, Il 2012. Property of KDL
August 8, 2012
United Center
Chicago, IL
Opening Acts:
Marina and the Diamonds
Charli XCX
The Band:
Chris Martin-lead vocals, piano, guitar
Jonny Buckland-lead guitar
Guy Berryman-bass
Will Champion-drums
As you probably know, Coldplay is a British alternative rock band with a sound that is simultaneously pensive and high energy with a bit of pop and passion. They have earned numerous awards, including seven Grammys. Mylo Xyloto is their fifth studio album since their inception in 1997.
Beginning with Hurts Like Heaven, the band performed with an electricity that was contagious to the crowd. They played a great mix of new songs and old favorites: Paradise, Princess of China, Yellow, In My Place, Amsterdam (played in full for the first time since 2005). They even snuck in a Louis Armstrong cover of What a Wonderful World, a sweet rendition featuring only Martin and his piano (for a complete playlist see below).
The main stage was huge with a long walkway, plus a small mini-stage within the crowd for a more intimate set. The sound was incredible live, which certainly cannot be said of every band. Vocals were spot on, music was perfect, sound and speakers well balanced. How awful it is to attend a concert with distorted sound! The laser lights timed to the music added to the visual intensity, as did the numerous confetti eruptions and graffiti symbols that covered the album. They even provided bracelets, or xylobands, for the crowd that also lit up to the music.
Overall this was an excellent concert experience that I highly recommended. While I must admit Coldplay is one of my all-time favorite bands, that was also the consensus of those we met at the concert. They ended with Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, somehow still with tons of energy. The only diappointment was that it had to end.
Songs Performed:
Mylo Xyloto
Hurts Like Heaven
In My Place
Major Minus
Lovers in Japan
The Scientist
Yellow
Violet Hill
God Put a Smile Upon Your Face
Princess of China
Up in Flames
Amsterdam (played in full for the first time since 2005)
Don’t Let It Break Your Heart
Viva La Vida
Charlie Brown
Paradise
Us Against the World
Speed of Sound
Clocks
What a Wonderful World
Fix You
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
Thanks for reading. Have you seen Coldplay in concert? Leave a comment below!
Something to Consider 