Review: Coldplay in concert 

Source: ReutersColdplay

Six years is a long wait for one of the biggest bands in the world to head to New Zealand.

But finally on Wednesday night, Coldplay kept a promise to us Kiwis - that if we built a decent arena, they'd play it.

The last time they graced these shores was in 2003 at the Big Day Out.

So with heavy expectation at the Vector Arena, the stage was set for a welcome return.

And boy - they did not disappoint.

After a slightly muted (and woefully brief) turn from Hollie Smith, ethereal 90s soundscape creators Mercury Rev took to the stage.

With blasts from the past including Holes from their greatest album Deserter's Songs, the band set the right tone for the night ahead.

But clearly the entire audience was there to see Coldplay grace us with hits from their past albums and from their current album, Viva La Vida.

After a breakdancing cleaner (!) swept down the side stages for the band, they erupted onto the stage.

And then everyone fell in love - once again - with Chris Martin and the boys.

Two giant screens midway in the arena allowed those far, far away at the back to enjoy the thunderous show they put on - lasers strobed the arena during Clocks, the lights pounded during Politik and the entire audience sang along to Fix U.

It's difficult to sum up the kind of energy Chris Martin brings to every performance - from skipping across the stage to theatrically falling down during the end of some songs, he clearly gives us heart and soul during every show.

That's probably some indication of why this is one of the hottest shows in New Zealand - or even the world - right now.

But the band hasn't lost their playfulness either with Martin exalting us to be loud enough and they would play some of their old stuff - cue Yellow complete with balloons falling from the rafters and being punted around the Vector until they exploded with confetti sprawling out.

However, the best moment of the night came when Coldplay showed they haven't lost their personal touch.

Leaving the stage on what appeared to be a victory lap, they took up residence right at the back of the arena to perform a slightly more intimate few numbers - including Green Eyes, a song from drummer Will Champion and a thunderous version of the Monkees I'm a Believer.

It was then after Chris explained you don't take a 97 hour flight and not meet everyone, that the band amply demonstrated why they have put on the best show this year - so far.

When it ended and the audience dutifully filed out, there wasn't an unhappy face to be seen as they spilled onto the streets.

If you don't have a ticket to Thursday night's final performance, beg, borrow (but don't steal) whatever you need to get there.

Did you go along to Coldplay's concert? What did you think? Share your view on the messageboard below.

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hankachoo ; 2009-03-31 @ 15:45 NZDT  

Coldplay were awesome!! we paid $179 each and got almost front row seats on the side of the stage. It was the most we've ever paid to see a concert, but it was more than worth it - they were great! one of the best concerts we've ever been to!!!

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onenessnz ; 2009-03-20 @ 13:56 NZDT  

I went to Coldplay on both nights. It was amazing. I didn't think the band would come Back to New Zealand so was looking at going overseas to catch one of their concerts. So cost wise it was cheaper for me and money well spent. I have been to several concerts over the years Coldplay would have to be the best by far

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melbol ; 2009-03-20 @ 09:58 NZDT  

I didnt see the prices for $90 or $129.00 which is more in line with what i would expect , ticket master obviously didnt make that clear on their website. But anyway iam happy that i got to see one of my favourite bands in concert and contrary to the comments made to my first letter i enjoyed the concert immensely and am glad that i had the opportunity to experience the coldplay experience .

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dug ; 2009-03-20 @ 09:55 NZDT  

I've seen some amazing concerts in London over the years I resided there, some incredible entertainers from Nick Cave at the Hammersmith Apollo, right through to our own "home grown" Fat Freddy's Drop at the sadly demised London Astoria. Unfortunately I always seemed to miss seeing one of the most emotive & inspiring of bands 4 reasons only the gods could explain. Last night was a long time coming, but my oh my, an experience that delivered everything that I could have expected, and more..

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sarahk ; 2009-03-19 @ 13:26 NZDT  

$129 for general admission. $190 for gold (seating). Can't wait to see them tonight!

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