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Review of Coldplay at the Royal Albert Hall, London
This week I had the immense pleasure of going to see Coldplay perform live at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Tickets sold out in a matter of minutes for the two exclusive gigs as Chris Martin emphasises they’re not doing the whole “world-wide-tour-thing” for this album – just a few ‘here and there’.
I’m a massive Coldplay fan and have previously loved their shows at the Emirates Stadium and at the O2 Arena. However, in this prestigious, more intimate venue, the band really came alive and indeed felt more personal than in the other venues I’ve seen them perform. After his recent seperation from Gwyneth Paltrow, their latest album, ‘Ghost Stories’, is a lot softer/gentler than their most recent previous albums such as ‘Viva La Vida’ or ‘Mylo Xyloto’. This meant their performance was more interlaced with many slower songs rather than their standard slower section.
However, the party got into full swing by their supporting act, AlunaGeorge, famous for their hit 'Attracting Flies'. What a way to start the show! They got everyone on their feet – clapping and cheering to the music – especially when they performed theirs and Disclosure’s Brit nominated hit single ‘White Noise’. They expressed such a strong, party, feel-good vibe that pumped us all full of energy and euphoria – an excellent performance.
Then of course Coldplay stormed onto the stage – absolutely owning it as they performed in-the-round meaning everyone got a fantastic view and made the most of this grand arena. Blinding us with lasers, canons of confetti and wonderful light displays, including full use of the diffuser discs on the ceiling of the hall as projections of coloured smoke exploded above the crowd making the gig a true beauty and party to watch.
They started off the show with ‘Always in My Head’, which led into the more upbeat ‘Charlie Brown’ and ‘Paradise’ . These immediate hits made the crowd feel electric, all of us chanting together with the band who performed under ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ – suspended above them were illuminated stars hung from wires over the stage to truly enhance the softness of the gig and then to liven it up as they flashed to the beat.
They played songs from across their 6 albums – from ‘Clocks’ (one of my all time favourites, particularly live); ‘Til Kingdom Come’; ‘The Scientist’; ‘Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall’. To perhaps my favourite of the night – ‘Viva La Vida’ where Chris and Will moved to a smaller stage to the delight of many thrilled fans (myself included). This number was truly incredible – everyone roaring in unison, hands swaying, fists pumping in a euphoric cloud of true pleasure as their wonderful music washed over the pulsating arena – just outstanding!
Yet even more emotional was perhaps ‘True Love’ where you could have shed a tear for Chris as he softly belts out the heart breaking lyrics “Tell me you love me, if you don’t then lie oh lie to me”. I wasn’t at all surprised his famous love song to Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘Yellow’ wasn’t played after this moving performance. However, in their (what now seems tradition) encore they did bring the party back to full blast with ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ and finished on their absolute classic ‘Fix You’.
Overall, despite a slightly toned down gig this time, the guys are still true performers and are just a pleasure to watch, especially with Chris shouting down the mike they have “the best fans in the world” and thank us for “giving up our Tuesday night to go see them perform” – ever humble despite their roaring success makes the band even better. This was probably my favourite time seeing them live as they delivered the best of both sides of Coldplay – equally gentle and equally festival, not least helped by such a cracking venue – just magical!
To finish this insanely beautiful, feel-good show, she sung her
hit “Into The Blue” in a delightful sparkling gown with the whole audience
crying for more. 
