I arrived at Sydney's Accor Stadium feeling a little apprehensive. It was US election night and, of course, Coldplay.
I wondered if I was in the right mood for what I assumed would be a joyful festivity. The colourful, animated crowd confirmed my assumption – it was impossible not to feel at least a bit enchanted by the vibrant fans (6 November).The Coldplayers were out in droves and would quite literally light up the stadium, with the London band utilising kinetic dance floors and even exercise bikes to help charge the batteries for the show. A solid 10/10 for environmental sustainability, Coldplay.
I was handed a wristband that would inevitably light up, along with a pair of 3D-style glasses which, when worn, transformed the lights into rainbow-coloured love hearts.
Ayra Starr, a young and talented performer, was onstage as I entered the stadium. At first, her choice as main support by Chris Martin and co. seemed unexpected, but her catchy, Afro-infused R&B was lively and engaging.
She knew how to win the crowd over. As the sky darkened, she asked everyone to turn on their phone lights, and in that moment, it was clear, this crowd was here for a good time.
The lights dimmed, and the theme from 'E.T.' played over the speakers. When Chris Martin stepped onto centre stage, pausing to kiss it like a man at an altar, everyone's wristbands lit up, bathing the stadium in red.
The band launched into 'Higher Power', and the entire audience was on their feet, dancing with arms raised in worship to those beloved wristbands. By the end of the third song, 'Paradise', not a single person in the stadium remained untouched by Martin's charm.
At one point, he stopped to help a small five year old over the barrier, ensuring they had a better view, joking: "Would you like some Coke? The soft drink, I mean." It was clear he wasn't immune to a bit of fun.
Next, Chris sat down at the piano and began the chords to 'The Scientist'. The woman next to me, who had been holding back tears since Coldplay took the stage, finally succumbed to the moment. That woman may or may not have been my wife.
The band then moved to the 'B' stage for a stripped-down version of 'Viva La Vida'. It was surprising how big they could sound with just a piano, bass, floor tom, and a giant bell. This had a lot to do with the backing vocals, courtesy of around 60,000 fans.
It's worth pausing to talk about the production. I don't know who the lighting and production designer is, but they deserve a pay rise. This wasn't just a gig or even a live concert; it was an immersive experience. The production and lighting were so precisely crafted that it felt almost spiritual, as if we were all leaving our own worries behind, basking in music and light.
The band played through a mix of hits, old and new, including 'Clocks', 'My Universe', and the song that started it all, 'Yellow'. During this song, those who remember Coldplay's meteoric rise could recall when they were just four mates at university in London.
The band's equipment was set up in a tight formation on the vast stage, and in that moment, you could almost see four young guys in a London pub, playing a song they thought was pretty good. The fact they're playing it 24 years later in a stadium speaks volumes about the band's legacy.
Martin and his fellow Coldplay family – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion – have created a remarkable catalogue of accessible pop-rock songs.
While the non-Martin members might lack a touch of flair, they are tight as anything, having mastered the art of subtly stepping back in what is ultimately the Chris Martin show; and let's be honest, it is his show.
Martin has a unique ability to feel as though he's just thrown on jeans and a shirt and somehow ended up fronting one of the world's biggest bands. His charisma is magnetic – he's funny, charming, and seems to believe every note he hits and every word he sings.
At one point, I watched him kneel on the stage in the middle of the stadium as fireworks exploded. I didn't see an old pro going through the motions; I saw an artist who still believes he has the best job in the world.
He has a wonderful ability to conduct the crowd, at times leading a stirring chorus of 'A Sky Full Of Stars' or bringing you close enough to feel his breath as he promises to 'Fix You'.
Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres world tour is an event of mammoth proportion. It's bold, beautiful, hopeful and occasionally a bit naff, with the most stunning production. If Coldplay wanted to start a cult, they'd have 60,000 willing disciples in Sydney tonight – and I wouldn't blame them.
- written by Mark Owen
