British rockers, Coldplay, heated up Amway Arena with their high-energy rock fermented with ripe pop appeal. Friday’s over-the-top performance came equipped with choppy big screen video footage, lasers, a sea of multihued butterfly confetti and the use of an old-school rusted bell.
Who knew that the calm Chris Martin, who we saw strolling along a gloomy beach in Coldplay’s video “Yellow,” would go on to marry Gwyneth Paltrow and sell out arenas?
On this autumn night, his appeal and unforced charisma became clear. Martin’s grandiose moves, which were reminiscent of a marionette being thrown around by a frenzied puppeteer, only seemed to add to the high voltage squall that is Coldplay.
They started the show by playing their instrumental “Life in Technicolor” behind a clouded veil. The semi-transparent curtain was lifted to reveal a huge backdrop of a bare-breasted heroine amid a battle scene of sorts. The boys jammed out “Violet Hill,” a song that provided imagery of war — “Priests clutched onto bibles/And went out to fit their rifles/And the cross was held aloft…” — amidst rough riffs.
Next came “Clocks,” the symphony-like single whose intensity builds even when paired with lyrics like, “Come out of things unsaid/Shoot an apple off my head…”
“In My Place,” a tune that kicks off with a distinct heavy drumbeat, gave Martin a chance to sing his inquiring modest English gentleman heart out with a chorus of “How long must I wait for it?” This crowd-pleaser transitioned into “Speed of Sound,” yet another hit that ponders how life will progress — “How long before I get in?/Before it starts, before I begin?”
The distinct intro to “The Hardest Part” ignited cheers from those ready to be caressed by sorrowful notes and Martin’s lilt-laden falsetto tone. He took on the piano with delicate care, a more serene side of a man who ravished the stage during fast-paced songs like “Viva La Vida,” “Politik” and “Lovers in Japan.”
“Lost,” the hand-clap, percussion pumping, up-tempo anthem, about pressing on in tough times, got attendees grooving.
For “The Scientist,” the boys migrated to an upper level and delighted fans by playing right in the midst of them. Martin’s harmonica action added just the right amount of soul.
The techno-trancelike “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” offered up more dance opportunities for the crowd. The synthy momentum didn’t wane because this fave quickly segwayed into “Talk.”
During “Death and All His Friends,” Martin appeared like a sergeant of positive reassurance.
Mellowly belting out, “So come over/Just be patient/And don't worry” while placidly holding down keys he seemed to channel the Frames frontman, Glen Hansard. After the soothing beginning, a rush of fiery instrumental took hold.
For the encore, the Grammy Award-winning quartet ran on stage decked out in Orlando Magic basketball jerseys, a personal touch which garnered giggles and shouts from fans. In athletic threads, these superstar musicians, jumped right into “Yellow,” the single that sparked the Coldplay fever back in 2000.
With the explosive on-stage spiritual intensity of U2 and the rare emotional zaniness of Radiohead, Coldplay is sure to have staying power. Like a pairing of raw chocolate and almond butter, the dichotomy of their sound works out rather nicely. Whether fans want to dream about galaxies far away or contemplate the complexities that circle around their own hemisphere, Coldplay provides listeners with a plethora of moods to float in and out of.
Working with Oxfam International, supporting Amnesty International, refusing to sell their songs for corporate use, and putting smiles on the faces of fans ranging from age seven to 70, I must borrow lyrics from their song “Yellow” and say to Coldplay — Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you. And all the things that you do…
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