After Tuesday night's performance at the Bell Center, it's quite clear that Coldplay has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Two unworthy opening acts took to the stage, almost unnoticed, as an estimated 19 000 fans filled the venue.
The British rock sensation finally emerged at approximately 9:15 to a standing ovation that lasted right through until the band bid farewell. Fans were greeted with the acoustic, "Life in Technicolor", as the mood was set with what seemed to be a blue moon hanging up above (which would later turn into a video screen). What followed could only be described as mayhem, despite the simplistic decor, as lead singer Chris Martin and his band dove into their new album, 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends", with "Violet Hill". The remainder of the night consisted of a series of sing-a-longs as the band continued their musical seduction with chart toppers including "Clocks", "In My Place", "Viva la Vida" and "Fix You". However, fans were also treated to the band's lesser hyped tracks, notably "Lovers in Japan" and "Politik" to name a few. Martin couldn't help but notice the emotion and energy which filled the room as he remarked, "This is pretty f***ing amazing for a Tuesday night!". He also noticed how the audience was quite active in Montreal as opposed to audiences he had played in the United Kingdom. On several occasions fans also caught Martin slipping in wrong lyrics for which he apologized time and time again since according to him, a professional band shouldn't be making mistakes.
As a special treat, the band moved out into the crowd, on two seperate occasions, onto raised platforms at each extremity of the main stage. The audience therefore bore witness to a close up of "Chinese Sleep Chant" and "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face". Also notable, but not up close were "Speed of Sound" and "Yellow". And, just when you thought the band couldn't get any closer, after the non-acoustic version of "Lost!", they formed a single file and raced through the audience, up a flight of stairs where they performed the acoustic versions of "The Scientist" and "Death Will Never Conquer", just steps away from screaming fans! A short video montage played up above as the band made their way back onto the main stage. They later signed off with "Death and All His Friends" and "The Escapist". At this point, it was quite obvious that Martin would not get out of the city that easily as the fans summoned him and his band back on stage. Coldplay officially closed off with "Green Eyes" and the unexpected, unfished, celtic track, "The Dubliners". To the dismay of many, the lights went up and after what seemed to be a short hour and 45 minutes, it was time to go home.
Interestingly, throughout the show, the band concentrated on the music trying not to make it a habit to talk too much. However, when they did say a few words, Martin was sure to throw in some broken French no matter how incomprehensible it may have been. That being said, other than a web address for Oxfam being displayed, the band made no outcries to support any causes -- which if you ask me is quite rare!
In the end, it seems Coldplay is certainly bent on dominating the world music scene, with certain fans comparing the night in Montreal to the craze once sparked by The Beatles.
Photos courtesy Gwen Krasnicki
Next review: Osheaga Music Festival, August 3, 4 @ Parc Jean Drapeau
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