U2 Interns
Courtesy LA Record
"Under used concert venue" is how I've heard the Home Depot Center described. I'd only been for soccer matches, so I could only imagine a concert at the HDC. It is an intimate and open ground, I could only agree with this statement. On Saturday night, I attended my first concert, Coldplay. Coldplay was just stunning, but the HDC is still learning how to host shows.
I'll get my complaints out of the way because they shouldn't be the focus. Parking is really bad. I was lead to an area only accessible by 4x4s. My Honda bottomed out. On the way out, the cops didn't stop the extremely light traffic on the road in order for the 15,000 cars to stream out of the lot. The venue was a bit disorganized as well. I had GA Floor, and it was only accessible via two pathways. Therefore, hundreds of people had to walk down to sets of stairs. Ugh. Finally, they hiked the concession prices at least 25%. Bud Light was $12!!! Unbelievable.
I didn't get around to seeing Coldplay until X&Y was released. It was always a regret of mine. I knew they were a great live performers. I was in the pit for my first show in Camden, NJ (is that the ECenter now?). What an awesome show. The band has an impeccable stage presence. Lucky for me, I was in the pit for a second time. I had high hopes for the show. I wasn't disappointed.
There were so many highlights. I'm convinced Coldplay will follow in the footsteps of U2. Lets take a look at the set-list, and I'll explain further:
Coldplay
Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
July 18, 2009
1. Life In Technicolor
2. Violet Hill
3. Clocks
4. In My Place
5. Yellow
6. Glass of Water
7. Cemeteries of London
8. 42
9. Fix You
10. Strawberry Swing
11. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
12. Talk
13. The Hardest Part
14. Postcards From Far Away
15. Viva La Vida
16. Lost!
17. Green Eyes
18. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay/Death Will Never Conquer
19. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover)
20. Politik
21. Lovers In Japan
22. Death And All His Friends
Encore:
23. The Scientist
24. Life In Technicolor II
25. The Escapist
Lots of songs huh? The set was well over two hours. Here are my favorites:
Strawberry Swing
This is my favorite song on the new record. It truly was a perfect day.
The Hardest Part
For 'Talk', 'The Hardest Part' and 'Postcards From Far Away' were played from the end of the stage left catwalk. I was directly in front of this catwalk; Coldplay was playing 10 feet from my face. It was amazing.
Billie Jean
So the back of the HDC wasn't left out of the fun, the band members walked to the east end and performed a couple of songs from within the crowd. It was a cool gesture. My favorite from this set was Billie Jean, acoustic!
Lovers In Japan
Ah, the butterflies. What a magical moment. On the way to the GA, I noticed the canisters, but I had no idea what they'd shoot into the sky. There were so many butterflies, we were literally covered. They created such an intimate and amazing atmosphere. I couldn't stop smiling.
Actual Butterflies From The Show
I could go on for each song. This was a breathtaking concert. The videos can't capture the atmosphere. I felt part of something larger than myself. I didn't feel like I was attending a concert but creating a long lasting memory. Chris Martin has impeccable stage presence and talent. His energy doesn't let up the entire show! The band is amazingly talented. Its the perfect mix of music and showmanship. I think Bono would even be impressed. U2 is the only other Pop band that can create this type of concert experience.
