"MTV Presents". That's cute.
There was a time when Coldplay was not one of the biggest bands in the world. In 2003, I was lucky enough to be at one of their last "small" shows. It will be a long time before they go back to regularly playing intimate venues like the Fox Theatre in Detroit. As I write this, Coldplay is scheduled to play at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Aug 1, 2012. A quick internet search tells me that floor tickets are being resold at $600-$800.
Look at that ticket ticket price above: $35. Are they amazing seats because I was lucky enough to have a job with connections? Yes. But I didn't get a discount. Thirty-five dollars!
Look at that ticket ticket price above: $35. Are they amazing seats because I was lucky enough to have a job with connections? Yes. But I didn't get a discount. Thirty-five dollars!
"Gwyneth spent thirty-five dollars on breakfast today, so thanks."
Coldplay hit it big in 2000 when they released the song "Yellow". It was a worldwide smash, and put the band on the map. (To find Coldplay on the map, head east toward U2, then make a slight left.)
"Yellow" was actually the second single to be released from Parachutes. The first was "Shiver". I didn't know it was a single at the time, but it ended up being my favorite song on the album. So much so that I got totally sick of it. I played the heck out of it.
I'm past the sickness of the song. I can enjoy it once again.
Just look at these fresh-faced, innocent youngsters...
"Yellow" was actually the second single to be released from Parachutes. The first was "Shiver". I didn't know it was a single at the time, but it ended up being my favorite song on the album. So much so that I got totally sick of it. I played the heck out of it.
I'm past the sickness of the song. I can enjoy it once again.
Just look at these fresh-faced, innocent youngsters...
So my admiration for Coldplay was already waning when they released their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, in August 2002. The songs were richer and fuller, thanks to the increased production values. They avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump" that can curse so many "second things" that various artists attempt.
The band started writing the album shortly after 9/11/01, and some of the melancholy feelings of those days crept into the lyrics and melodies. Also adding to an extra layer of interest in the band: actress Gwyneth Paltrow was now dating lead singer, Chris Martin. (They would marry in Dec 2003.)
I would really challenge anyone to listen to the "Rush of Blood" album and find a "radio hit". There's just not anything on the album like that. It's a great album, and (as of this post) has sold nearly 3 million copies. It's the largest Coldplay album to date.
"Clocks" ended up being the big radio hit from the album, but my favorite was always "The Scientist". It's so good, that Willie Nelson covered it for charity.
The band started writing the album shortly after 9/11/01, and some of the melancholy feelings of those days crept into the lyrics and melodies. Also adding to an extra layer of interest in the band: actress Gwyneth Paltrow was now dating lead singer, Chris Martin. (They would marry in Dec 2003.)
I would really challenge anyone to listen to the "Rush of Blood" album and find a "radio hit". There's just not anything on the album like that. It's a great album, and (as of this post) has sold nearly 3 million copies. It's the largest Coldplay album to date.
"Clocks" ended up being the big radio hit from the album, but my favorite was always "The Scientist". It's so good, that Willie Nelson covered it for charity.
You can download the full song at iTunes. Proceeds benefit The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation. I'm not sure what they do, but if Willie's involved, that's good enough for me.
In March of 2003, Coldplay was in the middle of their climb to the top, where they are today. They had been touring for nearly a year, and there were only a few more dates left until they were done. The concert I attended not only imprinted the memory of this rising young band, it changed how I perceive myself.
Forever.
I was 32 years old when I saw this show. I had a great night with my wife and some friends. As the usher sat us in the third row seats, I was digging life. I turned to the young lady next to me and said sarcastically "too bad we couldn't get better seats, eh?"
She recoiled in horror and I realized that she was like, 16. Holy crap! An old man was talking to her! Ew!
In March of 2003, Coldplay was in the middle of their climb to the top, where they are today. They had been touring for nearly a year, and there were only a few more dates left until they were done. The concert I attended not only imprinted the memory of this rising young band, it changed how I perceive myself.
Forever.
I was 32 years old when I saw this show. I had a great night with my wife and some friends. As the usher sat us in the third row seats, I was digging life. I turned to the young lady next to me and said sarcastically "too bad we couldn't get better seats, eh?"
She recoiled in horror and I realized that she was like, 16. Holy crap! An old man was talking to her! Ew!
Actual photo from that night
She scooted a little closer to her friend, away from me. OK, that kind of thing has happened before. I was just trying to be friendly.
The show was pretty good. There was something odd about the show that I couldn't quite put my finger on while it was happening. The band was fine, but I felt like Chris Martin was singing to the back of the room, and ignoring the bunch of us in front. I'd never been so close, yet felt so ignored like this.
Then it hit me: He wasn't ignoring the front rows, he was ignoring the pasty, pudgy old guy! (Me!) And why shouldn't he? There was an entire theater full of screaming sixteen-year-olds like the young lady next to me. I felt so un-special.
It wasn't a soul-crushing experience, but something that stuck with me. I ain't no teenager anymore. A little more than a year later I'd be a dad, and Chris Martin would mean much less to me.
Coldplay has since gone on to become one of the biggest artists on the planet, releasing their latest, Mylo Zyloto, in 2011. I'm guessing they probably have another three or four albums left in them before they go back to playing "small club dates" not because they can't fill stadiums, but because they are "returning to their roots". Maybe I'll go see them again when they do.
Were you at the show? Have you seen Coldplay? Share your experiences in the comments below!
The show was pretty good. There was something odd about the show that I couldn't quite put my finger on while it was happening. The band was fine, but I felt like Chris Martin was singing to the back of the room, and ignoring the bunch of us in front. I'd never been so close, yet felt so ignored like this.
Then it hit me: He wasn't ignoring the front rows, he was ignoring the pasty, pudgy old guy! (Me!) And why shouldn't he? There was an entire theater full of screaming sixteen-year-olds like the young lady next to me. I felt so un-special.
It wasn't a soul-crushing experience, but something that stuck with me. I ain't no teenager anymore. A little more than a year later I'd be a dad, and Chris Martin would mean much less to me.
Coldplay has since gone on to become one of the biggest artists on the planet, releasing their latest, Mylo Zyloto, in 2011. I'm guessing they probably have another three or four albums left in them before they go back to playing "small club dates" not because they can't fill stadiums, but because they are "returning to their roots". Maybe I'll go see them again when they do.
Were you at the show? Have you seen Coldplay? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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