Coldplay Mylo Xyloto – Hollywood Bowl, 2012
If there’s one mainstream concert you should make an effort to see this year, it’s Coldplay. Not only is an American Coldplay tour a rarity for the British-based band, but it is an experience that makes the pricey tickets and crowded trek down North Highland Avenue completely worth it.
Although the spring Los Angeles weather opted for mist and degrees in the 50s, the gloom did not discourage crowds from bundling up to see their beloved Coldplay at the legendary Hollywood Bowl on May 1st, 2012 – the first of three nights the band would be performing their Mylo Xyloto Tour in the Southern California area. The teeming energy exuded from the avenue straight into the stacked parking lots and on in through the ticket gates, where light-up Coldplay wristbands were distributed to each ticketholder and gourds of fans flooded each vending station to stock up on beverages, pre-concert munchies, and band paraphernalia.
Although the two opening bands seemed to drag on as eager anticipation mounted for the main act, the crowd and atmosphere were pleasant and amiable, great audience qualities since the Mylo Xyloto tour seeks to engage the audience more than ever. When the time finally came for the chilling vocals of Chris Martin and the rest of the phenomenon that comprises Coldplay, the venue fell silent when nearly 18,000 fans’ wristbands came to light in a rainbow of luscious color that filled the dark amphitheatre. Eerie melodies and catchy rock ballads continued throughout the evening as hits as well as album fan favorites were performed at a delectable degree. While my favorite moments included Chris Martin’s sultry and simple rendition of “The Scientist” on the keyboard and the recent hit “Paradise,” which involuntarily sends a pang through the heart when heard live, other highlights included the always-famous “Yellow” and the extravagant but fitting concluding fireworks show. Although I pride myself on sticking mostly to shows of the um, “less popular,” I can’t help but say my eyes, like the other thousands of patrons’, were a bit misty by the end.
Whether you are a fan of this epic band or just a music connoisseur like myself, I cannot stress enough how impressive these guys are live and what an awesome evening I had. For tour dates and other Coldplay goodies, check them out at www.coldplay.com. Happy concert-going!
