Review: Coldplay opens 2024 with spectacular show in PH 2
Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes
Culture

Concert review: Coldplay opens 2024 with spectacular show in PH

An undeniable sense of nostalgia swept over the audience, with nearly every person present finding themselves not just listening but reliving the moments that had initially endeared them to Coldplay's music.
Shiela Reyes | Jan 20 2024

Nearly seven years since their very first performance in front of their Filipino fans, the iconic British rock band Coldplay made a triumphant return to the Philippines for a concert that will undoubtedly be remembered for the years to come.

This time, the band on Friday took command of the massive stage at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan as part of their highly anticipated "Music of the Spheres World Tour."

“Where better to start 2024 than the Philippine Arena... We are so happy to be back in Metro Manila, can’t wait to get going,” the band posted on Twitter ahead of the show.

Having witnessed their concert in 2017, I entered the arena brimming with anticipation and fueled by high hopes of surpassing the sheer magic of my previous Coldplay experience.

The band did not disappoint.

The night started off on a high note, with Chris Martin and his band kicking off the two-hour spectacle with “Higher Power.” Their first song created an electrifying atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the night.

With unwavering energy, Coldplay seamlessly transitioned into "Adventure of a Lifetime" from their acclaimed album "A Head Full of Dreams.” The crowd was then treated to the heavenly tone of “Paradise” establishing an ambiance of pure musical magic.

Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes
Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes

Pausing before transitioning to his next song, Martin engaged with the audience, making an effort to communicate in Filipino.
 
“Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Masaya kaming makabalik sa Pilipinas,” Martin said.

“Welcome everybody on the left side, on the right side, in the middle – we love you. We are so happy to be here and so grateful. Ang ganda niyong lahat,” he added, as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Prior to resuming his performance, Martin pledged to deliver the most exceptional show they had ever presented as he invited the audience to join in singing along to their hit songs.

Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes
Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes

The band then proceeded to showcase a selection of some of their most popular songs, including "The Scientist," "Viva La Vida," “Hymn for the Weekend” and "Yellow." Additionally, they delved into their archives to revive some of their earlier tunes such as "Charlie Brown," and "Clocks." As these familiar melodies filled the venue, an undeniable sense of nostalgia swept over the audience, with nearly every person present finding themselves not just listening but reliving the moments that had initially endeared them to Coldplay's music.

Remaining faithful to their approach of weaving timeless classics with their most recent hits, the band also staged their newer tracks and notable collaborations with other artists. This included renditions of the infectious beats of "Something Just Like This," and the crowd-rousing chart-topping anthem, "My Universe."

Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes
Coldplay in concert at the Philippine Arena. Shiela Reyes

There are stand-out moments such as when Martin read a poster from an audience member at the VIP section that read, "In 2017, I was at the very back. Now I am this close." Impressed by the sentiment, he extended an invitation to the lady to join him onstage, granting her the opportunity to request any song for him to perform. Much to everyone’s delight, she opted for the band's well-loved track "Everglow."

Another highlight is when Martin serenaded the crowd with the celestial notes of “A Sky Full of Stars,” where Martin encouraged the crowd to stow away their phones to just be in the moment together as “one human family with one song.”

“Maybe we could do one song together with no phones and no cameras, no filming, no photographs. Just put your phone away and use your body. Let me tell you why. Because this group of people – the group of us – we will never be in the same building all together again. We would like to remember this as one human family with one song,” he said.

During this point of the concert, the LED wristbands of the audience ascended into the air, resembling a luminous constellation, accompanied by busts of fireworks and confetti.

Coldplay subsequently moved to their B-stage, treating the audience to an acoustic rendition of "Sparks." The unexpected delight continued when Martin crooned snippets of the OPM song “Raining in Manila.” Adding to the excitement, the band Lola Amour joined him onstage to perform the entire track.

Conveying his gratitude as the night came to an end, Martin humorously remarked: “Thank you to all of you for coming through the traffic, holy sh*t! We’ve seen some traffic but I think you’re the number one in the world. So thank you, thank you for making an effort coming through all of that.”

For the encore, Coldplay deemed "Fix You" as the perfect and fitting songs to conclude their show. Their poignant rendition of the tune added a heartfelt touch, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Over two hours, Martin displayed that he is a seasoned frontman who knows how to play the audience. His magnetic stage presence and effortless connection with their fans transformed a mere concert into an unforgettable journey that resonated in the hearts of every attendee.