Coldplay with Ash
September 4, 2002
The Paramount,
Seattle, WA
The Preamble-
I was anticipating this show from the start. When I first got ahold of the album Parachutes, via a demo tape, I really thought this band was going to go somewhere. I got into Parachutes so much that I over played the album! When I heard the new album was coming out, I was stoked. I was even more stoked that they were coming to town in such a small venue.
3rd Row Center-
Our seats were great, 3rd row in the very center of the balcony. we had a birds eye view of the show to come. Things would have been perfect if the woman in front of me didn't have 3 inch bangs and sway from side to side for each song, blocking my view, but I digress.
The Opening Act-
Ash was slated to open. They came on with a thunderous boom and i had to think if I wanted to put some earplugs in or if I wanted to enjoy the full concert experience. A little later in the set, I realized that I should have used the plugs. Ash, in my opinion, was just OK. The songs were good, often fast and sometimes even a little punky. The lead singer was full of energy, but all too often I found myself looking at my watch and wondering when Coldplay would be on.
The Main Event-
After a 35 minute intermission, Coldplay finally took the stage, starting dark then busting out into the hard pounding pulse of "Politik". The lighting of blue outline on the floor had me trancefixed for the entire time. The light show was fantastic, and the music was amazing. I can't say much more than that, only that this may have been the best performance I've ever seen, no joke. The setlist included many songs from their new album, "A Rush of Blood To the Head", including a great performance of "The Scientist", "In My Place", "Green Eyes", "Warning Sign" and a fabulous performance of "God Put a Smile Upon My Face". Other tracks performed off of Parachutes included "Spies", "Yellow", a beautiful doing of "Trouble" and my favorite moment of the night, a lengthened version of "Everything's Not Lost."
There were many more songs played on this night, but these are the ones I remember the most, the ones that really made Coldplay shine.
The End of the Road-
On my way home, I was keyed up, wanting to stop and have a drink or something. What I really want is a new keyboard. Since I can't hear Coldplay live all the time, I can at least play their music.....maybe we should leave that to the masters themselves.
