We booked tickets last October and surprised the kids at Christmas with the fact that they were heading to their first Coldplay gig. We had tried for Glasgow, as we’d never been there, but the booking site wasn’t easy to navigate. As we were buying 4 tickets we went for £55 seated tickets which clearly weren’t going to have the best view. We ended up booking accommodation late in the game and stayed for 2 nights in a Travelodge in North Acton.
We arrived nice and early to soak up the atmosphere and explore a little. We had a decent little meal just outside the venue and then the kids explored the shops and Erin enjoyed the play park!
We went inside at 5.30ish and made our way high up to our seats. We were high up but near to the front with a good view of the screen and stadium.
Ibibio Sound Machine were first on stage at 6pm. They produced an enjoyable and energetic set which did a good job of engaging the early Wembley crowd. Bizarrely the third time I’ve seen this band (with two previous Deer Shed appearances)!
London Grammar took the stage at 6.55pm and were superb. Lead singer Hannah Reid, has such an incredible voice and it seemed to be made for the Wembley acoustics. A quality 10 song set followed drawing 4 songs from their debut and 6 from their latest album.
Just before Coldplay took the stage our vantage point gave Erin the opportunity to see them walk from the back stage area just prior to a sustainability film being played on the big screens. As Coldplay took the stage and burst into High Power, Erin literally squealed with joy and excitement. It was amazing.
Fireworks from the start with the wrist bands lighting up the night sky. From Higher Power to Adventure to Paradise to Charlie Brown there was no let up and the stadium looked unreal with the lights everywhere.
The Scientist slowed things down before they moved to the B stage. They may not have played all of my favourite tunes but the whole set seemed designed to maximise joy.
Hearing Politik live again was a real treat, but Yellow thrilled and People Of The Pride was probably my individual highlight.
For the c stage performance Coldplay dusted off Sparks for an essentially acoustic performance to a Wembley crowd that could hear a pin drop. Impressive. Natalie Imbruglia was the guest so we got Torn and a tribute to Olivia Newton John.
They closed with Human Kind and then a sensational Fix You. It seemed like that would be the end, but they actually closed on Biutyful…which is probably my least favourite Coldplay song! Shame, but it didn’t dampen the awesomeness.
We left happy and had a decent tube journey back to the hotel. Until next time…
A Gig A Month 2015-2022 