Fans waited five years to see Coldplay, and Arizona fans responded feverishly when the band opened the 14th “Music of the Spheres” show at State Farm Stadium on May 12.
Powered by renewable energies, the show covered Coldplay’s classics from the early 2000s and recent music from its 2021 collection, “Music of the Spheres.”
Opening with the new song “Higher Power,” Coldplay provided a kaleidoscope of lights through inflatable balls tossed into the crowd by the act’s crew during “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “Paradise” and “Charlie Brown.” As Chris Martin’s hums faded, the room went dark.
A single green light illuminated Martin, who sat at the bench of his worn-down DIY wooden piano. He quietly started “The Scientist” and was soon joined by audience members singing along.
As the song ended, Martin showed his appreciation for his fans.
“I have to tell you that you’ve kind of taken us by surprise with how great you sound,” Martin said. “We didn’t expect this on a Thursday after a basketball game and we’re so happy to be here. This is (expletive) awesome.”
The screen filtered live footage of audience members sending love to Martin, who tickled the ivories, smiling.
After “The Scientist,” the lights went down ,and Coldplay reappeared on a B stage in the middle of the stadium for “Viva La Vida.”
Dancing back and forth on the catwalk, Martin engaged with the audience segueing into “Hymn for the Weekend.” He dramatically dropped to the ground at end of the song to captivate fans.
The show mellowed out as Coldplay moved into “Let Somebody Go,” “In My Place” and “Yellow.” The dark room brightened during the latter song, thanks to fans’ wristbands that carried bright yellow lights.
A sun rose on the stage’s background for “Sunrise,” while “What a Wonderful World” serenaded the image. The hums of “Human Heart” followed.
Martin wasn’t alone for this song. His puppet friend, lead singer of the band The Weirdos, sang with him. Martin told the audience “They’re from another planet, sort of.” She also accompanied him during the set’s closer, “Biutyful.”
As Coldplay lit up the room with their revelatory vocals and vibrant stage presence, “People of the Pride,” “Clocks,” “My Universe” and “A Sky Full of Stars” were highlights.
Before treading into “Fix You,” the band had a surprise up its collective sleeve—an original song called “Phoenix, AZ.”
Coldplay picked up its instruments and sang a country-tinged song about the Valley. The song’s concept was how much Coldplay loves Arizona and its residents. Oh, and don’t forget about the sports teams. In closing, Martin sang, “If I ever get low again, I’ll be headed to see the people in Phoenix AZ.” It’s clear they the area as much as its residents.
To watch the full performance of “Phoenix, AZ,” click: https://bit.ly/ColdplayPhx
Martin didn’t speak much during the performance, so the music spoke for itself. The songs are vulnerable, and the fans could feel the love.
Coldplay made it no secret that it was happy to be in Arizona, and Arizona was happy to see it. TikTok gave a sneak peek of the tour, but it didn’t come close to the euphoric experience the pop band provided.
Coldplay setlist
Music of the Spheres
Higher Power
Adventure of a Lifetime
Paradise
Charlie Brown
The Scientist
Viva la Vida
Hymn for the Weekend
Let Somebody Go
In My Place
Yellow
Sunrise
Human Heart
People of the Pride
Clocks
Infinity Sign
Something Just Like This
Midnight
My Universe
A Sky Full of Stars
Sparks
Phoenix AZ
Fix You
Humankind
Biutyful
