Coldplay - Hollywood Bowl - 5/1/12

Timothy Norris

Chilly Tuesday nights in May isn't exactly what the Hollywood Bowl is all about. But despite the less-than-ideal conditions, Coldplay warmed up the sold out crowd last night with songs off their latest album, Mylo Xyloto, and an assortment of hits.

Since the band's 2000 breakthrough with "Yellow," they've become one of the preeminent voices in modern rock, if also one of the most hated. Singer Chris Martin is almost as well known for his marriage to actress Gwyneth Paltrow and friendship with Jay-Z as for his songs.

But Martin is still concerned with writing songs that appeal to as many people as possible. If Wayne's World were made today, Wayne Campbell's quote, "Led Zeppelin didn't write tunes everybody liked. They left that to the Bee Gees," would likely substitute Coldplay for the latter. But they probably wouldn't care.

Over the course of the night, the band was fully engaged with the audience and on their game. It's bold to shoot off fireworks at the end of a show, but during the first song? With that, the band set the benchmark for their U2-esque theatrics pretty high and did not disappoint. From the elaborate light show to confetti to the glowing wristbands that were handed out upon entry, the band had the crowd's attention.

"Thanks for coming out on a Tuesday night," Martin said. "We know how hard it was to get and park here and we're gonna give it our all and hopefully you'll do the same."

Indeed, those in attendance dug the 20-song, 95-minute set. Songs like "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face," "Viva La Vida," and "The Scientist" received huge cheers, while the new songs held their own as well.

Location Info

Venue

Map

Hollywood Bowl

2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Category: Music

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