Coldplay

Despite the ill-timing in a bid to find a parking space, waiting in a queue for tickets and being drenched in the rain only to catch the last remaining half of Interpol’s set – I can safely say my irritating pains were gratifyingly worth it.

While masquerading around in dashing designer suits and sounding so tight their trousers could split at the seams – the four New Yorkers seem quite confident in the face of a torrential shower. Let us not forget they were one of many to have survived the mud bath of Glastonbury, so they know better then to let a little harmless sprinkle dampen their spirits. At least that’s how it seems, as Carlos D appears to be in stormy- weather denial while sporting a pair of sunny shades against his pasty white complexion.

As they blast into 'Not Even Jail', the heavens decide crack open with thunder and lightening giving an almost terrifying edge to their performance. However Interpol are a band who are strikingly more dramatic than the rest, so it quite fittingly livens up their already compelling intense guitar motifs.

'PDA' draws on Paul’s rich toned voice, which is filled with a warm satisfaction as he slips in the occasional smug smile. These sentiments are carried right throughout 'Evil' and 'C’mere', both of which display full on fervent passion. But then if you're an obscure band who are inspired by the introverted dark side with the ability to allure audiences at stadium gigs, you have plenty a reason to have a Cheshire smacked across your face.

If I’m going to be honest, I’ve never quite been taken by the brilliance of Coldplay. Although they are able to pop out chart bursting tunes and use their popularity for a good cause as well as be praised by musical pundits - I’ve always found them a bit dad rock with leanings toward the land of predictable tedium.

Having said all this, tonight they manage to obliterate all my preconceptions. As the rain subsides leaving people feeling humidly clammy, few can contain their excitement when they open with 'Politik'. A knitted-headed Chris Martin banging out harsh chords on the keyboards is living proof that they really do know how to rock out.

Chris, as always, seems energetically jovial as he hops around singing the 'Speed Of Sound'. But then so would you be after being donned as one of the best acts at Glastonbury. That and being married to a movie star wife as well as huge records sales does more that expand your ego. And yet, he still keeps in touch with reality as he casually admits “I fucked it up,” when it comes to playing the opening lines of 'Everything’s Not Lost'. Admittedly he does name-drop a bit, by declaring Brian Eno as the best songwriter ever and that we are lucky to have him here tonight.

A dedication goes to the late Johnny Cash with new song, 'Till Kingdom Come', which invites drummer, Will Champion, to join in some country style jamming. And 'White Shadows' from latest LP 'X&Y' is a poignant display of Chris’ versatile vocal range.

As to be expected they get through their much- desired back-catalogue, including the likes of 'Yellow' and 'God Put A Smile Upon Your Face'. But as always the powerful drive of 'Clocks' distinctively leaps out for its genius riffery, leaving thousands dazzled. It’s also a pleasure to hear the melancholic warbblings of 'A Warning Sign', if just for its endearing notions.

It’s quite true that Coldplay are morphing into the next generation of *U2*, but is that really such a bad thing? After tonight it’s fair to say I’m swayed.

Photo by Erik Henne