Coldplay performed a stunning four-night stint at Croke Park in Dublin, an event which commanded similar public enthusiasm as Oasis, another crowd-pleaser, albeit for a different demographic. Coldplay’s sincere style may not be appreciated by some, including the Gallaghers and a few hardcore rock enthusiasts, however, the band’s frontman Chris Martin isn’t deterred by the expectations of ‘coolness’. Instead, he is engrossed in delivering a performance that radiates energy so fiercely that it almost lights up Croke Park, much to the delight of the thrilled fans.
The initial sensory wave that the performance unleashes is almost overwhelming. Coldplay made a unique move by handing out environmentally friendly LED wristbands to every spectator. The wristbands corresponded to the rhythm of the music, livening each dark crevice of the stadium, and transforming every spectator into a part of the spectacle. The experience is akin to being in the heart of the Milky Way or amidst a power station’s explosion.
The mesmerising spectacle is amplified with the release of gigantic balloons as the crowd at Croker is swept into a euphoric frenzy by earworm choruses crafted specifically for such events. Hits such as “Higher Power”, “Adventures Of A Lifetime”, “Paradise”, and an impressive rendition of “The Scientist” left fans in rapture right from the first few familiar notes on the piano.
Not forgetting the home crowd, Martin attempts to connect with the local crowd with the Irish greeting – “céad míle fáilte, conas atá tú?” before reverting back to English to proclaim the honour and privilege of performing at that venue.
With drummer Will Champion taking the lead, the band transitions to the larger B-stage for a riveting performance of Viva La Vida. The energy level escalates further with Hymn For The Weekend, an electrifying spectacle as Martin runs around the stage with the stamina of an Olympic athlete amid bursting confetti cannons. Despite playing 160 shows before this one, Martin confesses to being overwhelmed by the fantastic crowd, gratitude reflected in his every word.
Martin invites some Italian fans onstage from the audience to honour their late father Vincenzo with a touching piano tribute. He simultaneously dedicates the performance to Sinéad O’Connor, Dolores O’Riordan and Shane MacGowan. Before we can fully comprehend this poignant moment, the crowd comes alive with the stirring tune of Charlie Brown (also known as the theme of the Pat Kenny radio show). The sight of the stadium filled with 80,000 points of light is truly extraordinary. The euphoria soars with the performance of Yellow, Martin’s voice at points drowned by the enthusiastic spectators, notably when he performs a chorus solo on his guitar.
As the crowd breaks into the Olé, Olé, Olé chant, the decibel level is ear-splitting. The iconic piano and bass notes from arguably Coldplay’s most popular song, Clocks, pair with the stadium’s echo, creating another layer of music and a standout moment of the night.
The presentation of their latest single We Pray, featuring Little Simz and causing a stir on Grafton Street earlier that week, is less impressive musically, despite its inclusive message. Yet, every step the band takes, be it parading around in bright costumes and cartoon alien masks for Something Just Like This or transforming the stadium into a vibrant club for My Universe, finds favour with the audience. The song’s vitality is such that its flaws are easily overlooked every time its catchy chorus hits.
Martin lightens up a great rendition of Sky Full Of Stars, jesting about Bono reclaiming Croke Park for Oasis to occupy, though matching this night’s spectacle would indeed prove challenging. Predictable yet awe-inspiring, the show concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.
The sound of strings that remind one of Henry Purcell’s music, combined with Louis Armstrong’s oral introduction from What A Wonderful World, forms the backdrop as the band progresses to an even smaller C-stage. Here, they perform an enchanting unplugged rendition of Sparks. During the song, Martin offers a series of acknowledgments including a heartfelt thanks to the Irish community for setting a precedent and extending their kindness globally.
There’s a unique segment, The Jumbotron Song, wherein Martin spontaneously delivers verses based on the audience members visible on the screen as the camera pans around. It’s surprisingly amusing and engaging, despite how it might initially seem when described.
Regardless of its familiarity, their melancholic anthem Fix You morphs into a near-religious group chant providing solace and unity which epitomises the essence of Coldplay’s endeavours on this night. One finds cynicism hard to maintain amid the stunning spectacle and melodies of a stadium brimming with music, illuminated by wristbands, and filled with unfiltered joy from the crowd. The evening’s performance is marked by an ingenious fusion of staging, dynamics, pace, and yes, unity. Tonight’s event beats any expectations of finding soulful music here.