Coldplay Closes Its World Tour In Colombia

As far as bona fide rock groups go, there isn’t anyone more polarizing than Coldplay. Accusations run from all out plagiarism of Joe Satriani to simply copying every move U2 makes both artistically and commercially. The quartet from London has received more simultaneous praise and criticism than the last episode of the Sopranos.

But undeniable is their worldwide appeal as exemplified by The Viva La Vida Tour, which in support of their fourth studio album of the same name has played 172 total shows throughout 14 legs across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, and now Latin America.

The mammoth tour which started June 16, 2008 finally came to an end in Bogota, Colombia on March 4, 2010 in a buzz-filled evening in Simon Bolivar Park.  In no mood for tearful goodbyes, Coldplay celebrated their most important chapter coming to a close and look to a bright future ahead.

From the opening riffs of “Life In Technicolor” and into “Violet Hill,” the throng at the  sold out venue let Chris Martin and company know they were in no mood to be  silent as 60,000 voices united to roar “If you love me, won’t you let me know?” into the Colombian skies.

Granted, Martin doesn’t have David Bowie’s elegance, Bruce Springsteen’s mysticism, or Bono’s sunglasses, but Chris Martin is a Picasso to all three. And Thursday, he rocked the crowd in a way it hadn’t been rocked since John Madden bodysurfed the nosebleed seats.

His performance showed his ever-growing versatility, simultaneously a rocker and a poet who can pump us up with his roaring anthems and turn us introspective with his somber piano ballads. Martin’s the kind of guy whom we expect to start a “Viva La Vida” chant with 60,000, but with whom we wouldn’t be totally surprised if he brought out Octomom for a chorus of “Wind Beneath My Winds.”

And sure, like Bono he’s one of those celebrities who gets involved with politics and world issues.  And maybe you don’t agree with his views. But come on, people. At least his rambles involve a British accent, something we could all use more of in our daily lives.

The setlist was complete and well rounded. Involving virtually all of the band’s hits, it also mixed in some rarities like “Shiver” from their debut album Parachutes and even a new track titled “Don Quixote” from their still untitled upcoming album, much to the delight of the crowd.

Other standouts from the setlist included the confetti-filled “Lovers in Japan” and the electronic, U2ish medley of “God Put a Smile Up On Your Face”/ “Talk.”

Opening band Bat For Lashes deserves praise. Lead singer Natasha Kahn is a wonderful talent. U2 fans might remember her single “Daniel,” which plays before the band takes stage in their current 360 Tour.

Overall, it was a fantastic night of music. The band seemed very happy with the crowd’s energy, as well as putting an end to their most successful chapter yet.

And to the Coldplay doubters – to each their own. But the quartet leaves an unmovable impression in today’s musical world. –Jaime Andres Rodriguez, Contributing Writer

Bogota, Colombia                                                                                                                      Thursday March 4th 2010

Life In Technicolor/Violet Hill/Clocks/In My Place/Yellow/Glass of Water/42/Fix You/Strawberry Swing/God Put A Smile Up On Your Face/Talk/The Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away/Viva La Vida/Lost!/Shiver/Death Will Never Conquer/Don Quixote (New Song)/Politik/Lovers in Japan/Death And All His Friends/The Scientist/Life In Technicolor II

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