Coldplay

Some of you know that Josh and I were able to fulfill a life goal (and a really lofty one at that:) yesterday. We went to a Coldplay concert in Boston, MA last night and it...was...Awwwwesome. Instead of writing a witty and much more interesting narrative, I'm just going to list off some of the things we noticed (and when I say we, I mean me...Josh can enjoy things better). Let me first start by describing the people around us:

Couple #1 - located to our left. When we stood up, they were right behind me (think slanting in on the chorus risers). Well there are two things I have to say about them. 1) The dude stunk like he hadn't showered in 3 days. The worst part about it was that he didn't even look like a stinker, but WAS! Oh, wait, I lied...the worst part about it was that he was also ripping the entire night. 2) Stinky man thought he was Chris Martin. I listened to two front men last night - the amazing Chris Martin and Stinky McStink-pants.

Couple #2 - located directly in front of us. Picture crazy is an understatement. Wild-eyed is also an understatement. And mousy - you guessed it - huge understatement. Unfortunately, they had no rhythm either.

Couple #3 - located in front and to the right. They were the worst couple of them all. Picture Matt Muir's height and red hair blocking the entire show in front of you. If it were Matt we could excuse it, but the dude also had no rhythm and he stood up from the beginning to the end of the concert. He and his girlfriend had several "moments" throughout the night as well. And listen...all of you who know me know that I was an avid concert goer in my younger years and I'm totally for standing during a concert. In fact, my favorite place to be was on the floor in a mass of people. However, when you're on the balcony and everyone else around you is sitting...take a hint. I still had to give it to him for standing and enjoying himself, but next time it better not be at my viewing expense. Josh just reminded me...it wasn't just that he had no rhythm...picture a tall and lanky Elaine Benice. Oh yes, you read correctly...jerking and all.

Now that we have the company established...let's get on to the good stuff...

1) I know this happened before tonight, but cell phones have officially taken over the lighter. I did not see one lighter being waved during the entire concert.

2) Whilst I did not see any lighters, there must have been some because I smelled the inevitable aroma of cannabis setiva. Oh yes...it wouldn't be a concert if some kid (or maybe adult, who knows these days) snuck in some pot.

3) We paid a painful $28 to park...that's not right.

4) Tom Brady was definitely in the audience and Chris Martin dedicated the last song (Death and All His Friends) to him.

5) While Martin was honored to have Tom Brady there, he was surprised that there were so many people there on a Monday night missing out on Seinfeld and Home Improvement re-runs. Needless to say, they were very gracious musicians. And it was hard to miss Home Improvement...

6) Their drummer, Will Champion (awesome name), is one of THE most talented people I have ever seen. At one point he was drumming with one hand (working the pedal with a foot), shaking maracas with the other hand, AND singing all at the same time. Later he sang an entire song.

7)The lighting was pretty awesome - think lasers and white spotlights during "Fix You."

8) He let the audience sing a lot. My favorite times were when we sang the "Whoa-oh-oh" during "Viva la Vida", singing "Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones and I will try to fix you" during "Fix you" and the first line in "Yellow". It rocked.

9) So there was a big globe hanging from the ceiling that projected different things throughout the concert...it started off as just blue...draw your own conclusions. We had a good laugh.

10) They played two songs in the audience...freakin' awesome!

11) I could've gone with a longer set -list. I also could've gone without their little political blitz sideshow that flashed "OBAMA" four or five times before they came out and played an encore song - "Polotik"...surprise. Now, I loved the idea and the song but I'm not a fan of entertainers using their clout and ability to persuade when it comes to politics...especially when they're NOT FROM THE USA. It made a 10 concert a 9.

12) I say DOWN WITH TWO OPENING BANDS! Or maybe down with the opening band. If you say the concert begins at 7:30 please, please don't make me wait until 9:30 to see who I came to see. If you want to have two opening shows, start them at 6:00 or so. Especially if they're not great. So my conclusion...one opener.

13) Lastly...you know you're at a great concert when you feel like you can hear your heartbeat in every song that's played. The playing was inspiring and Chris Martin sounds as good as he does on CD, if not better.

I know this was incredibly long but if you're still reading...thanks for sticking with me!