Coldplay rock at the NIA

It seems odd that British band Coldplay have been on the road so long before coming back to their own shores.

But then, having taken the world by storm, it's understandable that everyone now wants a part of the pie.

Regardless, this was Coldplay's second British performance on their latest tour to promote new album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends.

And it did not disappoint.

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Most bands keen to shift more copies of their latest offering would plough through a set full of new material, not so Coldplay, who clearly understand that their catalogue is rich enough and their fans demanding enough to want the classics.

To this end, Chris Martin led his merry men through the starter Violet Hill before performing some of the band's signature tunes. A relatively basic set, starting with a huge backdrop with the album's artwork, things only became more dynamic with the now traditional laser show to accompany the mesmerising Clocks.

Elsewhere, a nice touch when a packed NIA seemingly thought the show may have been over when the boys hit the stands and weaved through the crowds, only to perch themselves smack-bang in the middle of fans to perform Green Eyes.

Speed Of Sound was a particular highlight, although performed in darkness, as were Viva La Vida, which surely must have rocked the arena's foundations, as well as encore track The Scientist, which was blended quite beautifully with, no joking, Take That's Back For Good.

A beautiful performance from the band. Only let down was Chris Martin's dress sense. He may have a tough time selling the one turn-up look on his trousers, but with a voice like that, he can be forgiven almost any transgression.

By Lee Perry.

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