Coldplay in Los Angeles
Two weeks into the tour and I’m at Hollywood Bowl. If you had said to me three months ago when I was sat in my cold flat in North London that I would be on tour with Coldplay and we would be in Hollywood, where I can see the white Hollywood letters perched upon the hillside from my window, I would not have believed you. What an amazing way to finish up the first leg of the tour, ending it in Los Angeles!
Hollywood Bowl is a beautiful venue. An open air amphitheatre set within the lush green Hollywood hills. A little gem (well not really that little with 17,000 people present) set away from the chaotic wonders of Hollywood Boulevard. As I pulled in to start work for the day we passed the art deco Hollywood Bowl sign. I’m sure I had stepped back into the 50’s, I just needed a rara skirt and a milkshake.
Inside the Bowl is filled with retro posters from previous gigs. Coldplay were playing on the same stage as the Beatles, Nat King Cole and Elton John. I was so excited to see the Coldplay boys play this arena like so many famous people before them.
The atmosphere was a mixture of chilled out diners sat in the front stands having an evening dinner and wine, mixed with an electric buzz from the front rows and centre stalls. There was a festival vibe to this venue, with its outdoor bars and roasted food stands adding a camp fire smell to the mix.
Coldplay came on with a bang! Fireworks lit up the hillside stadium and confetti fluttered into the amphitheatre. The boys played out the ‘Hurts like Heaven’ intro and the crowd started jumping to the beat. Everyone’s arms were in the air and the wristbands were flashing to the rhythm. Everyone started screaming as Chris started to sing, ecstatic with the rush of the music and how good it feels to be part of a concert you have waited so long to see. I love it every time. But for some reason this gig tonight was special, I was mesmerised watching the crowd moving together with neon lights rushing through the open LA night. Hollywood Bowl had something special tonight! Congratulations Coldplay! The gig was amazing!
Rachel, I agree. This was a special night with a love vibe usually reserved for retreats or the night before a holiday. Even from the very back of the bowl we felt connected. In the back we danced, shared stories of our favorite songs and why, goodness we even hugged when it was over. All spirits were up and flying high spinning in the music. Thank you, Oxfam and Coldplay for a glorious night.
Do you recall what time Coldplay hit the stage?
Thanks to the back row for not hitting me with a glow stick
love you all.
By any chance, do you remember what time Coldplay hit the stage? I dont want to get there too early or too late…
thanks
COLDPLAY come back to CA!!! Sold out tickets for Irvine concert on May 5.. I’ve been waiting for to hear you guys 3 years!
Come back to CA SOON! i’ve waitied for Coldplay for two-three years!!! SOLD OUT!
Hi Rachel! I couldn’t help but read this with your sweet voice and British accent ringing in my head. I just wanted to thank you, Oxfam and Coldplay for such a wonderful day. The Hollywood Bowl is one of my favorite concert venues, but I had never before experienced it the way I had as a volunteer. It was really exhilarating talking to so many people and getting people to care. Some of the fans we approached were actually a lot more knowledgeable and passionate about the cause than I was, so it was a very enlightening and inspiring night. LA often gets a bad rap, but a lot of the people we approached yesterday seemed to be just as shocked as I was when I learned the facts the first time. Signing the petition took but a couple minutes of their time. Though many of them would have already forgotten about it by the time Coldplay took the stage, I feel genuine satisfaction that for at least 2 minutes, each of the hundreds of people we approached gave a damn and strove to make a difference. I cannot wait to get more involved with your organization, with or without the free concert. (Though meeting Chris Martin before the show was pretty darn epic!) Thank you again!
Hi Robin,
I should thank you. You were unstoppable and make a great campaigner. Well done for insiring so many coldplay fans. Looking forward to seeing you at the next gigs! -And yes, meeting Chris was awesome! Best of Brit love, Rach