In the contemporary era, one legendary band that has made a profound impact is the British band, Coldplay. For years, they have managed to capture everyone’s attention by creating music that’s pretty unique and relies on connection. Moreover, they put on some of the best concerts of this generation, making each live performance an unforgettable experience. That’s one of the reasons their concerts get sold out in minutes, and that’s what happened with the Music of the Spheres world tour. One of the cities they performed was Abu Dhabi, UAE, and although I knew what to expect from a Coldplay concert, it exceeded all my already high expectations.
The band, made of members Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, performed at the iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and even though UAE has hosted Coldplay before, it was the first time the audience received a full-fledged version of the band’s world-renowned tour experience. Previous visits to the UAE saw scaled-down productions, but this time, Coldplay pulled out all the stops to deliver their complete spectacle, showcasing the grandeur of their Music of the Spheres tour. The stadium, revitalized and brimming with energy, provided a perfect backdrop for the band’s vibrant performance. From the neon-lit circular main stage to the extended runways and satellite stages nestled deep within the audience, every element was designed or manufactured to create an immersive experience. People must have seen the videos of a Coldplay concert on the internet, and some of you might have even experienced it in the past; the band doesn’t just perform concerts; they create dazzling sensory journeys that captivate every sense. In Abu Dhabi, the British band opened with hits like Higher Power and Adventure of a Lifetime, which laid the perfect foundation for an electrifying evening filled with euphoria, energy, and an unforgettable connection between the band and the audience. Also, get ready to enjoy the party with giant balls released throughout Zayed Sports City Stadium during Adventure of a Lifetime and your Xylobands – bracelets introduced during their 2011 Mylo Xyloto tour – changing colors to create a mesmerizing sea of lights, making you feel like you’re part of a magical galaxy dancing to the beat of the band’s electrifying music!
The night hit its stride with one of the band’s most-loved songs, Paradise, which highlighted why Coldplay continues to be one of the biggest musical groups in the world. The dripping colors of the Xylobands and the endearing soundscape made it feel like frontman Chris Martin was navigating a magical, illuminated place. There was not a single soul who didn’t know the lyrics and sang “PARA-PARA, PARADISE” because, in those three words, they found an escape, a fleeting moment where dreams felt closer than reality. But things quickly changed when Martin sat on the piano and started playing the melancholic The Scientist, which talks about a man’s powerlessness in the face of love. It is one of those songs that evokes a lot of emotions, but in a live setting, the song takes on a whole new dimension of emotional power. Additionally, the live arrangement of The Scientist had softer intros or soaring crescendos, that aren’t present in the studio version and made it that much more impactful. These shifts heighten the emotional journey of the song. On the other hand, stripped-back performances of Viva La Vida, Hymn for the Weekend, and a touching rendition of Afterglow provided a raw, emotional connection.
The energy surged again on the main stage when the group started performing Something Just Like This, and mixed it with Martin Garrix’s hit song Breakaway. That performance felt like a complete party of pure euphoria, with the crowd jumping like it was the soundtrack to their wildest dreams coming to life! However, one of the most heartwarming moments came when Martin used sign language to convey the lyrics of the aforementioned song, winning hearts everywhere. But things changed quickly as soon as Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland hit the strings, and the entire stadium was bathed in a golden glow, with fans waving now yellow-colored Xylobands in unison as the iconic chords of their hit song Yellow filled the air. Trust me when I say this: the opening guitar note of this song holds the power to make all the “real fans“ of Coldplay cry in unison. It’s not just the song but what it signifies. Martin gave his everything to perform this epic song and made everyone realize the power of love, hope, and brightness, and somehow, at the same time, it also represents melancholy and evokes a tidal wave of emotions. But Coldplay’s signature optimism swiftly returned as they rolled out hit after hit. A Sky Full of Stars, with its euphoric EDM undertones, the soul-stirring Fix You, and the exuberant Good Feelings, delivered a closing sequence that left the audience exhilarated.
Apart from Coldplay, one artist that blew my and everyone’s minds was Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean singer who continues to captivate audiences globally. Since her breakout moment at Coachella 2023, she has seamlessly blended Arabic and English lyrics with contemporary pop and RnB influences. She began the evening by giving powerful performances of some of her biggest hits and gave a glimpse of her magnificent voice. From the classic Arabic balled Ahwak to modern dabke-infused songs like Mamma Eh and Ya Waylak, her routine showcased her ability to transcend cultural boundaries and create a deeply emotional connection with her audience. Elyanna’s music is a celebration of heritage and modernity, while her performance was a masterclass in artistry, leaving the crowd mesmerized by her authenticity, charisma, and the sheer magic of her sound. Her collaboration with Coldplay on We Pray was also impactful, and Martin liked her verse so much that he stopped the performance in the middle of the concert and requested Elyanna to sing that verse again. Worth it!
In the end, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour concert in Abu Dhabi was magical and an unforgettable experience. From the awe-inspiring visuals and fireworks to soul-stirring performances by the band, the concert in Abu Dhabi was a reminder of Coldplay’s legendary status. It is much more than just a band; it is a global phenomenon that unites hearts, transcends boundaries and transforms music into an unforgettable experience of pure emotion. There’s a reason why fans, rightly so, hail them as one of the greatest musical groups of all time Their shows are immersive spectacles, featuring everything from gleaming light displays to heartfelt interactions with the audience. Just like their iconic predecessors, Coldplay brings more than just music to the stage – they bring a shared sense of joy, leaving fans feeling as if they have been part of something truly special. Was this my first-ever Coldplay concert? Technically, yes. Will I be going again? HELL YEAH!
Coldplay is currently touring worldwide.
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