This past Wednesday, Luke and I did what anyone
who just turned 25 and looking for adventure would do:
rent a car and go on a roadtrip. We headed out to Milwaukee, Wisconsin after I got out of class in a strapping Mercury Sable that included the Godsend of all options: a CD player. Even though this was our first time to visit the city, I know Milwaukee has definitely had its fair share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers began visiting here in the late 16th century. I know you must be asking yourself, "Isn't Milwaukee an Indian name?" Yes it is. In fact, it's pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land."
sorry, had to do it...
No, we didn't have backstage passes to the Alice Cooper show. I bought tickets for the
Coldplay show off of Ebay the weekend before from some chap in Chicago (he FedEx'ed them anyway). It was definitely a spontaneous decision - Luke and I had just been talking about going to see Coldplay in June at the
UIC Pavillion when we learned about the Milwaukee show. We figured this might be one of the last times they would be playing theaters since I believe they are well on their way to becoming the next U2...
The Road Trip
Rule #1: Double check for the tickets before 5 miles away from the house
I have been driving for 5 minutes and already have road rage
Welcome to cheesy Wisconsin
Our chariot of steel and power
The Eagles Ballroom
The Show
Unfortunately, the security at the venue was militant and we couldn't get a digital camera in. Usually, that means my opinion of the venue goes south, but this was not the case.
The Eagle's Ballroom is the coolest and largest, small venue I've ever been to. It's a large, oval shaped ballroom with a large stage and a second row of balconies around the perimeter. I would never have thought a venue like this would exist in Milwaukee of all places, but I'm sure this is just one of the many special things in the city.
The Music opened up the show - yet another UK alternative/progressive rock band. The lead singer reminds me of a Perry Farrell with big hair. They had a great energy and stage presence - and their set was loud! I think they are going on tour with The Vines soon so they might start catching on...
Coldplay was simply amazing. I don't think it's hard to convince people of their talent in the studio - I listen to both of their albums on a regular basis and think they are supurb song writers. Their live show is something else...great sound, great energy and incredible visuals. The lights and backdrop screens are amazing and work well with the music. For the majority of the show, the screens show four black & white video camera shots on the stage. Obviously, the video is in the european PAL format and look really cool in all their 25fps glory. But for the encore, the screens switch to some amazing visualizations that I would have liked to see during more of the show.
Anyway, I could go on and on about the show, but I think it will be embedded in my memory for a long time. This show definitely stands out from the several concerts I have been to over the years and can't wait to see them again.
The Setlist
Coldplay - March 13, 2003
Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagle's Ballroom
Politik
God Put A Smile On Your Face
Spies
One I Love
Daylight
Trouble
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Don't Panic
Everything's Not Lost
Moses
Yellow
The Scientist
Encore:
Clocks > Theme From Happy Days
In My Place
Second Encore:
Ladder To The Sun
I was just listening to Victor Wooten - A Chance
3/16/2003 04:29:24 PM
