At first glance, this item on my bucket list appears somewhat trivial. Seeing a popular band live is nothing to cry about (I’ve been crying about it) nor is it particularly earth shattering. In fact, some might call it selfish or even irresponsible since the tickets were expensive and we currently have no cash flow.
Furthermore, Coldplay is a big band. Enormous, really. Internationally acclaimed and a household name across the globe. What I’m getting at is that wanting to see Coldplay is not unique. Lots of people have been affected by their music and know their songs by heart.
I’ve actually never seen a big band live. All the concerts I’ve been to have cost 15 dollars and had me standing in line for hours so I could situate myself at the front of the stage to try and catch some of Ryan Adam’s or Damien Jurardo’s sweat-drops.
I’m not complaining. Smaller bands equal smaller venues which means you can hear better, see more, and have a chance to meet the artist. I will never stop talking about kissing Glen Hansard, hugging Joshua Radin, or shaking the Wailin’ Jennys’ hands. I know it’s annoying. I’m already daydreaming about bumping into Chris Martin at a pub tonight before the show, even though I know it won’t happen.
This concert is going to be very different. There will be assigned seats and I’ll need my binoculars to see their faces. Instead of being one of a few hundred, I’ll be one of 20,000. And yet I find myself tearing up every time I talk about the concert.
You see, Coldplay and I have come a long way together. They were with me when I started college, when I fell in love. They came along to the Middle East and to Europe. They were with me through break-ups and engagements, long days and longer nights. They were with me on my wedding day.
Coldplay has been the soundtrack for my entire adult life, which is why the thought of seeing them live brings tears to my eyes. Every one of their songs represents a snapshot of time and a feeling of timelessness.
There is also something about their music that moves me to my very core. I know it sounds corny, but I bet most of you know what I’m talking about. Most of us, at one point or another, have felt that jolt through the body over a well placed lyric or power cord. Most of us have been moved by music.
I’m no music snob. I don’t care if it’s The New Directions, Josh Groban, or Bon Iver that moves you–the point is that it moves you to feel something deeper, better, stronger. The point is that music reminds us that we have lived and are still living. Coldplay does that for me mostly because we are such good friends, moving through time album by album. They have a great sound too, but I’m not here to sell you their CDs.
Really I’m just here to explain why I’m so excited about tonight and this month’s bucket list check-mark. These Brits make a rare appearance on the East Coast, so I’m counting my lucky stars I was with it enough to wait at the computer a few months ago and hit BUY the second they were on sale (local news reported the concert sold out in 30 seconds).
I’ve already warned Austin I might cry tonight. I know it’s ridiculous, but I don’t care. They are my Beatles.
Viva la Vida.
***
Have a wonderful musical experience tonight!
I am so happy for you and I appreciate that you are not a music snob. Too often music snobbery robs people of some good albeit mainstream music, life Katy Perry’s firework song which has been known to make me tear up a little.
I love Coldplay and I hope you have a GREAT TIME. I also hope that you somehow meet Chris Martin.
I’ll say hi to Chris for you.
Love KP’s Firework song. Gets me every time.
And by life and mean like. I am the worst editor.
I can’t believe you are seeing Coldplay. THEY ARE ON MY BUCKET LIST TOO. Seriously. I would cry too. It’s going to be amazing, even if you’re in the nosebleeds because the music will be that great. Enjoy. Thanks for sharing your joy with us ;)
YELLOW
Coldplay hardly ever comes to Pennsylvania. I think it’s been two or three years, right? My husband and I tried to get tickets, but unlike you–I was not on the ball. I tried at 10:05. Too late! I saw tickets on Craigslist for 500/piece. You bet your bottom dollar, I tried to make a case for getting them. No dice. I’ll be thinking of you tonight!
The songs that you linked to are some of my favorites. I really appreciate this post and what you have to say about music. I’ve noticed that you love a variety of music and have to admit I was surprised you were so excited about Coldplay. Like you said they are pretty mainstream, but it’s in a good way. A U2 kind of way and I’m so jealous that you’re going to see them live tonight. I’ve heard they put on an amazing show. The biggest band I ever saw live was Radiohead. It rocked my world.
I, too, tried to get tickets for a concert a few years ago. No dice. Consider you (and 20+ other people) lucky. I can’t believe you’re going!
“the point is that it moves you to feel something deeper, better, stronger. The point is that music reminds us that we have lived and are still living…”
Good stuff. Very good stuff.
I am choked up right now. I am choked up because that feeling something deeper, better, stronger? It’s so true and so powerful and I love music just for that reason too. And you are right, it is a jolt to your soul and your being.
I love how you put this into words. It’s perfect.
Have an awesome time tonight. I am so excited for you.
You will cry and it will be amazing. I went when I was 16 and am still reeling. Best concert of my life. Enjoy!
I c an’t believe I live in Philly and will not be seeing them. So not on the ball. Soak it up–enjoy every minute.
Have an awesome time. :)
We saw them for our 1 year wedding anniversary. So amazing! Enjoy every minute:)
Oh, and you forgot to mention the best concert of your life – The Format. First date with A. Double date with an awesome couple ;)
I love Coldplay. :) When certain songs of theirs come on the radio when we’re driving, I turn it up loud and conversation stops. :) Love it.
Have so much fun! I listened to each of your posted songs in honor of the awesome evening you’re having and imagined you listening to the songs live!!
I hope you had the best time. :) As for me, well, I’m going to go back to listening to a song about Dinosaur poop.