Gig review: Coldplay @ Manchester City's Etihad Stadium – June 9

COLDPLAY: Etihad host rockers' gig

By Ben Burrows

Coldplay raised the bar and raised the roof at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

In a stunning assault on the senses, the world-famous foursome did not disappoint with a performance which will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to witness it.

The tone was set from the moment spectators entered the stadium with each privileged punter given an official Mylo Xyloto wristband, the purpose of which was spectacularly revealed during the show.

Each wristband, worn by the 55,000 crowd, lit up automatically on Chris Martin’s command bathing the arena in an early-evening neon glow.

The band entered to a breathtaking display of fireworks and set the benchmark belting out a pitch-perfect version of Mylo’s opening track Hurts Like Heaven.

They followed with the ‘Rush of Blood To The Head’ favourite In My Place before moving the crowd to a standstill with an emotional rendition of The Scientist.

STAND PROUD: Chris Martin in front of 55,000 crowd

Lead-singer Martin brought his own manic style to the show and revelled in having the amazed audience in the palm of his hand throughout.

His unique showmanship was encapsulated when he launched his guitar 20ft into the air after a particularly energetic version of 'God Put A Smile On My Face'.

The early evening descended into night and the true impact and the scope of the fluorescence could be fully appreciated.

Confetti cannons and luminous beach balls scattered the night sky as the band entertained the captivated the audience with hit after hit.

CHRIS MARTIN: Coldplay frontman slows down the tempo in Manchester

Crowd favourite 'Viva La Vida' was a definitive highlight while the new collaboration with pop megastar Rihanna, Princess of China, showed fans what lies ahead in the charts.

To rapturous applause the spectacular stage show closed with a deafening chorus of 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' accompanied by yet more fireworks and laser dramatics.

As the foursome bowed to the crowd the captivated audience were left wondering if such a show could ever be topped – perhaps only when Martin and Co return.

OPENING CEREMONY: Revellers get glorious welcome to Etihad

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