Full Of Magis And Love, Coldplay's Appearance Exceeds Expectations

Coldplay (Instagram @coldplay)

The long wait for Coldplay's concert in Indonesia has finally paid off. Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion appeared in front of 80 thousand spectators who filled the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium, Central Jakarta on Wednesday, November 15 evening.

What many people expect, namely classy performances from the world's best bands, lighting and high-quality loudspeaker systems, singing with Chris Martin and tens of thousands of other people, nostalgia for Coldplay in the early 2000s, loveful music concerts, feelings of visiting outer space, and a burning wristband featuring magical elements throughout the stadium. Everything was presented that night.

Not only that, surprise after surprise also came to Coldplay's concert. In fact, Chris Martin with his jokes managed to make the audience laugh.

After the appearance of Rahmania Astrini, Coldplay started the concert at 21.00 WIB. Starting from Chris Martin's Assalamualaikum greeting, they performed a song titled Higher Power from the album Music of The Spheres.

Like what Chris Martin said in an interview with the BBC in 2021, Higher Power was created by imagining music on other planets. Yes, the sound that is produced and the whole light that appears make SUGBK another planet. A hard feeling to find at other music concerts.

That night, Coldplay also performed songs from their albums in the early 2000s, Yellow, The Scientist, Goodminton, Politics, Clacks, and In My Place. There is no big difference in the arrangement, possibly similar to what is on Spotify and YouTube. However, the feeling of listening to it directly is completely different.

In every song performed by Coldplay, tens of thousands of people sing along. In fact, once in a while Chris Martin specifically asks the audience to sing.

On several occasions, Chris Martin also conveyed his love message to the audience. In particular, when performing the song A Sky Full of Star, he asked the audience to keep cellphones and cameras, then enjoy the beautiful moments at the concert that night.

"We will remember today as connectivity between the four of us and the 80,000 people here," said Chris Martin.

The audience seemed to enjoy every second, not only during the song, but also when Chris Martin delivered messages of love and light jokes.

I can see all of you, who are there (pointing to the right of the stage), and those there (pointing to the left of the stage), I see beautiful people. We love all of you," Chris said.

"For those on the floor, we also love you. For those behind this wall (outside the stadium), we also love all of you," he continued.

Chris Martin also showed a feeling of love when performing the song People of the Pride. Instead of flying the rainbow flag, he carries a white flag that reads "LOVE" (love).

What the audience expected for Coldplay's performance seemed to be fulfilled. More than that, surprise after surprise is also shown. Maliq & D'Essentials performed on stage without prior notification. They performed Senja Teduh Pelita's song from the main stage.

Chris Martin's jokes, several times made the audience laugh. For example, when he read the rhyme using the phrase "loan a hundred", something that could not be found at Coldplay's previous concert.

However, expectations did not only come from the audience. Chris Martin on several occasions also expressed his admiration for Indonesian audiences. Without a doubt, he called the Indonesian audience the best.

"You guys are amazing, this is the first time we've performed here, and we're happy to see you all. You guys are the best so far," Chris Martin said.

"We think we can perform here every week, but if you want it," Chris Martin continued with laughter.

On one occasion, although not straightforwardly expressing his attitude about the genocide tragedy in Palestine, Chris Martin empathized with the crisis that occurred in the Middle East. He opposes terrorism, colonialism, and occupation.

Not only that, he also invited the audience to silence and send love to anyone around the world who is having problems.

That night, at least 25 songs were performed by Coldplay, including Adventure of A Lifetime, Paradise, Viva La Vida, My Universe, Something Just Like This, Everglow (by inviting two viewers to the stage), A Sky Full of Star, Hymn for The Weekend, to Fix You. Biutyful's song is the closing of their performance.

Coldplay's appearance in Indonesia is a spectacular event. In addition to the 'drama' about purchasing tickets some time ago, and the demonstration, the success of this concert involved many parties.

As music observer Mudya Mustam told VOI some time ago, Coldplay's viewing experience in Indonesia is different from in other countries.

Indonesian audiences have their own uniqueness, and that may be the reason Chris Martin continues to call the concert that extraordinary.

Unfortunately, only 80 thousand people can enjoy Coldplay concerts in Indonesia. However, judging from what Chris Martin said when praising the energy that the audience gave that night, it is not impossible that they will return to Indonesia in the coming year.

Thank you everyone who is here. I am happy and grateful to be able to appear in the presence of 80 amazing spectators. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to appear in your country, thank you to the government for allowing us to come here," said Chris Martin.