Coldplay at Glastonbury review – Chris Martin takes tens of thousands on the adventure of a lifetime

According to Chris Martin, it has been 25 years since Coldplay first performed at Glastonbury. They are celebrating this milestone by performing an acoustic version of Sparks from their first album, Parachutes. This is the fifth time they have headlined the festival, and they have become so experienced that it seems like this is what they were meant to do.

After not being seen since 2016, they have completely changed their style. They used to be known for emotional songs played in big stadiums, but now they focus on creating visually intense performances. Their shows are like a modern version of U2's Zoo TV concerts, but without the deep discussions about media and art.

This concert is part of the exciting Music of the Spheres tour, and everything that seemed to be at its peak when I last saw it two years ago is now even more intense. The outcome of this performance makes Dua Lipa's show on Friday night seem like the epitome of modesty in comparison.

Fireworks and confetti guns are used not just for show, but as a regular addition to the performance. Instead of being saved for the most exciting moments, they are used to enhance the arrival of choruses. Giant inflatables move over the audience, and giving the crowd light-up wristbands was a brilliant idea. It not only looks amazing, but also makes everyone feel like they are part of the show.

This blog segment is very obvious and aimed to please the crowd, with well-known songs like "Don't Look Back In Anger" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" played before the band's performance. Additionally, a drone flew over the audience to show them how many people were there, and Chris Martin complimented the festival and the crowd with phrases like "Amazing wonderful people from all over the place" and "the greatest city on earth".

Even if you're not a fan of Coldplay, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of their performance at a festival. Despite any valid criticisms you may have, it's impossible to resist their fun and energetic show. With hit after hit like Yellow, Clocks, Adventure of a Lifetime, The Scientist, Paradise, Viva La Vida, and Higher Power, they keep the audience entertained and engaged throughout their set. It's a smart move to keep the crowd captivated with such a strong lineup of songs.

Truly, the show is so intense that the section in the middle, where they bring in special guests, feels like a break. This is because the guests sing songs that are not the big hits: Laura Mvula sings Violet Hill from the album Viva la Vida – which is the only really angry anti-war song in Coldplay's music. Little Simz raps on And So We Pray, from the upcoming Moon Music album, and Femi Kuti and Palestinian/Chilean singer Elyanna perform a powerful version of Arabesque, the best song from Coldplay's 2019 album Everyday Life, which had a mix of good and not-so-good songs.

The last portion of the performance sometimes leans towards a somewhat silly lightheartedness as it tries to come up with more ways to surprise the audience: Chris Martin hones in on specific audience members for impromptu songwriting sessions and encourages everyone to share messages of love with the world (celebrated with additional fireworks).

However, he still manages to captivate the audience. As a finale, he surprises everyone by bringing out Michael J. Fox and then singing Fix You. This song is considered one of Coldplay's more delicate tunes, but it feels much more powerful when sung by the crowd with their signature glowing wristbands. On stage, the cameras briefly capture drummer Will Champion, who appears to be moved to tears in a touching moment. Even if you don't find yourself emotional, Coldplay's performance is a Glastonbury set that will surely be remembered by everyone who was there.