SimplyAbuDhabi V

A New Year’s Eve Extravaganza With two stages at their disposal, Martin dashed through a seasonal snowstorm of star-shaped confetti to perform ‘In my Place’ on the smaller stage near the edge of the Fan Pit. The whole group also gave an intimate rendition of ‘Us against the World’ from this stage. With moving melodies like ‘Fix You’ interspersed with the more dancier hits fromMylo Xyloto, Coldplay certainly demonstrated the diverse range of their extraordinary talents much to the fans appreciation and approval. For me, their performance of ‘Charlie Brown’ showcasing the raw genius talent that is Coldplay was truly breathtaking and as I looked around the packed arena at my fellow fans I had to pinch myself at the fact we were so lucky to be experiencing this New Year’s Eve extravaganza first hand. I would not have missed it for the world. Huge balloons spread through the arena as though further gestures were needed to the party theme and regular vibrant bursts of fabulous fireworks throughout the evening were a reminder that we were not only seeing these thrilling performers, but also one year out and a new one in. The magical performance of ‘Clocks’ just 10 minutes before midnight, further built the excitable anticipation for the New Year’s Eve countdown; and the heavenly ‘Paradise’ with its meaningful lyrics came neatly to a conclusion with just a minute to spare. Coldplay’s previous visit to the UAE was somewhat of a wet affair, but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of the throngs of fans who returned to see this latest spectacular laser show. The crowd were certainly well and truly warmed up – cheers, excited screams and rapturous applause resonated around the purpose-built arena throughout the evening – by the time the digital countdown began to 2012. With huge anticipation in the air, the arena went wild as we welcomed in a brand new year and the last song, ‘Every Teardrop is a Waterfall’ opened to euphoric appreciation and applause. This supremely polished performance was the perfect curtain raiser to much-anticipated Volvo Ocean Race. A big Thanks for a Magical Start to a New Year The exhilarating fireworks display on the Corniche made a fitting finale to a wonderful evening of entertainment. With approximately 20,000 concert revellers now in full party mode as the band left the stage for their own celebrations, there was no way the evening was about to end. Vibrant, upbeat tunes came courtesy of a brilliant DJ who made certain the party atmosphere remained in full swing until 1am. With everyone in such fine spirits, the exuberant atmosphere in the air was truly infectious and we were a little sad when the fabulous evening of incredible entertainment finally drew to a close. However, we felt warm and contented as we left the arena with fantastic memories of our New Year’s celebrations as part of a diverse audience drawn together from every continent by their passion for great rock music and their mutual desire to see the legendary Coldplay perform live. Thank you Flash Entertainment for another sensational stage show to remember. To be part of the capital’s main New Year’s Eve party and experience the electrifying atmosphere first hand with this multi-million album selling band was an absolute honour and a true pleasure. Jordana and I agreed this was a fantastic way to spend an evening and welcome in a New Year. Thanks Coldplay for getting 2012 off to an exceptional start. COLDPLAY RAI SE TEMPERATURES AHEAD OF VOLVO OCEAN RACE Come in out of the cold. It’s time to play. And play was exactly what we did to see the New Year in with one of the most popular alternative British Rock bands around – truly awesome. The eagerly anticipated return of Coldplay to Abu Dhabi in a sensational sell out concert to mark the capital hosting the Volvo Ocean Race far exceeded all expectations. Temperatures quickly rose as the excitable crowds became immersed in the warmth of this highly celebrated rock band at the Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater. As the band arrived onto the stage to a vibrant blast of colourful fireworks, so the celebratory tone for the evening was set and from there on in the party atmosphere picked up a pace. Opening the show with the haunting instrumental Mylo Xyloto was a subtle start to proceedings before quickly stepping up a gear with the rhythmic ‘Hurts like Heaven’ and whipping the crowd up into a frenzy as they didn’t need any encouragement to join in and sing along. 47 S IMPLY ABU DHABI