11 December 2011: X Factor Final, Wembley Arena, London, UK
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Setlist
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Downloadable Multimedia
This concert was shown live on ITV. Audio and video download links are available at the Coldplaying messageboard - Multimedia forum at http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91061.
Discussion
All post-show discussion for this show at the forum thread http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90626
X Factor website fail
On 11th December 2011 the official X Factor YouTube channel uploaded Coldplay's performance, mistakingly calling Charlie Brown "Glowing In The Dark". They wrote: "The X Factor: Wow! Coldplay transformed Wembley Arena into a sea of colourful lights as they worked the stage with an energetic, uplifting rendition of Glowing In The Dark, which turned into Paradise. And that's how it's done!"
Roadie 42 - Blog #158
Back in 2002, very shortly after I joined the Coldplay travelling circus, we found ourselves in a tiny club in San Francisco. I remember the soundcheck having been somewhat eventful, almost ending in fisticuffs over nothing of any great import. Shortly before showtime, I dived into the dressing room to clarify something about the setlist. Chris was in mid-stream, giving an impassioned monologue - to whom exactly, I don’t remember - I was more concerned with getting the information I needed without interrupting.
As I left though, I caught a phrase that he was hammering emphatically. “…It’s still all about bringing passionate music into the mainstream, which is what we’ve always been about…”
The phrase came back (somewhat shortened) minutes later when the intro tape finished and they smashed into Politik. Chris yelped the phrase over the opening chords (he used to yell all manner of random stuff at the start of that tune back in the day I seem to remember). I’d been with the band a mere month or two at this point, but I took it as a statement of intent. It’s stuck with me to this day. Back then, of course, they still dressed like scruffy students and the majority of the public didn’t really have a clue who they were. They might have heard of Yellow, but for the most part, Coldplay “belonged” to a relatively small group of people “in the know”. This meant that they could be loved not just by real live human beings, but also by those who appoint “credibility”.
The band no longer dress as scruffy students (but then why should they, having graduated over a decade ago and covered thousands upon thousands of miles since?). They’ve also committed many crimes deemed heinous and unacceptable by the tastemakers. They’ve sold a very large number of records, they’ve fallen in love and got married - and most disgraceful of all, they’ve demonstrated a willingness to promote their music. I don’t really see any change to their intent. The music they play now is no less passionate than when I met them. If anything, I’d say they’re more focused in their intensity and power. They’re a different band in many ways, but they’re still carrying the very same flag. They’re still making passionate music, and as for bringing it to the mainstream? Well, that brings me to the point of all of this.
Last night they played on the final of the X Factor. (For those outside the UK, I’m sure you have seen similar shows - think American Idol, or whatever your nation’s equivalent might be). There has been a lot of discussion over whether this was a good idea - not least within the Coldplay camp itself. I remember first hearing that it was a possibility. “Man, you’re handing haters some pretty huge bullets there…” was my first thought. The downsides are obvious. It now becomes effortless for the cool kids to lay out their case against the band. For some, the X Factor is the devil. It is regularly painted as the source of all evil in the current music industry. Indeed, as an angry young man back in my own student days, I’d have ranted at length against it, I expect.
I even struggle with all those feelings when I arrive on the day. It was partly the nerves of a tricky live show in front of 15 million or so. It had struck me that in many ways, fucking up tonight could be more of a big deal than if Glastonbury had gone wrong. The TV audience is much larger and indeed is not at all Coldplay’s crowd - many would be watching hoping to be able to hate them. All of this was making me uneasy - it was a pressure gig, for sure. It put me in a frame of mind that really began to question whether this was a good idea at all. Like many of the band’s crazier schemes though, it makes sense to me only when it finally takes place. The barrage of VT finishes and the floor manager cues the band. The room lights up as the song kicks in and it soon becomes clear that they’re absolutely nailing it up there. Once they take flight, it’s impossible not to be carried along with it. I’m taken right back to that San Francisco dressing room in 2002. They’re doing what they’ve always done. They’re making the very best music they can and they’re putting it where as many people as possible can see it and make their own minds up.
My Twitter timeline has a good selection of snarky cynics, but when I leave the venue and have a quick read, even they have posted messages at having been sat wide-eyed at the performance. Doubtless, there’s plenty of people who didn’t watch who’ll carry on thinking that this marks the band’s ultimate sellout. There’s probably some who watched it and weren’t that impressed. I’ll bet you there’s a hell of a lot more that watched who were very surprised with what they saw. Now, I’m as cynical and sarcastic as the next person (in fact on a good day, I’m as cynical and sarcastic as the next five or six people…) but I couldn’t help but be proud of the fellas last night. They haven’t just got away with it - merely turning in a decent performance at a controversial choice of show. They’ve taken a risk and then they’ve absolutely “smashed it” (to coin a phrase…)
These views of course, are my own. Your own may differ. For all I know, the band’s may, too. (I was out the back door within 15 minutes of the performance and won’t see anyone until tomorrow.) I’ve a feeling though, that it’ll go down as a bit of a watershed moment.
http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=877
Fan Reviews
All fan reviews have been submitted to us by the members of Coldplaying.com[1], unless stated otherwise.
WOW. Um... WOW! And that's about it really! They couldn't have done that any better if they'd tried! I have to admit, I despise the X Factor and was a bit uncertain about Coldplay doing it but they blew me away! I'm so glad they went on now, they showed all those wannabe's how music is *really* done and OMG! Seeing the glowbands at Wembley was incredible! I hope we at the SECC looked like that last week! Hearing them play Charlie Brown for once on TV was amazing, and urgh, they were just perfect! Guy's bass was on fire (not literally, obviously ), Jonny was incredible, Chris was, well, Chris (ie perfection in human form) and Will was on top form. But then, it's Coldplay - what did I expect?! Jumping around in my living room like a crazy person wearing my new Mylo Xylotour tee was great fun, and I'm just insanely glad that the X Factor peoples got to realise what real music sounds like. To quote Chris, I might be biased but I'm definitely right! Love, love, loved it - my babies (bearing in mind they're all 17-18yrs older than me!) kicked everyone else into oblivion and did me proud!!! [thanks viva-la-coldplay]
Just seen it - great performance BUT they should never, ever have dignified that absolute dross with their presence. Gutted. The "nos" were way ahead before the apparent huge influx of new X-factor visitors and forum members, so I think the vote is meaningless now. I think they ALL believe they act in the best interest of the band, and this time Chris and Jonny (was it?) won out, but in the short term at least I don't think this will work out at all well in the UK - expect more casual fans than ever before in the next year or two, only there to hear the hits and enjoy the wristbands and confetti... A very sad day for the band imho. [thanks Tonsu]
It was a great performance, but no I still don't agree with them doing it. It made me feel a bit sick during the build up when they showed clips of Yellow, IMP and The Scientist. Regardless of the performance it still went against everything they claim to believe in. They're an awesome live band, so they were always going to blow everyone away and their sales will sky rocket, which I guess is why they did it in the first place... [thanks Mimixxx]
Meh, I don't mind them doing this show. As long as they continue to create amazing music for years to come, I don't care what shows they do and how 'commercial' they become. I don't know of any band that wants to stay 'indie'...don't they all go into this to make music, make money and gain fans? They are brilliant and the world is really starting to catch on. I'm proud to have been riding the 'band wagon' since 2002, though. At the end of the day, its just me and the boys on the way to work and from work every day anyway. Every single day since June. [thanks Taliaa]
Oh my sweet Jabeezus. I tuned in and saw what I saw. The gulf in quality between Coldplay and that God awful manufactured dog shite is so big, it would make physicists eyes water. And as if to really shove the shit in their faces, they pull out a party trick ie the flashing wristbands. I saw there were tears of joy from "Little Mix". From what I saw they were tears of depression upon realising they'll never get to an adequate standard. [thanks howyousawtheworld]
I was hesitant to coldplay going on poop factor. But doing so they achieved two things! 1. They put to bed any old opinions of coldplay being boring and down beat. 2. 3/4 of the show was sob stories from jumped up karaoke singers jumping about stage. On comes coldplay and tears the show to bits. Shows them how it's really done. Raw talent! Well done to them! [thanks Glen]
I was not at all happy that they'd agreed to do the show and I absolutely HATED the idea of them dueting with one of the finalists. Thankgod they refused (if the reports are to be believed). As rampantly defensive as I am of the boys, I'm not sure I would have been able to forgive them if they'd gone ahead with a duet So glad they've chosen Charlie Brown as the next single, it's such a euphoric colourful song that epitomises MX as a whole perfectly. And I think they're the only band ever to play two songs on the show in one go. They totally nailed the performance and pretty much stole the show off everyone, including the awful girl band winner. The final results were a total anti-climax after the awesome spectacle of the wristbands and their REAL musical talent. It was a great idea giving them to the audience for the performance because from what I saw of the reaction on Twitter a lot of viewers (some of which think of themselves as fans ) had no idea about them or that they'd already been used at previous gigs and were all freaking out over how awesome it was and saying how desperate they were to get tickets to see them live in the sold out summer stadium shows Ah, the wonders of flashing wristbands, a bit of confetti and a handsome bass player! Again judging from twitter the publicity they got last night has created a massive jump-on-the-band-wagon following of new fans, particularly teenagers who A. Thought their music was dreary/bland/depressing before they heard Charlie Brown or/and B. Didn't realise how hot Chris Martin was before he got tanned and started going to the gym. [thanks loveintechnicolor]
Sort of makes me sad that Guy (and possibly Will) didn't seem too comfortable performing. But in the end I think it was a great move. I know it's sort of appealing to a new generation of teens, but it's not like they're changing their music for that - it's still the Coldplay we know and love. And because of this performance, my Facebook/Twitter has exploded with people amazed by the performance - sort of feel like saying 'I told you so!' [thanks Vitamin Z]
Media Reviews
X Factor Final: Coldplay are in Paradise as they make their X Factor debut
Coldplay took the 10,000-strong audience at Wembley to Paradise with their first ever performance on the X Factor. The four-piece showed Little Mix and Marcus Collins how to light up a stadium as they made their X Factor debut on the final show of the series. Coldplay performed two songs from the Mylo Xyloto album and it was a luminous sea of colours as the rockers started their set with next single Charlie Brown.
The lyrics ‘We’ll be glowing in the dark’ could not have been more true as the audience and judges wore fluorescent wristbands which flashed along to the music. There were multi-coloured spirals and a 60s feel to the stage as Coldplay changed the pace and took the crowds to Paradise with their rendition. Chris Martin changed from acoustic guitar to fluorescent piano for the second of the songs and with confetti falling down from the Wembley roof it was hard to remember it wasn’t a show from the Coldplay tour. And after an energetic performance Chris Martin’s advice to up-and-coming stars Little Mix and Marcus Collins was: “Don’t get too sweaty.”
He also told Dermot: “I’ve loved [the X Factor] and we’re so happy to be on – it’s great.”
Ahead of the show Chris Martin had spoken about his excitement at being asked to appear on the famous stage to Absolute Radio: “We really feel grateful for it because they don't often have bands on and we get to play what we want to play and play songs that we wrote, and no-one's asking us to change anything. It's amazing.”
Coldplay audience swirls color with lighted wristbands on ‘X Factor’
Coldplay got some great color during the live performance of X Factor on Sunday. The band was at the Wembley Arena performing live their hits for the television show. The finale had plenty of drama when the two final acts were being decided upon, but the music lovers were definitely rocking out with the band. Whether at home watching live or in the Arena, the opportunity to see how technology was used had everyone impressed with Coldplay’s ingenuity. Performing on television is sometimes difficult. Sharing the best of the moment on film unfortunately can hamper the live audience. Yet, when Coldplay brought out the glowing wristbands, the band satisfied both audiences and got an amazing concert moment as well.
The wristbands were used during the performance so as the fans waved their arms, the bands lit up the dark night. Rotating in colors, the sea of people actually gave off the impression of a gigantic sign floating in the air. A delightful presence not seen on television before, several of the audience members captured how it looked as a fan standing in the middle of the sea of colors. Take a look at the Coldplay performance and check out the amazing wristbands at the 1:20 mark on the clip. In colors that covered every part of the rainbow, it was a wonderful way to enjoy the X Factor finale.
Twitter Updates
- jo_elvin: daughter bewildered that coldplay are famous, without starting on x factor. chilling glimpse of the future!
- djmarkknight: In some ways it's great that @coldplay are on X factor it shows the vast gulf in talent between a real band and manufactured tripe.
- tmtgroves: Real musician's playing real instruments, the majority of the viewing public of X Factor will be really confused by this. #coldplay
- domlikesrabbits: Just when you thought The X Factor couldn't get any worse, they bring on Coldplay. Like listening to paint dry. #xfactor #wakemewhenitsover
- KianEganWL: Coldplay rehearsal at x factor... Very cool indeed!!! http://twitpic.com/7rynye
The Oracle on 11 December 2011: X Factor Final, Wembley Arena, London, UK
December 20, 2011 - submitted by Caitlin, United Kingdom
Q. Hey Oracle!
Did u like playing on the X Factor?
ps I am only 10
The Oracle replies:
Hi Caitlin, yes the band really did enjoy their appearance on the X Factor. They are fans of the show but it took a long time to decide whether to play. Judging by the performance, it seems they very much made the right decision. It was magical to behold!
