Coldplace bring Coldplay to Worthing 2

Coldplace: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Coldplace managed to bring back and ignite memories to those of us in the crowd who have actually seen Coldplay live. It showed the rest of us just what we have been missing, albeit on a slightly smaller scale! At times I reckon that if you turned away or just closed your eyes you could feel you were in front of the originals. Some of the material seemed to be dead ringers for the Coldplay songs. I think there was a backing track used from time to time to boost up the sounds produced. It came together to give our auditory system a superb workout.

Coldplace: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

It was fascinating to watch how well the singer, Shane Crofts, could copy Martin’s antics and movements. Yes indeed he bent down close to the piano keys and did a great job on the vocals not forgetting his energetic moments! I watched with my eyes half closed waiting for Shane to lobotomise himself on the light rig inches above his head. He is a tall lad! Thankfully he made it unscathed. He is a great frontman.

Shouts to the band, the lead guitar work was extraordinary. It was a masterclass watching those fingers glide over the frets. I complimented him, and the band after their set. The man at the back on drums was a pure workhorse, he put done some serious fills and not forgetting a slot on the timpani and that bell I mentioned earlier. Working in tight unison was the bass. Some stunning playing. The four guys just came together and nailed it. I understand they have been playing together for about 12 years, and that time period has allowed them to hone their skills to an extraordinary level.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Coldplace: The Band

Pounding the drums was Wayne Birch, fretting on lead guitar Dean Stewart, pounding out the bass guitar was Asa Crofts and on the ivories/piano, vocals and guitar strumming was Shane Crofts.

What we got was a truly authentic tribute to Coldplay in sight, sound and a passion that engaged with everyone.

Set highlights, well that would have to be the songs I knew, Yellow, Clocks and a stunning version of Fix You. The night had been split into two sessions with the guys taking a 30 minute time out. They gave us a solid 90 minutes of pure pleasure.

We had my favourite Coldplay track, Viva La Vida as we headed for the set ending. I know this one inside out and I was jumping along with everyone else. This was the song for the Timpani and the massive bell. The guys closed with My Universe.  The energy from the band was incredible and to bring things to a close after a huge shout for “MORE” – Something Just Like This and Sky Full Of Stars. Sky Full of Stars had the crowd going for it at full tilt along with the band, lasers, wristbands, smoke and cracking lighting combining to provide a thrilling unforgettable finale.

I can’t remember many bands who can make 90 minutes feel like 10 minutes or one that made it feel like a gathering of friends. I asked the guys afterwards if it had gone as quickly for them as it had for us, they all agreed it had gone way too fast! Coldplace have captured the very core and essence of what made Coldplay so famous. They projected that same vulnerability of Chris Martin, especially during Fix You. They also put down those unforgettable melodies — and expanded upon them, Viva la Vida and Sky Full Of Stars were mammoth songs but given an extra work over by Coldplace, they did it to such a scale it was almost overwhelming.

When all was done, I think the crowd left happy, drained, relaxed and feeling better. What a great night.

And Finally…

Thanks to Coldplace – you can find them on the internet and Facebook.

Thanks again to the Team at The Factory Live (now on twitter so you can keep up to date).

The Factory Live is based in Worthing. We have been there a few times now and has became a favourite venue of ours. Great staff and a top stage area with some of the best lighting and sound mix set ups around.

A huge shout to the super team at The Factory Live. This really is a little gem of a venue and tonight the sound mix was spot on. The lighting had been upgraded since my last visit and it was wonderful to see all the band members and just the right amount of smoke, none tonight! First class night guys and cheers to the brilliant security and bar staff.

The Factory Live is tucked away in Worthing. It’s a great venue. A great team running the place, the staff were approachable, friendly and helpful. The venue is pretty large and well ventilated with a nice large bar area and outside seating and tables. The venue, The Factory Live, is located at Unit 9A, Ivy Arch Road in Worthing.

The Factory Live are on the WWW here

Words and Pictures: Ian Bourn

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