Coldplay, Glastonbury 2016, review: Kings of colourful emotion
The band proves fourth time really is the charm as they headline Glastonbury's Sunday night
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There we are for another year. Five days, three stunning headliners and one Brexit later, Glastonbury 2016 comes to a glittering and ecstatic finale with four-time headliners Coldplay.
Somehow, Chris Martin and co. seem to get better every time they walk onto the Pyramid stage, this time being no different; the frontman calling it "our favourite place in the world". You can see why; this spectacular live band and this great stage seem completely entwined.
As always, the show kicks off with multicoloured fireworks and showers of glitter, while dozens of red flares leave the Pyramid Stage engulfed in a cloud of smoke. As it clears away, the band launch into well-known crowd pleaser "Yellow", the glowing wristbands attached to almost every arm flashing vibrantly, creating a sea of colour in the muddy field.
After "Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall", Martin takes a seat at the piano for "The Scientist". It's only now, as the crowd hug and link arms, that you remember why Coldplay have headlined this stage more than any band in the festival's history - they are kings of colourful emotion.
The full power of Coldplay's technical wizardry is revealed with the stunning light show. Both Muse and Adele both used the shock and awe tactics for the previous night's, but neither came close to this spectacle. Sure, they may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can't deny Coldplay know how to put on a show.
As the watchful eye of Bowie's lightning bolt looks down from above the stage, they send the crowd into another singalong with "Clocks". It is, however, "Fix You" that is, and probably always will be, the jewel in the crown of their set list.
Rather than Bowie's "Heroes", we then have a fitting tribute to the members of Viola Beach, in which a video of the fallen band flickers onscreen before Coldplay join in; a momentous, touching moment filled with sadness and celebration.
A quick singalong of "Amazing Grace" lulls the crowd into an even more lethargic mood before the headliners reveal their guest appearance. Rather than Rihanna or Beyonce - two of the names thrown around the rumour mill pre-show - Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb appears for what Chris Martin calls "The greatest song of all time", "Staying Alive".
Even after this Coldplay have one last trick up their sleeve - as the main man himself, Michael Eavis, appears on stage, shoulder to shoulder with his headline act for a karaoke classic "I Did It My Way", closing the Sunday night with an emotional farewell, proving fourth time really is the charm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments