It feels like I’m falling in love….

What’s not to love about Coldplay 😀

Even if you don’t love their music. 

Do I love their music? 

Yes I probably do, given surprisingly, I knew so many songs including their latest. 

Will, Johnny, Guy and Chris have been around since 1997 after all. 

I am glad they didn’t stick with their original names of Big Fat Noises or Starfish. Coldplay just fits. 

We started the day at 4.15am. Warnings for the airport advised chaos with both Coldplay and Pearl Jam playing this week in Auckland. Therefore an early start. Just to make sure.

MoD said bring a coat. Good decision. Weather advised 22 and no rain. Hmmm it always rains in Auckland said MoD. True story. By the time we got to the venue the stage hands were sweeping the rain off stage. 

Of course I’m getting ahead of myself as usual. 

We stayed at a little place called The Convent, a 20 minute walk from Eden Park. Gorgeous. Old. And definitely complete with some extra other worldly souls. As demonstrated by the noises during the night. Not scary but definitely not of this world. A quick check with our host who confirmed that yes, the place does appear to have the odd one or two out of this world visitors! 

Yay! I do love the spirit world. 

Anyway back to the morning. 

Managed to catch up with our Aussie besties in Auckland for breakfast. They are here for a holiday and were heading to Chch to look after the Princess overnight – and stay with us for a few days. Fun! 

Checked in to The Convent for a rest before the big night. By 4pm we were starved, so like true olds there we were, at the pub across the road at 4.30pm tucking into the evening meal. 

We wandered with 57000 others, towards Eden Park. 

Stopped on the way for a drink, which meant, as is usual for me, bad food choices. I just HAD to stop at the bakery for this….

Seriously THE best thing I’ve eaten all year. 

We managed to see the opening acts – Emmanuel Kelly (amazing) Shone and Ayra Starr before buckling in for the show of a lifetime.

It really was.

First up was a traditional  Māori welcome and Hakka. And a reminder of supporting the planet. Then two Māori hosts introduced the concert in both Māori and English. 

The show began.

This band has been on MoD’s bucket list for some time and it did not disappoint. I had seen them in Melbourne in 2012. I actually only went because the support band was The Temper Trap. They being my favourite band at the time. I may have a photo of youngest son with their lead singer (his band supported Temper Trap on a tour) holding a sign that says he ‘loves’ me. Of course he did. 

I came away from that show being a Coldplay fan. 

This show was next level.

We were given bracelets remotely activating to shine different coloured lights in time to the music.

Or just to put on displays such as this…

You have to admire these guys for their generosity of spirit with the crowd, their work and understanding of the environment and the planet, their total humanity and their just all-round amazing talent. 

And spreading that notion of love, diversity and acceptance. 

Part way through the show they bought on a fabulous group which we think were Samoan. Harmonies were incredible ❤️

We both agreed this was the best show we had seen. Ever. And we have seen some great ones to be sure. 

It was definitely an expensive experience between tickets, accommodation and flights. Clearly pays to book everything immediately. 

All in all, that $2k (gasp) was worth it. 

Once again feeling lucky and grateful.

Next time you come to New Zealand Coldplay, you should be able to play in Chch at Te Kaha One NZ Stadium. 

Or as my friend Marie likes to say – Te Ha Ha. Based on sending her a message one day (whilst working on that project) and auto text changing Kaha to Haha.

And once you play there Coldplay, we can walk home.

It’s all about us.