It has been unusually wet in the UAE for the last few days. Which, for a country where rain is practically unheard of for most of the year (average annual rainfall is 6.5cm), is quite an event.
I went to see Coldplay in concert at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. It was awesome, but for the rain. Security protocol dictated that anything that could be thrown around (such as plastic water bottles and umbrellas) were being confiscated on the way in, which meant that when the rain came we had nothing to either shield ourselves with, or collect it in.
But the lightning storm that accompanied the rain couldn't have been stage managed better as the perfect backdrop to the show. Take a look at this clip, which was the start of the show. Watch the sky behind the stage at around the 1:17, 1:30 and particularly 2:09 points. Quite spectacular.
I wasn't sure about the latest Coldplay album when I bought it last year, but this concert has now won me over. Have had it on constant loop in my car ever since. Some people (Michele being a prime example) often accuse Coldplay of being a depressing band, which is arguably true if you are only really familiar with Trouble (which is probably the only Coldplay song my parents are familiar with!). But they didn't play that song in Abu Dhabi, and in any event I think they are too often criticised due to the speed with which they became extremely popular. And also Chris Martin's occasional "holier than thou" grandstanding on issues like climate change and global poverty.
But they are currently touring the world twice over it seems during the remainder of this year. Some of which concerts may even be inside, away from the rain. So go see - you will enjoy (even without the lightning).
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