It is my second time to celebrate new year away from home. The eve and today were spent with dear ones, cooking for them and well, it has been spiced up differently because I had a new year countdown with Coldplay. They have been here in 2009 but I was not able to catch them. I guess this is one of the blessings in disguise (no, I am not sourgraping heehee) of not being granted a leave this time due to work commitments.
Unlike the Formula 1 after-race concerts which were consistently staged at Yas Arena, last night’s concert was held at the Corniche Breakwater. I think it is due to the event being highlighted, the Volvo Ocean Race, which is happening in Abu Dhabi Corniche. While I am more at home in Yas Arena, the presence of the group in any venue may probably outweigh other preferences and considerations. It was reported that this British band was paid US$ 1.5 million for this performance and was a personal choice of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The concert kicked off with mini-fireworks display and confetti complemented some of the next numbers. They played Yellow, Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Fix You, Paradise, In My Place, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and more that comprised the epic night.
While I prefer Yas Arena as a venue, I found the stage structure better last night (well, it was particularly built for the event) since it allowed the performers to be visually (and actually) more interactive with the audience. The lights’ vibe was noteworthy, too.
The band’s energy, especially of Chris Martin is unbelievable and crazy, just like the audience’s! Hearts out!
At 11:59 PM, Chris led the countdown to year 2012.
And the fireworks display followed.
What a nice way to bid adieu and welcome the new year. Catch Coldplay if you can, every minute is worth it and that still left me with the playlist/set list on repeat. ๐ Happy new year to all!
[More photos of Coldplay in my Flickr photoset]
0 thoughts on “Countdown to New Year with Coldplay Live in Abu Dhabi”
Mimi - SleeplessInKL
Ang ganda ng mga pics mo, as usual. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 pa rin ba? ๐ Wishing you a great year ahead!
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witsandnuts
Thanks, Mimi. Yes, the same lumix cam. ๐
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eds
yeah! Happy New Year wits.
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witsandnuts
Happy new year, too, Eds!
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upto6only
Happy New Year Jo.
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witsandnuts
Happy new year!
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Josiet
Great way to welcome the NY! My cousin watched this concert too =)
Happy New Year, Wits and to your loved ones! More blessings and blessings in disguise this 2012!
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witsandnuts
Napangiti ako sa ‘more blessings in disguise’ heeeheee. I bet your cousin enjoyed the concert, too. ๐
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docgelo
wow, jo you really had a blast celebrating new year’s eve despite away from home.
laging concert-goer ah! ๐
happy 2012! may we all have a healthier and more prosperous new year!
ps : i had a meet-up with marian of upto6only, your former officemate daw, along with other fellow bloggers last week; we had a nice lunch together with my family.
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witsandnuts
Happy new year, too! I only do concert marathon in time for F1 season. Pero never ko papalampasin ang Coldplay hahaha. And yes, Marian and I used to work together. Nakita ko nga sa FB kanina yung group pic nyo for your meet-up. ๐
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lagalog
Wow, Coldplay live! What a treat!
Anyway, belated Christmas and new year greetings to you and your family! ๐
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witsandnuts
Happy new year, too! Yes, seeing Coldplay for real especially during NY’s eve was more than a treat. ๐
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PM
the photo with the confetti is so awesome! you know, i have yet to watch a proper concert. maybe this year if i do not get lazy i would finally catch one. i like cold play but i only know one song, yellow. ๐ happy new year!
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ibyang
those are just awesome photos! and what a great “party”that was (in sydney, concerts during NY’s are considered party).
happy new year, jo!
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anabanana
Happy New Year Wits! More blessings on 2012 ๐
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Photo Cache
you’ve been watching all the high ticket performers.
happy new year.
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bw
Awesome . Definitely a new year with a bang ๐
Lumix ? No wonder why the pics look great. I’ve got a (smaller) Lumix too ๐
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Rachel
Wow, that’s a wonderful way to welcome the new year. Great shots! I’m sure the energy levels were high during the concert.
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