Background
The stage setup consisted of a stripped down main stage and two catwalks; Coldplay also performed amongst audience members at the back of venues in a special acoustic set. Instead of a giant video screen on-stage, the band opted for six hanging giant lightbulbs that displayed images and closeups. Lead singer Chris Martin dubbed the fixtures as "magic balls", while drummer Will Champion added that they release confetti butterflies. During the tour the The Blue Danube, by Johann Strauss II, was played on all concerts, as an intro, right before the band coming into the stage.
Coldplay were accompanied by Oxfam and David Gibbin during the tour. Volunteers were stationed at each venue to tell concertgoers how to reduce poverty; the organization's logo and website was featured on one of the light ball fixtures during each concert.
On 23 July 2008 Coldplay performed their second in two shows at the United Center arena in Chicago. In each of the two shows, the band shot the music video for "Lost!" by performing the song twice. On 19 September 2008, Chris Martin was accompanied by A-ha pianist Magne Furuholmen in the encore at the Oslo Spektrum, Oslo, to play a cover of the A-Ha song "Hunting High and Low".
Read more about this topic: Viva La Vida Tour
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