For the first few years, Coldplay shows were quite minimal. Beautiful, but restrained. As the venues got larger, it was time to begin experimenting more with production design. The band had always been understated – not given to grand gestures – so many of the elements that were introduced on the Twisted Logic tour were simple ideas that gave big impact. This maintained a connection with their indie roots without making for a dull show.

As time went on, the music would become more expansive and ecstatic – and the stage show followed suit. At this point though, things were still growing. There were big show elements: a huge video screen, a lighting rig that extended and descended through the show. It *was* very often the simpler things that were fretted over the most though. So much so, that stage manager Rik Benbow (a hugely experienced and very wonderful man) was presented with a hat that acknowledged this point!

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