Coldplay: 'Live 2012' - Film/Album review

F**k the haters, f**k the critics and f**k modesty; this was the mantra of the world's biggest band when making their fifth album Mylo Xyloto, consequently their poppiest to date. One (thankfully first-class) collab with a popstar and an appearance on The X Factor later, however, and they almost f**ked their rep… Chris Martin bawling backing vocals to the Little Mix girls would have been uglier than Javier Bardem toothless in Skyfall, yet that's all it would have taken.

But, from headlining Glastonbury before their second album was out to closing London 2012 ten years later, Coldplay live have always been about losing inhibitions; for the three million who watched their latest world tour and also for Martin, more like a sweatier, jumpier Pluto the dog than ever during this concert film (which isn't fun for Rihanna when they get up close and personal to duet halfway through).

Taken from their shows in Paris's Stade de France, Montreal's Bell Centre and, fittingly, Coldplay's home-from-home of Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, this is a special 90 minutes that emphasises just how impressive they are on the live stage and presents some insight into each band member's frame of mind. At one point, Martin himself confesses of the crowds: "This is the first time I've looked people in the eye." It's gratifying to see soft rock's most neurotic so at ease.

We also witness the ridiculous effort that goes in to each and every concert. The confetti butterflies pouring down on fans during 'In My Place', 'Fix You's honking fireworks when Will Champion's drums kick in, the pioneering 'Xylobands' that expel the need to hold a lighter up for 'The Scientist' and flash like a thousand Red Dwarfs for 'Charlie Brown'; it all sparks an awesome experience and makes every show feel as new as the last.

But how do you make a stadium intimate? Well, by caring about those in the cheap seats. For 'Us Against the World', the band race their way to the back of the venue and stumble past psyched fans to huddle on a cramped stage with an acoustic guitar and a piano (we'd love to see the Rolling Stones try this). It's artfully demonstrated through the eyes of YouTube fan clips and looks stunning, reflecting the song's warm message of unity superbly.

And even Coldplay can rock with the best of 'em. When Martin smashes his guitar on stage after 'God Put a Smile upon Your Face', it's as defining a moment as Tim Robbins escaping through his prison tunnel in The Shawshank Redemption… ish. The all-out anthem that is 'Viva la Vida', meanwhile, gets a proper tribute by featuring its Glasto performance; the whoooooaaaaahs sound epic.

There's nothing like seeing the real thing, of course, but Live 2012 skilfully showcases just how incredible an adventure it is to observe a world-beating band at the top of their game. And those still to be converted to the Coldplay cause even after watching this? Well, they can f**k off, then.

Watch the trailer for Coldplay's Live 2012 below: