Sky Full of Stars Coldplay tribute rocks Salisbury City Hall
I COULDN’T help wondering: how does someone realise they’re so good at impersonating a singer that they can make a career out of it?
That’s a question I’ll almost certainly never know the answer to, but it’s safe to say the frontman of Sky Full of Stars, an incredibly authentic Coldplay tribute band, nailed the brief at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday night.
My friend and I are both lucky enough to have seen the real deal in recent times – me at last year’s Glastonbury, her at Wembley in September – and we were impressed by how closely his mannerisms, clothing and mid-show chat mirrored Chris Martin’s.
And, of course, there was his voice and the music itself.
The four-piece band, who are currently touring the UK, brought Coldplay’s biggest hits to life in spectacular style.
Like Martin and co in London, they kicked off their near two-hour set with Higher Power and raced through classics including Clocks, Yellow, Paradise, Something Just Like This and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.
They quickly engaged the audience and had them on their feet, belting out the last chorus of The Scientist and dancing to Fix You’s rock crescendo.
Other highlights included the band blending Winter Wonderland into Viva la Vida and a rare performance of Magic, especially chosen for Salisbury.
Even though mine didn’t work, the LED wristbands handed out to the audience made the show feel all the more authentic.
In the second half, the bassist held a camcorder to briefly recreate Coldplay’s ‘kiss cam’-style segment, which went viral this summer when two tech firm executives were caught embracing then quickly ducking when they appeared on-screen. Thankfully, everyone’s blushes were spared on this occasion.
Before an encore, which saw the band perform feelslikeimfallinginlove to a huge ovation, the singer said: “This is our first time in this amazing venue, and you’ve sold it out.
“To everyone at the top, thank you for standing up in the Alps and shouting down.”
Having moved to Salisbury last year, this was the first concert I’d seen at City Hall, and my first time back since attending its official reopening. It’s hard to disagree with tribute Chris’s glowing comments.
It was quick and easy to get in; our pre-show and interval cocktails were delicious and reasonably priced at £8, and the lighting and sound quality were both excellent.