Coldplay's stripped down show

Jul 16, 2008, 10:05 GMT

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Coldplay axed their expensive stage show as they kicked off their world tour on Monday night (14.07.08).

Despite spending six months planning the shows, the British band opted against using computer graphics and video screens in Los Angeles.

Instead, the group - dressed in military-style outfits - went for a more "intimate" feel with basic lighting and a backdrop of artwork from their latest album, 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends', at the venue.

Explaining why they started the tour in the US, frontman Chris Martin told the sell-out crowd: "This is the first night of our tour since we became the new version of our band. We thought where better to kick it off than our home away from home, Los Angeles."

Chris also praised the lively audience, insisting it was one of the best shows the band has ever played.

He gushed: "We couldn't have asked for anything better in a hot night in LA. Some audiences are s**t and we have to lie, but between you and me, you are Grade A."

Chris previously claimed their stage show would be based on classic Disney movie 'Mary Poppins'.

He said: "We grew up with 'Mary Poppins' and all those sorts of things. We love making big shows up and trying to work out what lights will look cool. We get very nerdy about it because we can't believe we're allowed to do it."