Coldplay Joined By Rihanna And Jay-Z For Paralympics Closing Ceremony Performance
9 September 2012, 22:52
The 'Charlie Brown' stars brought the sporting extravaganza to a triumphant close in London this evening.
Coldplay headlined the Paralympics 2012 closing ceremony with an explosive performance at the Olympic Park in London this evening (10th September).
The 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' stars performed a hit-laden set and were joined by special guests Rihanna and rapper Jay-Z as they brought the London 2012 event to a close.
Rihanna had recently joined the stars for their 'Mylo Xyloto' gig in Paris - leading many to believe it was a rehearsal for the closing ceremony.
The entire event kicked off with a battle of the inner demons, which was soundtracked by a new song from English composer David Arnold.
As the flag bearers from each represented country descended upon the stadium, the first Coldplay song of the evening was played as 'Life In Technicolor' rang out.
The Festival Of Flame then took centre stage as flamethrowers lit the stadium's grass, mechanical dinosaurs marched and performers danced with fire.
After a dedication to the volunteers of the games, Chris Martin, Johnny Buckland, Will Champion and Guy Berryman kicked off their set with 'Mylo Xyloto' track 'Us Against The World'.
Second number of the night, 'Yellow', was dedicated to all the volunteers and performers who have taken place at the Games.
'Up In Flames', '42' and 'Paradise' all followed with performers rising to the skies via giant lightbulbs.
A huge emblem igniting into flames also took place and the whole stadium was awash with colour via the special led's which accompany each seat inside the Olympic Stadium.
'Clocks' and 'Charlie Brown' followed before Rihanna made her entrance to perform their collaborative hit 'Princess Of China'.
Dressed in an all orange outfit - which covered her entire body - the Bajan star was driven by a pirate like ship to the stage where Chris Martin took her by the hand and they gave an emotionally charged and intimate rendition of their hit single.
The British Parochestra then commenced an impressive version of 2009 single 'Strawberry Swing' with Chris sat down beside the musicians.
Rihanna came back on stage to sing a piano led version of her smash hit 'We Found Love' before it kicked into the familiar dance-fueled rhythms of the song.
After 'Viva La Vida', the lowering of the Paralympic flag took place as well as the handing of the Games over to 2016 host Rio.
Lord Coe was next to take to the stage as he delivered a speech which highlighted the "games makers" of London 2012 and spoke of a conversation with a man who was on duty when the London bombings took place and how he now found "closure" through the Olympics and Paralympics.
After a raptorous round of applause, it was all eyes on the conclusion of Coldplay's performance who brought Jay-Z to proceedings alongside Rihanna.
The artists then performed 'Run This Town' - from the rapper's album 'The Blueprint 3' with the band taking charge of the music with RiRi and Jay sharing vocal duties on the Kanye West featuring track.
The rapper then performed a new verse to the group's hit 'Paradise' and declared it an "honour" to perform.
Chris Martin asked for the audience to share their appreciation to the athletes who took part on the Games and then the group finished their performance with hit single 'The Scientist' and a rousing rendition of 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall'.
"Goodbye from London", shouted Chris Martin before launching into their final track and changed lyrics from the song to include "and Rio is in sight" complete with a Paralympic flag draped across his shoulders.
Coldplay's setlist for the London 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony was as follows:
- 'Us Against The World'
- 'Yellow'
- 'Up In Flames'
- 'Paradise'
- '42'
- 'God Put A Smile On Your Face'
- 'Clocks'
- 'Charlie Brown'
- 'Princess Of China' with Rihanna
- 'Strawberry Swing'
- 'We Found Love' with Rihanna
- 'Viva La Vida'
- 'Run This Town' with Jay-Z and Rihanna
- Paradise remix with Jay-Z
- 'The Scientist'
- 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall'
Meanwhile, Rihanna recently confirmed plans for a new 'Diamonds' world tour for early 2013.
Coldplay will continue their 'Mylo Xyloto' world tour this month with the final shows of the European leg before taking the jaunt to Australia and New Zealand in November.
