British supergroup Coldplay charmed Australian fans with a tribute to the Socceroos and a Shane Warne joke when they opened the Down Under leg of their world tour in Brisbane.
Engaging frontman Chris Martin donned a Socceroos' scarf and marvelled at Australia's sporting credentials as Coldplay last night won over 12,000 enthusiastic fans at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
"As English people we just have to ask is there anything you can't do?" he said. "The answer is 'no'."
In tribute to Australia's qualification for the second round of the World Cup following the 2-2 draw with Croatia, Martin changed a verse in the song Politik, singing "Give Harry Kewell Australia's second goal".
Introducing the song God Put A Smile On Your Face, Martin - a keen follower of England's soccer team - said he hoped Australians would be smiling after the Socceroos next match against Italy.
The energetic Martin brought Australia's Test cricket world-record holding leg spin bowler Warne into the act by saying "it's hotter up here than a Shane Warne text message".
Fans were treated to songs from Coldplay's three albums, including their first international hit Yellow complete with giant yellow balloons, and also a Johnny Cash tribute with a performance of Ring of Fire.
Aiming to rival Irish rockers U2 as the world's top band, Coldplay are making their first major concert tour of Australia since initially coming Down Under for Big Day Out in 2001.
They were last in Australia three years ago for the Splendour in the Grass festival at Byron Bay.
This time they are packing out concert venues around the country and their act features a spectacular laser light show, panoramic video screens and computer graphic projection.
Songs from their last offering X&Y - the world's biggest selling album last year - sounded far superior live than on record, particularly Talk and Swallowed In The Sea.
The rhythm section of drummer Will Champion and bass player Guy Berryman packed far more of a punch live than on the X&Y album while Jonny Buckland lived up to his reputation as one of the world's best lead guitarists.
Fans lapped up the major hits such as Clocks and In My Place and the three song encore closed with Fix You - the band's favourite track from their current album and a stirring concert finale.
Coldplay, who are supported by Sydney band Youth Group - enjoying success with their cover of Forever Young - will perform three times at the Sydney Entertainment Centre next week.
The band, who formed at London's University College eight years ago, also plays the first of three shows at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena next Saturday before travelling to Adelaide and Perth the following week.
The charismatic Martin - married to Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow - is also due to appear on Andrew Denton's ABC TV talkshow Enough Rope on July 3.
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