Coldplay Live 2012

Release and promotion

The film was first announced by Phil Harvey in April 2012. It was first announced under the title "ColdplayFilm". The name was also inscribed on the Xylobands used on the Mylo Xyloto Tour between April and September 2012. The film/album was first officially announced on 25 September 2012. On the same day, two websites promoting Live 2012 launched. One promoting the theatrical release of the film, and one promoting the project in general. A two-minute trailer accompanied the announcement, released online and shown in theaters attached to other films as well. In addition, an exclusive preview of "Us Against the World" was shown on the Live 2012 website, a swell as another select track off the film of user's choice. A 183-page e-book documenting the tour was also announced.

Live 2012 was first released as an exclusive, one-night-only theatrical release, shown in cinemas across 57 countries around the world. The film opened at 7:00pm at respective timezones (7:30pm at some screenings), on 13 November 2012. The film was shown twice on the night, closing before midnight. A partnership deal between Parlophone and Studio 3 saw the screening of Live 2012 on US premium cable television as well. The film aired exclusively on 14 November 2012 on Epix, the night after the theatrical release and a week before its commercial release in the United States.

Critical reception

Live 2012 has received large critical acclaim. Adam Silverstein wrote an overwhelmingly positive review for Digital Spy, saying that the film/album was pulled off well amidst mixed reputation, writing "One (thankfully first-class) collab with a popstar and an appearance on The X Factor later, however, and they almost fucked 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." He also says it showcases well the "ridiculous effort that goes in to each and every concert." and that the film/album "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 fuck off, then." Drew Taylor of IndieWire wrote a similar very positive review, praising the Mylo Xyloto tour itself as well, and stating that "even a cursory understanding of what it's like to watch Coldplay live is better than nothing at all. Wristbands not included." Sarah Milton of The Upcoming wrote a very positive review focusing on the band's ability to connect with their fans through Live 2012, writing that "This release of their previous and current work defines their unstoppable prowess by taking tracks to a personal level with their fans. This is a skill not many achieve live, but with this album, Coldplay succeeds. It deserves immense recognition, and we can rest assured that Coldplay will keep raising the bar of stadium rock shows for years to come."

Cameron Adams of the Australian Herald Sun gave the album a positive review, highlighting the film/album's emulation of the tour, stating "this is the exact show Coldplay are in the midst of charming our country with - wristbands, hits, banter, yoga moves and all!". He also complimented the track list choice, writing that "Their biggest hits (Paradise, Viva La Vida, Fix You) sit nicely with their more subversive ones (Violet Hill, Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall)". It was the album of the week in the Herald Sun.

Jim Pusey wrote a positive review for Contactmusic, praising the film for its visual effects and cinematography. He also compared the film to the band's previous live video, Live 2003, noticing "a band that's now less awkward and self-conscious." He also gave a positive note to the documentary itself, stating that the most interesting parts were the "behind the scenes interludes that punctuate the performances. Each band member has an opportunity to reveal not only their enthusiasm for playing live around the globe, but also their perspective on the different elements that have made up the tour. These short vignettes include details of how the Mylo Xyloto artwork evolved and how they tried to translate that to a live setting with audience members wearing glowing wristbands. This peek behind the curtain is beneficial as it makes the gig footage from 3 different stops on the tour (including their most recent Glastonbury headline set) more engaging." Kenji Lloyd of HeyUGuys! wrote that the film "goes above and beyond any ordinary concert film, which is just what you’d expect from a band that isn’t any ordinary band. They go the further mile, always looking to take things further, do things better, make the extra effort. As the band plays through the darkening night, we’re treated to the equally impressive artwork and handwritten lyrics that are a part of their live shows, appearing on the screen itself in a fantastic bleeding of creativity."

Commercial performance

The DVD release of the film debuted at number 2 on Irish Music DVDs Chart in the week of its release.

Track listing

All songs written and performed by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, Chris Martin and Brian Eno, except where noted.