Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, surprised the crowd at Dino's, going undercover to perform a new song during one of the dive bar's iconic karaoke sessions. City Cast co-host Dayvid Figler was there to see the prank unfold. Watch his video of the performance and read his following account of how it all played out.
We were walking south from the Arts District along 3rd Street to Dino’s Lounge for karaoke on Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. when we first saw him.
A man in a suit with a couple of high-energy friends was walking along the median sidewalk holding the strings to a floating bouquet of red balloons high over his head. Easily marked a noteworthy variation of the oft-spied tourists having a bit of “Vegas,” we trekked on.
In the Dino’s parking lot, we spied a large, black transport car with words suggesting it was some manner of official “tour” vehicle. Hmmm. Greeted by “Tiny” at the door, we walked into the familiar smoke-filled bar to a wobbly rendition of some song or other. A quick wave to our favorite bartender, Orlando, and Kristen, the owner, both hustling hard behind the bar.
Quickly, we noticed a hubbub outside. Also, not uncommon at Dino’s, but this time it was that same fella from the street, now with a single, red balloon. It was pretty clear this wasn’t an ordinary patron or tourist, but a somebody. Somebodies give off a vibe, this guy was vibing. A little math, consulting with others and brain work, I was at that point in the know of only a handful of people that this was Chris Martin of Coldplay.
As it turns out, it wasn’t completely random: Martin and his crew were intending on filming something. One set up a tripod, another had him practice an entrance. And then he walked in. A murmur in the crowd was noticeable — maybe more because he was holding a balloon than recognition. Donning a wig and outlandish fake glasses, the suit was distractingly unkept, though still proper. The man got a glass of milk from the bar and sat at an empty table to watch the karaoke. He politely clapped after one person got the room to sing along to Green Day. Then the announcement came: “Chris, you’re up next.”
And the man, who clearly was about to get onstage and sing a Coldplay song to a (mostly) unsuspecting audience with a balloon in hand, did just that. And while I’d hoped for a karaoke standard — Coldplay has their share — it turned out to be a beautiful rendition of the band’s newest song, “All My Love.” The high notes, really the whole voice, unmistakeable. And while there have been some remarkable singers at Dino's on any given night, this was Chris Martin singing his lame-disguised, silly-ballooned heart out. Near the end of the lilting tune, a woman from the crowd, who clearly recognized Martin, approached him after he gave her an okay nod to do so. He wished her something well, then he gave her a hug — and the balloon.
By song’s end, almost all the crowd had figured out the gag — cell phones out, cheering and smiles, and in gratitude Martin tossed off the glasses and wig revealing himself to the unsuspecting remaining few , and then disappeared into the night — a quick stop for some selfies with fans and into that tour transport.
I talked with owner Kristen Bartolo who said it all came about fast. She got word he wanted to come, she said “Great,” and then it just happened. Afterwards, she told me how nice he and his folks were and how it was a special night. As we stepped outside to see Chris drive away, we heard the convergence of folks who had clearly moved on with a singalong, rip-it-up version of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” Another karaoke night at Dino’s.
