Complementing the energetic stage performances, catchy hooks and their renowned sonic odyssey, Coldplay has graced some of the grandest stages and iconic stadiums since the beginning of their “Music of the Spheres Tour”.
Coldplay announced their ongoing eight-concert tour, “Music of the Spheres” World Tour, on 14 October 2021 in support of their ninth and tenth studio albums, “Music of the Spheres” and “Moon Music.” The tour began in Costa Rica at the Estadio Nacional on March 18, 2022, and is scheduled to end after 10 shows at Wembley Stadium, London, on September 8, 2025. Coldplay tickets have been in huge demand as the scheduled 224 events have already grossed a box office record of $1.059 billion from ticket sales with more than 9.6 million fans in attendance.
Next year, the British quartet will bring the tour to an end with a sold-out show in London; before then, they will make two stops at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi in January. In April, they will be in Hong Kong and Seoul, before “rolling the dice” in Toronto for a four-night concert.
The four-man band were successful in reducing their carbon emissions by 59% in their first two years on the road, compared to their previous tour in 2016-2017. By using renewable energy to power the shows; solar installations at every venue, fan-powered kinetic floors, and their promise to plant one tree for every ticket sold, their sustainability plans have been one of the best environmental practices by a band while on tour.
In December 2022, Billboard named Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” Tour as the most successful tour by a band, despite only playing 40 shows out of the scheduled 64 as of then.
Here are some of the best stadiums and arenas Coldplay has performed at since their first stop in Costa Rica’s San Jose.
Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Rose Bowl’s expansive setting was suitable for Coldplay’s performances during their consecutive shows in Pasadena, there was ample space for their trademark circular stage to be set, and pyrotechnics were in full display, which always seemed to send the fans into an excited frenzy. The 92,000-capacity stadium does not have a retractable roof. However, this did not seem to bother the sensational H. E. R. who set the atmosphere ablaze with her live band while the rain poured. It became a party under the rain and the fans loved it.
The big screens at the stadium displayed Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres, letting fans know that the band was making their way to the stage. Powering their way to the stage with an explosive performance of “Higher Power”, the band filled the stadium with high levels of positivity, and the lighting displays added to the “Everglow” of the night’s performance. The LED wristbands added an array of colours to the shows; fans sang along as their wristbands switched from the playful colours when “Charlie Brown” was being performed to a bright yellow as the band performed their hit single “Yellow.”
Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” performance at the Rose Bowl Stadium will possibly go down as one of the best concerts in 2024. The crowd’s high energy, the stadium’s accommodating features, and Coldplay’s brilliant performances made the experience memorable. The evening concluded with a fireworks display and streams of confetti filling the air; the emotional “Biutyful” was the encore of the night.
Estadio River Plate, Buenos Aires
“El Monumental” since its opening in 1938, has hosted top-rated artists; Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” Tour became a part of the biggest stadium in Argentina’s concert history. The 84,567 seating capacity was the last stop for Coldplay’s tour in 2022; their 10-night Argentine run became the highest-grossing boxscore tour in Latin American history and surpassed Roger Waters’ 9 dates in 2012.
The band transmitted one of their performances in cinemas across the world solidifying the iconic status of the stadium. The concert film was praised by many critics, who gave rave reviews that were testaments of the band’s versatility and legendary status. Estadio River Plate is the training ground for the Argentine national team; if Lionel Messi was introduced as a special guest, well, if only wishes were horses made to fly, such an announcement would possibly pull a record-breaking crowd like never seen before.
Ironically, the stadium looked brighter than the night sky and was full of stars, special effects, confetti, and the LED wristbands of those in attendance, all these illuminated every part of the stadium bathing the stage with an enchanting purple glow when Coldplay’s front-man Chris Martin performed “A Sky Full of Stars” alo, a remarkable scene.
The band also performed some special covers, including “Baraye” by Iranian singer-songwriter, Shervin Hajipour.
Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary
It was a long-awaited return to Budapest since their last visit in 2008, fans pulled up in their numbers from far and wide to watch the band play. Budapest Business Journal reported that there was a 35% boost in room bookings during the week of the concerts, on June 16, 18, and 19, to the previous week in Budapest. The 4-star awarded stadium is the training ground for the Hungarian national team and a FIFA and UEFA standard stadium, thus, making it an iconic stadium for a record-breaking tour.
The band was welcomed onstage with a roar of excitement from Coldplayers; Chris Martin began the show by reminding fans that they still had that “Higher Power” amidst a vivid display of colours and lights. While he was performing “Adventure of a Lifetime,” balloons were released around the stadium, and fans enjoyed hitting and passing the colourful balloons around. Chris Martin brought three ladies onstage, and they sat beside him while he played “Till Kingdom Come” with the piano.
The night came to an end with a soulful performance that was certain to “Fix You”. The band’s performances on 18 and 19 were no different; enthusiastic fans witnessed mesmerizing performances, especially with their specially made LED wristbands, adding that extra icing to the vibe. And Chris Martin addressing fans in Hungarian just felt right, artists like him, who are passionate about their art, genuinely enjoy performing for their fans.
Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France
Coldplay brought their mesmerizing Music of the Sphere Tour to the third largest stadium in France, with 164,641 adoring fans in attendance; the 59,186-seat capacity stadium was perfect for Coldplay’s impressive performances. It is located in the heart of Lyon, Groupama’s state-of-the-art sound system and advanced acoustics were major factors that contributed to unforgettable shows across three nights of back-to-back poignant performances from Martin and his band, particularly when the band performed “Adventure of a Lifetime” and “Viva la Vida”, you could feel the stadium’s resonating effect around you.
Chris Martin’s enthusiasm for his art and appreciation for the fans in attendance was showcased when he interacted with the fans occasionally in French.
Coldplay is the first band to perform three nights at the stadium. An extra layer of synchronization at the concert was the cutting-edge vortex of swirling lights and video systems at the stadium; the LED wristbands that were distributed equally added to creating a memorable experience.
The stadium was enclosed, which meant that all the energy and roar of the crowd did not seep out, the arena was the perfect example of a soothing noise box. The stadium’s tiered seating arrangements ensured that nobody’s view was obstructed, allowing fans to bask in the stunning visuals during the concerts. Coldplay’s performance was truly spellbinding; the band’s energy was infectious, and as the final notes faded, the sky erupted with a dazzling display of fireworks, leaving fans in awe of their performance.
Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Coldplay set a new concert crowd record during their four-night concert tour at the Accor stadium in Sydney, with 338,776 fans in attendance roaring as the band performed. The band’s performance on November 6, 2024, was unknowingly therapeutic because it was the US election night; Coldplay’s performance was enough to ease the apprehensive feelings of 60,000 plus fans in attendance. At the stadium, fans were provided with a pair of 3D-style glasses that transformed lights into rainbow-coloured love hearts.
Nigerian artist and Afro-beat “Sabi Girl” Ayra Starr, was one of the three acts that performed before Coldplay took the stage. As the cloud darkened, she instructed the fans to turn on the lights on their phones; just like that, the mood was set for an Afro-induced good time and heightened to welcome Coldplay.
The stadium has played host to record-breaking concerts like Taylor Swift’s “Reputation Tour” in 2018 before returning in February 2024 for her “Eras Tour”, which made her the first solo artist to perform four consecutive shows at the stadium. Ed Sheeran also had a run of shows at the stadium as part of his Mathematics Tour on 24 and 25 February 2023.
Other highlights of the night included Chris Martin bringing onstage two fans who held up signs requesting that the band perform “Green Nights.” He jokingly offered another fan Coke, after helping him over the barrier, not that Coke, but the fizzy carbonated drink. Chris Martin owned the show after playing “Yellow,” “A Sky Full of Stars,” and “Higher Power.” The crowd was on their feet, fully immersed in the light and music.
Be the first to comment