Coldplay’s much-anticipated Music of the Spheres tour landed at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on January 18, marking a historic moment for Indian fans. The British rock band, comprising Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion, delivered an electrifying performance featuring timeless classics like Yellow and Fix You alongside newer hits like Higher Power. However, the energy from the audience fell noticeably short, sparking a wave of disappointment online.
Coldplay @ Mumbai : Spectacular Performance Meets Lukewarm Crowd Reaction
Fans had eagerly awaited the event, with over 10 to 12 lakh people queueing online when tickets went on sale. Prices on resale platforms skyrocketed, with some tickets originally priced at ₹12,000 resold for as high as ₹1.5 lakh. Despite the frenzy, the atmosphere during the concert didn’t match the band’s electrifying reputation.
Videos shared from the concert highlighted the issue. In one viral clip, the crowd’s lack of engagement during Hymn for the Weekend—a song with deep ties to Mumbai due to its iconic music video featuring Sonam Kapoor Ahuja—left many fans baffled. Social media users were quick to criticize the subdued audience.
“Nahh man… WHAT IS THIS???? The crowd is quieter than a library,” wrote an X user.
Some fans found it ironic that the audience seemed unfamiliar with the lyrics of Hymn for the Weekend. “But how can you not know Hymn for the Weekend… was literally shot in the streets of Mumbai,” questioned one user. Another added, “I see that the amount of people recording the concert is quite less than usual because others are busy looking up the lyrics.”
While the audience’s energy may have disappointed, the band’s performance and production remained top-notch. The stage design, synchronized LED wristbands, and dazzling light displays were all highlights of the night, reinforcing Coldplay’s ethos of spreading love and unity through music. The DY Patil Stadium came alive with a visual spectacle that complemented the band’s soulful melodies and high-energy anthems.
However, as reported by The Hindu, organizational issues further dampened the experience for many attendees. Confusion over special train services, problems with digital payment bands, and accessibility oversights left fans frustrated. Attendees also criticized the ban on water bottles, forcing them to rely on hard-to-access stalls amidst network glitches.
Chris Martin’s Heartfelt Tribute to Indian Fans
Despite these setbacks, Coldplay’s performance remained the centrepiece of the evening. For those who attended, the night was a mix of awe-inspiring music and logistical hurdles. During the concert, lead singer Chris Martin expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, addressing the historical ties between India and Britain. In a touching moment, he acknowledged the colonial past, saying, “Thank you for welcoming us even though we are from Britain” and added, “Thanks for forgiving us for everything the Britishers did.”
Martin’s remarks struck a chord with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic cheers, appreciating his thoughtfulness.
The concert marked a powerful start to the tour, blending Coldplay’s iconic music with moments of genuine cultural acknowledgment, leaving a lasting impression on their Indian fans.
As Coldplay continues their India tour with upcoming shows in Mumbai on January 21 and Ahmedabad on January 25-26, fans hope future audiences bring the energy and enthusiasm that Coldplay concerts are known for worldwide.
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