In a whirlwind of concerts and events, Coldplay continues to capture global attention as they embark on a series of performances across Asia, including a recent show in Mumbai and upcoming concerts in Hong Kong and Korea.
On January 2025, Coldplay's concert at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai featured Jasleen Royal as the support act, who faced significant challenges during her performance. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, known for her hits like "Heeriye" and "Ranjha," was billed as the 'mystery guest' for the highly anticipated show. However, her performance was marred by sound issues, leading to a disappointing reception from the audience, who drowned her out with boos and jeers.
In a new documentary titled "Dare To Dream," Jasleen opened up about her experience, stating that she felt like she was 'going to die' after the performance. She attributed her struggles to malfunctioning in-ear monitors that prevented her from hearing herself on stage. "There's a lot of pressure. I'll die. I swear I'll die. I'm still processing. There's a lot to process," she expressed after leaving the stage. Despite her efforts to improve by the second night of the concert, fans still described her performance as a 'disaster,' remarking that it sounded as if she had a 'bad cold and cough.'
Before taking the stage, Jasleen admitted her fears of being judged, worried that the audience would think she didn't deserve to be there, or that they were only interested in Coldplay. Her anxiety was palpable, as she was seen asking her band members if they were prepared for the performance, to which they responded with muted tones of uncertainty.
After the show, crew members offered her some kind words, acknowledging the technical difficulties she faced: "For the technical part, we are sorry. The creative part, I leave to you." Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin, also made headlines during the Mumbai concert when he thanked Indian fans for 'forgiving us for all the bad things Britain has done.' This statement resonated with many, as it highlighted the historical context of British colonialism in India.
Chris Martin, 47, used the opportunity to address the audience, saying, "Thank you for coming. It’s amazing to us that you welcome us even though we are from Great Britain. Thank you for forgiving us for all of the bad things Great Britain has done and welcoming us into your home." He further expressed gratitude for the warm reception they received during their fourth visit to India.
As Coldplay's tour continues, they are set to perform tonight at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, marking the venue's first major concert. The tourism industry is optimistic about the event's potential to attract international visitors, enhancing foot traffic to local attractions such as theme parks.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, noted in a recent radio interview that the successful hosting of various events, including the recent rugby sevens, showcases the city's ability to attract tourists. He mentioned an uptick in visitors from Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia, many of whom are traveling independently to enjoy the concert. The anticipation surrounding Coldplay's performance is expected to positively impact local sightseeing bus services.
Chui revealed that discussions with the sports park management took place last week to explore potential collaborations, including travel packages that incorporate concert tickets. He expressed hope that more major events would be organized in the future, allowing these initiatives to be implemented progressively. Although the concert may extend past 10 PM, which could pose challenges, he is confident that the logistics will run smoothly, as previous events have shown.
In addition to the concert in Hong Kong, Coldplay is also set to open a "Cold Play Moon Music Seoul Pop-up" in The Hyundai Seoul from April 10 to April 27, 2025. This pop-up store commemorates their first performance in Korea in eight years and the release of their album "Moon Music," which debuted in October 2024. The store will offer exclusive merchandise, including albums and limited edition T-shirts, with some proceeds going to the non-profit organization 'Love Snail,' which supports deaf surgery.
Coldplay will perform a total of six shows at the Goyang Stadium from April 16 to April 25, 2025. Their last visit to Korea in 2017 was memorable for its emotional tribute to the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster, where they displayed yellow ribbons on stage. This time, they will be joined by the popular group TWICE as a special guest.
As Coldplay continues their tour across Asia, their impact on audiences and local economies is significant. From the emotional highs and lows of Jasleen Royal's performance in Mumbai to the excitement surrounding their concerts in Hong Kong and Korea, the band's journey is a testament to the power of music to connect people across cultures and borders.
