Why Chris Martin From Coldplay Is So Passionate About India
The overwhelming demand for tickets to Coldplay’s upcoming Mumbai concert came as no surprise considering how beloved the band is amongst Indian fans.
The overwhelming demand for tickets to Coldplay’s upcoming Mumbai concert came as no surprise considering how beloved the band is amongst Indian fans. However, owing to the event’s popularity, many fans couldn’t secure tickets, with ticket inventories succumbing to resellers and scalpers. Complaints arose regarding how actual Indian fans were forced to pay severely hiked prices for tickets across all tiers, with some concerns about heavy traffic at the D Y Patil Stadium where the concert is due to take place.
In this article, we look back at some special moments and highlight Chris Martin’s unique relationship with India, spanning several years, trips and creative endeavours.
Coldplay music has aged like fine wine. Dating back to the turn of the 21st century, now 20 years strong, this 5-man band has meticulously carved their way to legendary status, redefining alternative pop-rock with timeless songs like ‘Paradise’ and ‘The Scientist.’
In India, Coldplay made its way into every 90s kid’s heart swiftly after the release of their first UK Top-Five hit single, ‘Yellow.’ Their songs presented a unique listening experience, complete with swoon-worthy lyrics and rich instrumentation, so it wasn’t long before the world tuned in.
Chris Martin’s Connection to India
Image via Coldplay on Instagram
Chris Martin, the lead singer of the British rock band Coldplay, has a profound connection to India that goes beyond mere admiration. His journey with India began in earnest during his 2015 visit as a representative of The Global Poverty Project. This trip was more than just a diplomatic mission; it was a heartfelt exploration of a culture that would soon become a significant part of his life. Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Swachh Bharat campaign, Martin was deeply moved by the country’s efforts towards sanitation and public health.
But it wasn’t just the political landscape that captivated him. The warmth and enthusiasm of Indian fans left an indelible mark on the Martin. This newfound love was vividly expressed in the music video for ‘Hymn For The Weekend,’ where the vibrant streets of Mumbai and traditional Indian attire took center stage. The video wasn’t just a visual treat; it was a celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry, resonating deeply with both local and global audiences.
Martin’s connection to India is also evident in the subtle yet powerful influences in Coldplay’s music. From the intricate rhythms to the soulful melodies, there’s a touch of India in many of their songs. This bond is not just about musical inspiration; it’s about a genuine appreciation for a country that has given him so much joy and inspiration. For Chris Martin, India is not just a place; it’s a source of endless creativity and warmth.
Hymn For The Weekend Gets A Music Video in India
Image via Coldplay on Facebook.
As part of their seventh studio album, ‘A Head Full Of Dreams,’ Coldplay released a music video accompanying their uptempo single, ‘Hymn For The Weekend,’ in January of 2016. The band’s music found its way into the smallest, humblest corners of the country, making it only right to have these very same gullies featured in the video. The band delivered a delightful performance, and the video artfully captured a local block party, complete with powdered colors and flower-adorned instruments. Having been shot across different parts of Mumbai, the HFTW video was an instant hit!
The video also featured musical royalty, Beyonce, who dropped a cameo for the ages! Wearing arm-length traditional Indian bangles and a custom Mehendi (henna) job on her palms, the Queen gave fans a visual they will probably cherish for years to come. And let us not forget that special surprise for Indian viewers – an exquisitely haunting cameo from Bollywood’s very own, Sonam Kapoor!
But That Wasn’t Chris Martin’s First Visit To India
Image via Coldplay on Facebook.
A year before their secret trip to film the HFTW music video, the band’s vocalist and frontman, Chris Martin, visited the country in July of 2015 as a representative of The Global Poverty Project. Outside of his work as a singer/songwriter, Martin is widely known for his philanthropy.
During the delegation, Martin sat down with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India’s Swachh Bharat campaign and efforts towards sanitation. He was accompanied by Hollywood actress, Freida Pinto, and CEO of the Global Poverty Project, Hugh Evans.
Martin also paid a visit to Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, the day before his meeting with PM Modi, following which he treated some really lucky fans to an impromptu performance at Delhi’s Summer House Cafe. Those who missed this surprise gig weren’t happy, of course, but now, looking back, it’s downright precious how all it took was one little performance to spark Martin’s love for his real fans in India. We’re not gushing, you are!
Coldplay Performs In India For The First Time
Image via Global Citizen on Instagram.
Soon after the release of ‘Hymn For The Weekend,’ Coldplay announced their first-ever official performance in India, for the Global Citizen Festival in November of 2016. The festival also featured American rapper Jay Z and multifaceted performances by various Bollywood celebrities. Upon catching wind of the announcement, however, a slanderous rumor took form, making its way to newspaper headlines and of course, Twitter.
The rumor, originating from a report, stated the ticket prices being between Rs 25,000 (USD 345) and Rs 5,00,000 (USD 1350), an absurd amount of money to expect from desperate fans. Additionally, there were warnings about unauthorized platforms selling fake tickets at inflated prices, which contributed to the overall disappointment as real fans struggled to secure their tickets. Thankfully, an official statement clarifying these prices arrived just in time. It read “Tickets to the Indian Festival will be FREE. Fans will earn them through taking actions in support of education, equality, and sanitation campaigns.”
The festival, of course, was a colossal success. Fans were floored, all 80,000 of them! And for many, a lifelong dream had been achieved. They’d just watched Chris Martin croon LIVE. Everything else fell secondary.
Fans were blessed with more than an hour of multiple Coldplay hits, a duet with musical legend A R Rahman on his hit song ‘Vande Mataram,’ and Martin’s own version of Arijit Singh’s smash hit ‘Channa Mereya‘ from the movie ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.’ “Namaste friends, yeh hamari khushkismati hai ki itni khoobsurat desh mein aaye hain. (We are fortunate that we have come to such a beautiful country),” Chris said to his enamored crowd. And they only fell deeper in love!
India Represents ‘Everything’ to Chris Martin
Image via Global Citizen on Instagram.
In an interview with The Times of India, Martin said “ I always felt like we would come here when we wanted to embrace all colours. I don’t mean racially, but literally; just all the colours of the world”. He believes everything is here, in India. “You can stay here forever and you’ll never feel like you’ve missed out on life. There’s enough to keep you occupied.”
Speaking with NDTV backstage at the Global Citizen concert, Martin expressed his admiration for India. “I feel very alive when I’m here. I feel very aware of all of the different colors of life and it just makes me feel very connected as a human”. Chris Martin has a whole lot of love for our colorful country, and it shows!
During his third visit during an eighteen-month span in 2016, Martin also sat down for a chat with Indian columnist, Suhel Sheth, to discuss Global Citizen’s projects and his own influences as an artist. He explains, “India makes me feel alive in the strongest possible sense. Everything in the wider world is also reflected here. Some of the same troubles and many of the same triumphs”. Truer words have not been spoken! India really is an ever-evolving, gigantic microcosm of culture and livelihood.
Coldplay Takes A Little Bit of Indian Fans With Them To The Super Bowl
Image via Coldplay on Facebook.
A logo that has now found its way to almost every corner of the internet, the Coldplay Devanagari script logo first appeared during their Global Citizen concert in Mumbai. It sat in the epicenter of their flamboyant and floral stage set up and served as an adorable reminder of how much India meant to the band.
As a sweet ode to their Desi fans during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, the band performed on a stage covered in marigold flowers, with their signature Devanagari logo now sat on their instruments. The logo has since made multiple appearances on their social media accounts and at other shows, even on merchandise. Saving up now! Guitarist Jonny Buckland has also expressed his admiration for India, further solidifying the band’s connection to the country.
Coldplay Frontman Chris Martin’s Future Plans
Image via Coldplay Facebook.
As Coldplay prepares for their much-anticipated Spheres World Tour, Chris has been candid about the band’s future trajectory.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Martin shared a surprising revelation: Coldplay plans to release only 12 “proper albums” to ensure they maintain the highest quality in their music. This decision is inspired by the limited yet impactful discographies of legendary bands like The Beatles and Bob Marley, who left an indelible mark on music history with a concise body of work.
Martin’s vision for Coldplay’s future is equal parts ambitious and thoughtful. He hinted that after their 12th album, the band might either disband or take a significant hiatus, however, this doesn’t mean the end of Coldplay’s musical journey. Fans can look forward to more innovative and heartfelt music, including their upcoming album ‘Moon Music,’ set to be released on October 4. ‘Moon Music’ promises to be a hit, featuring singles like ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’ that have already generated buzz among Coldplay fans.
The Spheres World Tour is yet another exciting chapter in the group’s legacy, with new music and spectacular live performances nearing the horizon. Chris Martin’s dedication to maintaining the band’s artistic integrity while exploring new creative avenues ensures that they will remain one of the world’s most beloved rock bands for years to come.
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