How Coldplay is Making Their Music of the Spheres Tour More Sustainable
Coldplay, one of the most popular bands in the world, is also one of the most environmentally conscious and socially responsible artists. They are using their platform and influence to raise awareness and take action on various global issues, such as climate change, poverty, human rights, and education.
Coldplay’s Commitment to Sustainability
In 2019, Coldplay announced that they would stop touring until they could find a way to make it more sustainable and carbon-neutral. They said they wanted to avoid the negative environmental impacts of flying, driving, using electricity, generating waste, and consuming resources that are associated with touring. They also wanted to inspire other artists and fans to do the same.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour
After two years of research and planning, Coldplay returned to the stage in 2021 with their Music of the Spheres World Tour, which they claim is the most sustainable tour ever. The tour is based on their ninth studio album, Music of the Spheres, which is a concept album set in space and featuring collaborations with BTS, Selena Gomez, and Angel Moon (a puppet character created by Jim Henson’s studio).
Coldplay’s Sustainability Initiatives
The tour aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% compared to their previous tours, and to offset the remaining emissions by investing in projects that support renewable energy, reforestation, ocean conservation, and community development. Some of the initiatives that Coldplay has implemented for their tour include:
- Using biodiesel or electric buses and trucks for transportation
- Using solar panels or batteries to power the stage and sound system
- Using LED lights and lasers instead of pyrotechnics for visual effects
- Using compostable or recyclable materials for wristbands, merchandise, catering, and packaging
- Providing water refill stations and reusable bottles for fans and crew
- Encouraging fans to use public transportation, cycling, or walking to get to the venues
- Providing bike racks and shuttle buses at the venues
- Planting one tree for every ticket sold
- Donating a portion of the ticket sales to charities that support social and environmental causes
- Coldplay’s Final US Show at the Rose Bowl Stadium
One of the highlights of the tour was their final US show at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on October 1st, 2023. The show was attended by over 90,000 fans who enjoyed a spectacular performance by Coldplay, featuring their classic hits such as “Yellow”, “Viva La Vida”, “Clocks”, “A Sky Full Of Stars”, and “My Universe”, as well as songs from their new album. The show also featured special guests H.E.R. and 070 Shake as opening acts.
The show was also a showcase of Coldplay’s green initiative, as they displayed messages and videos about their sustainability efforts on the screens before and during the show. They also invited fans to participate in generating energy for the show by jumping on the stadium floor or using kinetic bikes and energy-generating dance floors. They also rewarded fans who used low-emission transport with priority access or upgraded seats.
The show received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised Coldplay’s music, energy, charisma, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world. One reviewer wrote: “With this ‘Music Of The Spheres’ Tour, there was no wasted energy, with every bit of the set time used to create memories and impact the audience. That is sustainability personified, and evidence that more than 20 years into their career, Coldplay’s cultural impact seeks to be the opposite of their environmental one.”
Conclusion
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour is an example of how artists can use their creativity and influence to not only entertain but also educate and inspire their fans to care about the planet and its people. It is also a challenge for other artists and industries to follow suit and find ways to make their activities more sustainable and responsible. As Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin said: “We’re not saying we’re perfect … but we’re saying that everyone can do something.”