RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
British band Coldplay has announced an exclusive performance in Abu Dhabi as part of their “Music Of The Spheres World Tour”, which has broken records, selling over 10 million tickets worldwide.
The show, scheduled for January 11, 2025 will be the only one in the Middle East region, marking the band’s return to the UAE capital after nearly a decade.
The concert will be held at the 45,000-seater Zayed Sports City Stadium, a venue with state-of-the-art facilities and excellent acoustics.
Coldplay has a special connection with Abu Dhabi, having performed in the city multiple times. Their first major concert in Abu Dhabi was in 2009 at the Emirates Palace, which was part of their “Viva la Vida Tour”. In 2016, Coldplay returned to Abu Dhabi to perform at the du Arena on Yas Island as part of their “A Head Full of Dreams Tour”.
The band, known for their electrifying live performances and visually stunning shows, is expected to deliver a setlist packed with their classics, greatest hits, newer favourites and new tracks from their upcoming album.
Coldplay was formed in London in 1998. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Will Champion (drums). They initially called themselves “Starfish” before settling on the name Coldplay.
Their debut album, “Parachutes” (2000), was a commercial success, featuring the hit single “Yellow.” This album earned them a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Their follow-up, “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002), included hits like “Clocks” and “The Scientist”, and won multiple awards, solidifying their place in the music industry.
Coldplay continued to evolve their sound with albums like “X&Y” (2005), “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” (2008), and “Mylo Xyloto” (2011). Each album brought new musical styles and themes, from electronic influences to orchestral arrangements. Their 2015 album, “A Head Full of Dreams”, and subsequent releases like “Everyday Life” (2019) and “Music of the Spheres” (2021) further showcased their versatility and commitment to innovation.
Coldplay will be joined on stage by 22-year-old Chilean-Palestinian singer-songwriter Elyanna. In 2021, Elyanna signed with Universal Arabic Music, a significant milestone that helped propel her career on the global stage. She made history in 2023 by becoming the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
She has had a notable collaboration with Coldplay, which has significantly boosted her international profile. Their partnership began in 2024. By joining Coldplay on stage during their headline performance at the Glastonbury Festival, Elyanna became one of the few artists to perform in Arabic at the iconic festival.
During the Glastonbury set, Elyanna performed Coldplay’s 2019 song “Arabesque” alongside Femi Kuti, adding a unique Arabic touch to the track. She also collaborated with the band on their new single “We Pray”, which features Little Simz and Burna Boy. This song is part of Coldplay’s upcoming album “Moon Music”, and Elyanna’s contribution has been widely praised for its emotional depth and cultural significance.
Coldplay has been at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the music industry, with the band implementing various eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of their concerts. From using renewable energy sources to encouraging fans to use public transportation, Coldplay is committed to making their tour as green as possible.
The group has reported progress on their sustainability goals, stating that the current tour has produced 59% less CO2 emissions compared to their 2016/17 tour.
Coldplay’s upcoming album is set for release on October 4. The band claims it will “set new standards for sustainability”, with each LP made from recycled plastic bottles.
Midday ticket sales will begin with an artist pre-sale on September 25, followed by a Live Nation pre-sale on September 26 and general ticket sales on September 27. The band will also offer “Infinity Tickets” at a lower price point, available from November 22. These tickets, priced at Dh82, must be purchased in pairs.
The concert underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene. With its diverse population and rich cultural heritage, Abu Dhabi is the perfect backdrop for this global music event.