EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR CONCERTS IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
These days, once a major concert is announced, audiences and influencers begin preparing for the next viral sensation. Often, the online buzz kicks off even before the concert has concluded. Whether it’s Punjab pop superstar Diljit Dosanjh, the renowned American boy band Backstreet Boys, or other international stars, our social media feeds become flooded with pre-concert excitement and post-concert commentary from viewers worldwide. By the time an artist finally arrives in our city, there’s a good chance we’ve already witnessed a significant portion of the performance through an endless stream of clips.
ANTICIPATION REACHES NEW HEIGHTS FOR COLDPLAY CONCERT
But does the exhilaration translate into real enthusiasm? Are attendees genuinely excited to be at the concert or merely eager to be seen attending? This is a nuanced question that calls for self-reflection. It prompts us to consider whether we are present because of our genuine appreciation for the music or if, in the era of social media validation, we are apprehensive about missing out on the pop culture dialogue. The Coldplay concert—an impressive four-show series in Abu Dhabi—was not immune to this phenomenon. The moment tickets became available, fans rushed to grab their places, with the ticket queue itself becoming a hot topic of discussion. By January 9, the excitement hit a peak as over 45,000 attendees flocked to Zayed Sports City Stadium for an unforgettable evening beneath a starlit sky.
COLDPLAY EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AT THEIR SOLD-OUT SHOW
After their legendary performance at Expo 2020 Dubai, the British rock band made a triumphant return to the UAE, starting off their first sold-out show of 2025. As soon as tickets were released, fans from the UAE and beyond wished for this moment, and remarkably, Coldplay not only met expectations but exceeded them in every aspect. The event was genuinely one for the history books in the capital city—characterized by its scale, magnificence, and flawless execution that unified everything seamlessly.
A GLIMPSE OF THE MAGICAL FIRST SHOW
In case you missed the fiercely contested ticket battle and will not attend this time, here’s a detailed rundown of the enchanting first of four events (which would help you snag a ticket the next time). As soon as Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion graced the stage, it became evident that this wouldn’t just be a typical music night. Fans were presented with a comprehensive production designed to mesmerize, melding theatrical visuals with an outstanding sound experience right from the start.
A SPECTACULAR AUDIOVISUAL EXPERIENCE FOR FANS
Coldplay’s unique touch for immersive performances shone through as LED wristbands illuminated in perfect harmony with the music, transforming the audience into a living, breathing kaleidoscope. Enormous ‘planets’, aligned with their album Music of the Spheres, hung over the stadium, converting the venue into a cosmic spectacle.
A dynamic array of LED screens, confetti explosions, and a meticulously choreographed fireworks display enriched the visual storytelling, enhancing a night full of enchantment. Alongside the marvelous visuals, the sound quality was remarkable. Each lyric resonated clearly, with Martin’s ethereal vocals perfectly complementing the band’s cohesive instrumentation. Whether it was the haunting introduction of “The Scientist” or the euphoric climax of “Sky Full of Stars,” the high-definition audio ensured that not a single note was lost, even in the filled stadium.
COLDPLAY’S PERSONAL TOUCH AND CONNECTIVITY WITH FANS
Coldplay possesses a remarkable ability to create unforgettable moments that make fans feel acknowledged, and their Abu Dhabi concert was no different. Early on, when Martin noticed a fan holding a sign saying, “I travelled 10,000km for this,” he invited her on stage and inquired about her origin. She responded, “Pakistan,” prompting him to dedicate “Everglow” to her and those grappling with difficulties in the West Bank, Gaza, and Iran.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when the band paused the concert to assist a couple in revealing their baby’s gender, transforming the personal announcement into a communal celebration.
A CALL TO ENJOY THE MOMENT WITH NO MOBILE PHONES
Later, during “Sky Full of Stars,” Martin encouraged fans to put their phones away and lift their hands into the air instead. “No recording, please put your phone in your pocket and your hands in the sky,” he urged. The outcome? A breathtaking sea of waving hands under the starlit sky—a scene that magnificently illustrated the enchantment of that evening.
ELYANNA SETS THE STAGE WITH HER SOULFUL PERFORMANCE
Taking the stage before Coldplay was Elyanna, a Chilean-Palestinian singer whose blend of Middle Eastern and pop elements perfectly set the tone for the evening. Her performance of “Tammally Maak” infused a distinct regional essence into the event, while her Arabic rendition of “Deewani Mastani” served as a surprising and heartfelt tribute to Bollywood. Elyanna’s collaboration with Coldplay on “We Pray” was another highlight, harmonizing her strong vocals with the band’s renowned sound and creating a moment of true musical synergy.
A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE
Elyanna’s performance was a standout aspect of the night, demonstrating exceptional vocal mastery and commanding stage presence worthy of an international show stopper. The Arabic lines she hummed had the audience swaying, reminding them that Coldplay was indeed performing at the heart of the Middle East.
A video screened prior to the concert underscored the commitment to sustainability that accompanied this tour. By utilizing reusable wristbands and environmentally-friendly stage designs, Coldplay emphasized that their performances go beyond mere entertainment, but promote love and care—for one another and for our planet. Martin, in his charming manner, even expressed gratitude to the audience in Arabic, stating, “Shukran, habibi,” which elicited cheers from the crowd.
A DRAMATIC ENDING MARKS A MEMORABLE NIGHT
The concert concluded as dramatically as it started, with “feelslikeimfallinginlove” leading into a stunning fireworks display that illuminated the Abu Dhabi night sky. As the final notes resonated through the stadium and fans reluctantly began to exit, the atmosphere served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite people beyond boundaries, languages, and perhaps, even galaxies.
The night, which honored the band’s extensive legacy, culminated in a near-silent reverence as “A Wave” played softly in the background, ushering the enchanted crowd out of the arena—forever imprinting in their memories a core lesson for 2025: to believe in love.