/1620px_Coldplay_BBC_071221_cropped_9e6e58a47a.jpg?size=322.67)
26 Sept 2024
/ST_news_300x600_9138e6063e.jpg?size=120.89)
The situation: On September 18, it was announced that Coldplay would perform in Abu Dhabi on January 11, 2025, at Zayed Sports City Stadium. Headlines screamed, "Only one concert in the region!" urging fans to act fast because the chance was unique. What happened next? Demand was so intense that on September 25, the very day of the presale (oh, the queues!), Coldplay announced a second concert for January 12. But even that wasn’t enough. When the second show sold out, Coldplay added a third concert on January 14.
UPD: Coldplay announced the fourth concert — it will take place on January 9.
Think about it — Coldplay, a globally renowned band with a tightly scheduled tour, spontaneously decided to add three shows in the UAE. Incredible, right? Absolutely.
So, what is the secret behind Coldplay’s enduring popularity? Why is everyone so crazy?
Let’s go back to the beginning. The band members knew each other for almost a year before they started playing music together. They met at University College London, all living in the same student halls of residence. Although they were all completely different, they shared one common goal: they knew exactly what kind of band they wanted to create and the type of music they wanted to make. Ask any of them what music means to them, and they will tell you it has been their life since childhood.
Jonny put it perfectly in A Head Full Of Dreams documentary: “Obviously, you have a sense that something is starting, but I don’t think we had a sense of what that something was or where it would end up.”
Initially, there were just three — Chris, Jonny, and Guy — but they needed a drummer. They even recorded an EP, Panic EP, though it never saw the light of day. Enter Will Champion, a friend who, up until then, was mostly known for playing guitar. No one had ever pegged him as a drummer, but he fit right in.
Chris recalls: “I had the same feeling that I had with Guy and Jonny. ‘Oh, that’s him. There he is.’”
And that is how Coldplay came to be. It was a perfect match — a group of people looking in the same direction, chasing the same dream, and deeply loving the music they were creating together.
In A Head Full Of Dreams documentary, Chris famously declared: “We, Jonny Buckland, Chris Martin, Will Champion, and Guy Berryman, aka The Coldplay, are gonna go on to be such a huge band, and this will be on national television within four years. Four years! It’s now June 26, 1998. By June 26, 2002, The Coldplay will be known all over, man. We’re gonna be so big! Don’t you forget it. Massive! Absolutely huge!” And, remarkably, four years and three days later, Coldplay headlined Glastonbury. Just as promised.
/coldplay_1723309465_3431690981263604289_250131908_6ecfb09db3.jpg?size=176.62)
Coldplay’s music has always aimed to reach for something bigger, brighter, and more hopeful. From their very first EP, Safety, their track "Bigger Stronger" revealed their ambition with lyrics like: “I want to be bigger, stronger, drive a faster car.”
Then came "Yellow" in June 2000 — a pivotal moment. The song was an instant hit, and suddenly, everyone knew who Coldplay was. What followed was a stream of accolades — one award after another at the Brit Awards and Grammys. Hits like Viva La Vida, The Scientist, and Fix You cemented their status as stadium fillers, with Chris Martin’s signature stage jumps, fireworks, and fans singing along from every corner of the globe.
So, why Coldplay? It comes down to a few key things. First, the band lineup has never changed since they formed in 1997 — an incredible feat in itself. Second, they have stayed true to their core belief that goodness will always prevail. No matter how bad things get, no matter how low you fall, everything will get better. Their anthem, "Viva La Vida", perfectly captures this ethos, urging listeners to embrace life fully. Their songs inspire hope, a belief that no matter how dark things may seem, you can become “better, stronger, drive a faster car.”
Coldplay’s journey has been one of hard work, belief, and an unwavering connection with their audience. Their message remains simple yet powerful: everything will be okay, and you can rise above. It is this blend of heartfelt lyrics, uplifting music, and unwavering dedication to their craft that keeps Coldplay at the top.
/medium_Cold_Raw_X_d044006269.png?size=855.08)
DubaiMusic
Honeycomb Hi-Fi: Meet the Vinyl Bees
Have you ever wondered why “honeycomb”? So did we…
by Sophie She
15 Jan 2025
/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_01_10_at_07_47_55_4_1_702b5a08fd.jpg?size=22.59)
InterviewPeople
Let Us Play Music In Unexpected Places! Interview With Chloe Barakat, aka KLO
From violin classes to DJing around the world and creating sudden gigs
by Alexandra Mansilla
13 Jan 2025
/medium_Kenji_T_pic2_8c17706a07.jpg?size=62.31)
MusicInterview
Meet Kenji Takimi: The Mastermind Behind Japan’s Underground Disco
Kenji is playing in Dubai this week — mark your calendar to discover Japan’s vinyl legend and a true rebellion
by Dara Morgan
13 Jan 2025
/medium_IMG_0541_c9f0b4fe76.jpg?size=121.72)
MusicPeople
The Ultimate Guide To Japan’s Music Scene
STR Creative Director Kito Jempere dives deep into Japan’s modern music scene with insights from him and his friends
by Kito Jempere
10 Jan 2025
/medium_AIMG_2486_e66af786a3.jpg?size=44.16)
MusicPeople
Omar Gamal: ‘Arabic Producers Are Bridging East And West In the Music Scene’
The founder of Hence, Management on the role of local artists on the global stage today
by Alexandra Mansilla
9 Jan 2025
/medium_Frame_1729_0c17d9a72f.jpg?size=40.75)
PartiesDubai
From Tokyo With Love: Kenji Takimi Lands At Honeycomb
Japan’s coolest DJ is taking over Dubai’s hottest Izakaya — are you ready for the vibe shift?
by Dara Morgan
7 Jan 2025
/ST_news_970x250_15c60fcf30.jpg?size=114.66)