Coldplay has exceeded their goal for reducing carbon emissions during their live shows. Back in 2019, lead singer Chris Martin shared that the band would take a break from touring to explore ways to make their concerts more eco-friendly.
Two years later, Coldplay revealed their Music of the Spheres tour, along with a commitment to reducing emissions from show production, freight, and travel for the band and crew by fifty percent.
This success is in part thanks to the involvement of the audience, who have been generating energy by dancing on kinetic floors and biking on modified bicycles. Additionally, Coldplay pledged to plant a tree for every ticket sold for their concerts.
Audiences have helped the band to slash their tour emissions with a host of measures, while still getting to see them play live.
Audiences have helped the band to slash their tour emissions with a host of measures, while still getting to see them play live.
Coldplay has shared that their recent tour featured a variety of creative initiatives to promote eco-friendliness among the audience. As a result, they were able to reduce their environmental impact by 59% compared to their previous stadium tour in 2016-17. The band confirmed that these results were verified by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative.
John E. Fernandez, director of the MIT initiative, praised Coldplay for their commitment to positive and meaningful actions. He also highlighted that the band has been setting a new standard for the entire music industry.
Coldplay expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to their success.
British singer Chris Martin of British band Coldplay performs at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, on July 5, 2023. The concert is part of the Music of the Spheres World Tour.
British singer Chris Martin of British band Coldplay performs at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, on July 5, 2023. The concert is part of the Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images
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Chris Martin recently surprised a Coldplay fan by giving them a lift to a music festival where the band was performing.
The band expressed their gratitude to all the fans who have attended their shows and contributed to sustainable practices. This includes those who have helped power the show batteries on power bikes and kinetic dance floors, arrived using eco-friendly modes of transportation like walking, biking, ride sharing, or public transport, brought refillable water bottles, returned LED wristbands for recycling, and purchased tickets that have led to the planting of 7 million trees so far.
The global stadium tour started in Costa Rica in March 2022 and will go on until later this year, entertaining fans in countries like Finland, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.
In a closer look at the steps taken, the band revealed that they have planted 7 million trees, powered 18 shows in 2023 using recycled BMW i3 batteries, and diverted 72% of all tour waste from going to landfills.
A tree has been planted for every ticket sold for the current tour.
A tree has been planted for every ticket sold for the current tour.
Coldplay acknowledged that there is still work to be done in the music industry. They mentioned, "We have a long way to go to reach where we should be on this issue." Despite this, they expressed gratitude for the support received and praised those working towards positive change.
In 2022, Martin mentioned in an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson that the goal is to show that capitalism can be more compassionate and eco-conscious, rather than just a charitable endeavor.
Green touring has a long history, with artists like Neil Young and Bonnie Raitt leading the way for decades. As the impacts of climate change become more severe, the music industry is now embracing this sustainable approach. Artists like Billie Eilish and Maroon 5 are taking steps to make their performances more environmentally friendly.
Editor's P/S:
Coldplay's dedication to reducing their carbon footprint is admirable and sets a positive example for the music industry. Their partnership with the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative to quantify their progress showcases their commitment to transparency and accountability. The band's creative initiatives, such as utilizing kinetic dance floors and modified bicycles to generate energy, demonstrate their innovative approach to sustainability.
The band's acknowledgment of the ongoing work necessary in the music industry is commendable. Their recognition that capitalism can encompass both profit and compassion aligns with a growing movement to prioritize environmental responsibility in various sectors. Coldplay's journey towards eco-friendliness highlights the transformative power of collaboration and audience engagement, inspiring other artists and fans to embrace sustainable practices in live music experiences.