The first of Coldplay’s four sold-out shows in the capital more than lived up to the hype.
Last year, Coldplay announced they were bringing their Music of the Spheres World Tour to the Middle East. Abu Dhabi was named the only stop in the GCC, igniting a frenzy among fans. With just one show initially planned, tickets sold out in mere minutes, leaving many heartbroken. But then, as if Coldplay had heard the collective cries of fans, they added three more shows. Each sold out just as quickly, turning ticket sales into a global conundrum. Those who secured tickets felt like victors in a high-stakes Hunger Games, while others faced a Squid Game-like elimination. Dreams were shattered, though lives were spared—but for many, the emotional impact felt just as devastating.
But why all the chaos? Because this is rumored to be Coldplay’s final world tour, coinciding with the release of their last album, Moon Music. For a band that has defined generations, this was a once-in-a-lifetime show.
‘Til Kingdom Come
The first of Coldplay’s four highly anticipated shows took place on Thursday, 9 January 2025. Despite being a weekday, a hopeful crowd of 45,000 gathered at Zayed Sports City Stadium, braving shuttle buses from Abu Dhabi and Dubai as parking was intentionally off-limits to support sustainability efforts. Rain threatened the evening, but spirits remained undampened.
Opening acts Shone and Elyanna warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for the main event. But when Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion stepped onto the stage with Higher Power, the stadium erupted in a wave of sound and light. With synchronised wristbands glowing, it felt like being transported into another portal.
Adventure of a Lifetime
Coldplay’s two-hour set was an emotional rollercoaster. From upbeat anthems like Adventure of a Lifetime to soulful classics like Fix You, the band delivered an electrifying and deeply personal show.
The highlight — at least for me — was The Scientist. Watching Chris Martin at the keyboard, serenading the crowd, was a moment of pure magic. Hearing the song live, surrounded by thousands, felt like being transported via a time machine, bringing back a flood of memories and emotions — similar to the flood of fans at the stadium.
Songs like Paradise, Viva La Vida and Yellow got the crowd jumping while giant balloons bounced around. The band’s coordinated outfit changes added flair to each performance. And just when it seemed the night couldn’t get more surreal, they performed Sky Full of Stars under a canopy of fireworks — a spectacle that felt like the grand finale.
Sky Full of Stars
But Coldplay wasn’t done. As the fireworks faded, the band disappeared, only to reappear on a hidden stage in the General Standing area. The crowd erupted in surprise as the band performed an intimate acoustic set. The proximity of this moment, paired with stripped-down versions of their hits, was nothing short of spectacular. Connecting directly with fans, up close and personal, is not what most bands do. But most bands are not Coldplay, and it’s this genuine connection that has kept them at the top of their musical game since 1997.
Higher Power
The concert was a whole experience. Coldplay’s heartfelt tribute to Palestine, their attempts at speaking Arabic, and helping a couple with a gender reveal made the show feel personal despite the sheer scale of the crowd. Plus, the moon goggles, when put on, displayed flickering rainbow hearts in the sky making the performance feel 3D.
The band’s commitment to sustainability was also prominent. From shuttle buses to kinetic pads and bicycles that powered the concert, Coldplay’s ethos was as inspiring as its music. Knowing that Thursday’s audience quite literally powered Saturday’s show brought a sense of community to what already felt like an otherworldly night.
Coldplay ended the night with more than just music — they delivered a message of unity, hope, and love that transcended the confines of the stadium. As the crowd dispersed under the Abu Dhabi sky, there was a shared sense of having witnessed something extraordinary — a moment where music bridged gaps, probably healed hearts and created memories to last a lifetime.
GO: Visit https://www.coldplay.com for more information.
