Chris Martin on Coldplay’s evolution: Love, hate & their biggest leap yet

Coldplay’s Chris Martin is no stranger to the polarized reactions his band evokes. On one hand, the group’s music has the power to fill stadiums worldwide with devoted fans belting out anthems like “Yellow” and “Fix You.” On the other hand, they’ve faced criticism from naysayers who dismiss their sound as too saccharine or formulaic. And Martin? He gets it.

In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone recently, Martin reflected on this love-hate dichotomy. “When you’re lucky enough to be in our position, it’s important to accept that not everyone is going to love what you do. And that’s okay,” he shared. The Coldplay frontman, known for his infectious energy and philosophical musings, likened the criticism to a natural part of being an artist: “Art’s supposed to provoke something. If someone hates it, it just means they felt something, right?”

But Martin isn’t dwelling on the critics these days. With Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” world tour making headlines for its record-breaking crowds and sustainability initiatives, the band is squarely focused on their connection with fans.

And in 2025, Coldplay is taking things to an entirely new level by announcing their biggest-ever India tour, with multiple shows planned across the country.

• Mumbai: The band will kick things off with three concerts at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18th, 19th and 21st, 2025.
• Ahmedabad: Coldplay will culminate their India tour with two shows at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25th and 26th, 2025.

These concerts are expected to be massive spectacles, featuring elaborate stage productions, dazzling visuals and of course, Coldplay’s signature blend of anthemic rock and heartfelt ballads. The band is also weaving in elements that pay homage to Indian culture, though Martin emphasized they want to approach it with sensitivity. “We’re bringing some surprises, but the goal is to celebrate, not appropriate. We want this to be a true exchange of love and energy,” he explained.

“India has always had this amazing energy,” Martin said, visibly excited during the announcement. “The warmth, the culture and, of course, the music—it’s a place we’ve always wanted to spend more time in. Playing our biggest show there feels like a celebration of everything we’ve been building up to.”

Coldplay’s India chapter is not just another stop on the tour. It’s a culmination of the band’s efforts to connect with diverse audiences globally. Coldplay’s relationship with India goes back to their 2015 single “Hymn for the Weekend,” which featured visuals of the country’s vibrant festivals and a cameo by Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor. The track’s reception was a mixed bag—praised for its celebration of India but also critiqued for exoticism. Nevertheless, it marked the beginning of Coldplay’s ongoing fascination with the subcontinent.

Coldplay’s willingness to take risks—whether it’s experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with artists across genres, or playing their hearts out in new territories—has been a hallmark of their career. While some might roll their eyes at the band’s unabashed sincerity, there’s no denying their ability to create moments that feel larger than life. And Martin wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’re at a stage where we’re just incredibly grateful,” he said. “Grateful for the music, for the people who listen to it and for the chance to keep doing what we love. That’s all that matters, really.”

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a self-proclaimed Coldplay skeptic, the band’s journey continues to offer something to talk about. Love them or hate them, they’re here to stay—lighting up skies, hearts and stadiums across the world.