Coldplay has announced six UK performances for summer 2025, marking their only European shows that year. However, the announcement has prompted fans to launch a petition urging the band to avoid dynamic pricing, a controversial ticketing practice.
Dynamic pricing, which adjusts ticket costs based on demand, has recently come under scrutiny. Last month, Oasis fans faced price increases of up to 140% when attempting to purchase reunion tour tickets. This incident led to an investigation by the competition watchdog into Ticketmaster's practices.
The petition, initiated by the ColdplayXtra fan account, states:
"Fans are uniting to advise the band to opt-out of Ticketmaster's 'Dynamic Pricing' feature. We feel having this feature enabled would go against the values of what the band likes to exude and represent."
Coldplay, formed in London in 1996, has previously experienced backlash due to dynamic pricing. In August 2022, fans reported unexpected price hikes for shows at Manchester's Etihad Stadium, with some standing tickets offered at £526.30, compared to £85 for similar tickets at Wembley.
The band, consisting of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, remains one of the most popular music acts globally, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. Their upcoming shows include two dates at Craven Park in Hull on August 18 and 19, 2025, followed by six performances at Wembley Stadium.
To address concerns about accessibility, Coldplay has implemented measures to ensure local fans can attend their shows. They've reserved 50% of Hull tickets for nearby residents using a postcode system and will offer "affordable" Infinity Tickets priced at a maximum of £20.
The band continues to prioritize environmental sustainability in their performances. Their Wembley shows will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and kinetic energy - a world first for a stadium show. This aligns with their ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, with their current Music of the Spheres world tour producing 59% less carbon than their 2016-17 stadium tour.
Coldplay's commitment to eco-friendly practices extends to their upcoming 10th studio album, "Moon Music," set for release in October 2024. The band claims it will be their most environmentally conscious record to date.
Tickets for the UK shows will go on general sale at 9am BST on September 27, 2024, with a presale on September 26 for fans who pre-order the new album.
"If this happens, it could make regular tickets unaffordable for regular fans, hardcore fans and casual fans alike, compromising opportunities to attend the shows to see the band we all love and adore."
As Coldplay continues to balance their massive popularity with environmental and fan-centric initiatives, the outcome of this petition may set a precedent for how major artists approach ticket pricing in the future.