Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 'Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' in Bhubaneswar, drew attention to the massive success of British rock band Coldplay's recent concerts in India. Highlighting their "fabulous pictures," the Prime Minister described the events as a testament to India's immense potential for live concerts and its growing prominence on the global entertainment stage. He urged state governments and private sector stakeholders to channel their focus into creating infrastructure and fostering the necessary skills to develop the 'concert economy' sector, emphasizing its role in driving cultural and economic growth.
During his speech, PM Modi reflected on the increasing popularity of live concerts in India over the past decade. "India is a country with a rich legacy of music, dance, and storytelling," he said. "We are not only a hub of immense talent but also a massive consumer of live performances. The trend of concerts and live events has grown significantly in the last 10 years, and the potential for the concert economy is immense. Artists from across the world are being drawn to India, making it an exciting time for this sector."
Coldplay's India leg of their Music of The Spheres World Tour demonstrated this potential, with five back-to-back sold-out shows. The band performed three concerts in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai before concluding with two electrifying performances in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26. The events were praised for their seamless organisation and vibrant atmosphere, with thousands of fans attending each concert. The overwhelming response from audiences highlighted India’s growing appeal as a global destination for live entertainment.
Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, endeared himself to the Indian audience by engaging in local languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. His warm and spontaneous interactions included shoutouts to iconic Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and celebrated cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, who attended the Ahmedabad concert. On January 26, which coincided with India’s Republic Day, the band delivered a special tribute to the nation by performing heartfelt piano renditions of 'Vande Mataram' and A.R. Rahman’s iconic anthem, 'Maa Tujhe Salaam,' evoking patriotic fervor and leaving the crowd in awe.
The concerts were a magnet for celebrities, with notable attendees including actors Kartik Aaryan, Suhana Khan, Vijay Varma, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Fans and critics alike lauded the band’s energetic performances, stunning visuals, and Chris Martin’s ability to connect deeply with the audience. This marked Coldplay’s return to India after an eight-year hiatus, their previous performance being the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai in 2016.
Coldplay, which includes Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion, and manager Phil Harvey, has long been celebrated for their ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Their decision to bring the Music of The Spheres World Tour to India reflects the growing recognition of the country’s importance on the global music and entertainment map.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the broader implications of such events, emphasizing the importance of leveraging India's cultural heritage and youthful energy to boost the concert economy. "India has always been a land of music and art, but now it is also emerging as a prime destination for international live performances. The recent success of Coldplay's concerts shows the world that India is ready for even more grand events. This sector not only offers immense economic potential but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens India’s global identity," he said.
The Prime Minister encouraged both public and private sectors to collaborate on enhancing the infrastructure required for large-scale events. He also emphasized the importance of developing specialized skills in event management, sound and lighting technology, and hospitality to support the concert economy. "With the right investments, we can turn India into a global hub for live entertainment, attracting artists and audiences from all corners of the world," he added.
Coldplay’s concerts are expected to set a benchmark for international artists planning tours in India. Their immense success is likely to inspire similar large-scale events, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and contributing to local economies. As India continues to strengthen its position as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub, the concert economy could emerge as a significant driver of economic growth and international recognition.
