“It’s amazing being a British person in Eden Park and not having the s* kicked out of you by the All Blacks,”** Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, humorously reflects after performing at the iconic stadium.
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Last night, Coldplay transformed the sacred rugby turf of New Zealand into a sky full of stars, and it may have made the strongest case yet for doubling the stadium’s limit of six concerts a year. Around 50,000 Kiwis attended on a humid Wednesday evening to see Martin and bandmates Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion perform in New Zealand for the first time since 2016.
The performance began with a powerful haka pōwhiri from Te Whare Karioi, and Martin greeted the crowd with a warm “Kia ora, Aotearoa”, adding that it had taken the band about 172 shows during their Music of the Spheres World Tour to finally make it to New Zealand.
Why Coldplay is a Special Choice
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Martin happily shared that it had been a wonderful experience to be in New Zealand, walking around and meeting so many kind and inspiring people. However, he also shared a funny story about how he was teased for kissing the ground when he arrived at the airport: “Why wouldn’t you want to kiss the ground in New Zealand?”
Coldplay made history by announcing not one, not two, but three consecutive shows at Eden Park, becoming the first artist or act to perform three shows in a row at the venue. In recent years, artists like Ed Sheeran, Pink, and Travis Scott have performed here, while other international stars such as The Weeknd and Olivia Rodrigo have either canceled shows or skipped New Zealand altogether.
Last night, Coldplay proved both the demand from Kiwi fans and the venue’s ability to host some of the biggest names in music. Hopefully, they’ve also reminded other global artists that it’s well worth traveling to New Zealand to perform.
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An “Out-of-this-World” Experience
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres shows have been described as an “out-of-this-world experience,” and last night’s performance was exactly that. From the moment it opened with the upbeat “Higher Power,” the concertgoers’ wristbands lit up, giant balloons floated through the stadium, and confetti filled the air, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The visual spectacle alone, enhanced by 3D glasses, was worth the price of admission.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, you’ll quickly realize you know many of Coldplay’s hits—songs like “Yellow,” “Viva la Vida,” and “The Scientist” have become part of our collective memory.
A Setlist Full of Inspiration
The setlist for the night was divided into four acts: “Planets,” “Moon,” “Stars,” and “Home,” offering a blend of Coldplay’s classic hits and newer songs like “My Universe” and “feelslikeimfallinginlove.” These songs not only touched the hearts of the audience but also showcased the band’s growth and innovation in music.
After two years on the road, Coldplay’s production is a well-oiled machine, but there were still moments when Martin, full of energy on stage, went off-script—and these spontaneous moments made the performance even more endearing and exciting.
A Special Moment on Stage
At one point during the show, Martin invited two fans—Michelle and Eduardo, originally from Mexico—onto the stage, and they requested that Coldplay play the song “Up&Up” from their 2016 album A Head Full of Dreams. Martin momentarily forgot the lyrics, and humorously admitted: “What’s the first line? S*, I don’t know.”** This lighthearted moment made the audience laugh and further endeared Martin to the crowd for his down-to-earth and humorous nature.
Later in the show, while the audience was singing along to “A Sky Full of Stars,” Martin paused and joked that drummer Will Champion “has been arrested for trying to bring a potato into your country.” Martin’s wit and spontaneity helped create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, making the concert even more memorable.
Coldplay and New Zealand’s Dream
Coldplay is not only a band known for their incredible hits but also a symbol of connection and spreading love through music. Their return to New Zealand after 8 years wasn’t just another concert; it was a special event for the people of New Zealand. The band created a musical space full of inspiration and joy, becoming an essential part of their global music journey.
For New Zealand fans, this was an unmissable event, and it’s clear that Coldplay will always hold a special place in their hearts, even after the concerts are over. Hopefully, this will encourage more international artists to travel to New Zealand, where the stunning landscape and wonderful people make it a fantastic place for music and connection.
