Anticipation is at an all-time high as Coldplay is set to perform in Mumbai, India, in January 2025, following an eight-year hiatus. However, amidst the excitement for the Grammy-winning band’s return, a brewing ticketing controversy has left fans disheartened and raised questions about the fate of the highly anticipated concert.
The British rock band, known for timeless hits like Yellow and A Sky Full of Stars, will take the stage at Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025. The overwhelming demand for tickets initially led to two concert dates being added to their itinerary, but a third show was announced to accommodate more fans. Despite this, tickets sold out within minutes of release, leaving a large section of their fanbase disappointed and scrambling to find alternatives.
Shortly after, allegations of a ticketing scam emerged, with tickets being resold through unauthorized channels at exorbitant prices. Mumbai Police has summoned BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani and the company’s technical head as part of an investigation into the allegations. The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) began probing the matter following a complaint by advocate Amit Vyas, who accused the platform of enabling scalpers to profit off the event. Hemrajani was asked to appear before the EOW on September 27 but failed to do so, leading to another summons for September 30. BookMyShow has publicly distanced itself from the allegations, advising fans to be wary of purchasing tickets through unauthorized resellers.
While fans hope the concert proceeds without further disruption, speculation is mounting on social media about the possibility of a cancellation due to the ongoing investigation.
This controversy unfolds at a time when Coldplay has also announced their plan to retire after the release of their 12th studio album. Frontman Chris Martin confirmed the news in a recent interview, stating that the band’s 10th album, Moon Music, will be released on October 4, 2024. Reflecting on the band’s journey, Martin said, “We are only going to do 12 proper albums, and that’s real. Having that limit means the quality control is so high right now, and for a song to make it, it’s almost impossible, which is great.”
He further explained that this decision would allow the band members — Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion — to explore personal projects beyond Coldplay, although they will continue to collaborate on other ventures.
