COLDPLAY Provides Accessibility for the Deaf at Mumbai Concert
Coldplay’s 'Music of the Spheres' tour in India offers a magical concert experience with special efforts for accessibility, including sign language interpreters and SubPacs for the Deaf.
Coldplay, the popular British music band formed in 1997, is known for creating songs that touch hearts around the world. With Chris Martin as the lead singer, the band has built a reputation for their emotional music and spectacular live performances that include amazing lights, colourful effects, and high energy. Their concerts are famous for making the crowd feel special and creating a magical experience.
Currently, Coldplay is on their “Music of the Spheres World Tour,” which has brought them to India. The band is performing in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, with such high demand for tickets that they decided to add extra shows. In Mumbai, the band is performing three shows at the DY Patil Stadium, while in Ahmedabad, there will be two performances at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
So far, two out of the three Mumbai shows have taken place on January 18th and 19th, with the final Mumbai concert scheduled for January 21st. The two shows in Ahmedabad will take place on January 25th and 26th. The final show on January 26th will be livestreamed on Disney Hotstar, allowing fans who missed out on tickets to still experience the magic.
Both the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, which can hold about 50,000 people, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with a capacity of 1.4 lakh people, were filled within minutes of ticket sales. Despite five shows in India, many fans were unable to get tickets due to the overwhelming demand.
What makes Coldplay’s concerts unique? At every concert, fans receive LED wristbands that sync with the music and light up the entire stadium in different colours. This creates an unforgettable visual experience. The band also focuses on sustainability—these wristbands use recycled batteries, and for every 10 kg of e-waste, a tree is planted.
Coldplay ensures that their concerts are accessible to all, regardless of their needs. Special areas are designated for fans who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues, allowing them to enjoy the show comfortably. For fans who are blind, Coldplay offers opportunities to explore the stage, touch the band’s instruments, and even feel the wardrobe of the performers.
For the Deaf community, experiencing music is different. Since there are varying levels of Deafness, people enjoy music in different ways. Many Deaf individuals can "feel" the music through vibrations, particularly the bass and beats. This allows them to enjoy live performances in a way that’s different from listening to music through speakers at home.
For the Mumbai concert, Coldplay made extra efforts to ensure that Deaf fans could fully experience the show. Sign language interpreters were present throughout the performance, helping Deaf fans understand the lyrics of the songs. The band also provided SubPacs—special vests that let Deaf fans feel the music through vibrations.
In a special gesture, Chris Martin performed one of the songs in sign language, which was met with much love and appreciation from the audience.
Coldplay’s efforts to include the Deaf community reflect their dedication to making their concerts accessible and welcoming for all. They want every fan, regardless of their disability, to feel connected to the music and the energy of the show. These efforts are a part of a growing trend to make cultural events more inclusive.
Sign language interpreters, once rare in universities, workplaces, and courts, are becoming more common in many public settings. This positive shift is expected to continue, with more cultural events making their shows accessible to the Deaf community. In fact, major concerts like Lollapalooza India have already started featuring sign language interpreters, setting an example for future events.
Coldplay’s inclusive approach is a great example of how music can bring people together, regardless of their abilities, and how concerts can become a more welcoming space for everyone.