By Josephine Ng
Typically, on a dull-looking rainy afternoon, most people would rather stay home than head out, however, that was not the case on November 22.
More than 75,000 concertgoers filled the compound of Bukit Jalil National Stadium with anticipation and heated excitement. Fans were waiting for gates to open at the Higher Power zone, the Standing Zone, as early as 6am to get the best standing view of the most iconic British band group, Coldplay. By 2pm, the stadium compound was already full of concertgoers, and they were enthusiastically waiting in line at their respective gates to enter the stadium despite the heavy rain.
After months of anticipation, the fans were eager and started humming to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” when the clock struck 5pm, which was the time when the gate should be opened for fans to enter the stadium. Gates were only opened at 5.30pm. Some were drenched, and most had to buy raincoats on the spot which cost them at least RM10.
Coldplay started their world tour called “The Music of The Spheres World” on March 18, 2022. It had been a full year before Malaysia’s turn. November 22 was an exceptional date for all Coldplay fans in Malaysia as it was the most anticipated date of all time. The group played in Bukit Jalil National Stadium, one of Southeast Asia’s largest stadiums, for only one night.
Rumours about Coldplay’s planned tour in Malaysia emerged months ahead of the event date, shocking the fan base all over Southeast Asia. There was no denying the thrill, but there was also a sense of anxiety about the task at hand — obtaining those elusive tickets.
Digital havoc broke out as the clock reached the hour when ticket sales were supposed to start. With multiple gadgets at their fingertips and a lot of excitement pumping through them, fans made their way through the virtual lines in a suspenseful heartbeat as time passed. They began to share their struggles and victories on social media platforms such as X, which turned into a battleground.
The hashtag #ColdplayInMalaysia became popular as evidence of the shared desire. The lucky ones who got their tickets celebrated as if a lottery was won. Niva, a 30-year-old accountant, expressed her gratitude and shared how she got lucky with her cousin’s help securing the tickets.
“I think he waited about 30 minutes or so, and I didn’t even enter the system, so I’m here because of him, to be honest.”
In addition, screenshots of confirmation emails were circulated on X and Instagram, like honorifics, each bearing witness to Coldplay’s perseverance and determination.
Lucky fans who flew from Indonesia to watch Coldplay, 20-year-old Felix Yeovandi and Benedicte Hartono, also managed to secure their tickets during the pre-sale with the help of their Malaysian friend.
Moreover, a 27-year-old Pahang businessman, Am, shared how his friend, Farah, a Langkawi freelance content creator, got lucky with their ticketing experience. Am explained how he did not get his desired tickets during the pre-sale and the general sale. However, tables were turned a few days before Coldplay’s concert; his friend, Farah, managed to secure two Infinity Tickets sold at RM90. Surprisingly, they got a Standing Zone ticket worth at least RM658 per person.
These Infinity Tickets had to be bought in pairs and were made available for fans who did not manage to get their hands on the tickets on their first and second try. Furthermore, fans had to sign up on a separate link to get on the concert tickets waitlist.
The tickets were released a month before the concert date, priced at RM90 without other miscellaneous fees, and with that amount of money, buyers would not know which seats they would be assigned to until the concert day.
Nur Syamsina, a 21-year-old student from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), expressed her excitement about the ticketing experience as she had used a ticketing service from X to help her obtain her tickets swiftly by having to pay an additional cost of RM20 for the service.
The official merchandise went on sale at 11am and fans started queuing as early as 10.30am to get their hands on the merchandise as it could be limited. Hundreds of concertgoers lined up at the merchandise booth to purchase the official merchandise, and there were also a few personal shoppers. Merchandises were priced lowest at RM60 for a hemp bag and a whooping RM425 for a hoodie.
The evening started with a guest act by a Malaysian artiste, Bunga Isme, which lasted for 30 minutes before Coldplay took over the stage. After months of increasing anticipation, the crowd erupted into a symphony of cheers and praise as the lights darkened at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Known for their spectacular live shows, Coldplay did not waste time taking the audience on a musical voyage. They started the set with “Higher Power” and brought the concertgoers through a roller coaster ride of their music journey from their latest album, “Music of the Spheres”, to their earliest album, “Parachutes”.
Coldplay had the audiences in their hands, ensuring that both seasoned Coldplay enthusiasts and newcomers were equally captivated. The stage, a colourful, cosmic fantasy, created the mood for the evening. Massive LED screens, rhythmically pulsating light wristbands, and captivating images were all used to create an immersive environment that enhanced the band’s sound design.
Classics such as “Yellow”, “Viva La Vida”, “The Scientist”, “Clocks”, and “Adventure of a Lifetime” were powerfully delivered, and fans were screaming their lungs out, singing with the band.
Despite the large arena, vocalist Chris Martin seemed intimately connected to the audience courtesy of his contagious enthusiasm and genuine personality. Amid songs, he conveyed the band’s appreciation for the Malaysian government for allowing them to play in a country that is considered conservative. He furthermore thanked the positive response from Malaysian fans and fans who flew from neighbouring countries, fostering a sense of unity among the audience. The group delivered an enthusiastic two-hour performance with a setlist of 26 songs.
The crowd burst into a spontaneous hum in time to the rhythm of “A Sky Full of Stars”, which was one of the night’s most memorable moments. A stunning and spontaneous chorus of thousands of voices harmonised, paying tribute to music’s power to unite people. The concert was a visual spectacle as well as an artistic performance.
During the euphoric moments, confetti fell, and each concertgoer’s wristband lighted up the stadium in a synchronised display that made everyone a part of the performance. Satisfaction and gratitude filled the arena as “Fix You’s” last notes went forth.
Coldplay produced an intimate experience that surpassed temporal and spatial limitations rather than merely putting on a show. Their concert in Malaysia was more than just a performance for the fans waiting impatiently for this moment; it was a celebration of music, unity, and the enduring force of a band that has come to be associated with inspirational and hopeful songs.
Over 75,000 concertgoers attended the event and were left with unforgettable memories and many video recordings to relive. As the main spotlights lit and the echoes and applause faded into the crowd, one couldn’t help but feel that, for those who were fortunate to be there, it was more than just a concert; it was a chapter in the story of a shared musical journey, etched into the hearts of all who were touched by the cosmic magic of Coldplay.
• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
