Coldplay’s Chris Martin is standing firm against a wave of online criticism targeting his heartfelt calls for peace and equality during the band’s blockbuster Music of the Spheres world tour. The 48-year-old frontman, known for his emotive performances and universal messages of love, addressed the backlash in a candid interview with Hits Radio, revealing he was “shaken” but unbowed by the hostility directed at his inclusive stage comments. “A group of people are angry because I want to love all people,” Martin said, reflecting on the unexpected vitriol. “I’m never gonna stop that.”
The controversy stems from Martin’s recent on-stage remarks, particularly an incident at Coldplay’s sold-out London show where he invited two Israeli fans on-stage and declared, “I’m very grateful that you’re here as humans, and I’m treating you as equal humans on Earth regardless of where you come from or don’t come from.” Intended as a gesture of unity, the comment sparked a firestorm on social media, with some users accusing Martin of wading into sensitive geopolitical territory. The singer noted that this wasn’t an isolated incident—nearly every attempt to promote equality, empathy, or peace in recent shows has gone “viral, negatively,” leaving him grappling with the public’s response.
“It’s been a bit of a shock,” Martin admitted to Hits Radio. “Almost every time I’ve said anything we really believe in—things like equality, empathy, or rejecting aggression, genocide, or terrorism—it’s somehow twisted online.” The backlash has forced the Viva La Vida singer to reflect deeply: “I was starting to wonder, ‘Do I have to stop saying we welcome people from all backgrounds?’” But Martin, whose band has spent three years crisscrossing the globe on their Music of the Spheres tour, quickly dismissed the idea of self-censorship. “No, I’m never gonna stop that,” he declared. “If that upsets people, well, I love those people too. It’s not an empty platitude—it’s a considered position from a group of people that have met more humans in history.”
Coldplay’s tour, which has already smashed records as one of the highest-grossing in history with over 10 million tickets sold, remains a platform for Martin’s ethos of universal connection. From rainbow-lit stadiums to lyrics championing hope and togetherness, the band—rounded out by Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Will Champion, and creative director Phil Harvey—has long woven activism into their art. Past initiatives include eco-friendly tour practices, sign language interpreters at shows, and support for causes like ocean conservation and refugee aid. Yet, Martin’s recent experiences highlight the challenges of navigating a polarized online landscape, where even messages of unity can be weaponized.
Despite the noise, Martin’s resolve remains unshaken. The Grammy-winning artist, whose band has connected with millions through anthems like Fix You and A Sky Full of Stars, emphasized that his stance comes from a place of sincerity. “We’ve been lucky to meet so many people from every corner of the world,” he said. “That shapes you. It’s why we keep saying everyone’s welcome—because we mean it.” Fans have rallied behind him, flooding X with messages of support, with one user posting, “Chris Martin out here preaching love and getting hate for it? Keep shining, king.” Another wrote, “Coldplay’s concerts are a safe space for everyone. Don’t let the trolls win.”
As Coldplay’s tour powers on—Martin teased “138 more shows to go” in a recent social media post—the band shows no signs of slowing down. Currently in the midst of a 2025 leg that includes stops across Europe, Asia, and North America, the Music of the Spheres spectacle continues to blend eye-popping visuals, sustainability efforts, and Martin’s signature crowd singalongs. The tour, launched in 2022, has already been hailed as a cultural juggernaut, with critics praising its ability to unite diverse audiences in a fractured world.
For Martin, the criticism is just static in the signal. “If you’re trying to spread love and it ruffles feathers, that’s okay,” he told Hits Radio. “I’ll keep loving the haters too.” As Coldplay prepares for another marathon year, one thing’s clear: Martin’s mission to make every fan feel seen, heard, and equal isn’t going anywhere—no matter how loud the online chorus gets.
