Coldplay Faces Backlash After Seoul Show Sparks Controversy

Coldplay concluded what they refer to as, ‘one of the greatest Friday nights ever’ in Seoul, but not all is merry, as condemnations are pouring in about their recent sorry tweet thanking the city for a great show, maybe for too much support for Russia and its war against Ukraine.
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The confusion started when Chris Martin, the band’s frontman, seemed to indicate that they would perform in Russia if invited. That caused a huge backlash, because for many, Russia is currently carrying out genocide in Ukraine. The tweets from the band met with fan replies filled with joy, anger, and sheer perplexity.

There was Wolf Leader, one of the fans, pouring out praise for how good the show was, with crying emojis interspersed throughout. But then Danish Fella in Sweden made an entrance, giving no thought to ripping into the band for even considering such dates in Russia. “You should be ashamed,” they responded, throwing down even more emoji vomit.

Others started jumping in, one calling them, ‘Even worse than your songs.’ Ouch. The backlash turned so strong that some users began linking articles about Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, as if to remind Coldplay what they are presumably supporting.

The parody account of the Russian Embassy in Sweden unleashed an even meaner attacking tweet, with ‘Welcome to the Club, fellow genocidal loving comrades.’ Another one simply stated, ‘Cold… Play. Pretty cold supporting genocide.’

On the flip side, not all replies were bad; one asked if South Africa is next on the tour, proving that somewhere, there is still love for the band. However, with most people disappointed over the band’s actions, many vow never to listen to Coldplay again.

Celebrities really have to tread the political paths carefully, and because of the immediacy of the world-wide reactions to whatever they say or are thought to have said, it becomes difficult for them to walk that turf. Still, Coldplay really has nothing much to say concerning all the backlashes. One thing for sure is that the last thing they were courting was this kind of attention from their highly successful show.

What’s next for the band? Will they try to provide some comments concerning the outrage or will they leave it to die down? Either path they choose will no doubt pour adrenaline into the conversation all over again. As it stands for now, the virtual funeral keeps going on in the comments section under their tweet: a battlefield of opinions proving that music and politics are truly a volatile mix.

If you are wondering about their plans to go to Russia, the answer seems to be negative according to the official tour schedule. But the court of public opinion may have suffocated the band within the minds of their fans, some feeling betrayed, others supporting the group, while we mere observers just watch it unravel, one angry tweet at a time.
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This also goes to show that in this hyperconnected world, artists are being judged not just for their music but also for their perceived political stands. Fair or not, that can be debated, but one thing is for sure: Seoul on a Friday night will be remembered for much more aside from the music.