The British rock group has a long history of supporting progressive causes, from human rights (such as Amnesty International) to fair trade and various green organizations. Since its first chart success, Coldplay has become known for giving 10 percent of its profits to charity.
Fronted by Chris Martin, Coldplay has been producing its melodic, piano-driven music for 25 years. Its sound and the introspective lyrics have invariably lifted the band to the top of the music charts around the world.
Coldplay has scored eight UK number one albums (plus five in Canada and four in the U.S.). Global sales have topped over 100 million albums.
The band is embarking on a new ‘Music Of The Spheres World Tour’ and in keeping with the group’s environmental concerns, sustainable technology remains at the forefront.
The tour celebrates the band’s ninth album release (also titled Music Of The Spheres), led by the single Higher Power. The track was used to launch BMW’s all-electric models BMW iX and BMW i4 in May 2021. The album, released October 15, 2021, is described as a space-themed concept album with the songs describing a fictional planetary system called The Spheres.
In addition to having one tree planted for every ticket sold, Coldplay says its show will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
Most notably is the technology being used to power the band’s live offerings at various concert halls. The power will be derived from more than 40 recyclable BMW i3 batteries. This array will provide the band with the necessary power to fill concert halls and stadiums with their classic tunes during the live performances.
The batteries will replace the typical fossil-fuel guzzling diesel and gas generators used to provide the lights and sound amplification at most concerts of a similar scale.
The batteries will accompany the band on the major tour dates throughout 2022 to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, U.S., Germany, Poland, France, Belgium and the UK.
The collaboration between BMW and Coldplay sets new benchmarks for making concerts more sustainable, and will mark one of the greenest tours in music history.
According to Chris Martin: “We’re proud to partner with BMW to create the world’s first tourable, rechargeable show battery – which will allow us to power our concerts almost entirely from clean, renewable energy.”
In addition to the BMW batteries, other renewable sources will be used. These include solar installations, a kinetic stadium floor (where energy is generated and captured by the crowd swaying and bopping to Coldplay’s classic tunes), power bikes and generators powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel).
