When Coldplay brought their Music of the Spheres tour to Eden Park in November 2024, it wasn’t just a string of sold-out shows. Their three-night residency in Auckland delivered more than just music—it left a positive mark on the local economy, showcased cutting-edge sustainability practices, and even spotlighted New Zealand’s own rising talent.
A Sustainability Masterclass
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour is widely regarded as a trailblazer for environmentally conscious live events, and their Auckland shows exemplified this commitment to sustainability.
Energy-Generating Dance Floors and Bikes: Fans became part of the show by dancing on kinetic floors and pedalling stationary bikes to help power the concert, merging fun with renewable energy awareness.
Eco-Friendly Transport: To reduce the carbon footprint of the event, tickets included free public transport, while electric tuk-tuks outside the venue provided a sustainable travel option for attendees.
Recycled Materials: Coldplay’s signature LED wristbands—known for lighting up the crowd in perfect sync with the music—were made from recycled materials, proving sustainability can be stunning.
Local Partnerships: The band collaborated with New Zealand environmental organisations, further amplifying the impact of their climate-conscious initiatives and leaving a legacy beyond the music.
Boosting the Local Economy
Coldplay’s visit brought a wave of economic activity to Auckland, with thousands of fans travelling to the city and filling hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. The concerts also created hundreds of jobs, from event staff to technical crews, demonstrating how major events can support local communities while entertaining the masses.
A Stage for Local Talent
Coldplay didn’t just headline their own shows—they made space for local talent to shine. On Saturday, November 16, 18-year-old Aotearoa singer-songwriter Frankie Venter joined the band on stage, performing an original verse she wrote for their anthem ‘WE PRAY.’
For Venter, who grew up listening to Coldplay’s Parachutes album, the experience was a dream come true. Chris Martin introduced her to the crowd of 56,000 with glowing praise: “She’s only 18 and incredible! She’s going to be a big superstar.”
Already a rising star with a #1 single on the Official NZ Hot Singles Charts and upcoming performances at Rhythm and Vines and Soundsplash, Venter’s collaboration with Coldplay is yet another milestone in her meteoric rise. The invitation came as a surprise on her birthday, leaving her in tears, and she described the moment as “surreal.”
A Legacy of Positive Impact
Coldplay’s Eden Park concerts weren’t just about the music—they were a celebration of connection, sustainability, and collaboration. Their ability to balance a spectacular show with meaningful environmental and economic contributions has set a new standard for touring artists.
By lighting up Auckland with not only their music but also their values, Coldplay left behind a legacy that will inspire the music industry and local communities for years to come.
