After an eight-year hiatus, Coldplay is set to return to India in January 2025, performing five highly anticipated shows across Mumbai and Ahmedabad. While fans are thrilled to see the iconic British band, the scramble for tickets and skyrocketing costs has left many wondering: How much is too much to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event?
Ticket Frenzy and Astronomical Resale Prices
The excitement around Coldplay’s concerts reached fever pitch as tickets for the Ahmedabad shows (scheduled for January 25th and 26th) went on sale earlier this week. It mirrored the chaos seen last month during the ticket launch for the Mumbai shows on January 18th, 19th, and 21st.
Fans flooded BookMyShow, crashing the website and enduring long virtual queues, only to find tickets sold out within hours. The aftermath? Resellers took advantage of the frenzy, listing tickets on Viagogo for jaw-dropping prices. An upper-tier ticket is now being resold for a staggering ₹9.95 lakh.
Soaring Hotel Prices in Ahmedabad
The costs don’t end with tickets. Ahmedabad’s hotel industry is capitalizing on the influx of Coldplay fans, with luxury accommodations like ITC Narmada listed at an eye-watering ₹88,500 per night. Mid-range hotels have also significantly hiked their rates, pushing budget-conscious fans to seek accommodations in nearby cities like Vadodara.
A Windfall for Local Businesses
While fans face the brunt of the rising costs, local businesses in Ahmedabad are preparing to cash in. The city is buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit as restaurants, souvenir shops, and travel operators roll out the red carpet for concertgoers. From Coldplay-themed menus to convenient transit options, the event is expected to bring a windfall for local businesses.
Global Trends: Music Events as Economic Boosters
Coldplay’s India tour is not just a musical spectacle—it’s an economic opportunity. The concerts mirror global trends where large-scale music events significantly boost local economies. For instance, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Singapore drove a surge in tourism and consumer spending, even contributing to GDP growth. Similarly, Coldplay’s Ahmedabad shows are set to inject millions into the local economy.
Is It Worth the Price?
For fans, the question remains: Is it worth spending lakhs on tickets and accommodations for a chance to see Coldplay live? While the concerts promise a spectacular experience, the steep costs have transformed the event into a luxury affair.
Whether you’re among the lucky ones with tickets in hand or watching the highlights from home, Coldplay’s return to India is shaping up to be a historic moment for the music industry and its fans. Would you pay the price to witness this epic event, or do you think it’s simply too extravagant?