The anticipation for Coldplay’s much-awaited Music of the Spheres World Tour has led to a frenzy among fans, with tickets for the band’s concerts in Mumbai selling out within minutes. The overwhelming demand has resulted in some resellers listing tickets at exorbitant prices, with some reaching as high as Rs 3 lakh.
This rapid sell-out has drawn attention from various quarters, including renowned author Chetan Bhagat, who questioned the logic behind such extravagant spending for concert tickets. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bhagat wrote, “On one hand we get figures of Indian salary percentiles, and on the other, there’s near mania for concert tickets. Who’s paying so much and buying all these tickets? What percentage of your monthly salary are people spending on these tickets? Some YOLO logic here? What?”
On one hand we get figures of Indian salary percentiles and on the other there’s near mania for concert tickets. Who’s paying so much and buying all these tickets? What percentage of your monthly salary are people spending on these tickets? Some YOLO logic here? What? — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) September 22, 2024
In response, former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover pointed out the complexities of economic disparity in India, suggesting that the high demand for tickets should not come as a surprise. He remarked, “It’s a large country – and a lot of disparity on either end – why is filling an 80k stadium surprising anyone? 800k students go overseas every year, spending $50K on average. Also, now that most people who can afford have phones, things will fill up instantly as well.”
It’s a large country – and lot is disparity on either end – why is filling of 80k stadium surprising anyone ? 800k students go overseas every year – spending $50K on an average. Also now that most people who can afford have phones – things will fill up instantly as well. — Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) September 22, 2024
The debate has elicited mixed reactions from social media users. While some defended the pricing, stating that many Indians can afford such tickets, others criticised the idea of spending large sums for fleeting entertainment. Some users argued that this kind of expenditure does not reflect sound financial judgment.
Coldplay is set to perform at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, marking their first concert in India since 2016. As fans continue to express their excitement and frustration over ticket availability and pricing, the upcoming performances are anticipated to be a significant cultural event, drawing attendees from across the country.
As the situation unfolds, the conversation surrounding the economic implications of such high-ticket prices continues, reflecting broader issues of accessibility and consumer behaviour in the realm of entertainment.