Mumbai: The live-streaming of Coldplay’s electrifying concert on Disney+ Hotstar has not only brought a surreal experience to millions of fans but has also marked a transformative moment for live concerts in India. Held at the sprawling Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the event captured the grandeur of a packed audience of 1,34,000, their glowing wristbands creating a mesmerising spectacle.
Promoted initially by BookMyShow and later live-streamed by Disney+ Hotstar, the concert’s live streaming was a masterstroke. The move catapulted Disney+ Hotstar into the spotlight, positioning it as a digital hub for India’s aspirational youth. For fans across the country, the live stream was a cultural shift akin to Netflix’s game-changing Tyson-Paul fight broadcast.
From the 28-year-old yelling in delight at his favourite song to the nine-year-old dancing in a darkened room to Chris Martin’s vocals, the event resonated deeply with fans of all ages. While production values weren’t on a par with Taylor Swift or Madonna concerts, Martin’s Hindi and Gujarati phrases, banter with cricket star Jasprit Bumrah and tribute to India's greatest fast bowler ever, singing of Vande Mataram and heartfelt fan interactions made the concert unforgettable. And even more so for folks at home who could not make it to the venue because they could not get a ticket. The broadcast made it feel like you were there - immersive as it was.
The scale and success of the event underscore India’s emergence as a global concert destination. While iconic performers like Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and Boney M once graced India’s stages, Coldplay’s tour sends a message to the world: India is ready for more.
Streaming platforms and sponsors are taking note of the opportunities. Reports suggest the Disney+ Hotstar live stream was a revenue-sharing model, with the concert’s title sponsorship fetching around Rs 10 crore and total streaming revenues touching Rs 18 crore.
With 300,000 tickets sold at an average price of Rs 6,000, the Coldplay India Tour generated nearly Rs 250 crore (including sponsorship), demonstrating the immense potential of the live concert economy. (The above figures might well be an underestimate. Disney+ Hotstar revealed that the concert attracted 83 lakh views and 165 million minutes of watch time after this comment piece was written. The livestream’s success was particularly pronounced in seven key regions – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, NCR Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal – which accounted for 85 per cent of the total viewership.)
As India steps into the spotlight, the onus now lies on talent and tour managers to capitalise on this momentum. With better planning, sponsorships, and a robust annual schedule featuring both global and Indian artists, the live concert scene in India is poised for a vibrant future. Coldplay and Disney+Hotstar may have just opened the floodgates for what promises to be a new era for music lovers and performers alike.
We also asked ChatGpt to comment on our comment and write a comment piece on the Coldplay performance and this what it came up with. click here.
