On May 31st and June 1st, Coldplay kicked off the North American leg of their Music of the Spheres World Tour with two sold-out shows at Stanford Stadium. These performances not only marked a major milestone in the band’s tour but also a historic moment for the venue – hosting a live concert for the very first time.
The Music of the Spheres World Tour, the band’s eighth major tour, supports their ninth and tenth studio albums: ‘Music of the Spheres’ (2021) and ‘Moon Music’ (2024). The Bay Area performances marked the 195th show of the ongoing global tour, which is set to conclude in London this autumn with a total of 225 performances.
Stanford Stadium – previously known for hosting major sporting events like the 1984 Olympics, the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the 1999 Women’s World Cup, and Super Bowl XIX – was transformed into a spectacle of sound, lights, and emotion. Over 50,000 fans filled the iconic venue, experiencing a powerful fusion of music and production.
Supporting acts for the North American leg included Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna, who energized the crowd with her Arabic-infused pop, and American rock and R&B singer Willow, whose set captivated early arrivals and set the tone for the evening.
Coldplay’s two-hour performance was structured into four thematic segments: Planets, Moons, Stars, and Home. The setlist featured new tracks from ‘Moon Music’ alongside fan favourites spanning their entire discography. Fireworks lit up the night sky, while globe-shaped balloons floated above the audience, adding to the immersive experience.
The show opened with the explosive ‘Higher Power’, launching confetti and fireworks as the band dove into a mix of celebration and emotion. Classic hits like ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Paradise’, and ‘The Scientist’ followed, drawing the crowd deeper into Coldplay’s universe. The finale, ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’ from ‘Moon Music’, was accompanied by hovering planet visuals, emphasizing the album’s celestial themes.
A highlight of the night came when frontman Chris Martin invited two fans to join him onstage during ‘Magic’. The stripped-back performance brought a moment of poignant stillness, showcasing the emotional core that defines Coldplay’s enduring appeal.
True to form, Coldplay also emphasized their commitment to sustainability. The band’s green initiatives were seamlessly integrated into the show, with solar-powered staging, biodegradable confetti, compostable LED wristbands, and a kinetic dance floor that converted audience movement into electricity. The band recently announced that this tour has generated 59% less CO₂ than their 2017 stadium tour, a testament to their ongoing environmental efforts.
The Music of the Spheres World Tour has already achieved global cultural significance, shattering venue records and becoming the most attended tour in history.
