Rising London band The Molotovs treated Coldplay fans to two surprise performances outside Wembley Stadium last week, appearing on the Music Venue Trust (MVT) Stage on Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4.
The stage, positioned next to the main arena, is part of the MVT’s effort to give grassroots acts exposure at some of the UK’s biggest shows. Coldplay, who brought their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour to Wembley earlier this month, have partnered with the organisation throughout their 10-date residency at the stadium. Ten per cent of ticket proceeds from the run are being donated directly to the MVT, which supports small venues across the country.
Speaking about the experience, vocalist and guitarist Issy Cartlidge highlighted the shared importance of grassroots venues to both emerging artists and global stars. She said from the stage: “Whether it’s Coldplay or The Molotovs, one thing almost all bands have in common is that they developed their craft, and their audience, playing at grassroots venues up and down the country,” she said.
“While Coldplay started out at the likes of the Falcon and the Bull & Gate, we played the likes of The Half Moon, The 100 Club and Spice of Life – where we still host a weekly music night, Incendiary, with some of London’s best young guitar bands. Another thing we have in common is that we are music fans, and without these venues we wouldn’t get to see amazing artists in action.”
Formed by siblings Matthew and Issy Cartlidge, The Molotovs have established themselves as one of the UK’s hardest-working young bands, playing more than 600 shows despite still being in their teens. Their reputation has earned them high-profile support slots, most recently opening for the Sex Pistols. They will join the punk icons once again on their upcoming North American tour, beginning September 16 at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.
Coldplay’s partnership with the MVT comes amid growing concern over the future of small venues. The organisation has warned that one grassroots space is closing every two weeks, describing the situation as a potential “collapse of touring” for emerging artists. For years, the MVT has campaigned for a mandatory £1 levy on arena and stadium tickets to be reinvested in the grassroots sector, a move it argues is essential to sustain the pipeline of talent that feeds into the wider music industry.
By spotlighting acts like The Molotovs at Wembley, the collaboration highlights the vital role smaller stages continue to play in shaping the next generation of headliners.
In case you missed it, MXDWNs earlier coverage of Only The Poets announcing the £1 levy for their 02 academy Brixton show can be read here.
