THE news of Coldplay’s concert has been beset by various responses ranging from the positive to the not-so-receptive.
Ahead of their performance in Kuala Lumpur in November, frontman Chris Martin recently talked to radio DJs Anne Jacyntha and Arnold Loh of Hitz FM.
Martin said he was grateful for the chance to finally perform in Malaysia for the first time, as the DJs gave him a heads up on the heat and humidity here.
They also introduced him to a few Malay words – from the customary “apa khabar” to more common parlance popular with the youth.
“I feel so excited, I feel so grateful. We're so lucky with what we get to do, and one of our goals this time around was to try and come to places we haven't been before,” said Martin.
“Kuala Lumpur is somewhere we've dreamed about coming to for a long time, and I'm just really buzzing and happy that we were able to come and visit,” he added.
As Music of the Spheres was inspired by the Star Wars films, Martin also elaborated on his love for the franchise, in particular Star Wars: A New Hope.
“For all of us as kids, that was the first real time you'd see the concept of other planets in other worlds. And of course, the real underlying message of that and the underlying message of our album is that you don't have to be afraid of difference or otherness.
“For me, it was a real opening of my imagination and a real opening of my acceptance of other people and creatures,” he said.
When asked if he had any message to his Malaysian fans, Martin was sanguine, as though to put to rest any controversies around their show.
“Every time I meet Malaysian people, I feel such a sense of love and warmth. Everybody is welcome to our show. We love all people, all kinds of people, all religions,” he said.
“All leaders, all followers – nobody is excluded. We really want you to come to our show and feel free to be yourself and feel free to let everybody be themselves.
“Anyone who is not happy we are coming, we're sorry, but we love you too,” concluded Martin. – The Vibes, May 19, 2023