Coldplay announce massive UK stadium tour with a twist

Charity highlights the band as a prime example of an act that has risen through the grassroots circuit. According to the charity, their support is crucial in preventing venues from closing.

Coldplay has announced they will donate 10% of their proceeds from their 2025 UK tour dates in London and Hull to the Music Venue Trust, a UK charity that supports grassroots music venues.

Earlier this year, the UK parliament's culture, media, and sport committee heard about the "crisis" facing smaller venues from promoters, artists, and industry representatives. A common proposal was to introduce a £1 levy on tickets sold at major arenas to support these smaller venues. In 2023 alone, 125 small venues in the UK closed their doors.

Coldplay’s donation follows a similar initiative by the UK metal band Enter Shikari, who contributed £1 from each ticket sold for their OVO Wembley Arena show in February 2024.

Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, praised Coldplay's commitment, stating, “Coldplay are a prime example of a UK band that rose through the grassroots circuit to achieve worldwide success. It’s fantastic to see them giving back to the venues that supported them and recognizing the struggles faced by artists and promoters today."

He added that the funds will support efforts to keep local music scenes vibrant across the country. “The band’s support will help prevent venue closures, facilitate tours, and ensure the joy of live music reaches many more people,” Davyd said.

Previously, Davyd had advocated for a system similar to France’s, where a central fund—around €200 million (£172 million)—would be supported by a levy on ticket sales from large venues, and accessible to smaller venues, artists, and promoters. In January, John Drury, chair of the National Arenas Association, noted that such a levy could significantly impact profits, while other suggestions included reducing the VAT on tickets, which is currently 20%—higher than in France, Italy, and Germany.

In addition to supporting Britain’s grassroots music scene, Coldplay’s London dates will also make a significant environmental impact. Their performances at Wembley Stadium are set to be the world’s first stadium shows powered entirely by solar, wind, and kinetic energy. The B-stage at each show will feature a kinetic dancefloor and power bikes, allowing the audience to contribute to the energy needed for the performance.

In June, Coldplay announced that their ongoing "Music of the Spheres" tour had achieved a 59% reduction in emissions compared to their previous 2016-17 tour, surpassing their initial goal of a 50% reduction. This achievement has been verified by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative. Additionally, the band has planted 9 million trees as part of their environmental efforts.

Coldplay’s upcoming tenth album, *Moon Music*, set for release on October 4, continues their commitment to sustainability. Each 140g vinyl LP will be made from nine recycled bottles, reducing carbon emissions by 85% compared to standard vinyl production and avoiding the use of 25 tonnes of virgin plastic. CD copies will be made from 90% recycled plastic, cutting emissions by 78% compared to traditional CD manufacturing.

Coldplay will perform at Hull’s Craven Park stadium on August 18 and 19, 2025, and at Wembley Stadium on August 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, and 31. General ticket sales will begin at 9am BST on September 27.