Why Coldplay did not have a concert in Bengaluru?
Coldplay fans may just have some cold water thrown on their dreams to see the rock band perform live… due to a crisis of venues. A senior government official revealed that British rock band Coldplay initially chose Bengaluru as their preferred venue but shifted to Mumbai and Ahmedabad due to the city's lack of open arenas.
«Major acts typically perform in large stadiums,» the official explained, highlighting how this limitation has also impacted other artists, such as A.R. Rahman, who canceled two Bengaluru shows for similar reasons. The official attributed the issue to the «short-sightedness of certain authorities, » to the Deccan Herald.
Bengaluru's iconic Palace Grounds, once a hub for international concerts, has ceased hosting major events due to a legal dispute and ambiguous restrictions on «commercial» activities imposed by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). The venue’s last major performance was by heavy metal band Metallica in 2011, which drew over 50,000 fans. Since then, the city has witnessed a decline in visits from global acts like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, and Metallica, who once graced Bengaluru stages.
State IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that the absence of adequate venues impacts not only entertainment but also significant revenue generation for the city. He underscored the need for spacious, well-connected venues that can host global events and enhance Bengaluru's reputation as an international hub.
«For a global city to attract
