Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has addressed the viral cheating scandal that emerged from the band’s “Jumbotron Song” segment, confirming the interactive portion will remain part of their live performances despite recent controversy.
During a recent concert in Hull, England, Martin reassured fans that the band would continue their popular audience participation segment (as per Rolling Stone). “We’ve been doing this a long time, and it is only recently that it became a… yeah,” Martin said, trailing off before adding, “Life throws you lemons and you’ve got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you.”
The controversy stems from a Boston concert where Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company’s HR executive appeared on the jumbotron during the interactive segment. Their behaviour sparked widespread speculation about an affair when they visibly attempted to avoid the camera’s attention. Martin had joked from the stage at the time, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The incident gained significant traction on social media, transforming what was typically a contained concert experience into viral content. The scandal ultimately led to Byron’s resignation from Astronomer, with the company recruiting Martin’s ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, as a temporary spokesperson to manage the fallout.
At the Hull show, Martin acknowledged a fan who had attended the infamous Boston performance, reading aloud their sign that stated “three times in three months.” He responded, “You were at that Boston gig! Well, OK, thank you for coming again after that debacle.”
The “Jumbotron Song” has become a staple of Coldplay’s live performances since its introduction last year, appearing in more than 80 shows. The segment involves the band using cameras to showcase crowd members on the venue’s large screens whilst performing an improvised song.
Following the viral incident, Martin has begun issuing warnings to audiences before the segment begins. “How we’re gonna do that is we’re gonna use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen,” he explained at their first concert after the controversy. “So please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now.”
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