Chetan Bhagat Questions 'Mania' Over Coldplay Concert Tickets, Ashneer Grover Reacts

Coldplay’s highly anticipated Music of the Spheres World Tour has stirred a mix of excitement and frustration as fans across India rushed to get tickets for the Mumbai concerts. Despite their best efforts, many die-hard supporters found themselves empty-handed due to the overwhelming demand. While some are overjoyed at the British rock band’s return to India after nine long years, the disappointment has deepened as second-hand sellers take advantage of the situation, offering tickets at hefty prices.

The soaring costs have sparked a debate, with notable figures like author Chetan Bhagat and BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover weighing in on the issue.

Bhagat, known for popular novels like Five Point Someone and 2 States, took to X to express his bemusement over the frenzy for Coldplay’s concert tickets. In his post, Bhagat questioned how fans were managing to spend such heavy amounts on tickets, given the disparity in salaries across India. He wrote, “On one hand we get figures of Indian salary percentiles and on the other there’s near mania for concert tickets. Who’s paying so much and buying all these tickets? What percentage of your monthly salary are people spending on these tickets? Some YOLO logic here? What?”

Grover reacted to Bhagat’s post, offering his own perspective on the situation. “It’s a large country – and lot is disparity on either end – why is filling of 80k stadium surprising anyone ? 800k students go overseas every year – spending $50K on an average. Also now that most people who can afford have phones – things will fill up instantly as well,” he wrote.

The online community quickly joined in on Bhagat’s post, sharing their reactions to both his and Grover’s arguments. Opinions were divided, with some agreeing and others offering a different perspective.

One user found Grover’s argument “flawed,” stating, “Education and smartphones can be investments when used wisely. Attending a Coldplay concert? That’s just chasing a fleeting dopamine hit. Artificial beats, flashy lights, and no real substance—what are we really getting out of it? It’s all for show. Time to ask: are we investing in personal growth or just showing off for a quick thrill?”

In contrast, another user commented, “Attending Coldplay concerts is a dream for many including me and I will happily shell out even 20-30k if it’s in my city. It all depends on your spending capacity.”

Someone else pointed out, “People have the right to spend their money on experiences that bring them joy. Attending a concert is a personal choice, much like any other form of entertainment, whether it’s reading books or watching movies.”

“1% of India = 15 million people. Mostly concentrated in the metro. Why is it surprising?” one person remarked.

Coldplay will set the stage on fire on January 18 and 19, 2025 at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The third show is set to take place on January 21 at the same venue.