In the two-day concert of the renowned band Coldplay, the members of the band first noticed the severe traffic problem in Manila, which is now considered the number one issue in our country, and we also lead the world in the challenge of traffic congestion. On the first day of their concert, Chris Martin immediately expressed his dismay over the heavy traffic, where it took several hours for people to reach their destinations.
This poses a significant challenge for event organizers and even for the audience, especially since Coldplay is known for its vast fanbase. In fact, on the first day of the concert in Bulacan, the MMDA issued a traffic advisory for routes leading to Bulacan. It was expected to cause heavy traffic, especially since it coincided with a weekend.
Due to Coldplay’s popularity and the high number of eager spectators, their tickets were sold out immediately, resulting in a massive crowd heading to the venue. This led to a major roadblock and caused frustration among the audience, whose patience seemed to be wearing thin due to the long journey.
The use of a helicopter by President Bong Bong Marcos to avoid traffic on his way to the concert became controversial. Marcos covered his ears in a video while Chris Martin expressed his dismay at the unexpected traffic disruption that added to the controversy.
As a result of this experience, Chris Martin thought of creating a new song inspired by the traffic in Manila. In his statement, he mentioned that he would not perform the song again. This is a declaration of real-life inspiration in art, encapsulating the experiences of each individual in their daily lives.