Coldplay concerts were built for viral moments like this

The band started incorporating videos of fans into its shows in January 2024 at a show in Singapore

- Elias Leight

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron should have known better than to go to a Coldplay concert. That's because the band, currently on its "Music of the Spheres" world tour, has been turning the camera on its fans for over a year, giving lead singer Chris Martin the opportunity to ad-lib goofy mini-songs about concertgoers.

Making fans the center of attention led to a wildly viral moment last week in Foxborough, Mass., when the camera trained its attention on Byron and Astronomer's chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, snuggling in the crowd, only for them to wriggle and whirl out of the frame.

"Either they're having an affair," Martin said, "or they're just very shy."

Byron and Cabot did not respond to requests for comment. According to a statement from Astronomer, Byron has resigned from the company. "Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met," the company wrote.

When artists play arenas, all eyes are typically glued to them for hours on end. But Coldplay has strengthened its bond with its audience by briefly inverting the dynamic during this portion of its concerts. "It makes fans feel like they are part of the show, rather than just attending the show," says Josh Gale, a 47-year-old who saw the band for the fifth time this month in Toronto.

Coldplay released its debut album in 2000—long before the concept of going viral was commonplace. Despite the band's veteran status, its ongoing tour has ignited two major viral moments this summer.