Coldplay’s Chris Martin says he meant no insult by calling Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium “weird,” clarifying his remarks during their third concert.
Statement Sparks Stir at Toronto Venue
Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin addressed controversy during the band’s third performance at Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium on Friday, clarifying remarks he made earlier in the week about the venue. The British rock star had previously described the stadium as “weird” and “in the middle of nowhere,” which some fans and local media interpreted as criticism.
Context Behind the Comment
The initial remark was made on Monday night, July 7, during the first of four sold-out concerts at the newly constructed 50,000-capacity Rogers Stadium, located on the former Downsview Airport lands in North York. As Martin took the stage, he thanked fans for enduring “the traffic and the travel and the trains and the waiting,” in a nod to the logistical challenges attendees faced in reaching the site.
Fan Reactions and Venue Concerns
While Martin’s intent may have been appreciation, some concertgoers and social media users perceived it as a jab at the venue’s remote location and recent opening issues. Several fans had reported long delays entering and exiting the grounds, along with inadequate crowd control at the stadium’s inaugural events in June. These frustrations added fuel to interpretations of Martin’s comment as an insult.
Clarification and Apology on Stage
On Friday, July 11, Martin took time during the third show to clarify his words. “I never criticized this stadium,” he told the crowd. “It was beautifully, kindly built for us to play in. I didn’t mean anything mean at all.” He emphasized that his comment was intended as gratitude for fans’ efforts to attend, not as criticism of the venue or its developers.
Venue’s Role in Canada’s Music Scene
The Rogers Stadium, although located outside Toronto’s downtown core, is positioned as a major addition to Canada’s live music infrastructure. The arena, equipped to handle large-scale concerts, is part of a broader redevelopment plan for the Downsview site. Coldplay’s four-night residency marks one of the first major international acts to perform at the venue.
Looking Ahead for Coldplay and the Stadium
Despite the brief controversy, all four Coldplay shows have sold out, with tens of thousands of fans attending each night. The band’s residency ends Sunday, July 13. As Toronto continues to host large events at the new Rogers Stadium, both organizers and artists are expected to adapt and improve the concert experience for future crowds.
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