A Sky Full of Stars: My Unforgettable Coldplay Concert Experience at Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong

As the sun dipped below the Hong Kong skyline on April 9, 2025, I found myself buzzing with anticipation outside the gleaming Kai Tak Stadium, the city’s brand-new 50,000-seat jewel. Coldplay, the British rock legends, were back in Hong Kong after a 15-year hiatus, and I was one of the lucky ones clutching a ticket to their Music of the Spheres World Tour. What followed was a night of pure magic, music, and connection that I’ll carry with me forever. Here’s my story of an evening that felt like stepping into a galaxy of sound and light.

The Journey to Kai Tak Stadium

Getting to Kai Tak Stadium was an adventure in itself. Following the advice from local guides, I hopped on the MTR and got off at Kai Tak Station. The 10-minute walk to the venue was electric—fans in glowing wristbands and Coldplay merch filled the pathways, their excitement contagious. The stadium, with its sleek “Pearl of the Orient” design and retractable roof, loomed ahead, a perfect blend of modern architecture and vibrant energy. I couldn’t help but snap a few photos in front of the venue, joining others who were soaking up the pre-concert buzz.

The crowds were massive, and getting through the designated gates. By 6:00 PM, I was inside, heart racing, ready for the night to unfold.

The Atmosphere and Opening Acts

The moment I stepped into the stadium, I was hit by the sheer scale of it all. The 50,000-strong crowd was a sea of glowing wristbands, synchronized to pulse with the music later on. I grabbed a spot in the seated section with a great view of the stage. Before the main event, I checked out the merch stalls in the East Village, and bought a tour T-shirt. The vibe was festive, with fans trading stories about their favorite Coldplay songs and speculating about the setlist.

The show kicked off with two incredible opening acts: Marf Yau from Hong Kong’s own Collar and Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna. Marf’s energy was infectious, hyping up the local crowd with her dynamic performance at 7:20 PM. Elyanna, who took the stage at 6:30 PM, brought a soulful intensity that had everyone swaying. Their sets were the perfect warm-up, building anticipation for Coldplay’s grand entrance.

Coldplay Takes the Stage

At 8:25 PM, the stadium erupted as Coldplay burst onto the stage with Higher Power, the opening track of their Music of the Spheres album. The synchronized wristbands lit up in waves of color, transforming the crowd into a living, breathing galaxy. Chris Martin’s boundless energy was magnetic—he danced, bantered with the audience, and even tossed in a few Cantonese phrases, earning roars of approval from the Hong Kong crowd.

The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new. Classics like Yellow, The Scientist, and Fix You had everyone singing at the top of their lungs, while newer tracks from Moon Music (released October 2024), like We Pray (featuring Elyanna and Marf as surprise guests!) and feelslikeimfallinginlove, felt fresh and vibrant. The visuals were breathtaking—lasers, confetti, and massive inflatable planets floated above the stage, making every moment feel otherworldly.

One of the highlights was A Sky Full of Stars. As the chorus hit, the stadium became a constellation of phone lights and glowing wristbands, and I felt tears prick my eyes. There’s something about Coldplay’s ability to unite a crowd that’s truly special. Chris Martin paused to thank the audience, sharing how much it meant to return to Hong Kong after so long. The sincerity in his voice made the moment even more intimate, despite the massive venue.

Eco-Friendly Vibes and Immersive Touches

Coldplay’s commitment to sustainability was evident throughout. The kinetic dance floors and energy-generating bikes powered parts of the performance, and the eco-friendly wristbands were a cool touch. The band’s message of love, unity, and environmental consciousness resonated deeply, especially during We Pray, which felt like a global anthem.

The Hong Kong crowd was also treated to a surprise: a short acoustic cover of a Cantopop classic, which sent the locals into a frenzy. It was a nod to the city’s culture, and it showed how much thought Coldplay put into making the show feel personal.

The Afterglow

The concert wrapped around 10:30 PM after a two-hour whirlwind of music and emotion. As Biutyful closed the show, confetti rained down, and the crowd lingered, reluctant to let the magic end. Leaving the stadium was bittersweet, but the lack of re-entry policy meant we all poured out into the night, buzzing with adrenaline.