Malaysia threatens to stop Coldplay's concert if band 'misbehaves'

 November 25, 2023

Coldplay’s concert in Malaysia will be stopped using ‘kill switch’ mid-performance if band ‘misbehaves’, minister warns after protests over their LGBT support

  • The Malaysian government has threatened to use a ‘kill switch’ against Coldplay
  • The band is known for its vocal support of the LGBTQ community 
  • Malaysia created the kill-switch after Matty Healy kissed a man onstage in July 

The Malaysian government has threatened to stop an upcoming Coldplay concert mid-performance if the band steps out of line, following major protests against its support of the LGBTQ community. 

The band, known for its vocal support of progressive causes, are currently on its Music of the Sphere’s world tour, and is set to play in Bukit Jalil National Stadium, in a wealthy suburb of the country’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, tonight. 

But protests, led largely by conservative Muslims, have called for tonight’s show, the 110th in the band’s long-running world tour, to be cancelled over Coldplay’s support of the LGBTQ community, claiming that they are bringing ‘hedonism’ to the nation. 

While the government has refused to shut the show down, one of its ministers said that he had discussed using a ‘kill switch’ to cut off power to Bukit Jalil National Stadium if the band steps out of line. 

Communication and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said he does not foresee any problem with Coldplay’s first concert in Malaysia later in the night. 

The band, led by frontman Chris Martin (pictured), are currently on its Music of the Sphere’s world tour, and is set to play in Bukit Jalil National Stadium tonight

Protests led largely by conservative Muslims have called for tonight’s show, the 110th in the band’s long-running world tour, to be cancelled over Coldplay’s support of the LGBTQ community

While the government has refused to shut the show down, one of its ministers said that he had discussed using a ‘kill switch’ if the band steps out of line

READ MORE:  Coldplay’s Chris Martin stumbles across a bride and groom and stops to have his photo taken with them while on a barefoot walk in Perth

‘The prime minister has also said the band, you know, is very supportive of Palestine. So, we are upbeat about the concert today,’ he added. 

Malaysia introduced the kill switch measure recently after a controversy sparked by British band The 1975 in Kuala Lumpur in July. 

The band’s lead singer slammed the country’s anti-gay laws and kissed a male band-mate during their performance, sparking a backlash among Muslims and prompting the government to cut short a three-day music festival.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has justified allowing the Coldplay concert, telling Parliament on Tuesday that ‘Coldplay is actually among the bands that support Palestine’.

He noted that the previous administration, before he took power in November 2022, had approved the concert. Mr Anwar said pro-Palestinian groups also approached his office in support of the Coldplay concert.

The opposition Islamic party PAS has criticised Mr Anwar’s stance. While Coldplay supports the Palestinian cause, it also encourages hedonism, said its information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.

‘This is not about whether they purely support the Palestinian cause or not, but the issue of hedonism culture that they bring to our community,’ he said in Parliament.

Matty Healy slammed Malaysia’s anti-gay laws in a profanity-filled speech before the controversial kiss

Malaysia cancelled a music festival on Saturday after The 1975 frontman Matty Healy kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald live on stage

PAS, which has expanded its influence following strong Muslim support in the 2022 elections, often protests against concerts by international artists that it said were incompatible with Muslim values.

Concert organiser Live Nation Malaysia issued a statement to concert-goers a few days ago, reminding them to be ‘mindful of local cultures and sensitivities’ and refrain from displaying props or items that may cause discomfort to others.

Police have warned the public to refrain from any sort of provocation and inciting unrest at the concert, which is part of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour.

Coldplay also met with resistance from Muslims when they performed in Indonesia earlier this month.

Protesters held rallies right up to the day of its concert, slamming the band as an LGBTQ+ ‘propagandist’ whose stance damages ‘faith and morals’.

Coldplay is renowned for interlacing its values with its shows, such as the band’s push for environmental sustainability.

Lead singer Chris Martin has been known to wear rainbow colours and wave gay pride flags during performances.

MailOnline has contacted Warner Music Group, Coldplay’s label, for comment. 

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