In an exciting announcement that sent shockwaves through the music world, Coldplay, one of the most iconic and Grammy-winning rock bands, revealed their return to India after a long eight-year hiatus. Scheduled to perform in Mumbai in January 2025, the event was billed as one of the most anticipated concerts of the year, with fans eagerly waiting to secure their tickets. However, what was expected to be an unforgettable musical experience has now been clouded by controversy. An alleged ticket scam involving BookMyShow has raised concerns, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty about whether the concert will go ahead as planned.
Fans Speculate Concert Cancellation
Many Coldplay fans took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their frustration over ticket unavailability. The situation worsened when rumors of fake tickets and black-market sales surfaced. Speculation about the possible cancellation of the Coldplay concert gained momentum after news broke that BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani was summoned by the Mumbai Police for questioning.
My prediction: Coldplay will cancel the gig.
— Tarun Kumar (@tarunmallappa) September 28, 2024
This is way too risky for them to land in India. There's every possibility that Mumbai Police will make them a party to this, however wrong it may be. https://t.co/yqTwbH3Iaq
BookMyShow CEO Faces Probe
The allegations took a serious turn when BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani, along with the company’s technical head, was summoned by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police. This summons, issued on September 27, 2024, was in response to complaints filed by advocate Amit Vyas, who accused BookMyShow of facilitating ticket reselling at inflated prices through unauthorized third-party platforms.
The complaint suggests that BookMyShow’s ticketing system allowed for scalpers to take advantage of the high demand, reselling tickets at multiple times their original price. While Hemrajani and his team did not initially appear before the authorities, they have been summoned again to provide clarification and face the mounting pressure from both the authorities and disgruntled fans.
BookMyShow has since released an official statement denying any involvement in ticket scalping and distancing itself from third-party sellers. The company has also issued warnings to concertgoers, advising them to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources. Despite this, the damage seems to have been done, with many questioning the platform’s integrity and transparency.
BookMyShow has since issued a statement distancing itself from ticket scalpers, warning concert-goers to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized sellers. As the investigation unfolds, fans eagerly await updates, hoping their favorite band’s performance won’t be impacted.
Coldplay Concert Details
Coldplay is set to perform in Mumbai at the D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025. Originally scheduled for just two nights, the overwhelming demand led to the addition of a third show. With this unexpected legal challenge, will the concert still go on?
| Person | Details |
|---|---|
| Ashish Hemrajani | CEO of BookMyShow, facing a probe over ticketing scam allegations. |
| Amit Vyas | Advocate who filed the complaint against BookMyShow, alleging ticket scams. |
| Coldplay | Grammy-winning band, performing in India after eight years. |
| Concert Date | January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, at D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium, Mumbai. |
What’s Next for Coldplay’s India Concert?
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on BookMyShow and its CEO Ashish Hemrajani. The outcome of this investigation will likely have far-reaching implications, not just for the upcoming Coldplay concert but for the online ticketing industry as a whole.
For now, fans can only hope that the concert will proceed as planned and that the controversy surrounding the ticketing process will be resolved swiftly. Coldplay’s India return is a momentous occasion, and it would be a shame if ticketing issues overshadowed the magic of their live performance.
While BookMyShow has taken steps to distance itself from the scandal, the company’s reputation is undoubtedly at risk. Concert-goers, many of whom are still struggling to secure legitimate tickets, will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds. Will BookMyShow be able to clear its name, or will the Coldplay concert fall victim to this ticketing controversy?
Is Coldplay’s India concert canceled?
As of now, the concert is not officially canceled, but rumors have surfaced following an investigation into ticket scalping.
Why is BookMyShow’s CEO being probed?
BookMyShow’s CEO Ashish Hemrajani is under investigation for allegedly enabling the resale of tickets at inflated prices through third-party sites.
What should fans do about fake tickets?
Fans are advised to purchase tickets only through official sources like BookMyShow and avoid black-market tickets.
