Coldplay’s Chris Martin hits Manila traffic via impromptu composition
Chris Martin of Coldplay. Image: X/@coldplay
Singer-songwriter Chris Martin learned about Metro Manila’s “completely insane” traffic jams the hard way, and he immortalized this experience by way of a song, which he performed on the second night of Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” concert last January 20 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Manila’s legendary gridlocks appeared to have made quite an impression on Martin — who visited the country for the second time for a concert — that the Grammy winner was able to compose a ballad with his acoustic guitar, presumably thinking of that time he was caught in traffic.
“Yesterday we sang about Manila in the rain. But we’re not gonna sing that song again… Oh, we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic here is completely insane. There’s only one thing that remains, the traffic in Manila is completely insane,” sang Martin.
“If you wanna drive somewhere then I’m warning you, a two-mile drive will take a week or two. If you wanna get back home in time for your bath, well I’d allow yourself about a year and a half,” the lyrics said.
“Traffic in Manila is completely insane.” @coldplay‘s Chris Martin writes and performs a new song on Manila traffic. #ColdplayManila by @livenationph pic.twitter.com/HmvyrIu7lK
— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) January 21, 2024
@loiselxx nakagawa na siya song sa manila traffic 😭😭😭 #coldplaymanila ♬ original sound – loiselxx
Nonetheless, his fans took his beef good-naturedly, screaming wildly even as he began the strains of his new composition.
On the first day of Coldplay’s concert, the British musician thanked the band’s Filipino fans for braving the intense traffic just to see them perform in Bulacan.
“Thank you to all of you for coming through the traffic. Holy s**t,” said Martin. “We’ve seen some traffic but I think you have the number one [worst traffic] in the world. So, thank you, thank you for making the effort to come through all that b*lls**t to be here.”
Chris Martin expressed frustration with Manila traffic, referring to it as ‘bullshit’ and number one in the world, all while President BBM was present in the audience. @coldplay #coldplaymanila
Kung nangyari ‘to sa panahon ni Marcos Sr. baka dinumog na sila ng mga loyalista. pic.twitter.com/L6NrMSA3Hv
— Nestie Bryal (@aahnesty) January 20, 2024
Metro Manila recently topped an international survey conducted among 387 metropolitan cities around the world that have the worst traffic congestion in 2023.
The survey was conducted by TomTom International BV, a multinational traffic data provider and location technology specialist, which claimed that local motorists in Manila spent an average travel time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometers in the metro last year.
Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. were even worse, with travel time going 35 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometers.
Marcoses avert traffic
Coldplay’s concert also drew President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to Bulacan, but rather than risking the “potential treat” of getting caught in traffic, they decided to take the presidential chopper.
In a statement, however, PSC Commander MGen. Nelson Morales said the use of a helicopter is a form of protection for the First Couple, as the 40,000 concertgoers could pose a “potential threat” to the president.
Among the celebrities who also attended the band’s concert were Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Julie Anne San Jose, Alexa Ilacad, Heaven Peralejo, and Marco Gallo, to name a few.
Local bands Lola Amour and Dilaw also made guest appearances, performing with Coldplay on the first and second night, respectively.
