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 halt an upcoming Coldplay concert mid-performance if the band steps out of line, following major protests over its support of the LGBTQ community.
The band, known for its vocal support of progressive causes, is currently on the Music of the Sphere world tour and will perform tonight at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, in an affluent suburb of the capital Kuala Lumpur.
But protests, largely led by conservative Muslims, have called for the cancellation of tonight’s show, the 110th in the band’s long-running world tour, over Coldplay’s support of the LGBTQ community, claiming they bring “hedonism” to the nation to take.
While the government has refused to halt the show, one of its ministers said he had discussed using a “kill switch” to cut power to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium if the band got out of line.
Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he does not expect any problem with Coldplay’s first concert in Malaysia later this evening.
The band, led by frontman Chris Martin (pictured), is currently on the Music of the Sphere world tour and will perform at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium tonight.
Protests, largely led by conservative Muslims, have called for the cancellation of tonight’s show, the 110th in the band’s long-running world tour, over Coldplay’s support of the LGBTQ community.
Although the government has refused to halt the show, one of its ministers said he had discussed using a ‘kill switch’ if the band got out of line
“The Prime Minister has also said that the band is very supportive of Palestine. So we are positive about today’s concert,” he added.
Malaysia recently introduced the kill switch measure following a controversy sparked by British band The 1975 in Kuala Lumpur in July.
The band’s lead singer denounced the country’s anti-gay laws and kissed a male bandmate during their performance, sparking a backlash among Muslims and prompting the government to halt a three-day music festival.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has justified allowing the Coldplay concert, telling Parliament on Tuesday that “Coldplay is actually one of the bands supporting Palestine.”
He noted that the previous government, before coming to 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 Islamist opposition party PAS has criticized Anwar’s position. While Coldplay supports the Palestinian cause, it also encourages hedonism, information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said.
“The issue is not whether they purely support the Palestinian cause or not, but the issue of the hedonistic culture they bring to our community,” he said in parliament.
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PAS, which has expanded its influence after strong support from Muslims in the 2022 elections, often protests concerts by international artists it said were incompatible with Islamic values.
Concert organizer Live Nation Malaysia issued a statement to concertgoers a few days ago, reminding them to “take local cultures and sensitivities into account” and refrain from displaying props or objects that may cause discomfort to others.
Police have warned the public to refrain from any form of provocation or inciting unrest during the concert, which is part of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Coldplay also faced resistance from Muslims when they performed in Indonesia earlier this month.
Protesters held demonstrations up until the day of the concert, labeling the band as an LGBTQ+ “propagandist” whose position damages “faith and morals.”
Coldplay is known for weaving its values into its shows, such as the band’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Singer Chris Martin has been known to wear rainbow colors and wave gay pride flags during performances.
MailOnline has contacted Warner Music Group, Coldplay’s label, for comment.