Coldplay Bangkok: How did Thailand fare on the LED wristband return ranking?

A sky of stars (and fireworks and confetti and inflatable planets) lit up Bangkok city this past weekend, as Coldplay filled Rajamangala stadium with music and magic as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour. Now, as diehard fans will know, a fresh question arises: how did Thailand fare on the LED wristband return rate ranking? Were we all good and abiding fans, dutifully returning our Coldplay bracelets at the end of the concert? You may be surprised.

Anyone who has been to a Coldplay concert will be familiar with the illuminating LED Coldplay bracelets. A key aspect to the show, every visitor is given one of these wristbands to wear throughout the concerts, as they lights up in various colours throughout the different songs. However, beyond the entertainment and aesthetic aspect, they also play into Coldplay’s sustainability efforts.

[Hero and Featured Image: @annaleemedia via Coldplay/Facebook]

About the Coldplay bracelets: What are the LED wristbands for, and how are they sustainable?

Amongst the long list of sustainable practices for their ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour, the LED wristbands are undeniably a major highlight. They are made from 100% compostable, plant-based materials, and are designed to be reused show after show. This has allowed Coldplay to reduce their wristband production by 80%, through collecting, sterilising, and recharging them after every show.

At the time of writing, the average Coldplay wristband return rate is 86% during the first year of the tour.

Coldplay Bangkok concert: How did Thailand fare on the Coldplay bracelet recycle ranking?

As the ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour extended to Asia, it suddenly got really interesting around the Coldplay bracelets. Countries and cities got competitive: who would have the best, highest Coldplay wristband return rate? Which fans were the most supportive of the band’s sustainable acts?

In Asia, all eyes were on Singapore, as after six nights of concerts, they climbed the ranks to second place only after Tokyo. With a 91% return rate, they are behind the Japanese capital by 6%. Malaysia closely follows Singapore, as the Kuala Lumpur concert saw a return rate of 90%. Thailand is not far behind, as the latest update shows that the Bangkok concert saw a Coldplay bracelet return rate of 89%.

‘Music of the Spheres’ Asia tour Coldplay wristband recycling leader board

1. Tokyo, Japan (97%)
2. Singapore (91%)
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (90%)
4. Bangkok, Thailand (89%)
5. Manila, Philippines (87%)

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FAQs

What are the wristbands for at the Coldplay concert?
The Coldplay bracelets, also called Xylobands, are given to audience members to wear throughout the concert. They light up as part of an immersive light show while the songs are being performed.

How much do the wristbands cost Coldplay?
According to some sources, the wristbands cost Coldplay GBP 400,000 a night.

Are Coldplay wristbands free?
Yes, they are free for audience members.

How does the Coldplay bracelet work?
Inside the thick outer material, there are LED lights. Within a plastic case on the Xyloband, there is a radio receiver which can receive wireless signals from a central controller. This allows the light show to happen inside the concert hall. Once outside the hall, and far away from the receiver, the Coldplay bracelet will not work.